MAGIC TREE HOUSE: THE KNIGHT AT DAWN KIDS

Registration: November 16th, at 6pm
Auditions: December 2nd, from 4-8pm
Callbacks: December 4th, at 4pm

El Dorado Musical Theatre’s
Production of
MAGIC TREE HOUSE
The Knight at Dawn KIDS

Book by
Jenny Laird
Music and Lyrics by
Randy Courts
Additional Lyrics by
Will Osborne
Based on Magic Tree House #2: The Knight At Dawn by
Mary Pope Osborne

A Overture Production
Featuring performers ages 5 – 12.
This show is Rated G.

Performances
February 4 – 6, 2027
*9:45am & 11:15am School Shows on 2/4 & 2/5
EDMT Performing Arts Center
4949 Windplay Drive, EDH

Director/Vocal Director: Scott Rivers
Choreographer: Kara Nakano
Costume Designer: Karen McConnell
Executive Producer: Zoi Jones

SHOW OVERVIEW
Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn KIDS is an adaptation of the second of Mary Pope Osborne’s award-winning fantasy adventure books from the Magic Tree House book series, which has sold more than 100 million copies and is available in more than 100 countries around the world. This time around, Jack and Annie’s tree house takes them to an age of knights in shining armor, where the two discover the power of hope and the true meaning of gallantry.

The two siblings, Jack and Annie, return to visit the magic tree house. As they read a book about knights and the middle ages, Annie is intrigued by the Black Knight and the mysterious quest one must successfully complete before becoming a knight. When she wishes to visit the castle in the book, the siblings are whisked away to medieval times. They set off to learn more about the Black Knight and his quest, experiencing a grand medieval feast, escaping through secret tunnels and dancing with enchanted suits of armor, all in an effort to find their way back home.

MAGIC TREE HOUSE: THE KNIGHT AT DAWN KIDS
is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com

AUDITION WORKSHOP
This one-day workshop is open to performers between 5-12 years old who have been in two or less EDMT productions. The audition workshop is not mandatory to participate in the production, but it is a great way to prepare for auditions. Cost is $40.

Registration Begins Sunday, November 1st, at 6:00pm. Note: You have to register separately to participate in the show.

Workshop Date/Time: Tuesday, November 24th, from 4:00pm-7:00pm

Participants will learn from EDMT’s Founder and Artistic Director, Debbie Wilson:

Exactly what to expect at the audition.
How to choose audition songs. Participants will receive a Google Drive link of appropriate audition songs that they can use.
How to drill your introduction, what to include, and why your introduction is so important!
Dance steps that are in a traditional EDMT dance audition.
The story and characters in MAGIC TREE HOUSE: THE KNIGHT AT DAWN KIDS, including getting to practice lines from the show.
Plus, everyone will get a chance to do a full practice audition to gain experience.
Performers learn what happens during a callback and how to prepare for a callback.
Parents are encouraged to attend so they can assist their performer in audition preparation. Only 1 parent per performer registered may attend.
Performers wear clean closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes to dance in. If your performer has an audition song they would like to sing, please have them bring in a device ready to play.

The audition workshop takes place at the EDMT Performing Arts Center, located at:
4949 Windplay Drive, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Jack – Jack is a young boy. He is bookish, careful and thoughtful, but he is NOT a nerd! Jack has tremendous curiosity about the world around him and loves to take notes about his observations. Jack tends to be very cautious in new situations, and his adventures in the tree house help him develop his confidence. He has a good (and protective) relationship with his younger sister, Annie, though her more impetuous nature often gets on his nerves. This is a big role and requires a strong singer and actor.

Annie – Jack’s younger sister and, in many ways, his opposite in terms of personality. She is a risk-taker who often follows her heart instead of her head. She sometimes teases Jack about his careful attitude toward life and often encourages him to be more adventurous. She loves animals of any kind and has a very loving heart. Like Jack, this role requires strong singing and acting.

The Jester – A professional entertainer/performer whose job it is to amuse the Duke and his guests, and he or she is the only person allowed to criticize or make fun of the Duke. The Jester opens the show and is responsible for much of the comedy in “The Apple Song,” so consider casting someone who is exuberant, posesses good comedic instints, and relishes the spotlight.

Minstrels – The castle musicians and singers. Their chorus can be as small as a handful of performers or as large as your stage and theatre program can accommodate. The minstrels do not have many spoken lines, so it’s better to cast stronger singers than actors, though you might consider casting at least one experienced student or natural leader so that the rest of the minstrels will have someone to follow.

Black Knight – A mysterious figure who sends Jack and Annie on their quest. In the Duke’s kingdom, the Black Knight is something of a legend and a celebrity. The Black Knight has very little dialogue and only sings a few lines at the beginning and end of the play, but he must be an imposing and charismatic prescence, capable of acting without words.

Red – One of the main Castle Sentries/Guards. Red is the ringleader, a bit of a braggart, and the most ambitious of the three guards. Although his name suggests he has red hair, you can just as easily put a pair of red boots or a red hat on the actor to suggest the origin of his nickname.

Mustache – One of the main Castle Sentries/Guards. Mustache is a tough guy type and most of what he says and does is done in an effort to impress his boss, Red.

Squinty – One of the main Castle Sentries/Guards. Squinty is more childlike than the others, and his guilelessness helps provide much of the comic relief in their scenes.

Commoners – Sharon the Sheep Shearer, Chandler the Candle Maker, Bartley of the Barley Meadow, Cartwright the Cart Builder, and Tom the Tinker. The common members of the kingdom who try to talk their way into the castle feast so that they can catch a glimpse of the Black Knight. (Think: fans trying to get backstage to meet their favorite rock star). The names of the characters were based on traditional medieval surnames that identified a person’s occupation. Feel free to assign additional names to match the number of performers in the cast. Although these children need not be the strongest actors/singers, they should sing well enogh to round out the choral parts throught the show and they should have a foo memory for lines so that their dialogue with the Castle Guards can feel natural, almost overlapping. If these actors are doubling as Suits of Armor or Keepers of the Dungeon, make sure to cast kids who can sing those parts.

Duke – A pompous bully who enjoys being the center of attention and weilding his power. This is a small acting role that requires a strong speaking voice, not necessarily a strong singing voice. This is a good confidence-building role for a shy kid looking to gain some experience without taking on too much responsibility.

Castle Kids – Rikki, Baxter, Yates and the Other Castle Kids are the children of the castle servants. They are spunky and adventurous and highly competetive with one another. Consider casting younger or smaller children so they don’t appear physically threatening to Jack and Annie. The Castle Kids do not need to sing, so these are good roles for kids who are getting involved in theatre for the first time. Yates should be the strongest actor of the bunch as he is the one who stirs the pot and gets all of the other kids riled up.

Suits Of Armor – The Suits are housed in the armory and brought to life by the song “To Be A Knight.” Although specific lines to sing are given, the lines can be divided amongst more children depending upon the size of your cast. The Suits don’t have any spoken dialogue, so look for good singers and condider casting kids who are focused enough to remain physically still for a fair amount of time without breaking character. The Suits tuble like dominoes at the end of the song, so also look for kids who are comfortable enough in their bodies to fllow through on a fairly choreographed fall to the ground. The Suits are not gender-specific.

Keepers Of The Dungeon – The servants of Keenan and Elf who enjoy every moment of their lives in the dungeon. The song, “Welcome to the Dungeon (Part 1)” is written for a minimum of two Keepers, but you can cast as many many kids as your program and stage will accommodate. Feel free to assign names to all of the Keepers. If you need to find more speaking roles for your kids, you will find the Keepers’ dialogue easily divvied up amongst more than two actors. These are fairly substantial speaking and singing roles, and much of the comic tone will rest on the Keepers’ ability to have fun without stealing focus, so consider casting kids who can memorize lines and follow direction but who aren’t the class clowns.

Keenan – Keenan is the head honcho and takes great pride for all things concerning the Duke’s dungeon. This role is not gender-specific, but requires a strong actor/singer and someone who is very comfortable onstage. The success of the dungeon scene largely hinges on Keenan’s ability to sell the delightfully warped worldview of these particular dungeon masters, so consider casing one of your mature, yet playful actors.

Elf – Keenan’s right hand man/woman and another big fan of dungeon life. There is no need to cast a small child for this role – it might even be fun to cast your tallest kid. Cast a performer who is innately interesting and is a strong actor and singer. This is a good role to feature someone who has talent but may not be ready for a larger role just yet. A strange hat or other costume piece might be good for delineating Elf from the other Keepers.

Vagrants – The Youngest Vagrant and the the Oldest Vagrant are prisoners of the dungeon being held for the “crime” of being orphaned. At least two vagrants are needed for the scene, but if you have more actors than you have roles, you can cast as many vagrants as necessary. These kids will have to act without words during the entire “Welcome to the Dungeon (Part 2)” song, so choos kids who can focus. The Vagrant lines can easily be shared with additional Vagrants. If you have to choose, cast the stronger actor as the Youngest Vagrant because he/she hast the largest singing part.

Harry – The Duke’s brother and although he has been in the dungeon for forty-seven years, he has retained his quiet dignity and nobility. This role is gender-specific (a girl playing a boy might add comedy where the play needs to be serious), so consider casting on of your more mature boys who has a natural stage presence

MUSICAL NUMBERS

Prologue
How Far Can You See?
You Must Pass My Test
A Spin Before Dawn
Mustache, Squirty and Red
The Apple Song
To Be A Knight (Part 1)
To Be A Knight (Part 2)
Welcome to the Dungeon (Part 1)
Welcome to the Dungeon (Part 2)
A Light in the Dark
The Legend Begins
You Have Passed My Test (Reprise)
Spinning Into Dawn
How Far Can You See? (Epilogue)

ATTENDANCE POLICY

2 absences for non-mandatory rehearsal dates; including but not limited to vacation, school functions, illness, and family events.
Arriving 30 minutes late or leaving 30 minutes early = one-half absence.
No absences during Mandatory Rehearsals, Tech Rehearsals or Shows (January 25th – February 6th).
If you miss more than 2 absences or miss a mandatory rehearsal, tech rehearsal or show you may be removed from the show.

REGISTRATION
Online registration begins Monday, November 16th, at 6:00pm on this webpage and closes when full or on Sunday, November 29th at 11:59pm whichever comes first. (If the cast is full you may choose to be placed on a waiting list.) Everyone registered will be in the show. Auditions are to determine who will perform specific roles.

No cast requests.
Please review the calendar thoroughly.
Do not register if you will miss more than two rehearsals.
[New to EDMT: Bring a copy of your birth certificate to your audition to verify your age.]

AUDITIONS
Wednesday, December 2nd, from 4:00pm-8:00pm at EDMT Performing Arts Center.

We will send an email after registration with instructions on how to prepare sheet music and submit your digital music for auditions.
Upon arrival to auditions you will be measured for costumes and have a photo taken for the program.
Auditionees will be seated by number in a row of 10 chairs in the audition room. Parents are invited to watch. When your number is called, you will come forward, introduce yourself and your song, and then sing for up to one minute.
Next, 20 auditionees will perform the dance audition for the staff in groups of five. Some groups of auditionees will sing first and dance second, and others will dance first and sing second. The audition dance video will be emailed to all registrants to use to learn and practice the dance for auditions.
Finally, the Artistic Staff will announce the audition numbers of those who are being called back. Those called back will proceed immediately to the “Callback Table” to pick up any songs/scripts needed in preparation for the callback auditions.
Note: The door will be closed during each group’s auditions. No entering or exiting the room during that time.

CALLBACKS
Friday, December 4th, at 4:00pm at EDMT Performing Arts Center. Those called back will be asked to read lines from the script and sing the song(s) they were given at the “Callback Table” at auditions. They should also be prepared to dance if requested.

CAST LIST
The cast list will be posted on the EDMT website on Monday, December 7th at 6:00pm.

PUBLICITY APPEARANCES
Cast members obtaining lead roles are expected to make themselves available for publicity events such as television appearances and newspaper interviews.

Auditions and Rehearsals will take place at EDMT Performing Arts Center, 4949 Windplay Drive, in El Dorado Hills, CA.

COST
$450 Tuition Fee ($400 for each sibling)

Additional expenses may include the purchase of personal items such as shoes, changing garments, or makeup; and those which are completely optional, such as, a cast photo, souvenir mug or ornament, T-shirt, etc…

*All credit card payments will incur a convenience fee. To avoid this fee, in the PAYMENT WINDOW select the PAY LATER option to pay by cash or check in person either before or on audition day.

Note: To be considered for a work scholarship, Click Here to complete a work scholarship application by November 9th, at 6:00pm. If a work scholarship is granted, you will receive an email with all the information needed to register for the show by November 14th at 8:00pm.

CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY
NO refunds of tuition will be made once the cast list is posted on the EDMT website, except in extenuating circumstances such as death in the family, or a medical injury, serious illness or surgery not known about prior to registration.

Registered cast members will receive a full refund of tuition, minus a $75.00 processing fee, if they remove themselves prior to auditions.
Registered cast members will be charged one-half of tuition, in addition to a $75.00 processing fee, if they remove themselves between auditions and the day before cast list is posted.
To request a cancellation prior to the cast list being posted, send an email to edmt@edmt.info. Make sure to include performer’s name, parent’s name and phone number, and reason for canceling.
No refunds of tuition will be given to cast members who remove themselves from the cast after the cast list has been posted.
N0 refunds of tuition will be given to cast members removed from the cast by EDMT staff for behavioral reasons.

Note: Performers and their parents are aware that rehearsals require the performer to have the ability to focus for two hours, with one break.

REHEARSALS

Wednesday, December 9th, is the first rehearsal for the entire cast.
See the weekly newsletter for rehearsal details.
Please review the calendar thoroughly.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

2 absences for non-mandatory rehearsal dates; including but not limited to vacation, school functions, illness, and family events.
Arriving 30 minutes late or leaving 30 minutes early = one-half absence.
No absences during Mandatory Rehearsals, Tech Rehearsals or Shows (January 25th – February 6th).
If you miss more than 2 absences or miss a mandatory rehearsal, tech rehearsal or show you may be removed from the show.

Rehearsals will take place at EDMT Performing Arts Center, 4949 Windplay Drive, in El Dorado Hills, CA.

PARENT MEETINGS
There is a LEAD Parent Meeting on Wednesday, December 9th, from 6:00-6:30pm and an ALL Parent Meeting on Friday, December 11th, from 5:00-5:45pm, where you will receive important information critical to the success of your performer and the production.

VOLUNTEER HOURS
Our volunteers are some of the most important people in our organization. Without our volunteers, our productions would not be possible. Volunteers are needed for rehearsals, poster blitz, set painting, costume and prop support, shows, load-in/load-out, etc.

Each family is required to complete at least 20 volunteer hours for this show.
If your family does not complete 20 volunteer hours, the family will be charged a $440 fee.
Volunteer positions will be available on “SignUp.” A link to this software will be sent in the newsletter.
When volunteering, DO NOT bring other kids. When volunteering for the other cast, DO NOT bring your performer(s).
If you sign-up as a Backstage Dresser, DO NOT send anyone else in your place who did not receive training.

PERFORMER RULES OF CONDUCT

We expect every participant to be courteous, respectful, and responsible while understanding that focus, dedication, and commitment are necessary to achieve the group’s goals.
We expect each participant to be punctual and prepared for rehearsal. Prepared by knowing the material that was covered in the previous rehearsals, and also prepared by being well-groomed and dressed for movement (no jeans) and wearing clean dance footwear or tennis shoes.
We expect that everyone will take good care of the facility; both our rehearsal areas and our performance venues and equipment. That means cleaning up after yourself and taking your belongings home with you at the end of rehearsals/shows. Items left behind will be purged once a month.
There is a zero tolerance policy towards any substance abuse. Violations will result in immediate dismissal and appropriate authorities may be contacted.
We expect each participant to only use their cell phone for EDMT approved business purposes (for example, recording their vocal part, recording a section of difficult choreography). Performers who abuse cell phone privileges will be asked to put their phones away or may have their phones held at the front desk until after the end of rehearsal.
Every EDMT participant should understand that their contributions towards a positive, healthy, and supportive environment are necessary for the group to be successful and to ensure that every El Dorado Musical Theatre production is the best it can be for each and every audience member as well as for each and every performer.

SHOW FAQs

Will siblings be placed together in the same cast? Can we request to be in a cast with a friend?
Siblings will be in the same cast. There are NO CAST REQUESTS for this show.

Can parents observe rehearsals?
No. Only registered performers, rehearsal monitors, and staff members may be on site while rehearsals are in progress.

Can performers watch another cast’s rehearsal?
When only one cast is called to a rehearsal, performers from the other cast may not watch unless invited by the Artistic Director. If a parent is volunteering for the other cast, their performer is not permitted to be at the rehearsal or in the facility unless approved by an EDMT staff member.

How will drop off and pick up work?
All performers should enter EDMT through the front door entrance and arrive no more than 10-15 minutes before their scheduled rehearsal time for check-in. After rehearsal, performers will exit EDMT through the front door. Please arrive on time to pick up your performer(s). Please exit your vehicle and come to the front door to pick up your child.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For any additional questions or information about MAGIC TREE HOUSE: THE KNIGHT AT DAWN KIDS, please contact Executive Producer, Zoi Jones at zoijones@edmt.info, or call the EDMT office at (916) 941-7464.