THE EMPEROR'S NIGHTINGALE - Pasadena EPA
City of Rancho Cucamonga/Main Street Theatre Company
AUDITION DATE
Thu, Feb 07, 2019
10:00 am - 6:00 pm (PST)
Lunch: 1:30PM - 2:30PM
APPOINTMENTS
EPA rules in effect. In-person sign up begins at 9:00AM on 2/7/19.
CONTRACT
TYA Minimum - $512.25/wk
SEEKING
Looking for a cast of 6 versatile actors for the West Coast premiere of an adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen story, written by Damon Chua and directed by Tim Dang. The story is set in China in 1723, but MainStreet’s production will also include contemporary elements, including hip-hop and rap.
PREPARATION
Please prepare an appropriate short monologue (no more than one minute) that shows your vocal versatility in handling language (prose, verse, rap etc.) and characters. Most people cast will be playing multiple roles. Be prepared to improvise characters possibly sing a capella.
LOCATION
Boston Court Pasadena
70 N Mentor Ave
Pasadena, CA 91106-1745
Parking in Boston Court lot or on the street.
PERSONNEL
Author: Damon Chua
Producer: Mireya (Murry) Hepner
Director: Tim Dang
Choreographer: Tom Tsai
Original Music: Howard Ho
OTHER DATES
1st rehearsal: April 9, 2019
1st Performance: April 29, 2019
Final Performance: May 19, 2019
Callbacks will be held on Monday, February 25, in Rancho Cucamonga (morning hours TBD)
OTHER
Show rehearses 6 days a week, 40 hours a week, during daytime hours. All performances are matinees, including weekday morning performances for school field trips. All performances at the 550 seat Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga.
EMCs and Non-Equity will be seen as time permits.
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
The story is set in China in 1723, but MainStreet’s production will also include contemporary elements, including hip-hop and rap.
In this adaptation, the Emperor must choose which of his two sons will succeed him as ruler of the land. One of them schemes with a corrupt prime minister to win at all costs, while the other is helped by his mother and a magical bird, to ultimately make the right choices. The play includes some humorous characters and contemporary references, all leading to deeper understanding of what it means to be a leader. The script includes references to classic Chinese poetry, language, and songs, and the production will include movement and original music.
The show is geared for ages 6 and up, but MainStreet shows never talk down to the audience – the opposite – we believe that children are inherently imaginative and smart. The sophisticated production values and the universal message about what it means to grow up and be a leader should appeal to all ages!
The playwright and play require a color-conscious, not colorblind, casting approach. Color-conscious casting intentionally considers the race and ethnicity of actors and the characters they play.
PRINCE BAO: (Male, 20’s, to play a 10-year old). He is one of the sons of the current Emperor, close to his mother. He makes mistakes along the way, but ultimately does the right thing. Prince Bao is based on the actual Qianlong Emperor - who reigned for over sixty years and was known as one of the greatest rulers of the Middle Kingdom. Must know how to rap, dance hip-hop and ensemble sing.
NIGHTINGALE: (Female, 20’s – 30’s). A wise and magical bird, who loves living among nature, and sees many things. She is the conscience of the story. Must sing solo and move well.
AN ENSEMBLE OF 4 ACTORS will play the rest of the roles:
ACTOR #1: (Male, 20’s – 40’s) Must move well and ensemble sing.
PANDA #1: A talking animal, and a gossip
EMPEROR: The current ruler of the land
STORYTELLER: Becomes the alter-ego of the mechanical bird in order to deceive the prince
ACTOR #2 (Female, 20’s – 40’s) Must move well and ensemble sing.
PANDA #2: A talking animal, and a gossip
EMPRESS CONSORT: Prince Bao’s Mother, who wants the best for her son
COURT SERVANT
ACTOR #3 (Male, 20’s ) Must know how to rap, dance hip-hop, and ensemble sing.
PRINCE HONGSHI – Prince Bao’s 12-year old half-brother, and rival to the throne. Hongshi would rather cut corners than earn the Kingdom by playing fair.
TIGER HEAD – The head of a Tiger, played by two people. At one point, the Tiger will move in a way that resembles a traditional “Lion Dancer”. The Tiger acts ferocious but is a little scared of the Royal humans. Argues with his Tail.
ACTOR #4 (Male, 20’s – 40’s) Must move well and ensemble sing.
MINISTER WU: The Prime Minister who colludes with foreigners in order for Prince Hongshi to win, therefore giving himself more power and influence over the country.
TIGER TAIL: The tail end of the Tiger, who might just be smarter than the head.
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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