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 2023 Midwinter Revels Children's Chorus

2023 Midwinter Revels auditions are now closed. Please visit our volunteer page to learn more ways you can participate in our 2023 show, Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools – A Medieval Celebration of the Winter Solstice

 

Revels uses 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 going forward to be more inclusive in emphasizing the secular aspects of our popular seasonal event. We hope that you will join us in joyfully widening our circle of friends and community. Read more here.

Great joy to the new!

Adult Chorus Auditions Are Closed For 2023
  • Criteria

    Revels Children’s Chorus members are kids who love to sing and dance, love to be on stage, and are excited to work with their fellow cast members to put on a great show! Some kids have prior choral experience, and some do not. Sight-reading is not necessary, but a good ear and the ability to memorize music and text are.

    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.

  • Audition Preparation

    Children’s Chorus auditions will be held on Friday, September 8, and on Saturday, September 9, at 80 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472.

    Auditions will be held in half-hour slots. Available time slots are listed below. If none of the available time slots work for you and your child, please contact Emilie Moore at emoore@revels.org as we may be able to make alternate arrangements.

    Six children will audition in each slot. Children will play a name game and a movement game with the other auditioners and our artistic staff. Auditioners will also sing solo and with the larger group.

    Auditioners will be asked to sing three songs:

    • “Happy Birthday”
    • A song of the auditioner’s choice – please prepare a verse and chorus of a folk song, carol, or lullaby. This should be something simple that is comfortable and enjoyable to sing. We are not looking for a pop song or showtune. If you are unsure about what to choose, please feel free to email or call Production Manager Emilie Moore at emoore@revels.org or 202-480-1711.
    • All children will learn “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” in the audition room and be asked to sing it in small groups as a round.

     

    Parents/guardians will be asked to stay on the premises during the entire half-hour slot. Parents will have the opportunity to meet with Mari Young, Revels’ Children’s Chorus coordinator, and ask any questions they may have about the Midwinter Revels experience.

    Please fill out this audition form prior to the audition. Either print out and bring your completed form or email your completed form to Emilie Moore at emoore@revels.org. The audition form asks for potential rehearsal/performance conflicts, so please check our schedule prior to your audition as well.

  • 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 children’s chorus is as follows:

     

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

    Monday, September 18 (Parent Orientation 4:30-5:30 PM)
    Tuesday, September 26
    Monday, October 2
    Tuesday, October 10
    Monday, October 16
    Monday, October 23
    Monday, October 30
    Monday, November 6
    Monday, November 13
    Monday, November 20
    Monday, November 27
    Monday, December 4

     

    SATURDAY REHEARSALS: 9 – 5 PM

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

    View full rehearsal schedule here.

  • Tech Week and Performance Schedule

    TECH WEEK:
    December 11, 5 – 9:30 PM
    December 12, 5 – 9:30 PM
    December 13, 5 – 10:30 PM

    DRESS REHEARSAL: December 14, 5:30 PM call

    PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (Subject to Change – final decisions will be made by August 2023):

    Dec 15 – 28: 13 performances

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

    View full performance schedule here.

  • About This Year's Production

    Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools – A Medieval Celebration of the Winter Solstice
    Directed by Patrick Swanson and Debra Wise; Elijah Botkin, Music Director

    Our Midwinter Revels this year drops us into the colorful medieval Feast of Fools, where everything is topsy-turvy by design. The status quo quickly becomes the status disruptus as the body politic officially lets off steam. Rulers are temporarily deposed by servants, wit triumphs over power, and a fool finds himself steering the ship of state. On this shortest day of the year, what could possibly go wrong?  

    Highlighting brass and early instruments, this musical feast will feature vibrant processionals, lively caroles, delicate choral harmonies, vigorous dances, and a full ritual serving of the wild and the holy. Of course, the familiar may come with a twist – we live in our own age of folly, and by some accounts, time is a fiction.  

    Come sing favorites old and new and dance your way with us into the lobby of Sanders Theatre and out into the brand new year!   

  • 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 later this summer.

  • Youth Protection

    The Revels Youth Protection Policy was adopted by the board in June 2016. All Midwinter Revels cast members eighteen and older will be required to pass a CORI check in order to be a member of the cast. If you have any questions contact Administrative Service Manager Jen Sur at jsur@revels.org.

    Review Revels Youth Protection Policies here.

    Review CORI Procedures here.

  • COVID Policy

    COVID Policy for Auditions

    • All child auditionees 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 will require everyone to take an antigen test the day of their audition. If you take it at home, please take a photo of it to bring in (you will show this picture at the check in table). If you are not able to acquire a testplease show up 20 minutes early to your audition slot and we will provide one for you to take on-site.
    • Masking will be encouraged in the shared spaces of the audition, but optional. If you would like to speak to someone further about health and safety concerns, please email auditions@revels.org.

     

    These policies are subject to change given the current COVID environment. All auditionees will be made aware of updated COVID policies prior to their auditions.

Children’s Auditions

Audition Requirements

How to Prepare for your Children's Chorus Audition

Six children will audition in each slot. Children will play a name game and a movement game with the other auditioners and our artistic staff. Auditioners will also sing solo and with the larger group. Artistic staff in the audition room will include Artistic Director Paddy Swanson, Associate Artistic Director Debra Wise, and Music Director Elijah Botkin.

Auditioners will be asked to sing three songs:

  • “Happy Birthday”
  • A song of the auditioner’s choice – please prepare a verse and chorus of a folk song, carol, or lullaby. This should be something simple that is comfortable and enjoyable to sing. We are not looking for a pop song or showtune. If you are unsure about what to choose, please feel free to email or call Production Manager Emilie Moore at emoore@revels.org or 202-480-1711.
  • All children will learn “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” in the audition room and be asked to sing it in small groups as a round.

Please fill out this audition form prior to the audition. Either print out and bring your completed form or email your completed form to Emilie Moore at emoore@revels.org. The audition form asks for potential rehearsal/performance conflicts, so please check our schedule prior to your audition as well.

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.

Children's Chorus Audition Schedule

Auditions for the Children’s Chorus will take place on Friday, September 8, and Saturday, September 9.

Friday auditions will be held at the following times:

  • 4:00-4:30 PM
  • 4:45-5:15 PM

Saturday auditions will be held at the following times:

  • 10:00-10:30 AM
  • 10:45-11:15 AM
  • 1:30-2:00 PM
  • 2:15-2:45 PM
  • 3:00-3:30 PM

Auditioners must be available for the entire half-hour slot. If none of these time slots work for you and your child, please contact us at info@revels.org as we may be able to make alternate arrangements.

Audition Locations

Children’s Chorus auditions will be held at 80 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472.

Audition Dates

Friday, September 8th —

Saturday, September 9th —

Adult Chorus Auditions Are Closed For 2023

Rehearsal Schedule

Children's Chorus Rehearsal Commitments

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

Monday, September 18 (Parent Orientation 4:30-5:30 PM)
Tuesday, September 26
Monday, October 2
Tuesday, October 10
Monday, October 16
Monday, October 23
Monday, October 30
Monday, November 6
Monday, November 13
Monday, November 20
Monday, November 27
Monday, December 4

 

SATURDAY REHEARSALS: 9 – 5 PM

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

TECH WEEK:
December 11, 5 – 9:30 PM
December 12, 5 – 9:30 PM
December 13, 5 – 10:30 PM

DRESS REHEARSAL: December 14, 5:30 PM call

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (Subject to Change – final decisions will be made by August 2023):

Dec 15 – 28: 13 performances

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

Rehearsal Location

Audition Location

80 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472

Rehearsal Location

First Parish of Watertown Unitarian Universalist Church
35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472

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 28th,

Friday, December 29th,

Monday, January 1st,

Tuesday, January 2nd,

Wednesday, January 3rd,

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

Audition Overview

Audition for the 2023 Midwinter Revels Adult Chorus

Adult Chorus auditions are closed for our 2023 show. Please visit our volunteer page to learn more ways you can participate in our 2023 show, Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools – A Medieval Celebration of the Winter Solstice

 

Revels uses 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 going forward to be more inclusive in emphasizing the secular aspects of our popular seasonal event. We hope that you will join us in joyfully widening our circle of friends and community. Read more here.

Great joy to the new!

Adult Chorus Auditions Are Closed For 2023
  • 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: The Feast of Fools, please be prepared to sing two unaccompanied songs.

    For your first selection, please sing one of the songs listed below. For your second selection, you may sing a song of your choice.

     

    Auditionees will be asked to sing the two songs they have prepared and read lines. While the other seven people in their audition group have their individual auditions, you will be taught and have time to practice a short dance if you are interested in dancing in the show. You will also have time to practice the group song, which will be made available to auditionees ahead of time (sheet music can be found here). Everyone will then return to the directors as a full group to sing and dance for them. If you are interested in dancing in the show, please come dressed to move, with no flip-flops or open-toed shoes.

  • 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.

    PLEASE NOTE: Most rehearsals will be held on Mondays this fall, not Tuesdays. This change is a result of having to change rehearsal locations.

    All rehearsals will take place at the First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472

    This year’s rehearsal schedule for the adult chorus is as follows:

     

    ADULT WEEKDAY REHEARSALS:  7 – 9:30 PM

    Monday, September 11: Orientation 7-9 PM
    Monday, September 18
    Tuesday, September 26
    Monday, October 2
    Tuesday, October 10
    Monday, October 16
    Monday, October 23
    Monday, October 30
    Monday, November 6
    Monday, November 13
    Monday, November 20
    Monday, November 27
    Monday, December 4

    *Dance rehearsals will be held from 5:45 – 6:45 PM, prior to evening rehearsals, starting Monday, October 2.

     

    SATURDAY REHEARSALS: 9 – 5 PM

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

  • Tech Week and Performance Schedule

    TECH WEEK: December 11 – 13, 6 – 11 PM

    DRESS REHEARSAL: December 14, 5:30 PM call

    PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (Subject to Change – final decisions will be made by August 2023):

    Dec 15 – 28: 13 performances

    Friday, December 15 – 7:30 PM
    Saturday, December 16 – 3:00 PM
    Sunday, December 17 – 1:00 PM, 5:30 PM
    Thursday, December 21 – 7:30 PM
    Friday, December 22  – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
    Saturday, December 23 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
    Tuesday, December 26 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM
    Wednesday, December 27 – 7:30 PM
    Thursday, December 28 – 1:00 PM (with strike and cast party to follow)

  • About This Year's Production

    Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools – A Medieval Celebration of the Winter Solstice
    Directed by Patrick Swanson and Debra Wise; Elijah Botkin, Music Director

    Our Midwinter Revels this year drops us into the colorful medieval Feast of Fools, where everything is topsy-turvy by design. The status quo quickly becomes the status disruptus as the body politic officially lets off steam. Rulers are temporarily deposed by servants, wit triumphs over power, and a fool finds himself steering the ship of state. On this shortest day of the year, what could possibly go wrong?  

    Highlighting brass and early instruments, this musical feast will feature vibrant processionals, lively caroles, delicate choral harmonies, vigorous dances, and a full ritual serving of the wild and the holy. Of course, the familiar may come with a twist – we live in our own age of folly, and by some accounts, time is a fiction.  

    Come sing favorites old and new and dance your way with us into the lobby of Sanders Theatre and out into the brand new year!   

  • 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.

    Review Revels Youth Protection Policies here.

    Review CORI Procedures here.

  • COVID Policy

    COVID Policy for Auditions

    • All adult auditionees must be fully vaccinated with at least one booster.
    • We are requiring everyone to wear masks while waiting to audition.

     

    These policies are subject to change given the current COVID environment. All auditionees will be made aware of updated COVID policies prior to their auditions.

Audition Requirements

What to Expect at Your Audition

Adult Chorus auditions are closed for our 2023 show. Please click on the “Children’s Chorus Auditions” tab to learn more about September’s youth auditions, and visit our volunteer page to learn more ways you can participate in our 2023 show, Midwinter Revels: The Feast of Fools – A Medieval Celebration of the Winter Solstice

This year, we’re going to have hour-long slots during which we will see eight people, in contrast to the smaller groups in years past. During this hour-long session, each auditionee will have a ~5-minute solo slot with Elijah, the Music Director; Paddy, the Artistic Director; and Debra, the Associate Artistic Director to sing the two songs they have prepared and read lines. While waiting for the other seven people in their time slot, they will be taught a short dance to see how they move (if they are interested in dancing in the show) and have time to practice the group singing portion, before returning to the directors as a full group to sing.
What songs should I prepare?

This year, we would like you to choose one of the songs listed below as your first song. Your second song may a be song of your choice.

Songs to choose from:
Once your audition slot is confirmed, you’ll receive an email containing the group audition song so that if you would like to practice it before the audition you may. This piece will serve as an opportunity to hear how you can blend with other voices.
Movement
This year you will have the opportunity to learn some choreography when others in your group are singing their solos. This will allow us to see how folks move. If you are interested in dancing in the show, please come dressed to move (no flip flops or open-toed shoes). There will likely be a few different dance opportunities in the show – something for everyone!

Adult Chorus Audition Dates

Auditions for the Adult Chorus are now closed.

Audition Locations

Audition Dates

Friday, June 2nd — 4 PM - 8 PM

Saturday, June 3rd — 10 AM - 8 PM

Sunday, June 4th — 2 PM - 5 PM

Adult Chorus Auditions Are Closed For 2023

Rehearsal Schedule

Adult Chorus Rehearsal Commitments

PLEASE NOTE: Most rehearsals will be held on Mondays this fall, not Tuesdays. This change is a result of having to change rehearsal locations.

All rehearsals will take place at the First Parish of Watertown, 35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472

This year’s rehearsal schedule for the adult chorus is as follows:

 

ADULT WEEKDAY REHEARSALS:  7 – 9:30 PM

Monday, September 11: Orientation 7-9 PM
Monday, September 18
Tuesday, September 26
Monday, October 2
Tuesday, October 10
Monday, October 16
Monday, October 23
Monday, October 30
Monday, November 6
Monday, November 13
Monday, November 20
Monday, November 27
Monday, December 4

*Dance rehearsals will be held from 5:45 – 6:45 PM, prior to evening rehearsals, starting Monday, October 2.

 

SATURDAY REHEARSALS: 9 – 5 PM

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

TECH WEEK: December 11 – 13, 6-11 PM

DRESS REHEARSAL: December 14, Call at 5:30 PM

Rehearsal Location

Rehearsal Location

First Parish of Watertown
35 Church Street, Watertown, MA 02472

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. 

Contact Us
Questions? Get in touch!
Our Sponsors

Our generous sponsors make it possible for Revels to produce world-class performances and educational programs for our audiences.

Let us know how we can work together to promote music, dance, and community!

Learn More