FAQ’s
Greetings! We’re super happy you found us :)

Audition Guidelines:

·      Performers must be at least 9 years old. (bonus points for multi-generational acts)

·      Your act may not exceed 3 minutes.

·      No solo acts.

·      Please bring a 1-2 minute sample of a song, juggling, drag, stand-up, bird call, step routine, poetry, yodeling, acoustic/instrument playing, clogging, magic, opera, ribbon dance, tap dance, comedy improv, jazz trio, bird act, dramatic skit, balancing bit, or any other “talent" deemed entertaining. 

·      No drum kits or amps, nothing that needs to be plugged in--acoustic instruments only.

·      No spiders and/or snakes. (no joke)

·      Maplewood, South Orange, and surrounding residents are welcome.

How do we audition for The Follies?

First, read the guidelines above, slowly. Then, just show up to The Woodland (60 Woodland Rd., Maplewood) on Wednesday, October 9th between 6pm – 8pm. You’ll be asked to sign in, fill out a form, and receive a number. Then you’ll all wait, just like a professional casting call. Bring a snack. Welcome to showbiz. You can also send us a video submission Wednesday, October 9 through Wednesday, October 16 by sending a 1-3 minute video of your act to mapsofollies@gmail.com.

How serious are you about the above guidelines?

Very.

What if someone in our act is under 18 years of age?

Come on down to audition. If you make the lineup for the show, you’ll be asked for parent/guardian permission.

What should we bring to the audition?

Your winning personality plus a 1-2 min sample of your act, or all 3 minutes (if you’ve got it together and if we have time). Bring any props you’ll need. Nothing that needs to be plugged in, please. The show will have to move quickly, so set up times between acts will be brief.

How will auditions work?

You’ll be welcomed downstairs at The Woodland (60 Woodland Rd. Maplewood). Then, when your number is called, your act will be brought upstairs to the audition room where a panel of 3 judges (and two show producers) will welcome you again and ask to see your act. Your act will be timed to make sure it’s under 3 minutes, and video recorded to help jog our memories and for promotional purposes later.

May we bring our moms, besties, instructors, etc. into the audition with us?

Sorry. You may not bring non-performers into the audition room. But you’ll be reunited in just a few minutes. (Acts where all performers are under 12 years old may be chaperoned by one adult.)

Who can audition for The Follies?

Anyone 9 years or older, residing in Maplewood, South Orange, or surrounding New Jersey communities. The judges will be especially enthusiastic to see multi-generational acts.

Whose idea was the show?

Lara Tomlin’s

Who’s producing the show?

Tori Chickering and Sybil Rodgers

Who the heck are they?

In addition to producing, directing, and emceeing last year’s fabulous FOLLIES, Tori is a long-time producer of film, television, and live shows/events. She’s either performed, directed & choreographed, written for, produced and/or emceed (or a combination thereof) a family follies show—much like this one—for over fifty-years. She’s also produced and performed shows for her band, Tori Erstwhile & The Montys, serving catchy and witty, original cabaret music.

Sybil Rodgers, a 20-year Maplewood resident and arts devotee, was thrilled to be asked back to join the crew again as co-producer and stage manager for the MAPSO Family Follies. She will be using her brand agency creative operations and design team management chops to help bring the show to life. Nurturing creative dreams is her passion, along with walking her loving dog throughout Maplewood.

Who’s putting it on?

Zakiyyah Williams, manger of Maplewood’s Division of Arts & Culture and Stacey Ross-Trevor, the event coordinator. If you’d like to volunteer or be part of the crew, please contact Tori Chickering: tori.oconnell@gmail.com

Who did the poster?

This year’s poster design is by Craig Stout, veteran creative director, graphic designer, and local Maplewoodian. Next year, it could be your turn! 

How do we find out if our act is in the show?

Don’t call us. We’ll call you. We will reach out via email by Friday, October 18th, once all video submissions have been considered. If you selected, please respond with confirmation that you’re available for both the show, Thursday, November 21st @ 7:30pm, and at dress/tech rehearsal the evening before, Wednesday, November 20th @ 6pm.

What happens next?

Practice amongst yourselves. Be fully prepared for a dress rehearsal/tech runthrough on Wednesday, November 20th @ 6pm – 9pm. The show is Thursday, November 21st @ 7:30pm. You will be asked to check in with the producer by 6:30pm.

How can we help get the word out?

Talk it up with your friends. Post about it on social media. Get on the TikTok machine. We’ll need your help getting butts in seats.

What if our act can’t participate in the show due to health/COVID, family crisis, scheduling issues, etc.?

Please contact Tori Chickering at tori.oconnell@gmail.com the moment you know your act can’t participate so that we can reach out to other acts to take your place. Do not delay in letting us know.

How will we know the show’s running order of acts?

We’ll email everyone the day of the show.  

Will there be a program or T-shirts?

Yes. And, no. Hopefully someday :)

Will there be a winner?

Nope. It’s not a contest, so relax and have fun!

How much are tickets to the show?

$5.00 (five bucks)

How can I buy tickets?

A link will go live in the coming days. Stay tuned!

What if you’re sold out?

We’ll release a bunch at the door the night of the show.

How long do you expect the show to last?

No longer than 90 minutes, tops.

What if we want to bring little babies and small, hungry/tired children?

You do you. Having said that, if your child is melting down, it would be incredibly courteous to the performers and audience members alike if you would consider taking your little one(s) outside, a few paces away from the venue to ride it out. Yes, you may miss some of the show. Additionally, there are always babysitters.  

How do we volunteer to help out?

If you’d like to volunteer or be part of the crew, please contact Tori Chickering: tori.oconnell@gmail.com. Keep in mind, there are fun jobs and thankless jobs. We’ll be especially grateful if you’re willing to be useful in any way needed. And as always, you can help us out by talking it up with your friends. Posting about it on social media. And getting on the TikTok machine. We’re forever grateful :)

REMEMBER, we think you’re incredibly brave for auditioning and are super-impressed you got out there and tried. We hope you won’t take it personally if your act doesn’t make it in the show this year because there’s always next year and life’s too short, and, also--life is long.