What Is Once Upon a One More Time?
Once Upon a One More Time is a jukebox musical that uses the iconic pop music of Britney Spears as its soundtrack. The show reimagines classic fairy tale characters, Cinderella, Snow White, Little Mermaid, and others, as they discover a feminist manifesto that challenges the "happily ever after" narratives they have been living. With a book by Jon Hartmere and a catalog of hits including "...Baby One More Time," "Oops!... I Did It Again," "Toxic," "Lucky," and "Stronger," the musical blends humor, heart, and high-energy pop performances into a celebration of female empowerment and self-discovery.
The high school edition of the show has been adapted to be appropriate for student performers, with modifications to content and staging that make it suitable for school productions while retaining the energy and message of the original. For high school theater programs, Once Upon a One More Time offers a rare opportunity to perform a contemporary musical with instantly recognizable music, relevant themes, and roles that showcase a wide range of talents.
Understanding the High School Edition
The high school edition of Once Upon a One More Time is licensed through theatrical licensing companies that specialize in making Broadway and Off-Broadway shows available for school and community theater productions. The high school edition typically includes modifications to the script, orchestrations, and staging that make the show accessible for student performers without diluting its impact or message.
These modifications may include simplified choreography, adjusted vocal arrangements that accommodate developing voices, and the removal or modification of any content that may not be appropriate for a high school setting. The result is a show that retains the fun, energy, and feminist message of the original while being tailored to the capabilities and constraints of a high school theater program.
Before auditioning, it is important to familiarize yourself with both the original Broadway production and the specific high school edition. Watch clips of the Broadway show if available, listen to the soundtrack, and read any available plot summaries or reviews. This background knowledge will help you understand the tone and style of the show and prepare more effectively for your audition.
Character Breakdowns for Auditions
Understanding the characters in Once Upon a One More Time is essential for choosing the right role to audition for and preparing an audition that showcases your fit for that character. The show features a diverse ensemble of fairy tale princesses and supporting characters, each with their own personality, vocal range, and dramatic arc.
Cinderella is the central character, a fairy tale princess who begins to question the narrative she has been given and leads the charge for change. She requires a strong singer with a belt voice, excellent comedic timing, and the ability to convey both vulnerability and strength. The role demands a performer who can anchor the show emotionally while delivering high-energy pop vocals.
Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Rapunzel, and other princesses make up the ensemble of fairy tale characters who join Cinderella on her journey of self-discovery. Each of these roles offers opportunities for comedic performance and vocal showcases, and they require performers who can work as part of an ensemble while bringing individuality to their characters.
The Prince is a supporting role that often provides comic relief, representing the traditional love interest who must adapt to the princesses' evolving expectations. This role requires a performer with strong comedic skills and the ability to play a character who is both charming and amusingly clueless.
Additional roles may include a narrator, fairy godmother, and various ensemble members who play multiple parts throughout the show. These roles are important for maintaining the energy and cohesion of the production, and they offer valuable performance experience for students at all skill levels.
Preparing for Your Audition
Preparation is the key to a successful audition. Start by selecting an audition song that showcases your vocal abilities and is appropriate for the style of the show. Since Once Upon a One More Time features pop music, choosing an upbeat pop song that highlights your range and energy is a smart choice. If the audition notice specifies particular songs or a list to choose from, follow those instructions carefully.
When preparing your song, focus on more than just hitting the right notes. Think about the character you are auditioning for and how you can convey their personality through your performance. Use facial expressions, gestures, and movement to bring the song to life, showing the audition panel that you are not just a singer but a performer who can inhabit a character and tell a story through music.
In addition to your audition song, you may be asked to prepare a monologue or cold read from the script. Choose a monologue that demonstrates your range as an actor, whether comedic or dramatic, and practice it until it feels natural and spontaneous. If you are doing a cold read, focus on making bold choices and committing fully to the material, even if you have not had time to memorize it.
Dance may also be a component of the audition, as Once Upon a One More Time includes choreography that ranges from simple ensemble movement to more complex dance numbers. If you are not a strong dancer, do not let this discourage you. Audition choreography is often taught on the spot, and what the creative team is looking for is enthusiasm, the ability to learn quickly, and the willingness to commit fully to the movement.
Audition Day Tips
On the day of the audition, arrive early, warmed up, and ready to perform. Warm up your voice and body before you arrive, so that you are ready to sing and move at your best from the moment you walk into the audition room. Bring all required materials, including your sheet music in the correct key, your headshot and resume if requested, and a completed audition form.
Dress in a way that suggests the character you are auditioning for without wearing a full costume. Simple, polished clothing in colors and styles that evoke the character's personality can help the audition panel visualize you in the role. Avoid wearing anything that restricts your movement or distracts from your performance.
When you enter the audition room, greet the panel with a confident smile and introduce yourself clearly. State your name, the role you are auditioning for, and the song you will be performing. Take a moment to center yourself before you begin, and then commit fully to your performance. Make eye contact with the panel or with an imaginary scene partner, and fill the space with your energy and presence.
After your performance, thank the panel and exit the room with the same confidence and poise with which you entered. Resist the urge to apologize for any mistakes or to ask for feedback; simply express your gratitude and move on. The audition panel has seen many performers and understands that nerves can affect anyone. What they remember is the energy, commitment, and personality you brought to the room.
Song Selections for Auditions
If the audition allows you to choose your own song, select one that aligns with the pop style of the show and showcases your strengths. Britney Spears songs are an obvious choice, but be aware that many other auditioners may make the same selection. Consider choosing a pop song by a different artist that demonstrates a similar vocal style and energy. Songs by artists like Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, or Pink can work well for female-identifying performers, while songs by artists like Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, or Adam Levine can work for male-identifying performers.
Whatever song you choose, make sure it is within your comfortable vocal range and allows you to demonstrate both your technical ability and your performance energy. A well-performed song that is slightly less vocally demanding will always make a stronger impression than a technically ambitious song that you struggle to execute. Quality of performance trumps difficulty of material every time.
What Directors Are Looking For
Understanding what the creative team is looking for can help you tailor your audition for maximum impact. Directors of Once Upon a One More Time are typically looking for performers who bring energy, personality, and a sense of fun to their auditions. This is a show that celebrates joy, empowerment, and the courage to challenge the status quo, and the creative team wants performers who embody those values.
Vocal ability is important, but it is not the only factor. Directors also look for performers who can act, who can connect with an audience, and who can work collaboratively as part of an ensemble. The ability to take direction, to make bold choices, and to bring a unique perspective to a character are all qualities that set strong auditioners apart from the crowd.
Perhaps most importantly, directors are looking for authenticity. They want to see the real you, your personality, your passion, and your commitment to the craft of theater. Do not try to be someone you are not or to imitate another performer. The most compelling auditions are those in which the performer's genuine personality shines through, creating a connection with the panel that no amount of technical perfection can replicate.
Conclusion
Auditioning for the high school edition of Once Upon a One More Time is an exciting opportunity to be part of a contemporary musical that celebrates empowerment, creativity, and the joy of performance. By preparing thoroughly, choosing the right audition material, and bringing your authentic self to the audition room, you give yourself the best possible chance of landing the role you want. Remember that every audition is a learning experience, and that the courage to put yourself out there is an achievement in itself. Break a leg, and may your fairy tale begin on stage.
