with Ben Bakken- August 13th from 7:00-9:00pm

Actor/Director Ben Bakken has played Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ Superstar at Chanhassen Dinner Theaters as well as playing Zoser in Theatre Latte Da’s production of Aida. Ben will be coming to East Ridge to work with musical students on how to make the most of this particular style of theater voice. Ben, who also directs at Hill Murray High School, will be at the Loft from 7:00pm-9:00pm on August 13th. All students who plan to audition for Aida are invited and should come prepared with audition music in mind. Don’t miss this great opportunity to work with one of the Twin Cities Top Performers!

Students will complete the following steps for auditions during the first week of school:

1. Fill out the audition form and conflict calendar (with parent signature) before auditions.
2. Sign up on the Loft door for a vocal/acting audition during one of the following times:
   • Monday, September 9 at 3:15 pm
   • Tuesday, September 10 at 3:15 pm (reserved for returning upperclassman with ERHS musical experience who have prepared their own vocal piece)
   • Wednesday, September 11 at 3:15pm
3. Sign up for a dance audition for one of the following times:
   • Monday, September 9 at 7:00pm
   • Tuesday, September 10 at 7:00pm
   • Wednesday, September 11 at 7:00pm.
4. Students can prepare a vocal audition piece of their choosing or sing a song from the show that the vocal director will select and teach to the whole group. Audition pieces should have an MP3 or CD accompaniment as there will be no accompanist present for auditions and should consist of 16-32 bars. Students can sing anything from their repertoire but are encouraged to sing something in the style of AIDA. A pop or rock song is fine if it is a well prepared piece. Students are encouraged to sing the staff-selected piece if they have not prepared a song in advance (don’t throw it together last minute).
5. Audition cuttings, including the vocal piece can be found below!

Download Files:
Aida Audition Scene Cuts
Aida Audition Vocal Cutting
Audition Application Form
Technical Application Form

Joe Holdman, Lighting Designer.

I love the way lighting combines technology with visual arts to facilitate storytelling, and that it cannot be done effectively without willing collaboration.  I am flexible and love to help others – so ask questions, I’m happy to answer anything! I also greatly appreciate reliability, hard work, and focus.

Two Truths and a Lie:

a) I have worked as a venue lighting technician for tours of Styx, America, Foreigner, Steve Miller Band, and Cloud Cult.

b) In my spare time I like to escape to the woods with my brother.

c) I have a secret love for 80’s music – the more awful synths, the better.

(b is the lie–I do love camping and other assorted outdoor activities, but I am an only child.)

Brent Comeau, ERHS Band Director & Pit Orchestra Conductor

What do I like best about my job?  Making music, of course!  I love working with students to realize their full potential and create awesome music together.  Professional Broadway musical books include challenging music (to say the least).  We read the same music the professionals do on Broadway!  That said, with some hard work and dedication…we can rule this music and make it our own!

Two Truths and a Lie:

a) I’ve played tuba with the United States “Pershing’s Own” Army Band in Washington, DC.

b) I’ve performed live on stage at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado with The Moody Blues and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

c) I’ve conducted the pit orchestra for Singin’ in the Rain, Suessical, Anything Goes, Honk!, & My Fair Lady.

(b is the lie:  I’ve never seen the Moody Blues, but playing at Red Rocks would be amazing. 🙂 )

Elizabeth Gullick, Vocal Music Director

I love musicals, so I’m very excited to get to be part of one at East Ridge! I am passionate about making sure young singers continue to advance their vocal technique in a healthy way.  I expect students to work hard, and come ready to learn. I also think singing is the most fun thing in the world. 🙂

Two Truths and a Lie:

a) I have lived in 6 states: Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Washington.

b) While on a choir tour in high school, I climbed a mountain in British Columbia with well-known Canadian composer Stephen Hatfield.

c) My first role in a theatrical production was in 6th grade.  I played a penguin, and everything I said started with the letter “P”.

(a is the lie—I have never lived in Wisconsin.)