Information Booklet

Production Team

Director – Danny Ginsberg

Musical Director – Peter Verhagen
Choreographer - Guada Bañez
Production Managers – Sean van Geyzel & Elana Heitmann

Windmill Theatre Company

Established in 1968, Windmill Theatre Company Inc. is a not for profit incorporated association
presenting non-professional theatre to Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs.

We strive to maintain a high standard of theatrical productions, and are proud to have been
nominated and successful in a number of categories in both the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria
"Bruce" Awards, and in the Lyrebird Awards.

At the same time we pride ourselves on the culture we have built where everyone feels welcome,
we work together to create something special and have a lot of fun at the same time. It is a
dynamic and friendly environment and we always work towards values of diversity, inclusiveness,
respect, support and compassion.
About the Show
Based on the hit 2003 film, School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who is
down on his luck. After Dewey is kicked out of his band, and threatened with eviction, his fortunes
take a turn for the better when he intercepts a phone call meant for his flatmate, Ned Schneebly.
He quickly decides to make a bit of cash and pose as Ned to take up a supply teaching post at
Horace Green, a prestigious prep school. He is horrified to discover that his straight-laced and
straight-A students haven’t a clue about rock and roll, and he makes it his mission to educate them.
Dewey realizes they are a talented bunch and he decides to mold them into a rock band and
enter the upcoming Battle of the Bands competition. However, he needs to do all of this away from
the prying eyes of the school’s principal, Rosalie Mullins. Along the way, Dewey finds romance, self-
worth, a proper job, and, most importantly, he teaches the children and their parents the beauty of
rock!

The stage musical on Broadway and in the West End was produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, who
also composed 14 new songs for the show, which additionally features all of the original songs from
the movie. Stand out songs from the show are “You’re in the Band” and “Stick it to the Man”, while
the finale with “Teacher’s Pet” will bring audiences to their feet, night after night.
Audition Information
 Initial round of auditions are for the roles of Dewey, and lead child
characters only

Location “The Factory Rehearsal Centre”

Building 5, Cranbourne Indoor Leisure Complex,
65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East.

Dates Friday 17th November 2023

Saturday 18th November 2023

Requirements: All auditionees will be required to sing 2 cut excerpts from contrasting
songs, the duration to be no more than 1 minute each. We ask that your selections
showcase either your vocal range and/or your ability to perform a character in the style of
the show. Song choice may be from musical theatre but does not have to be. We
recommend bringing in the accompaniment of the full song with cuts well marked as you
may be asked to sing more.

Children auditioning for the roles of Zack, Katie, Freddie and Lawrence will be required to
demonstrate their ability at the instrument relevant to the character they are auditioning
for (See character descriptions below). A drum kit, amplifiers and keyboard will be
available for use, those auditioning for Katie or Zack should bring their own guitar or bass.

Please bring printed piano sheet music in your correct key as you will be provided a
pianist. Strictly no CDs, backing tracks or numbers from the show.

Performers may also be required to read an excerpt from the script as part of their
audition. Please bring a non-returnable headshot and performance resume to your
audition and arrive 10 minutes prior to your booked time to check in with the admin team.

You will also be photographed by the Company at time of your audition.

Dance Call: Auditionees will be notified by text message to the number provided on their
audition form to advise whether they have progressed to the second stage of auditions.
Those that progress will be required to attend the dance call.
Please wear clothing that is comfortable and appropriate and arrive warmed up. Please
also bring a water bottle.
Location: “The Factory Rehearsal Centre”
Building 5, Cranbourne Indoor Leisure Complex,
65 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Cranbourne East.

Date: Saturday 18th November 2023

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Call Backs: Some roles may be required to attend a call back which will be held on the
evening of Tuesday November 21st, 2023. Call times & Location to be advised to those
invited to call back.
Audition Forms need to be completed online prior to attending your audition (Link
via our website). You must also upload a headshot with your audition form.

All auditions must be booked via trybooking.

Character List and Vocal Ranges

A note on casting: All roles are open, there is no pre-casting. The production team may
consider double casting roles, or rehearsing swing cast as a mitigation for unforeseen
circumstances.

In seeking to represent a wide range of diversity reflective of our own community we are
seeking performers from a wide range of ages, genders, abilities and cultural backgrounds
including BIPOC actors and artists of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,
races and cultures to audition.

In regards to the character Tomika we believe that the identity and background of the
character is integral to the story, and to honor the authenticity of that role, we are looking
for a talented individual who identifies as a Person of Colour to audition for and play
Tomika.

The descriptions below refer to the presented genders of the characters as scripted,
however the production team is open to considering persons of any gender being able to
be cast into any of the roles.

DEWEY FINN - Rock Tenor (B2-A5): Portrayed male aged 30 - 40 years old. The
protagonist, Dewey is a struggling rockstar who is kicked out of his band, No Vacancy, at
the beginning of the show. In need of money, he impersonates Ned Schneebly and gets a
substitute teacher job at the Horace Green School, where he founds the band School of
Rock with the students, who are musical prodigies. A highly energetic and comedic role.
Improvisation skills desirable. Required to play guitar competently.

The Students - portrayed as ages 10-13 years old.

SUMMER HATHAWAY - (A3-D5): Highly intelligent, over achieving and overly controlling
Horace Green student with a demanding presence. Holds high expectations and
standards for herself and everyone around her. Suspicious of Dewey and his unorthodox
teaching ways. Pop singer with strong acting ability & stage presence with the ability to
move well.

ZACK MOONEYHAM (guitar) – (A3-D5): A highly gifted musician and songwriter but
struggles to connect with his overbearing, workaholic father. Must be able to move well
and seriously rock at guitar with some serious solo skills. Pop/rock vocals.

LAWRENCE (piano/keyboard) - (A3-D#5): Lawrence is a shy, awkward boy, unconfident

and gauche, but a genius on the keyboard. He initially believes that he isn't cool enough
to be a part of the band, but Dewey is able to convince him that he's amazing. Pop/Rock
vocals and good mover. Keyboard skills a must.
FREDDIE HAMILTON (drums) - (A3-D5): Freddy is a boy who comes from a working-class
background and unlike many of his classmates – was not born with a silver spoon in his
mouth. His father (who is not happy about Freddie’s obsession with music) never lets him
forget it. Pop/rock singer with exceptional drum skills and personality.

KATIE (bass) - (A3-D#5): Katie is a quiet, serious girl who keeps mostly to herself. She plays
the cello at school, but is quick to pick up the bass at Dewey's encouragement. She is
stone-faced when she plays, and takes her instrument and the band very seriously,
Energetic, enthusiastic with a lot of rhythm and attitude. Bass playing ability required.
Pop/Rock vocals with the ability to move well.

TOMIKA* see note on casting – (A3-G5): A new student at Horace Green, Tomika transfers
after being accepted off of the waiting list. Withdrawn and shy but with an underlying
enthusiasm and desire to be part of the band. Blows everyone away when she sings. Must
have a strong singing voice - she becomes the secondary singer in School of Rock, behind
only Dewey.

MARCY – (A3-G5): Back-up singer with style. Pop/Rock vocals and great mover.

SHONELLE - (A3-G5): Back-up singer with style. Pop/Rock vocals and great mover

BILLY SANDFORD – (A3-D5): Billy is a flamboyant and artistic with a love of style and
fashion magazines. He is disgusted with Dewey's outfit choices, and how no one else in the
band shares his artistic vision. Pop/Rock singer and confident mover.

MASON WARD – (A3-D5): Mason is a super-smart, nerdy, tech-savvy boy who designs all
the lighting and special effects for the band using his laptop. Pop/Rock singing voice and
with the ability to move well.

JAMES – (A3-D5): James becomes the band's security guard. Pop/Rock singing voice and
with the ability to move well.

SOPHIE – (A3-D5): Sophie is one of the band’s roadies, but also serves as a back up
dancer. Pop/Rock singing voice and with dance ability.

MADISON – (A3-D5): Madison is one of the band’s roadies, but also serves as a back up
dancer. Pop/Rock singing voice and with dance ability.

Other adult lead roles, student ensemble & adult ensemble will be auditioned in February
2024.

Rehearsal Dates:
Location: Windmill HQ
16 Star Crescent, Hallam
Times: Commencing Sunday 25th Feb
Sunday afternoons 1:00pm to 6:00pm
Wednesday nights 7:30pm to 10:30pm

Weekend Rehearsals: Saturday April 13th 10am - 6pm

Sunday April 14th 10am - 6pm

Saturday May 18th 10am - 6pm

Sunday May 19th 10am - 6pm
 Theatre Dates:

Bump in: June 1st & 2nd

Production week: Monday June 3rd to Friday June 7th

6pm call time
Performances: Sat 8th June 7:30pm
Sun 9th June 4:00pm
Weds 12th June 7:30pm
Thurs 13th June 7:30pm
Fri 14th June 7:30pm
Sat 15th June 7:30pm
Sun 16th June 1:30pm
Thurs 20th June 7:30pm
Fri 21st June 7:30pm
Sat 22nd June 1:30pm
Bump Out: Sat 22nd June after final show

Call times will be two hours prior to performance unless otherwise notified.

Theatre Location: Bunjil Place Theatre,

2 Patrick North East Drive, Narre Warren VIC 3805

Show Fees: Fees are set at $200 comprising Windmill membership, show fee, a USB
containing headshot, production photos and more. A discounted fee of $180 will apply to
fees paid in full by 18th March 2024. Instalment options are also available.

Cast members are expected to attend for costume fitting, publicity and promotional
events as required.

To book your audition slot visit https://www.trybooking.com/CMFLN

Once booked you must complete the Audition Registration Form online:
https://forms.gle/zQi4UPyMKL43TeRX7

For audition related queries please contact our Audition Secretary Elana on 0419 526 730

Successful auditionees will be offered a position in the cast by telephone no later than
25th November 2023 and announced on the company website
(www.windmilltheatre.com.au) and facebook page shortly afterwards.

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email or text message.