Auditions
Bringing
Tradition to Life

While Revels hires a number of professional performers for its productions, our volunteer adult and children’s choruses are at the core of every show. We audition our Revels chorus anew every year and encourage adults and children of all backgrounds to try out for each production. BIPOC singers are highly encouraged to audition.

Select your audition type

Audition Overview

Audition for the 2022 Midwinter Revels Adult Chorus

We are excited to announce that Adult Chorus auditions for our 2023 show, The Midwinter Revels, will take place on the following days:

 

Friday, June 2

Saturday, June 3

Sunday, June 4

 

This year we are using the title “Midwinter Revels” to more accurately describe our diverse seasonal celebrations. Although in the past we have invited and included performers and material of all faith backgrounds under the banner of The Christmas Revels, we are taking the opportunity this year to be more inclusive in emphasizing the secular aspects of our popular seasonal event. We hope that you will join with us in joyfully widening our circle of friends and community. Read more here.

Great joy to the new!

  • Criteria

    Revels cast members are people who love to sing, who sing vigorously and accurately with a good sense of rhythm and who can hold their own part in a choral context. Some are experienced choral singers, some are not. Sight-reading is not necessary, but a good ear and the ability to memorize music and text are. We also look for a variety of ages, sizes and personalities to create a realistic “village” on stage. BIPOC singers are highly encouraged to audition.

  • Audition Preparation

    For your audition for Midwinter Revels 2023, please be prepared to sing two unaccompanied songs of contrasting nature (fast/slow, e.g.) with other auditioners in the room. Your selection can be from any era or genre with the exception of “pop” music. Traditional songs, carols, hymns, and early vocal works (Renaissance) are recommended. Often a simple song well sung is more effective than a more complicated one; it helps when you’re sure of the words! Don’t try to impress us with something difficult – just sing something you love and know well. In the interest of time, we will probably stop you after a verse or two rather than hear the whole song.

    We will also ask you to sing some scales to get an idea of your vocal range, as well as a few pitch-matching exercises to test your ear. We will then teach a simple round for you to sing with the other auditioners in your group.

  • Rehearsal Commitment

    Performing in Revels is a big commitment. Throughout October and November, we generally hold 1-2 weeknight rehearsals a week, with three “all-day” Saturday rehearsals. This year’s rehearsal schedule for the adult chorus is as follows:

     

    ADULT WEEKDAY REHEARSALS:  7 – 9:30 PM

    Tuesday, September 19: Orientation 7 – 9 pm
    Tuesday, September 26
    Tuesdays, October 2, 10, 17, 24, 31
    Tuesdays, November 7, 14, 21, 28
    Tuesday, December 5

     

    SATURDAY REHEARSALS (TIMES TBA)

    Saturday, October 21
    Saturday, November 11
    Saturday, December 9

  • Tech Week and Performance Schedule

    TECH WEEK: December 11 – 13

    DRESS REHEARSAL: December 14

    PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (Subject to Change):

    Dec 15 – 28: 13 performances

    Friday, December 15 – 7:30 PM
    Saturday, December 16 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
    Sunday, December 17 – 1:00 PM, 5:30 PM
    Thursday, December 21 – 7:30 PM
    Friday, December 22  – 7:30 PM
    Saturday, December 23 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
    Tuesday, December 26 – 1:00 PM, 5:30 PM
    Wednesday, December 27 – 1:00 PM, RESERVED SNOW DAY 5:30 PM
    Thursday, December 28 – 1:00 PM

  • About This Year's Production

    The Midwinter Revels 2023
    Directed by Patrick Swanson and Debra Wise; Elijah Botkin, Music Director

     

    Show information coming soon!

  • Our Diversity Statement

    Diversity is a fundamental element in Revels’ musical and theatrical productions. Through music, dance, and storytelling, we celebrate the seasonal and cultural traditions of our world, honoring and upholding the differences that make individuals and cultures truly unique and reminding us of the universal values that connect us all. This principle guides our organizational approach with events, educational programs, performers, audience, volunteers, partners, and staff. We offer an open, creative space that welcomes every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences.

  • Opportunity Fund

    Revels commits to diversifying all aspects of our productions. To achieve this, we have created the Revels Opportunity Fund to make it possible for any interested person to participate in our volunteer auditioned chorus for The Midwinter Revels. The Opportunity Fund will help to cover the costs of transportation, childcare, and other expenses that might make it difficult to participate in our annual flagship production. We welcome every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences. More details on the Revels Opportunity Fund will be available in June.

  • Youth Protection

    The Revels Youth Protection Policy was adopted by the board in June 2016. If you are eighteen or older and accepted into the Midwinter Revels Adult Chorus please note your acceptance will be pending a CORI check. If you have any questions contact Administrative Service Manager Jen Sur at jsur@revels.org.

    Revels Youth Protection Policies here.

    CORI Procedures here.

    CORI here.

  • COVID Policy

    COVID Policy for Auditions

    • All adult auditioners must be fully vaccinated with at least one booster.
    • We are requiring everyone to wear masks while waiting to audition.
    • We will have three people auditioning at a time to allow for spacing between people as they audition, and there will be air purifiers running in the audition room.

Audition Requirements

How to Prepare for your Adult Chorus Audition

For your audition for The Midwinter Revels 2022, please be prepared to sing 32 bars of two unaccompanied songs of contrasting nature (fast/slow, e.g.) with other auditioners in the room. Your selection can be from any era or genre with the exception of “pop” music. Traditional songs, carols, hymns, and early vocal works (Renaissance) are recommended. Often a simple song well sung is more effective than a more complicated one; it helps when you’re sure of the words! Don’t try to impress us with something difficult – just sing something you love and know well.

We will also ask you to sing some scales to get an idea of your vocal range, as well as a few pitch-matching exercises to test your ear. We will then teach a simple round for you to sing with the other auditioners in your group.

Adult Chorus Audition Schedule

Friday, June 2

Saturday, June 3

Sunday, June 4

Auditions by appointment only

AUDITION FORM FOR ADULT CHORUS

Download Here

Please print, complete, and bring this form to your audition.

Audition Locations

Friday, June 2

Saturday, June 3

Sunday, June 4

Audition Dates

Friday, June 2nd —

Saturday, June 3rd —

Sunday, June 4th —

Rehearsal Schedule

Adult Chorus Rehearsal Commitments

ADULT WEEKDAY REHEARSALS:  7 – 9:30 PM

Tuesday, September 19: Orientation 7 – 9 pm
Tuesday, September 26
Tuesdays, October 2, 10, 17, 24, 31
Tuesdays, November 7, 14, 21, 28
Tuesday, December 5

SATURDAY REHEARSALS (TIMES TBA)

Saturday, October 21
Saturday, November 11
Saturday, December 9

TECH WEEK: December 11 – 13

DRESS REHEARSAL: December 14

Rehearsal Location

Rehearsal Location
???

 

Rehearsal Parking

???

 

Performance Location

Sanders Theatre
45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138

 

Performance Dates

Friday, December 15th,

Saturday, December 16th,

Sunday, December 17th,

Thursday, December 21st,

Friday, December 22nd,

Saturday, December 23rd,

Tuesday, December 26th,

Wednesday, December 27th,

Thursday, December 28th,

NOTICE: The adult chorus is called one and a half hours before all performances

Click here for detailed information on performance times. 

Audition Overview

Audition for the 2022 Midwinter Revels Children's Chorus

Children’s Chorus auditions for our 2023 show, The Midwinter Revels, will occur in the fall of 2023. Check back here to learn more soon!

 

This year we are using the title “Midwinter Revels” to more accurately describe our diverse seasonal celebrations. Although in the past we have invited and included performers and material of all faith backgrounds under the banner of The Christmas Revels, we are taking the opportunity this year to be more inclusive in emphasizing the secular aspects of our popular seasonal event. We hope that you will join with us in joyfully widening our circle of friends and community. Read more here.

Great joy to the new!

  • Criteria

    Revels cast members are people who love to sing, who sing vigorously and accurately with a good sense of rhythm and who can hold their own part in a choral context. Some are experienced choral singers, some are not. Sight-reading is not necessary, but a good ear and the ability to memorize music and text are. We also look for a variety of ages, sizes and personalities to create a realistic “village” on stage. BIPOC singers are highly encouraged to audition.

  • Audition Preparation

    The age range for the children’s chorus is generally 7 through 12. We try to get a range of ages, heights, personalities, races, and ethnicities, just as we do in the adult chorus. We ask children to prepare a short traditional song, or a well-known song with a similar style, with a preference for cultural songs from the traditions we will be featuring (ex. De Colores (Mexican), Oseh Shalom (Jewish), or Molly Malone (Irish)). These need not be sung from memory – we will have word sheets on hand – but memorization is encouraged!

  • Rehearsal Commitment

    Performing in Revels is a big commitment. Throughout October and November, we generally hold 1-2 weeknight rehearsals a week, with three “all-day” Saturday rehearsals. This year’s rehearsal schedule for the adult chorus is as follows:

     

    CHILDREN’S WEEKDAY REHEARSALS:  4 – 5:30 PM

    Tuesday, September 19: Orientation 7 – 9 pm
    Tuesday, September 26
    Tuesdays, October 2, 10, 17, 24, 31
    Tuesdays, November 7, 14, 21, 28
    Tuesday, December 5

     

    SATURDAY REHEARSALS (TIMES TBA)

    Saturday, October 21
    Saturday, November 11
    Saturday, December 9

  • Tech Week and Performance Schedule

    TECH WEEK: December 11 – 13

    DRESS REHEARSAL: December 14

    PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (Subject to Change):

    Dec 15 – 28: 13 performances

    Friday, December 15 – 7:30 PM
    Saturday, December 16 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
    Sunday, December 17 – 1:00 PM, 5:30 PM
    Thursday, December 21 – 7:30 PM
    Friday, December 22  – 7:30 PM
    Saturday, December 23 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
    Tuesday, December 26 – 1:00 PM, 5:30 PM
    Wednesday, December 27 – 1:00 PM, RESERVED SNOW DAY 5:30 PM
    Thursday, December 28 – 1:00 PM

  • About This Year's Production

    The Midwinter Revels 2023
    Directed by Patrick Swanson and Debra Wise; Elijah Botkin, Music Director

     

    Show information coming soon!

  • Our Diversity Statement

    Diversity is a fundamental element in Revels’ musical and theatrical productions. Through music, dance, and storytelling, we celebrate the seasonal and cultural traditions of our world, honoring and upholding the differences that make individuals and cultures truly unique and reminding us of the universal values that connect us all. This principle guides our organizational approach with events, educational programs, performers, audience, volunteers, partners, and staff. We offer an open, creative space that welcomes every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences.

  • Opportunity Fund

    Revels commits to diversifying all aspects of our productions. To achieve this, we have created the Revels Opportunity Fund to make it possible for any interested person to participate in our volunteer auditioned chorus for The Midwinter Revels. The Opportunity Fund will help to cover the costs of transportation, childcare, and other expenses that might make it difficult to participate in our annual flagship production. We welcome every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences. More details on the Revels Opportunity Fund will be available in June.

  • Youth Protection

    Performing in Revels is a big commitment. For The Midwinter Revels, there are 11 weeks of rehearsals (one rehearsal per week and 3 additional all-day Saturday rehearsals). Tech Week runs four nights in the theater from 6 to 11pm (children from 5 to 9:30pm for two days, from 5 to 10:30pm for two days). The Midwinter Revels has a run of 15 performances, matinees & evenings, spanning a two-week period towards the end of December.

    COVID Vaccine Policy

     

  • COVID Policy

    COVID Policy for Auditions

    • All child auditioners must be fully vaccinated with at least one booster if it has been at least 5 months since they had their second dose of covid vaccine.
    • We are requiring everyone to wear masks while waiting to audition.
    • We will have three people auditioning at a time to allow for spacing between people as they audition, and there will be air purifiers running in the audition room.

Children’s Auditions

Audition Requirements

How to Prepare for your Children's Chorus Audition

The age range for the children’s chorus is generally 7 through 12. We try to get a range of ages, heights, personalities, races, and ethnicities, just as we do in the adult chorus. We ask children to prepare a short traditional song, or a well-known song with a similar style, with a preference for cultural songs from the traditions we will be featuring (ex. De Colores (Mexican), Oseh Shalom (Jewish), or Molly Malone (Irish)). These need not be sung from memory – we will have word sheets on hand – but memorization is encouraged!

Returning Children’s Chorus Members: We want as many children as possible to have the experience of being in a Revels production, so children who have never participated in Revels will generally be given priority over those who have. The directors may make exceptions to this guideline as they see fit.

Children's Chorus Audition Schedule

Auditions for the Children’s Chorus will take place in the Fall of 2023.

Auditions by appointment only

AUDITION FORM FOR CHILDREN’S CHORUS (AGES 7-12)

Download Here

Please print, complete, and bring this form to your audition.

Audition Locations

Audition Dates TBA

 

Audition Dates

Rehearsal Schedule

Children's Chorus Rehearsal Commitments

CHILDREN’S WEEKDAY REHEARSALS:  4 – 5:30 PM

Tuesday, September 19: Orientation 7 – 9 pm
Tuesday, September 26
Tuesdays, October 2, 10, 17, 24, 31
Tuesdays, November 7, 14, 21, 28
Tuesday, December 5

SATURDAY REHEARSALS (TIMES TBA)

Saturday, October 21
Saturday, November 11
Saturday, December 9

TECH WEEK: December 11 – 13

DRESS REHEARSAL: December 14

Rehearsal Location

???

Rehearsal Parking

???

Performance Location

Sanders Theatre
45 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138

 

 

 

Performance Dates

Friday, December 15th,

Saturday, December 16th,

Sunday, December 17th,

Thursday, December 21st,

Thursday, December 22nd,

Friday, December 23rd,

Monday, December 26th,

Tuesday, December 27th,

Wednesday, December 28th,

NOTICE: The children’s chorus is called two hours before all performances.

Click here for detailed information on performance times. 

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