ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Army News Service, Dec. 3, 2008) -- Dec. 31 is the deadline to apply for an audition to join the cast and crew of the 2009 U.S. Army Soldier Show.
Army Entertainment Division needs vocalists, dancers, musicians, technicians and specialty acts for the song-and-dance extravaganza that provides "entertainment for the Soldier, by the Soldier."
Vocalists must submit a DVD or video cassette that exhibits musical styles, vocal range and special talents emphasizing musical variety. A suggested format features a spoken introduction, a minimum of two songs of contrasting styles, and a segment devoted to additional talents, such as dance or instrumental ability. Musicians must also submit an audio CD.
Dancers must submit a DVD or video cassette that exhibits different styles of dance. A spoken introduction, followed by at least two performance numbers illustrating various techniques, is required. Both solo and partner-accompanied dances are acceptable. Be sure to include additional talents, particularly vocals.
Vocalists who play musical instruments are ideal candidates for the Soldier Show, which will consider instrumentalists who can sing. Such candidates are not required to have musician as their military occupational specialty, but they should be proficient in reading basic lead sheets or chord charts. Musicians' audition videos must include a recording of a solo performance, which can be supplemented by a recording with an ensemble or band.
Singing ability is desired but not required, and additional talents will be evaluated in conjunction with proficiency on the primary instrument, including singing, playing of multiple instruments and dancing - which should be revealed in the video.
The Army Entertainment Division's panel of judges will select Soldier-musicians for live auditions based on the videos and application packets.
Technicians are needed for audio, video, lighting, costuming and stage technology. Performers and technicians with experience in theatre leadership, team building, and mechanical or electrical aptitude also will be considered for positions such as stage manager. They must be available from February 1 through November 30.
Technicians must submit a resume that illustrates experience in sound, lighting, construction, carpentry or stage management. Photographs of past work are encouraged. Performers should also list their technical experience, if applicable.
Drivers also are needed to help keep the U.S. Army Soldier Show on the road. Freightliner trucks and a commercial bus are used to transport the cast, crew and equipment around the country. Active duty, Reserve and National Guard Soldiers with a valid Class A driver's license are preferred, but applicants with any valid driver's license are eligible for training.
Application instructions and a letter of release sample are available on the Internet at ArmyMWR.com by clicking on Recreation & Leisure, Entertainment, and then U.S. Army Soldier Show.
If sending your nomination via the U.S. Postal Service, mail your packet to: United States Army Soldier Show, Attn: 2009 Selection Committee, P.O. Box 439, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060. Via other carriers: United States Army Soldier Show, Attn: 2009 Selection Committee, 6091 Sharon Lane, Bldg. 1434, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060.
All nominees must have a minimum of 90 days time in service remaining after completion of the tour in November 2009, and be deployable worldwide. Soldiers selected for the 2009 U.S. Army Soldier Show must have a change of duty or change of rater evaluation report completed prior to leaving their units.
Review of video auditions and technicians is scheduled for mid-January and finalists will be notified through their respective regional headquarters by the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command's U.S. Army Entertainment Division by Jan. 23. Temporary duty orders will be issued and costs paid by FMWRC for Soldiers to travel to Fort Belvoir for final auditions.
Those selected for the show will be attached to FMWRC through November 30, and the others will return to their units.
For artistic and technical inquiries, contact Tim Higdon at (703) 806-3698, DSN 656-3698 or timothy.b.higdon@us.army.mil. For military information, contact 1st Sgt. Cynthia Moody at (703) 806-4937 or DSN 656-4937.
(Tim Hipps writes for FMWRC Public Affairs)
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