Upcoming local auditions to join The Wicked Little Voodoo Dolls can be done during open calls, private auditions or through video submissions. Those with any comedic, dance, vocal or other talents are welcomed. 
 Courtesy of Tammy Prosperie

The Wicked Little Voodoo Dolls, a New Orleans-style inspired burlesque group that performs various shows, has begun a new search for prospective members. 

“We have been trying to expand the group for a while now,” said Artistic Director for the WLVD Crystal Schayot. “The vision has always been to incorporate a wide variety of talent into our performances in order to keep the audience intrigued and entertained while keeping it fresh for the members of the group.”

Schayot, who is also known as Crystal Kiss, admitted that positions in the group have opened up due to the relocation of some members. 

“We understand that everyone in the group has at least one other job or form of work outside of the Wicked Little Voodoo Dolls,” said Schayot. “Most have several, and we want to wish those ladies who will be leaving the best of luck and encouragement for their futures. The current members are a wonderful, diverse and multi-talented group of ladies, but it’s time to build on that. We want more talented individuals to take part in this opportunity that we have as performers to build confidence in ourselves as artists and to entertain and even potentially inspire those who watch.”

Prospective members who are accepted into the group will undergo various styles of shows and events that will be held in and around Southeast Louisiana. 

“New members will be surrounded by the support, encouragement and positive reinforcement of all other group members,” said Schayot. “They should also be ready to learn and grow as an artist in whichever form they are striving to be successful in.” 

Although being a talented performer is considered an asset to the group, Schayot looks for members whose top qualities are their passion, attitude and reliability. 

“Positivity, encouragement and togetherness are things we strive to have as part of our image and what makes us the group that we are,” said Schayot. “We always try to push each other to do our best and bring each other up. Our members are scattered across Southeast Louisiana, so reliability is extremely important. In order for rehearsals, shows, photo shoots or any other various events we do as a group to be successful and productive, reliability is the key to making it all work.”

When WLVD was first created in March 2015, Schayot admits that it took a multitude of organization, communication and creativity to form the image and goals of the group. 

“As far as our guidelines and values go, that has stayed very consistent,” said Schayot. “We have stayed very true to who we are and what we stand for despite the many changes the group has undergone since its creation.” 

Schayot has recently noticed what she considers a growing connectivity among new and old members. 

“The glue that has kept certain members together and the bonds we have created are what have kept the group motivated and heading in the right direction,” said Schayot. “We act and treat each other like a family in the best possible way. Everyone is now even more motivated and driven to accomplish goals that they have set for themselves and to be successful artists.”

With the addition of more members, the possibility to do more shows and events are available. 

“The goal is to be able to perform more frequently in different cities, including non-local locations,” said Schayot. “In fact, we recently accepted a performance opportunity that was presented to us that will be more of a contemporary-styled piece to be created about the flooding that occurred back in August. The more variety we can incorporate into the group, the more options we have and the more opportunities we can say yes to just like this one.”

With the addition of talent, WLVD has decided to add more official merchandise including T-shirts, hats, costumes, paintings, voodoo dolls, key chains and jewelry. 

“As stated, most of our members are multi-talented and some are even pretty crafty,” said Schayot. “We will have everything available at our shows and events and will be available for online order as well.” 

WLVD will be hosting an open audition on Friday, Mar.17 at 2 p.m. at Dimensions in Dance in Denham Springs, Louisiana. Dancers, singers, actresses, musicians, comedians, visual artists and performers with other variety talents are welcomed. 

Private auditions will be available for those that cannot make the open auditions, but must be done with prior approval of Schayot in order to determine availability.

For those who cannot audition in person, a video or online audition option is also available. General information and availability must be included, as well as a current headshot and full body shot. Two videos of talent must be submitted. If the talent is dance, two different styles must be submitted and may be choreographed. The styles are improvisation and freestyle. 

Prospective members should arrive in appropriate and comfortable dance clothes and multiple types of dance shoes including heels, jazz shoes, character shoes, taps, pointe shoes and sneakers. They should also bring water, a current headshot and a resume, and be prepared to perform. 

“Be prepared to show a piece of choreography or improvisation/freestyle, or to show your specific talent if not dance,” said Schayot. “You may also learn a short combo.”

Contact the group by using their email at [email protected], through Facebook messenger at www.facebook.com/WLVDnola or by contacting Schayot at 985-502-5950.