Musical Theatre West
AUDITION DATE
Sat, Nov 09, 2019
10:00 am - 6:00 pm (PST)
Lunch: 1:00PM - 2:00PM
APPOINTMENTS
EPA rules in effect. In-person sign-up begins at 9:00AM on 11/9/19.
CONTRACT
COST Minimum - $783/wk
SEEKING
Seeking triple threat performers for Musical Theatre West's final three shows of the 19-20 season, RAGTIME, MAME, and TREASURE ISLAND. All roles are of any ethnicity unless specifically noted in character breakdown. We are very interested in seeing people of color for all Principal & Chorus roles.
PREPARATION
If auditioning for Ragtime, please sing from the callback material available at musical.org Auditions tab. Please bringother audition material, as you may be asked to sing a different short selection. If auditioning for Mame or Treasure Island, please prepare a short cut in the style of the show.
LOCATION
Musical Theatre West Rehearsal Hall
4350 East 7th Street
Long Beach, CA 90804
PERSONNEL
See breakdown.
OTHER DATES
See breakdown.
OTHER
Ragtime callbacks will take place on Monday, November 11th (please be prepared to move).
www.musical.org
EPA Procedures are in effect for audition.
An Equity monitor will be provided.
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
BREAKDOWN
RAGTIME
Book by Terrence McNally Music by Stephen Flaherty Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Directed & Choreographed by Paul David Bryant
Musically Directed by Brian Kennedy
First AEA rehearsal: Thursday, January 23rd, 2020
Preview: February 7th, 2020
Opening: February 8th, 2020
Closing: February 23rd, 2020
Booker T. Washington (mid to late 40’s Baritone) one of the story’s historical figures comes to life. In the show Washington strives to embody and provide the voice of restrain and wisdom for his people in the face the injustices and unimaginably trying circumstance they face. In speech and demeanor, his character very much mirrors that of Coalhouse. He is an outstanding orator and speech giver as a means of swaying the direction of his people should take on the struggle for racial justice and equality. He must speak with conviction and authority.
Coalhouse (mid to late 30’s powerful rich baritone with STRONG high notes Low Ab to high A) Although this story is told the chance interactions of a number of historical figures and fictional character at the turn of the century, Coalhouse is truly the driving engine behind it all. Similar to Booker T. Washington, he must convey strength, polished, and intelligence. However, internally, he also reflects the unbridled rage experienced by a vast number of African Americas at the hands of an unjust society that was America in this era. The actor that who seeks to fill this role MUST exhibit polish charisma, intelligence, and strength. Coalhouse is a very intricately written character. While many may not condone his actions, most would certainly concede the challenges he faces.
Emma Goldman (mid to upper 30’s to low 40s, Alto) Goldman must be played as a tremendously passionate human being. She must speak with vigorous enthusiasm and influence that would command masses to take action, even in the fact of jeopardizing their very livelihoods and lives alike. A staunch anarchist, Goldman’s verbalized political zeal must be palpable in audition. She is NOT for the weal or tame of heart. Please show a commanding presence, ladies!
Evelyn Nesbit (18-25 years old, Mezzo-Soprano) She is the iconic sex symbol in America during the time in which our story takes place. She is gorgeous, bombshell young actress and model period, very one dimensional. Evelyn is a remarkably sharp young woman. She may project the outward appearance of a childish, mindless beauty, but there is a truth about her personality that is very important to be seen in small doses. The actress must suggest the full allure and vibrato of this character.
Father (30-45 years old, baritone with good high notes, Low A to high F) His sense of nostalgia and connection for the past prevents him from adapting to the realities of a world that no longer exists. He can be played as a staunched conservative, sympathetic, albeit somewhat short-sighted person, who simply doesn’t understand the modern in which he lives in.
Harry Houdini (20’s to mid-30, Baritone) a magician who gains worldwide notoriety for his feats as an escapist. He embodies the story of an immigrant’s success in America. He also reflects the rise of the fame and celebrity status that was newly emerging in this era due to vastly improved communication.
J.P. Morgan (60-65, baritone) A shrew financier, pompous and oblivious to the plight of the common man. He wreaks of status and wealth. Little Boy (7-10 Tenor) he is inquisitive about everything. He is intelligent, has sharp diction, and is very creative and somewhat clairvoyant. Not a know it all. He just has this gift of knowing.
Little Girl (8-12 Soprano): Tateh’s daughter a young east European immigrant. She is reserved and quiet, but not necessarily because she is shy. She is intelligent and is raised by her father to be a cautious She is intelligent and is raised by her father to be a cautious participant in a world of struggles. Her dead pan delivery of a few lines that provide some wonderful laughs must be played stone faced.
Mother (25-35 Soprano with a very strong belt) must be consistent vocally) She is a remarkable character. She very much represents the rapidly changing ideals and culture norms at play within the country at this time. She both witnesses and is equally changed by the times in which she lives Mother is a reserved woman, and is the epitome of elegance and social conditioning. She displays warmth, kindness and grace.
Sarah (18-25 Alto) must be an amazing woman. Her death gives rise to the transformation in Coalhouse that leads to devastation effect. She is uniquely strong-willed for her age and race in this time period. Although the exact circumstances of Coalhouse’s mistreatment of her remain and mystery, we are able to piece together the narrative. In the brief period of their reunion and her death, they display an amazingly deep, rare, and passionate sense of connection. She is young, passionately idealistic, naïve and beautiful. This character must come alive.
Willie Conklin (25-40 tenor) Willie, Willie, Willie, A very colorful guy. He is the spark that ignites Coalhouse’s mini revolution. He is the epitome of racial intolerance. His lack of intelligence and utterly palpable displays of racial superiority echo the deep divisions that existed between various races, creeds and ethnicities within the country both at the time of the show and now days.
Younger Brother (20-30 baritone) Younger brother is a bit of a lost spirit. He is quite intelligent, very idealistic, and very gifted in his trade, but he lacks direction and focus. We see him in two phase in the show. First we see him in his Evelyn Nesbit Infatuation phase. Then we see him in his quest for social justice. Younger brother, makes a huge arc with his character, and we must see this.
Ensemble roles: Sarah’s Friend (F) Conductor (M) Policeman (M) Charles S. Whitman (M) Admiral Perry (M) Houdini’s Mother (F) Coalhouse Followers 1, 2, 3, 4 Harlem Women 1, 2,3, New Rochelle Ensemble (5 female 6 Male) Immigrants Ensemble (4 Male 5 Female)
MAME
Book by Jerome Lawrence & Robert E. Lee Music & Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Directed by Larry Raben
Choreographed by Peggy Hickey
Musically Directed by Ryan O’Connell
First AEA rehearsal: Thursday, March 12th, 2020
Preview: March 27th, 2020
Opening: March 28th, 2020
Closing: April 12th, 2020
Mame Dennis (Female, 40-60, alto) A woman of the world, free-thinker, charismatic, lover of life.
Vera Charles (Female, 40-60, alto) A woman of the stage, free-drinker, lover of fun and hooch, Mame’s bestie.
Agnes Gooch (Female, 30-40, mezzo) A cloistered woman and nanny of Patrick; will live with a little help and Mame’s influence.
Young Patrick Dennis, Age 10 (Male, 10-15, boy soprano) will play Peter in Act Two; orphaned ward of Mame; her heartthrob, her raison d’être; he changes her life, and she enriches his.
Patrick Dennis (Male, 19-29, baritone) will double in Ensemble in Act One; Patrick grown and changed by a conservative world.
Ito (Male, 35-55, baritone) Through thick and thin, riches and rags, loyal house servant to Mame; Asian-American.
Dwight Babcock (Male, 45-60) will double with Uncle Jeff; appointed conservator of young Patrick; tries to protect him from Mame's influence.
M. Lindsay Woolsey (Male, 40-50) Confidante of Mame, possible romantic interest, but more a close friend.
Beauregard J.P. Burnside (Male, 45-55, baritone) will double with Bishop; handsome, hale, hearty, jovial, and life-affirming romantic alliance with Mame.
Mother Burnside (Female, 60+) character female to play 70, alto; Southern mint juleps and brash.
Sally Cato (Female, 25-40, mezzo) Southern kin of Beau and his onetime intended. All Ethnicities
Mrs. Upson (Female, 40-50) Uptight, upstate, New Yorker; blue blood and careful to maintain it.
Mr. Upson (Male, 40-50) Uptight, upstate, New Yorker; blue blood and careful to maintain it.
Singer/Dancer/Actors (All Genders, 20-60) Ensemble; all vocal ranges. Other roles to be cast from Ensemble include Cousin Fan (Female, 35-45, soprano); Uncle Jeff (Male, 40-60, baritone); Junior Babcock (Male, 19-21); Gloria Upson (Female, 20-30); Pegeen Ryan (Female, 25-30); Ralph Devine; Bishop (will double with Beau); Dance Teacher (45–50; will double with Madame Branislowski, others); Madame Branislowski (will double with Dance Teacher, other roles); Gregor (will double for Junior Babcock); Peter Dennis (10-15, will double for Patrick, Act One); Leading Man; Stage Manager; Doorman; Elevator Boy; Messenger; and Art Model.
TREASURE ISLAND
Book & Lyrics by Marc Robin & Curt Dale Clark Music by Marc Robin
Directed & Choreographed by Marc Robin
Musically Directed by Ryan O’Connell
First AEA rehearsal: Thursday, June 25th, 2020
Preview: July 10th, 2020
Opening: July 11th, 2020
Closing: July 26th, 2020
Jim Hawkins (tenor) The hero of the story. Boundless energy. A boy of 15. Small and full spirited. Eager and waiting for adventure. Comes of age throughout the play. Light English dialect.
Dr. David Livesay (baritone) Ship’s doctor. An arbitrator who is fair, intelligent and well-organized. Early 40’s. Well-educated and acts as guardian for Jim Hawkins. A foil to the Squire. British dialect.
Squire Trelawney (baritone) A lovable, befuddled, nervous, older gentlemen whose heart is always in the right place even if his faculties are otherwise. Late 50’s. Proper British dialect.
Pew / Israel Hands / Ben Gunn (baritone) To play Pew - evil, ancient looking man doubled over using a walking stick, blind in sight only. Light Cockney dialect. Hands - A creepy, sexy, evil pirate. Late 20’s. Gunn - A crazy man, marooned on the island for seven years. Speaks very quickly, makes odd noises.
Billy Bones / Job Anderson (bass, African-American, late 30’s) Ragged scarred; gruff, pompous; loud. A shell of he man he used to be , thanks to a life of drinking. Thick Cockney dialect.
Abraham Gray (tenor, 20’s) A good-hearted lad. Naive. Fresh and very eager. High moral fiber. Proper British dialect.
Long John Silver (baritone) Ship’s cook. Mid 40s. A dynamic character who is challenged by having only one leg. Throughout the story he possesses the capability of extreme kindness, humor and nurturing as well as brutality and cruelness. Thick cockney dialect.
George Merry (tenor) A funny, character type, pirate. Late 30s. Gullible, affable and not completely with it all the time. A bit of a mama’s boy. the comic relief amongst pirates. A gravedigger. Cockney dialect.
Tom Morgan (baritone, late 30s) A very bad man. Largest, roughest and toughest of the pirates. By far the meanest. Specializes in crushing things with his hands. Would kill his own mother for a profit.
Captain Smollett (bass/baritone) The commander of the Hispaniola. 50s. Strong, assertive and unflinching. Calm in the face of danger, very well educated. Man of high standards. British dialect.
Ensemble (tall men, 20s-50s) To play… Priest; Redruth; Mr. Joyce; Mr. O’Brien; Mr. Alan’ Bonet’; Mr. Ingrahm; Mr. Hunter; Mr. Arrow; Mr. Johnson; Mr. Mitchell; Akir; Mr. Davis
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to audition.
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