Paper Mill Auditions Bring out Jersey’s Talented Youth

Hundreds of kids stepped onto the stage Saturday at the Wilkins Theatre at Kean University to audition for  2011 Summer Professional Training Programs. The youngsters were participating in the second of three audition sessions.

The participants, who were between the ages of 10 and 18, were looking to snag a spot in one of Paper Mill’s two programs: the five-week , which begins in June, or the three-week August Musical Theatre Intensive. Youth who end up in the conservatory are grouped into three companies, which include Juniors (ages 10-12), Junior + (12-14) and Seniors (15-18). The grouping is intended to help youngsters focus on material that is appropriate for their skill and age level.

During the Saturday auditions, kids entered the auditorium in groups of 10 or more. Each took to the stage to sing 32 bars of a song from a musical. Their selection was supposed to demonstrate their vocal range, interpretive skills and acting ability. Some audition selections included “Suddenly Seymour” from "Little Shop of Horrors," “Corner of the Sky” from "Pippin," and “If I Were a Bell” from "Guys & Dolls."

For Jonathan, an 11-year-old from Short Hills, the audition process is something he’s slowly getting used to. He has previously participated in the August Intensive program and has performed in "Witches, Britches, Rings & Things" at Paper Mill. He also performed in "Santa’s Holiday Hoedown" as part of Paper Mill’s traveling group.  “When I first get onstage, I’m really nervous,” he said. “But once I’m up there, I’m not really nervous. “

Amaya, who is 11 as well, is also getting used to the auditioning process. A resident of Old Bridge, she learned about the audition from her cousins, who had previously auditioned for the programs. A engaging performer, she has been in productions of "The Wiz" and "Willie Wonka." “At first I was shaking because I was scared,” she said of her audition. “But once I got started I was fine.”

Kara, who lives in Mount Olive, said she has auditioned for Paper Mill before. “I played Annie in a production of "Annie" at Forest Lakes in the past,” said the 11-year-old. “I’m usually nervous when I first get up there but then I’m okay. I really love singing and acting.”

In addition to singing, auditioning kids were also asked to dance. First they were taught a dance combination and then performed them in groups of four. For this portion of the audition, they were judged on potential, skill and their ability to remember the routine. 

So overall, what are the folks at Paper Mill looking for when it comes to finding budding talent? “We’re looking for some demonstrated talent,” said Lisa Cooney, director of education at Paper Mill. “We’re looking for kids who can tell a story through song. Some kids get that and some don’t, so our goal is to find the ones who do.”

Patrick Parker, Paper Mill associate artistic director, echoed her sentiment. “We’re looking for a voice with a certain tone and quality,” he said. “I look for joy and a spark because you can’t really teach that. So I look for that natural ability.”

When the audition process is done, Paper Mill plans to narrow the field down to 100 kids who will participate in the conservatory and 20 who will be a part of the August intensive. Current and past auditioning kids have come from towns like Summit, Westfield, Sayreville, South Jersey and beyond.

At the conclusion of conservatory, the kids from that program will perform in Paper Mill’s annual New Voices Concert. The theme of the 2011 New Voices Concert, which will take place July 29 and 30, is "I'll Take Manhattan.”

Alumni from the Musical Theatre Conservatory include Anne Hathaway, Laura Benanti ("Gypsy," "Into the Woods," "Swing"), Matthew Scott ("Jersey Boys," "Sondheim on Sondheim") and many others. “We’ve got lots of former students who are in Broadway shows,” said Parker. “The great thing about the program is that it not only builds talent but it builds their confidence as well.”

Paper Mill’s summer classes and workshops will be held at Kean University in Union in cooperation with the Department of Theater and Premiere Stages, its resident Equity theatre company.