FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 The MSE main website pages cover much of what is anticipated that prospective cast members will want to know. Combining the information provided on the web pages with the “frequently asked questions” listed below, MSE hopes to answer any questions you may have.  There are two sections listed, one covering “General Frequently Asked Questions” and the other covering “Audition Frequently Asked Questions”.

GENERAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARE THERE ANY AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR GIRLS INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CAST MEMBER?
Yes.  You must be no younger than 5 years of age and no older than 17 years of age as of the date auditions are held.

DO YOU REQUIRE PRIOR TRAINING & EXPERIENCE TO BECOME A CAST MEMBER?
No. MSE is looking for girls who have natural talents in singing and natural abilities to learn dance movements. We're also looking for those who have the potential and desire to advance their talents & abilities through training & performance experience.

CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE MORE ABOUT WHAT I’LL BE DOING IF I AM SELECTED TO BECOME A CAST MEMBER?
Cast members perform in mini variety shows or revues composed of a medley of music (ensemble and solo vocal pieces along with choreography that suits the music style).  Cast members receive vocal instruction (ensemble and/or solo coaching as needed) as they learn and master the vocals for the various musical pieces.  Learning and mastering the areas of voice, movement, dance, and performance are also emphasized, as well as improving and/or mastering showmanship.  MSE will showcase performers at a variety of entertainment venues so that cast members have opportunities to perform for live audiences and apply what they’ve learned.

IS THERE A COST TO BE A CAST MEMBER OF MUSICAL SOUP ENTERTAINMENT?
Yes.  The cost to members is $110.00 per month payable in advance each month and continues year-round.  The cost includes training in several areas of the performing arts, as well as actual performance opportunities that polish and hone skills and abilities as you get to put your talents into practice.  As most anyone will tell you, “Experience is the best teacher”!  MSE is proud to be able to offer this opportunity and can say with certainty that it is quality training at a great value.  We’re equally certain that the experience will prove to be priceless, not only professionally, but also personally to each cast member.

WHAT TYPE OF COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED IF I AM CHOSEN TO BECOME A CAST MEMBER OF MSE?
Being a cast member requires a commitment in both time and effort.  Cast members must be available to attend rehearsals and performances. The calendar fills up quickly as rehearsals generally are 2 hours at the same time each week with longer or special called rehearsals for some performances.  Performances, of course, are placed on the calendar, as they are booked.  MSE requires all cast members and their parent(s)/guardian(s) to sign an agreement of understanding concerning their acceptance and adherence to the mission and goals of MSE as provided at New Member Orientation.

WHEN ARE REHEARSALS SCHEDULED AND WHERE ARE REHEARSALS HELD?
Generally, rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoons from 3:00-5:00 p.m.  Lengthening the duration of the rehearsal or adding rehearsal dates and times will occasionally be required based on the demands of upcoming performances.  Rehearsals will be held at Spring Branch Community Church, 1500 North Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, VA.

AUDITION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IF I MAKE AN AUDITION RESERVATION ONLINE, WILL I ALSO NEED TO DOWNLOAD AND COMPLETE A REGISTRATION FORM?
Yes.  The online reservation will hold your audition spot, but the more detailed registration form will need to be completed and mailed in, along with your headshot.

IF I CANNOT GET MY REGISTRATION FORM AND HEADSHOT IN THE MAIL SO THAT IT REACHES MSE BY JANUARY 30TH, WILL I BE ABLE TO AUDITION?
Yes.  We'd like to have all these items in advance of the audition.  But, if you are unable to get some or all of the items to us by January 30th, you may bring any and all items with you to the audition.  Please arrive by 8:30 a.m. and leave these items with a Registration Assistant at Check-in.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE VOCAL AUDITION?
You should select a song in your vocal range that will show off your voice quality.  Generally, you'll be asked to sing 60 seconds of your song, but be prepared to sing the whole song, if needed.  You can use a CD or cassette tape.  Cassette tapes should be cued up to the place you want to begin your song.  If you're using a CD, please make a note on the CD cover listing the name of the song you are singing, and if you are not starting at the beginning you'll need to note the starting time.   Please note that background vocal tracks are allowed, but lead vocal tracks are not permitted.  

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO AUDITIONS?
Clothing:  Wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement (2-piece attire is recommended).  Dance pants or shorts are preferred.  You can wear tights under your shorts if you like.  Note: No dresses, skirts, or long sleeves please.  Shoes:  Wear character shoes or jazz shoes if you have them.  If not, tennis shoes are recommended.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO AUDITIONS?
If you are unable to get your registration form and headshot mailed to us so that we receive them by the deadline, you may bring them with you to the audition.  Please do not forget to bring your accompaniment CD or tape.  You may bring bottled water only.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BECOME A CAST MEMBER OF MUSICAL SOUP ENTERTAINMENT?
We are looking for girls with talent and abilities in singing and dancing with a passion to entertain, and potential to learn and grow through performance training and performance opportunities.  Our auditions can really be fun so we want you to be relaxed.  Feel free to move around when you sing.  We want to see your personality, so don't be afraid to be YOU!

WHAT WILL THE JUDGES FOCUS ON IN THE AUDITIONS?
Musical Soup Entertainment’s mission is to provide training and on-stage experience to its cast members, and though we look for talent, abilities, and potential as stated above, it’s equally important that cast members be in good health and have good relational skills.  In the vocal audition judges will focus on voice ability (tone, pitch, rhythm, musicality), as well as appearance, movement, enthusiasm, and showmanship.  Judges will focus on general dance ability (control and coordination, rhythm, good technique and movement), as well as enthusiasm and showmanship.

WHAT IS THE AUDITION SCHEDULE?
All participants should arrive no later than 8:30 a.m. and immediately check in at Registration.  You will receive an "Audition Schedule & Information" brochure when you check in.  Following check-in, there will be a brief Information Meeting for participants and parent(s)/guardian(s).

HOW LONG WILL THE AUDITION PROCESS TAKE?
You should anticipate approximately 3-3-1/2 hours to complete the audition process.  An estimated pick-up time will be listed in the "Audition Schedule & Information" you receive on audition day.

CAN MY FAMILY ATTEND AND WATCH THE AUDITIONS?
No.  Auditions are closed to parents and observers.  Only Audition Participants will be able to remain on premises where auditions are taking place.  Only in the event that waiting areas on premises are specifically noted in the "Audition Schedule & Information" received at Registration, may parent(s)/guardian(s) remain.

ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS WHEN A PARENT OR GUARDIAN MAY BE PRESENT DURING THE AUDITION?
Yes.  Generally MSE does not consider a child who isn't prepared to sing, dance, and perform without parental involvement because they haven't yet reached a comfort level to do that.  However, if you have a "young child" that is very close to reaching that comfort level but just needs a little encouragement, we will consider on a case-by-case basis allowing parental attendance in the private vocal audition only.  This will not be allowed for the dance routine instruction and audition.  If you need to make such a request, please advise a Registration Assistant when you check in at Registration. 

WILL THERE BE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO AUDITION IF I CAN'T ATTEND THE UPCOMING AUDITION?
Yes.  Although it’s our hope you will be able to join us for the current audition, should a prior commitment not permit you to, you can check the MSE website for future audition dates.  MSE will hold auditions two (2) or more times during the year. 

WILL I BE NOTIFIED ABOUT MY AUDITION TO BECOME A CAST MEMBER?  IF SO, WHEN SHOULD I EXPECT TO RECEIVE NOTIFICATION?
Yes.  You should anticipate receiving a letter in the mail or an emailed letter from MSE within 7-10 business days following the audition date.

IF I AM SELECTED TO BECOME A CAST MEMBER, WHEN WILL I START?
Audition participants who are notified of their selection will, upon acceptance, need to attend the New Member Orientation and Informational Meeting as noted in the letter of notification.  Details will be given at that time.