1. Chicago: High School Edition
Workshop 2018
Wfbhstheater.com

2. WHAT IS THIS MUSICAL ALL ABOUT?
Welcome to 1920s Chicago.
Young wife and unsuccessful chorine, Roxie Hart, has just killed her lover who announced he was leaving her.
Famous performer, Velma Kelly, has also been charged with murder for killing her husband and her sister after learning of their affair.
As both women’s paths cross in prison, they try to work with Mama Morton and the ever-famous lawyer, Billy Flynn, to clear their name while using their notoriety to garner fame and fortune.
This show provides a scathing commentary of a corrupt justice system where fame and money are more important that truth and justice.

3. How is Chicago Similar to / Different From Legally Blonde?
Heavy Dance Shows
Satire—They teach important lessons indirectly
Lots of amazing opportunities for leads and for chorus
DIFFERENT:
Tone (focus): murder, corruption, & Fame vs. Marriage, Law School, and Personal Growth
Tone (Music): a jazz musical vs. a pop musical
Dance Style: Fosse vs. Lots of Variety

4. What does this mean for you?
Auditions:
SINGING: One Day
Monologue & DANCE AUDITION: One Day
What are we looking for?
SINGING, DANCING, and ACTING
Commit to STYLE & TONE of show
Prepare yourself for these changes:
Prepare: TONE (be ready to be grittier)
Monologue
Song
Dance

5. Rest of Today 1st Half: 2nd Half: Time With Mr. Johnston: Chorus Room
LEARN SONGS
DISCUSS HOW TO ACT WHILE SINGING
PRACTICE SONGS
Time with Ms. Kind-Keppel: Cafeteria
Discuss HOW TO AUDITION
LEARN ABOUT LEAD CHARACTERS
Audition Form & Monologue: DISCUSS STRONG ACTING CHOICES
2nd Half:
Time with Ms. Wozniak: The Link
LEARN DANCE
PRACTICE/PERFECT DANCE

6. GO DO IT!!!

7. AUDITIONING TIPS
Perception: Confident and Likable
BEGINNING OF AUDITION
Posture
Eye Contact
Handing Sheet
END OF AUDITION
Smile & Make Eye Contact
Say THANK YOU
Walk out confidently NO MATTER WHAT

8. AUDITIONING TIPS CONTINUED
FOCUS
When you SING & give MONOLOGUE
Do NOT look at AUDITIONERS (Johnston, Woz, AND K2)
WHY? We will concentrate on smiling and supporting you rather than specifically observing you
INSTEAD:
Find a spot (usually just above head level)
Direct song and monologue to that spot

9. ACTING
We WILL be evaluating your acting. We will do so while you SING AND during your MONOLOGUE
You CAN memorize or USE a MUSIC/SCRIPT 
Becoming a character
Lyrics of song/ words of the script: WHO IS THIS CHARACTER? what is this character thinking? What do they want? How does this song/speech reflect who they are? Their life? How can you communicate that while you sing and speak?
PHYSICALLY:
How does character stand? Walk?
What would the character’s gestures be like?
VOCALLY:
How does the song/speech reflect who the character is?
How do you communicate that in your voice?
How can you use dynamics/variation to communicate the character?
How can you use tone?
How can you use articulation?

10. MANY Memorable Smaller Roles
Lots of Opportunities
4 Leads
MANY Memorable Smaller Roles
MALE ROLES
WE NEED YOU!

11. Billy Flynn and Amos Roxie Hart’s husband
The most famous lawyer in Chicago
Can free anyone from any crime for the right price
Is the most direct about who he is— which is oddly admirable
Roxie Hart’s husband
Loves Roxie but is invisible to her and the rest of the world 
Most likable character in the show

12. The Masters of Ceremonies
These gentlemen introduce many of the iconic numbers
They also point out, through their sly wit, the ironies and corruption that exists throughout the show.

13. Smaller Memorable Roles, TOO!
FEMALE ROLES
Lots of Opportunities
4 Leads
Cellblock Tango Group
Smaller Memorable Roles, TOO!
WE NEED YOU!

14. Velma Kelly & Roxie Hart
Failed chorus girl
Believes that the fame she is gaining from her murder trial will shoot her to stardom
Learns how to play the game of fame and corruption expertly
Famous Performer
Killed her husband and sister—hopes her fame will help her escape justice
Rough and tough exterior
Vulnerability exists that she often successfully hides

15. Mama Morton & Mary Sunshine
A reporter who “sees the Best” in each case she hears
Her attempts at “do-Gooder” behavior allows murderers to run free as long and Billy Flynn can develop a sob story
She runs the prison
She is a major force of corruption—if you can pay her and get in her good graces—she can get you to billy Flynn
Strong, brash, and is honest about who she is—which is oddly appealing

16. The Cell Block Tango Crew
NEEDS:
Strong Dancers
Strong Singers
Outside Comfort Zone to
commit to character
SASSY
CORE
CHORUS