We are excited to welcome you to our youth theater program! As a parent of a theater student, you may be wondering what to expect from this enriching experience. Following is an overview of our youth theater program, what your child will learn and what you can look forward to during the production.

Our Productions

Our youth theater shows are licensed productions that include high quality musical orchestration recordings and scripts.  The shows are full, age-appropriate productions directed by our professional Directors with years of theater experience.  This is a “teaching program” that is inclusive of all students.  No experience required.  Every student who enrolls is guaranteed a role (or multiple roles).  Auditions are not required to join the production, but auditions are required in order for our Directors to assign roles.  Cold reading is done in the first rehearsal and singing auditions are usually held during the second rehearsal of most productions.  We limit our shows to 27 or fewer students.  If we have more than 27 students we will form an additional cast.  We do this so our Directors can dedicate more time to each student and improve their growth in the theatrical arts.  Multiple casts also provide us a built-in “under study” for every role in every cast should we need to fill a role along the way.  Multiple casts also means more opportunities for leading and secondary roles.  Students will have a great time, make friends, and build relationships while learning and growing in the theatrical arts.

Learning Experience

Participating in a theater production is a comprehensive educational journey. Your child will develop a variety of skills, including:

• Acting Techniques:  Students will learn how to embody their characters, understand script analysis, and deliver lines with emotion and clarity.
• Collaboration:  Theater is a team effort. Your child will work closely with peers, learning the importance of communication, trust, and support in a collaborative environment.
• Creative Expression:  Students will explore their creativity through character development, improvisation, and storytelling, allowing them to express themselves in unique ways.

Costumes

Costumes play a vital role in bringing a production to life.  Costumes are not included in the program fee and must be obtained by the student family.  Most costumes can be purchased for under $50, custom made, or assembled with items around your home, thrift stores, or borrowing from friends and family.  Our Directors and production coordinators will offer guidance and suggestions to help with the look and feel for continuity with the show and other actors and actresses.  In certain situations the school might provide role-specific accessories or props.

Choreography

For productions that include dance or movement, students will learn choreography during rehearsals. They will learn how to integrate movement with their acting, enhancing their performance and adding depth to the storytelling. This aspect of theater encourages physical expression and helps build confidence.

Theater Tech

Behind the scenes, students will gain insight into the technical aspects of theater, including lighting, sound, and set design. They will learn how these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere of the production. This knowledge is invaluable, as it fosters an appreciation for the collaborative nature of theater.

Microphones

To ensure that every performance is heard clearly, we provide microphones for each student. This allows them to focus on their performance without worrying about projection, enabling them to deliver their lines with confidence. Students will receive training on how to use the microphones effectively, which is an essential skill in modern theater.

Other Aspects of Theatrical Arts

In addition to acting, choreography, and technical skills, your child will also learn about stage management, audience engagement, improvisation, and the importance of rehearsal discipline. They will experience the thrill of live performance, understanding the hard work and dedication that goes into each show.

Private/Closed Rehearsals

Please note that per licensing contract and in the interest of safety, only actors/actresses, staff, crew, volunteers, and other production coordinators are allowed in the recital hall during rehearsals.

Student Conduct

We strive to create a safe, positive and respectful learning environment for all participants and aim to foster creativity, collaboration, and personal growth while ensuring that all students understand their responsibilities and the expectations of behavior.  We expect students to arrive on time, prepared, and ready to engage in the lesson. Respect for the instructor, fellow students, and the learning space is paramount; this includes listening attentively, refraining from disruptive behaviors, and maintaining a positive attitude. Students are encouraged to express themselves and ask questions, but must do so in a manner that is considerate of others. Any behavior that undermines the learning experience, such as excessive talking, distractions, or disrespectful comments, will be addressed promptly. Our goal is to foster a supportive community where every student can thrive and develop their musical talents.

For all our policies please visit our polices page:

https://jieun-lee-music-academy.odoo.com/policies

Length of Show

Kids productions (7 to 12 year olds) are usually a single act show lasting 30 to 40 minute.  Junior productions (5th grade and up) are usually two act shows lasting 60 to 70 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.

Rehearsals

Fishers:  Rehearsals are in The Switch Theatre inside Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy.  Final shows are in same theater.

Carmel:  Rehearsals are in Goodwin Hall inside Meridian Music School.  Spring and Fall shows are held at The Switch Theatre.  Summer camp shows are held in Goodwin Hall.

Auditions

Auditions are not required to participate in our theater programs.  Every student who enrolls in the program is guaranteed a role (perhaps multiple roles).  There is a cold reading audition during the first rehearsal and a singing audition during the second rehearsal.  The songs for the singing audition will be taught during the first rehearsal.  This approach allows our Directors to make the best decision for role assignments.  Our Directors make their decisions based on students’ performance during the first and second rehearsals and which students they believe best fit the unique needs of each character in the show.

Program Fee

Includes the following:

• Script
• Music tracks
• Rehearsals
• Number of Shows
• • Summer Camps:  1 Show
  • Spring & Fall:  2 Shows
  • Summer Teen:  2 Shows
• Show T-Shirt
• Video (only when video license available).  Most shows have video license.

Audio/Video Recording

Please note these programs are copyrighted works of art.  Recording any portion of the show is prohibited, but most (not all) productions come with an optional video recording license. If such license is available we will secure the rights to video record the show.  Our theater in Fishers is equipped with professional recording equipment.  When allowed, we will provide a professionally recorded copy of the final show.

Tech Week

Tech week includes at least one regular rehearsal and one dress rehearsal followed by shows on Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday.

Call Time

60 to 70 minutes before showtime

Locations

Fishers:  The Switch Theatre inside Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy.
Carmel:  Goodwin Hall inside Meridian Music School

Tickets

Final shows are ticketed events with assigned seating.  We will notify families multiple times before the start of ticket sales so everyone has equal opportunity to purchase tickets.  All sales are final.  NO REFUNDS!  Due to assigned seating and the fact most of our shows sell out, we do not refund ticket purchases.  Purchase tickets here:

Switch Theatre:  https://switchtheatre.simpletix.com
Goodwin Hall:  https://goodwinhall.simpletix.com/

The Switch Theatre

All productions (except Carmel summer camps) take place in The Switch Theatre in Fishers.  This black box style theater is located inside Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy.  With comfortable seating for up to 175, our theater has a raised, 30′ x 20′ stage, theatrical lights and special effects, high quality audio, and back stage green rooms for our young actors and actresses.  When entering the theater you are greeted with a nice lobby featuring a concession stand serving many standard concession candies, cotton candy, popcorn, wide variety of drinks, and other concession items.

Enrollment in our youth theater production guarantees your young actress/actor will be cast in the production -- no audition required.  There is an audition (usually during second rehearsal) that Directors need to determine casting.  Students will receive basic audition prep and guidance before audition day.

How to prepare for an audition.

Preparing for a musical theater audition can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. To set yourself up for success, it’s essential to start with a solid understanding of the material you’ll be performing. Choose a song that showcases your vocal range and acting abilities, and make sure it aligns with the character you’re auditioning for. Spend time analyzing the lyrics and the emotions behind them; this will help you deliver a more authentic and compelling performance. Additionally, practice your song repeatedly, focusing on both technical aspects, such as pitch and rhythm, and expressive elements, like dynamics and phrasing. Remember, confidence is key, so the more prepared you are, the more comfortable you will feel on audition day.

In addition to your song, be ready to demonstrate your acting skills and movement abilities. Many auditions will include a cold reading or a dance combination, so familiarize yourself with the material and be open to direction from the audition panel. Always remember to shake the director's hand when you first meet them; this simple gesture shows professionalism and respect. Warm up your body and voice before the audition to ensure you’re in peak condition. It’s also helpful to research the production and its characters, as this knowledge can inform your choices and help you connect with the material on a deeper level. Finally, remember to bring your unique personality to the audition; casting directors are looking for individuals who can bring characters to life in a way that is fresh and engaging. Embrace the experience, and no matter the outcome, view it as an opportunity to learn and grow as a performer.

Things to Do at Home to Prepare for the Audition:

• Choose Your Song: Select a song that fits the character and showcases your vocal strengths.
• Practice Regularly: Set aside time each day to practice singing your chosen song, focusing on both technique and emotion.
• Learn the Lyrics: Memorize the lyrics thoroughly to ensure you can perform confidently without looking at the music.
• Record Yourself:  Use a phone or camera to record your practice sessions. This will help you identify areas for improvement.
• Work on Acting: Practice delivering the song with emotion and character. Consider how the character would feel and express that in your performance.
• Warm-Up Exercises: Incorporate vocal and physical warm-up exercises into your routine to prepare your body and voice.
• Research the Show: Learn about the musical and its characters to better understand the context of your audition piece.
• Mock Auditions: Have family members or friends act as the audition panel and perform your song for them to simulate the audition experience.
• Prepare Your Outfit: Choose an outfit that is appropriate for the audition and makes you feel confident.
• Stay Positive: Practice positive affirmations and visualization techniques to build your confidence and reduce anxiety before the audition.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to shine in your musical theater audition!

While final shows are ticketed events, there is no mandatory ticket purchase amount.  You are free to buy as many or as few as you like.

The enrollment fee includes the following:

• Rehearsals (Kids -12 weeks; Jr. - 15 weeks)
• Professional script
• Professionally recorded practice song tracks with sing-a-long vocals
• Professionally recorded song tracks with no vocals (used during the shows)
• T-Shirt
• Video:  Recording of final show.  Only when video license is available.  Most shows have a video license

Our tale begins deep in the heart of the Jungle. A baby boy, lost and abandoned, is raised by wolves. He is called "Mowgli" ("Jungle Prologue").

Shere Kahn, the tiger, decides that Mowgli is no longer welcome in the Jungle. To keep him out of danger, Bagheera, the panther, plans to guide Mowgli to the safety of the man village, but Mowgli doesn't want to leave his home. The two settle down for the night under a coconut tree, but their peaceful night is interrupted by Kaa, the Snake ("Kaa the Snake"). Bagheera doesn't notice as Kaa lulls Mowgli into a deep sleep ("Trust in Me"). Bagheera wakes up to find Kaa coiled around Mowgli and chases the snake away ("Night into Day").

As they continue their journey, they encounter a herd of elephants, led by the dotty Colonel Hathi ("Colonel Hathi's March"). As the elephants march off, Bagheera commands Mowgli to follow him without any more argument. Mowgli sits and pouts on a large boulder, only to discover that it is the giant bear, Baloo ("Baloo the Bear").

Baloo offers Mowgli his philosophy on life, which is quite different from what Bagheera has been teaching ("The Bare Necessities"). While Baloo is lost in that swingin' jungle rhythm, a group of shifty-looking monkeys tiptoes in and kidnaps Mowgli. Caught off guard, Baloo calls to Bagheera for help while the monkeys carry Mowgli deep into the jungle, laughing all the way ("Monkey Business").

The monkeys take Mowgli to the ancient ruins, where their leader, the wiley King Louie, is holding court. King Louie tells Mowgli that he wants to learn how to be a man while Baloo and Bagheera sneak on and devise a rescue plan. Baloo, disguised as a very big monkey, will join in the fun to distract King Louie while Bagheera spirits Mowgli away ("I Wan'na Be Like You").

Baloo can't get enough of that jumpin' jazz, and insists on an encore. He continues to swing until his disguise falls off, blowing their cover and forcing them to run ("I Wan'na Be Like You – Reprise"). The monkeys frantically follow in pursuit, but are stopped dead in their tracks when Shere Khan appears. He sharpens his claws and the monkeys scatter in terror ("Shere Khan the Tiger").

After their monkey attack, Baloo now realizes the Jungle is too dangerous for Mowgli and, together with Bagheera, they agree to get him out of the jungle. Mowgli overhears and, not wanting to leave his home, defiantly runs away. Baloo and Bagheera rush off to find him, hoping that Shere Khan doesn't find him first ("Mowgli Runs").

Away from the safety of Baloo and Baghera, Mowgli finds friendship in the other jungle creatures, who promise to protect him if Shere Khan should come around ("That's What Friends Are For").

Shere Khan arrives and prepares to attack Mowgli, but before he can pounce, Baloo appears, rallying the other jungle creatures into battle ("The Battle"). The battle ends with the jungle creatures victorious and Shere Khan cowering in the distance, humiliated and defeated. Once again, the jungle is safe.

Shanti, a beautiful young girl who has been hiding in the jungle the whole time, finally reveals herself. She offers to take Mowgli to her village to meet other people just like him. Mowgli decides to explore the "man village" with Shanti, but reminds his friends he will return, for he will always consider the Jungle his home ("The Bare Necessities – Reprise/Finale").

As the curtain falls, the jungle inhabitants return once more to celebrate that swingin' jungle beat ("I Wan'na Be Like You – Reprise/Bows").

Mowgli

Mowgli is a boy who gets along with everyone and who is very likable. He has a joyful and curious nature, and a twinkle in his eye. The child you cast should have a spark that can captivate the audience and should be a bit feisty. Choose a boy with a natural talent for acting and singing.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: D4 ​Vocal range bottom: C3

Bagheera

The role of Bagheera, the panther, is not gender-specific. You might consider casting a female to play this role to help balance the male-to-female ratio of the leading characters. Consider casting a child who might easily portray the physical attributes of a feline. Your Bagheera should be physically agile and uninhibited with good command of his or her body. The actor should also possess a natural talent for acting, singing and leading a story. Bagheera should act like an older brother or sister to Mowgli.

Gender: any

Vocal range top: Bb3 ​Vocal range bottom: D3

Baloo

Baloo, the bear, should be cast by someone who is exuberant with a great natural talent for singing and acting. Baloo provides much of the comedic relief in the story, so the actor must possess a natural sense of comedy. Consider casting a child who might easily have the physical traits of a big bear and who is not afraid to be wild and crazy and physically uninhibited. The actor should not be self-conscious and should enjoy the spotlight. Baloo's part in "I Wan'na Be Like You" demands a singer with a strong sense of rhythm.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: D4 ​Vocal range bottom: C3

Kaa

Kaa, the snake, supplies threat and danger to Mowgli's journey out of the jungle. Cast someone with flair and good vocal and movement skills to be the lead Kaa (the head of the snake). Cast five others as the body. Each of the actors in the scene has solo lines that are spoken and sung, so you will want to cast children with some natural acting and singing ability who can also dance.

Gender: any

Vocal range top: B3 ​Vocal range bottom: D3

Shere Khan

Shere Khan, the tiger, is King of the Jungle. Consider casting someone who could be physically threatening, either in size, attitude, or both. It's better to cast a stronger actor than a singer for this role. He is the villain and the story depends on a good villain.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: C4 ​Vocal range bottom: E3

Colonel Hathi

Colonel Hathi, the elephant, is in charge of the elephant brigade. but is also a little forgetful. He is good at giving commands but doesn't really understand what's going on around him. Cast someone who can sing well and act like a drill sergeant but also be a bit forgetful. This is a good role to feature someone who has talent but may not be ready for the leading role just yet.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: A3 ​Vocal range bottom: D3

Elephant Troupe

The Elephant Troupe can have as many or as few children as you like, but cast enough to make it look like a brigade - at least eight. They don't need to be strong singers, but should be good movers/dancers so they can physicalize the behavior of elephants and march in and out of formation.

Gender: any

Vocal range top: C#4 ​Vocal range bottom: D3

Baby Elephant

The Baby Elephant can be cast with the smallest or youngest child. There is a solo line in the song as well as marching, so the child should have a sense of music and movement.

Gender: any

Vocal range top: A3 ​Vocal range bottom: E3

King Louie

King Louie is King of the Monkeys. Cast an actor with strong comedic timing and good singing ability. Choose a child with flair that isn't afraid to act like a monkey.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: C4 ​Vocal range bottom: C3

Old Monkey

Cast the Old Monkey with a strong actor over a singer. He or she should not be afraid to assume the physical traits of a monkey.

Gender: any

Monkeys

Monkeys should be strong dancers. "I Wan'na Be Like You" offers the chance to do great musical choreography. Consult your choreographer, if available, when casting your monkey troupe so that you have at least eight dancers. If necessary, cast additional monkeys so that the vocal performance is solid as well.

Gender: any

Vocal range top: D4 ​Vocal range bottom: C3

Jungle Chorus

The Jungle Chorus is your ensemble of singers, actors and dancers. These roles offer great opportunities to use your students' varied skills. Make sure each group of prickly pears, vultures, wolves, etc., has a few natural leaders the other actors will follow. Read through the script a few times to learn which of these roles require singing or acting solos so you can cast according to your students' strengths. The great thing about the Jungle ensemble is its flexibility: you can make is as large as necessary to include everyone. Do not feel pressure to cast the solo parts during auditions. Have a few rehearsals first to get a clearer sense of your company before you decide.

Gender: any

Vocal range top: E4 ​Vocal range bottom: C3

Coconut Tree / Shanti

Shanti is the girl who takes Mowgli to the village at the end of the story. She is hiding in the jungle the entire time disguised as a Coconut Tree. She should exude sweetness and kindness and have a natural ability for acting and singing. She has a couple of solos as the Coconut Tree.

Vocal range top: C5 ​Vocal range bottom: C4

Shanti's Family

Shanti's Family is not seen, but represented by offstage voices. For fun, you might want to have a couple favorite teachers or the principal say these lines from offstage or from the back of the performance space. These should be the only "grown-up" voices in the show.