Written by Abby Kellett
Harding’s Pied Pipers, the children’s improvisational theatre group founded by Dottie Frye, only has three of its 10 members returning from last year. While 38 students auditioned for openings in the group Tuesday, September 3, cuts have already been made.
“We take an 11-passenger van when we travel, so based on that the group is usually around 10 people, plus me,” Dottie Frye said. “I’ve had six girls and four boys, five and five, and there’s even been years we’ve only had eight or nine. It really just depends on the year and who comes out for the auditions.”
After the first night of auditions, a list of callbacks is posted. Those on the list must then have a one-on-one interview with Frye.
“The purpose of the interviews is really so the people trying out have a chance to talk to me if they have questions or concerns,” Frye said. “Sometimes people try out, and they don’t even really know what Pipers is.”
Derek Tucker, a former member of the Pied Pipers, was not familiar with the Pied Pipers and their performances when he tried out, but he decided to try out anyway.
“I had never watched a Piper show, but I knew I got to be with kids, and Dottie was the director,” Tucker said. “That was enough for me.”
While the interviews provide an opportunity for those who made the first cut to talk to Frye, it is not the only reason she conducts them.
“The interview gives them a chance to look over the schedule for the year, get a feel for what we’re about, and they’re also so I can kind of get a sense of who this person is,” Frye said.
The Pied Pipers perform about 60 shows for approximately 20,000 children each year in elementary schools, preschools, children’s hospitals, abuse shelters and libraries.
With the possibility of as many as seven new members in the group comes the possibility for a completely different style of Pipers this year.
“With the exception of three, it’s going to be a whole new group,” Tucker said. “It’s going to be completely fresh, and there’s going to be a lot of new ideas flowing.”
The Pied Pipers wear brightly colored jumpsuits and perform a blend of fairy and folk tales, nursery rhymes, poems, games and songs. Each performance is designed for the age and number of children attending.
Personal participation is an important part of each performance, and imagination is key. The Pied Pipers do not use props. Instead the members become whatever item is needed to make the improvisation a success.
“The best part of being in Pipers … are the kids,” Tucker said. “You just get to
meet so many kids. It doesn’t matter whether they’re socially acceptable or they have a bad home life because they still love you, and they still smile.”
The final callbacks were Saturday and new Pipers were informed that night. A list was posted in the Reynolds Building soon after auditions ended. The 2009-2010 Pied Pipers are Seth Bowden, Megan Leonard, Kaycee Thornton, Tyler Perring, Megan West, Michael Brooker, Mary McBride, Caleb Rummel, Aaron Tucker and Amber Williams.
The new group of Pipers have a retreat September 18-20 dedicated to introducing the variety of aspects involved in the performances, characterization and memorization.
“I’m looking forward to the new enthusiasm and growth that comes with the new group,” Frye said. “I hope the fresh faces help me to learn how to play again and explore my imagination.”
