Variety Show

This year’s Variety Show, The 51st annual, Kaleidoscope will be performed February 18th-21st, 2026. We look forward to as many people as possible auditioning for the varied aspects of this show. Following is a list of information and suggestions to aid in structuring a successful audition.

GROUND RULES

Auditionees must be students of Glenbrook South with flexible extracurricular commitments for January and February. All auditions are closed (not open to the public, family, or peers) and no videotaping is allowed in the audition space. Once cast, each act will be scheduled for a combination of after school, evening, school holiday, and weekend rehearsals by their Act Director in order to edit the act for fit within the production. Each cast member must check the rehearsal schedule posted by their Act Director for changes and attend scheduled rehearsals promptly. Further details provided at the first cast meeting on Wednesday, January 15 after Finals.

CREATING A SUCCESSFUL AUDITION

Our job is to cast the most dynamic, entertaining acts from a large pool of talented students. Here’s what you can do to knock our socks off and stand the best chance of getting cast!

• Choose an act related to the theme
• Keep your act short (2 minutes and 30 seconds or less).
• Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! Be performance-ready!
• Examine and prepare all details of your act: costuming, props, music, accompanist, act name, vision, etc.
• Live vocals only - no lip-syncing. Live instrumentation is also preferred; karaoke tracks should also be avoided.
• Groups are wonderful; solo/duet casting is difficult and rare.
• Check material and lyric content; you will be asked to copy and paste your lyrics at the audition. Lyrics must have wide audience appeal and appropriate subject while remaining relevant to the theme.
• Be creative! Show off your talents. Combine various elements…this is a variety show!
• See previous Variety Shows and Behind the Scenes packages at vimeo.com/gbstv for a better understanding of what has been done before and how you can best rehearse your act.
• Be professional! You should be prompt, prepared, and courteous throughout the audition and rehearsal process.
• HAVE FUN!

SINGER/DANCERS

AUDITIONS: Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 3:30-5 p.m. (dancing) and Thursday, December 11, 2025, 3:30-6 p.m. (singing). To be considered for Singer/Dancers, you must participate in both the dancing audition on Wednesday and the singing audition on Thursday. Dance auditions will be held in the Auditorium. Singing auditions will take place in the Choir Room. Choreography will be taught at the dance audition, so please wear appropriate dance attire. More information can be found in the Audition Packet available in the Student Activities Office or Choir Room. Sign up for an audition time at bit.ly/bussd26. 

BACK-UP SINGERS

AUDITIONS: Thursday, December 11, 2025, 3:30-6 p.m.

These auditions will be held in the Choir Room (1404). All Singer/Dancer and Back-up singer candidates must complete this singing audition. Music excerpts must be obtained in the SAO or Choir Room. Auditions will be in groups; you will sing in front of others auditioning in your time slot. Be prepared to stay for your entire time slot. Memorize and perform your music. These excerpts chosen represent SOME of the solos available in the show. Callbacks will be held at a later date for solos. Sign up for an audition time at bit.ly/bussd26. 

COMEDY TROUPE

AUDITIONS: Monday, December 8, 2025 from 3:30-6 p.m. 

CALLBACKS: Wednesday, December 10 from 3:30-6 p.m. 

Auditions will be held in the Drama/Dance Room (1422). Callbacks will be held in the Student Activities Center. Audition materials and information available in the Google Classroom. 5SHVZAX2.

PLUGGED BANDS

AUDITIONS: Wednesday, January 7, 2026, 3:30-5 p.m.
These auditions will be held in the auditorium. Amps, keyboard, piano, drum set, and mics will be provided. We are looking for performance quality, vocal balance, creativity, and varied musical styles. Use the suggestions on the front of this sheet as a guideline. A room for unplugged tuning will be available to each band before their audition time. 

VARIETY ACTS

AUDITIONS: Friday, January 9, 2026, 3:30-10:00 p.m.
These auditions will be held in the auditorium. These include all the true variety acts: humorous or dramatic skits, singing, dancing, videos, magic, juggling, unplugged bands ONLY (see plugged bands above). Piano, audio playback, and mics will be provided for you. Don’t be concerned with fitting into a mold. Use the suggestions on the other side as a guideline. Show your strengths and talents. Sign up for an audition time here:  bit.ly/vshow2026.

VARIETY SHOW PRODUCTION STAFF

The following staff members are working as a team on the show and may be present at your auditions:

Dr. Mark Maranto (Producer), Ms. Marla Lampert (Co-Director; Act Director), Mr. Robby Shellard (Co-Director; Act Director), Mr. Rich Winship (Set/Lighting Designer; Technical Director), Mr. Dan Gregerman (Act Director; Vocal Director), Mrs. Stacia Soeldner (S/D Director), Mr. Brian Boron (Pit Band Director; Act Director), Mr. Joe Karlovsky (Act Director; Comedy Troupe Director),  Ms. Jenna Repkin (Act Director; Freshman Act Director), Ms. Masha Gasyuchenko (Asst. S/D Director), Ms. Rachel Atlas (Act Director), Ms. Julie Benca (Video Director), Mr. Graham Jackson (Sound Designer/Engineer), Mrs. JoEllen Flener (Costumer).

If you have any questions or ideas you would like to discuss, please feel free to contact Mr. Shellard in Fine Arts (rshellard@glenbrook225.org). Remember that any suggestions or recommendations will not assure you a place in the Variety Show, but could help save you hours of rehearsal time. We look forward to seeing you at auditions! Good luck!
 

Tickets can be purchased in the Student Activities Office or at www.cur8.com.