Barrington Stage Company 2012
– Equity Performer Auditions by APPOINTMENT in MA
Pittsfield MA LOA, SPT (approval/salary level pending; 2011 weekly min.: $517 (LOA), $457 (SPT)).
Artistic Dir: Julianne Boyd
Managing Dir: Tristan Wilson
CD: Pat McCorkle (w/exception of BLACK SUITS (Tara Rubin Casting))
Equity Performer Auditions (Principal/Chorus) by APPOINTMENT:
Thursday, February 23, 2012 Barrington Stage Company Mainstage
Friday, February 24, 2012 30 Union Street
1 PM – 5 PM both days. Pittsfield, MA 01201
For a five-minute appointment, call Ivey at 413/499-5446, x100. Equity Members without appointments will be seen throughout each audition session, as time permits.
Please prepare a brief monologue and/or brief musical selection. If singing, bring sheet music in the correct key; an accompanist will be provided, but may not transpose.
Please bring a photo and resume, stapled back-to-back.
All dates are in 2012. All listed roles/chorus positions are available unless otherwise noted. Auditioning performers will be considered as possible replacements for pre-cast roles, should any become necessary.
Mainstage productions (LOA contracts):
Fiddler on the Roof Music: Jerry Bock. Lyrics: Sheldon Harnick. Book: Joseph Stein. Dir/Choreo: Gary John LaRosa. Mus Dir: Darren Cohen. 1st reh: 5/22. Runs 6/13-7/14.
Tevye:
40-50. A dairyman. Requires powerhouse actor with great presence, good voice and great sense of humor. Baritone: Low Ab - high F.
Lazar Wolf:
Middle-aged. Wealthy butcher. Requires a character man with a sense of humor and (possibly) girth. Baritone up to Eb.
Motel:
20s. Tailor. Tzeitel’s suitor. Simple man; nebbish. Role for a comic character actor, Baritone or tenor: E - high F#.
Perchik:
20s. Student and revolutionary. Hodel’s suitor. Wants to – and believes he can – change the world. Role for a charismatic actor/singer. Baritone: B - high E.
Fyedka:
Early 20s. Russian soldier. Chava’s suitor. Spunky, smart, handsome and knows it. Role for a strong actor/dancer/singer.
Constable:
Imposing presence. Mature, sympathetic. Strong actor required. Non-singing.
Rabbi:
Older. Great sense of humor. Role for a character actor/singer. Baritone: G-C.
Golde:
40s. Tevye’s wife. Though controlling and stern, has a big heart and dreams for her children. Role for a strong actress and singer. Mezzo: Low A – Eb.
Yente:
Matchmaker. Talkative, opinionated widow. Role for a character actress with humor. Alto: Low F- mid Eb.
Tzeitel:
“Reads” 19 (seeking actress 18+). Tevye’s eldest daughter. Takes after her mother. Mezzo: Low B – D#.
Hodel:
“Reads” 17 (seeking actress 18+). Tevye’s 2nd-eldest. Rebellious and romantic. Strong, emotional. Role for a singer/actress. Mezzo: Low B – E.
Chava / Grandma Tzeitel:
Chava: “Reads” 15 (seeking actress 18+). Tevye’s middle child. Intelligent thinker. Papa’s “little bird”. Role for a strong actress/singer/dancer. Mezzo: Low B - C. Grandma: Comic, character voice. Mezzo: C# - Eb.
Ensemble (M/F): Includes, but is not necessarily limited to
Mordcha:
Middle-aged or older. The innkeeper. Full of life and humor. Shrewd businessman. Character look. Strong singer/mover.
Avram:
Middle-aged. Bookseller. Character look. Strong singer/mover.
Nachum:
Beggar. Poor, but accepts his lot with humor. Character look. Strong singer/mover.
Male Ensemble:
Dance captain. Doubles as Russian Soldier/Jew.
Shandel:
40ish. Motel’s protective mother. Good character singer/actress.
All My Sons by Arthur Miller. Dir: Julianne Boyd. 1st reh: 6/26. Runs 7/19-8/8.
Post-World War II. Joe Keller and neighbor Steve Deever were partners in a factory which turns out defective airplane parts, causing the deaths of many servicemen. Deever is sent to prison when Keller, blaming Deever, doesn’t take responsibility for his actions. Keller’s wife Kate knows what her husband did, and lives in fear the truth will be found out. Keller’s son Larry was lost at war and another, Chris, returns a hero, wanting to marry Deever’s daughter Ann (Larry’s former fiancée). By the play’s end, the truth is out, as father and son clash and the conflict between business ethics and personal morality take center stage, leading to a tragic conclusion.
Joe Keller:
Early 60s. Good-natured, loving family man with little education or understanding of how his actions have killed or ruined others. His past misdeeds haunt him, though he tries to hide it and to justify what he did by telling himself he did it for his family.
Kate Keller:
Late 50s/early 60s. Though she has a successful husband and a son who’s a war hero, she cannot abandon the belief that Larry, her other son who was lost in the war, is still alive. Nervous and heart-broken, Kate has taken on the burden of her husband's secret while he presents the face of an untroubled conscience to the world. Her fantasies about Larry being alive are constructed from a sense of self-preservation.
Chris Keller:
32. Returned from the war a hero. Though a loving son, he is uncomfortable with the success his father's business found during the war, and feels guilty that he is alive when so many of his comrades died. An idealist who has a strong sense of what’s right and wrong, he is worried that his mother will not like him marrying his missing brother’s fiancée; however, he knows he must begin his life on his own terms.
Ann Deever:
26. Beautiful daughter of the convicted Steve Deevers. Former fiancée of Larry Keller. Visits the Kellers in hopes of marrying their son Chris. Honest, down to earth. Shares Chris's idealism and social convictions. Has shunned her father for his crimes during the war; wants to move on with her life.
George Deever:
31. Son of Steve Deever. Lawyer. After many years of shunning his father, he has visited him in prison and learned the truth about Joe Keller’s actions. Angry, he has arrived to rescue his sister from entering the family of the man he believes is guilty. A bit lost in the world, he is easily disarmed by Joe Keller’s good humor, and memories of his childhood shared with the Kellers, formerly their best friends and neighbors.
Dr. Jim Bayliss
Early 40s. The neighborhood doctor. Good man who believes in the duty of helping his fellow man, but is frustrated with the stifling domesticity of his life. Wants to become a medical researcher but continues in his job because it pays the bills. Close friend to the Keller family and spends a lot of time in their backyard.
Sue Bayliss:
“Rounding 40, an overweight woman who fears it.” Married to Jim. She put him through medical school, and now expects a better life in return. Blames Chris's idealism for her husband's interest in the financially unrewarding field of medical research. Affectionate but controlling, she also has a nasty streak, seen in a volatile scene with Ann where she openly resents Chris’s idealism.
Frank Lubey:
32. Simple, good neighbor, uncertain of himself. Strong interest in astrology. Kate asked him (before the start of the play) to prepare a horoscope for Larry. He tells her Larry must still be alive because the day he was supposed to have died was his "favorable day".
Lydia Lubey:
27. Mother of 3 children by Frank. “Robust, laughing girl”. Former sweetheart of George's. Wonderful, happy wife, enjoying her family and the neighborhood.
Bert:
Must “read” 8 yrs old. Neighborhood boy who plays cop-and-robber games with Joe Keller, to Kate's chagrin. Keller has allowed Bert and the other children to get the story of his jail time wrong and to believe that he is a chief of police, with a jail in his basement.
See How They Run by Philip King. Dir: John Rando. 1st reh: 7/17. Runs 8/9-26.
1940s wartime farce set in a small English town. A bored, feisty American actress greets an old actor friend while her husband (a straight and proper vicar), is away. The mistaken identities of three men disguised as clergymen (and one real clergyman) cause a whirlwind of madcap confusion with the motley group madly chasing one another in and out of the living room and into the garden. Meanwhile, the love-struck young maid knows more than you would think, the drunken spinster lies downstage in an alcoholic stupor, the visiting bishop is bewildered at all of the goings-on, and hilarious mayhem ensues.
Casting note: All must be superb farceurs with great comic timing and a knack for physical humor (e.g. chase scenes, pratfalls, getting hit over the head, jumping over bodies, etc.).
Ida:
18. Cockney accent. The maid. Plain but likable village girl. Flirty, saucy, with a wide-eyed incredulity. Deceptively ditzy, but really all-knowing. Always one step ahead of everyone else.
Miss Skillon:
35, British. Large, sour spinster. Prim, pompous, nosy, repressed. Secretly in love with the vicar, and therefore resents his young, lively new wife. Appears tipsy for most of the play, and is repeatedly knocked out by other characters.
Rev. Lionel Toop:
35, British. Very proper and staid. Loves his wife, though he wishes she were more appropriate in public. The model of a country vicar.
Penelope Toop:
25, American. Pretty, feisty, madcap former actress. Independent, bored with small-town English life, looking for a little excitement. A handful for her husband, the vicar. Ahead of her time, very Katharine Hepburn.
Corp. Clive Winton:
27-38, American. Penelope’s dashing, handsome friend. Quick sense of humor. Clever. More relaxed and fun-loving than English men, and up for adventure. Former actor, now stationed with the US Air Force in England.
The Intruder:
Man, 23-38. Large, forceful Russian spy. Desperate escapee from the US Air Force base, looking for a place to hide out. Will do anything to avoid getting caught.
The Bishop of Lax:
50-70, British. Penelope’s uncle. Large, jovial, suavely superior, bewildered at all he sees and hears during his visit.
Rev. Arthur Humphrey:
35-45, British. Unassuming, endearing. Small, mild visiting preacher, meek and polite at all times. Brought to the vicarage to give a guest sermon, but gets caught up in all of the confusion.
Sgt. Towers:
Man, 30-45. Cockney accent. Dim-witted police constable, confused by the fact that there are four vicars when he thought there was one, and trying to makes heads or tails of the situation.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Adapted by Nigel Williams. Dir TBA. 1st reh: 9/11. Runs 10/3-21.
Marooned on a desert island during wartime, a group of English schoolboys find themselves in a world without rules. At first a fun island utopia with no adults or discipline, the situation tests their inherent morality as they struggle to survive on their own. Alliances are formed as the boys begin turning on one another, and they uncover an underlying savagery to their natures which leads to a wild descent into madness, violence and ultimately to murder.
NOTE: All listed boys’ roles are to be played by young adults (18+). Actors must “read” young (13-16).
Ralph:
See NOTE above. Ralph is the sensible 13-year-old boy who is elected leader of the group, and grows up quickly as he witnesses the disturbing disintegration of the miniature civilization that he tries to build on the island. Sincere, well-meaning. Represents man's desire to be civilized.
Jack:
See NOTE above. Jack is one of the older boys, a choir prefect, who becomes the leader of the hunters— a "rebel" group. Tries to be fearless, but shows hints that he is still a child, too. Initiates violence on the island, and seeks total power through increasingly barbaric means. Cruel, manipulative, aggressive. Represents man's savage instinct.
Piggy:
See NOTE above. Piggy is a tag-along supporter of Ralph. Short, plump. Gets bullied for his weight, lack of physical strength and because he wears glasses. Smart, inventive. Represents the scientific and rational side of civilization. Mature and practical, but doesn't have any power of his own over the boys.
Roger:
See NOTE above. Roger is a supporter of Jack. Independent/a loner. Sadistic older bully who eventually murders Piggy.
Simon:
See NOTE above. Simon is the outsider of the group, in terms of temperament. Shy, sensitive, perceptive and inherently kind without being weak. Represents a peaceful spirituality and an intrinsic good morality, not even dictated by society.
Maurice:
See NOTE above. Maurice is the “class clown” of the group. Big, innocent, amiable but not bright. Treats the situation as if it’s all a game.
SPT contracts:
Lungs by Duncan McMillan. Dir: Aaron Posner. 1st reh: 5/15. Runs 5/23-6/10.
In a time of global anxiety and political unrest, this smart and funny drama follows the ups and downs of the relationship of a young and educated couple as they grapple with questions of hope, change, betrayal, happenstance and pain, while contemplating having a child. If they over-think it, they’ll never do it. But if they rush, it could be a disaster. What will be the first to destruct – the planet or the relationship?
Woman:
CAST. 30s. Endearing, charming, a bundle of nerves. Can be unyielding and closed-off when the worst happens.
Man:
CAST. 30s. Dependable, well-meaning, sometimes bemused. Usually gentle, but with a violent streak.
Dr. Ruth, All the Way by Mark St. Germain. Dir: Julianne Boyd. 1st reh: 5/29. Runs 6/19-7/21.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer looks back on her life, from being a child on the Kindertransport during World War II to her military service in Israel, to her move to America and on becoming a pioneering figure in sexual education. A very personal look at a beloved public figure.
Dr. Ruth:
CAST (Debra Jo Rupp). Dr. Ruth Westheimer at age 69, in a chronicle of her resilience, of turning failure into opportunity, and of a search for the family she longs for.
The North Pool by Rajiv Joseph. Dir: Giovanna Sardelli. 1st reh: 7/6. Runs 7/26-8/11.
East Coast premiere. The truth shifts constantly in this cat-and-mouse, psychological thriller about a high school vice principal and a transfer student from the Middle East. Tensions rise and secrets are unveiled.
Khadim:
18, Middle Eastern. Good-looking, still very young. Ideally, he should be of slight build. His accent errs on the side of British, owing to his varied, international boarding-school education. But as a talented con-man, he can allow different shades of accents to come out at different times, to suit his needs (a Middle Eastern accent when he wants to be innocent; an American accent when he’s being more of a regular teen). Believes he is smarter than everyone, but is smart enough to hide it. Trusts nobody, and is deeply cynical about humanity in general. But there is a very well hidden part of him that is terribly frightened, and wracked with guilt. Has a lot of shades to cover—he must seem, at different times, innocent, evil, worldly, vulnerable and wise.
Dr. Danielson:
Late 40s, early 50s. As a vice principal, he is the enforcer, the “bad cop” of the Sheffield High administration. Prides himself on his interrogation techniques and his ability to understand the various adolescent pathologies around him. A former wrestler, so has a tough-guy quality to him, but is also decidedly “uncool” in the way that it seems many vice principals of large public high schools are. Danielson is a good man, a good educator, who legitimately cares about his students. But he has a temper and can be a victim of his own pride—and these things have conspired against his career. He, too, has many shades to cover—he must seem clueless, brilliant, racist, caring, rageful and filled with regret.
The Black Suits Score: Joe Iconis. Book: J. Iconis & Robert Maddock. Dir: John Simpkins. 1st reh: 7/24. Runs 8/16-9/2.
Garage-band rock musical set in present day suburbia. Long Island teenagers are trying to drown out the problems around them by seeking refuge in the music they make in the garage. On the surface, these kids are facing what appear to be normal and familiar adolescent issues – friendship, family, divorce, college, career, love and the transition to adulthood. But along with these challenges, they are also experiencing the fallout of a failing economy, which is making their suburban landscape and future prospects even bleaker.
These kids have a contemporary story to tell. Like other kids making music in garages before them, their story is about dreams, Pop Tarts, blue hair, records, a little weed, a little sex and yes, still dreams…and the undying and transformative coolness of rock and roll. But with the increasing dreariness of suburbia and their lack of options, theirs is not a world of real hope. It is still, however, a world of friendship and still, of course, a world of rock and roll.
Audition material suggestion: Rock song (preferably not musical theatre) that showcases your vocal and acting abilities. You are encouraged (but not required) to bring your musical instruments to as well (John: Guitar; Nato: Bass).
Note from casting personnel: Looking for “real” people more than musical theatre polish. Vocal ranges listed can be flexible. Actors (18+) of all ethnicities are encouraged to attend.
Chris:
Must be believable as 16-18 years old (he will be a high school senior this fall). Earnest, hard-working, a bit nerdy, vaguely clean cut. Everyone’s mom likes him. Initiated the formation of the band. Has just started having panic attacks that stem from feeling lost, misunderstood and scared of the “real” world (these attacks escalate from “under the surface” to “all-consuming” throughout the show). Obsessively dedicated to keeping the band together as a way of fixing all his problems. Unexpectedly unstable, but not brooding. Strong rock tenor to A.
John:
Must be believable as 19 years old (just finished first year at Merchant Marine Academy). Lives with his uncle and has been raised by various extended-family members (dad’s in jail, mom’s dead). Outwardly, wild, funny, loud, incredibly charming and likable. Inwardly, has no belief in himself and no idea what he wants out of life. His inability to express true feelings manifests itself in attention-seeking childish behavior, pyromania and explosions of violent anger and destruction. Fairly shaggy, he always wears clothes one size bigger than necessary. Not angsty. Charismatic enough to be a front man, but would never want to be a front man. Ability to play acoustic/electric guitar (or strong excitement to learn) a plus. Strong rock tenor to A.
Brandon:
Must be believable as 17-19 years old (just graduated high school). Endearingly dorky, takes himself seriously, high strung. Total music geek (going to Berklee in the fall). Slightly in love with his talent, but also quite self-conscious. Maybe a little chunky. Inherently unpopular, he relishes his role in the band, but is frustrated that he can’t have a stronger leadership role as the best musician. He is the one who best sees through Chris’s bullshit. Strong rock baritone to G. Ability to play drums (or strong excitement to learn) a plus.
Nato:
Must be believable as 17-19 years old (just graduated high school). Weirdo, very funny, goofy but not stoner-y, childlike. Deceptively smart, even though he comes off as vacant. Has a million interests and hobbies – and yet actually does very little. Going to college for Zoology just because he likes animals. A true innocent who hasn’t been jaded by life yet. Uninhibited; doesn’t care what people say, and is not afraid to express what he feels. In the band only because he likes to hang out (doesn’t really care about the music part). Strong rock baritone to F. Ability to play bass (or strong excitement to learn) a plus.
Lisa:
Must be believable as 15-17 years old (will be a high school junior this fall). Cool, ordinary, fairly good student, sweet, easily excited, feels things deeply, young. She is undeniably “special” – but that something special is elusive and currently makes her look and feel very average. She’s grasping at straws, trying to figure out what kind of person she wants to be. As a result, she is trying on lots of different “personalities.” Dates Chris in part because it’s sparkly to have a boyfriend a year older. Says things without a filter. Not so much a pretty girl as a cool chick. NOT a “Mean Girl”. Wears hoodies. Strong rock belt to F#.
Mrs. Werring:
50s. Lots of heart, eccentric, hilarious, jittery, outgoing badass personality with a lot of underlying sadness. Able to keep her demons at bay fairly well. Tour manager for David Bowie in the 1970s – before she “aged out” of the rock-star-groupie lifestyle and moved to Long Island. Probably does community theatre now, has a lot of friends, and – for suburban Long Island – is an exotic woman with a crazy rock-star past. Always wanted to have a kid. “Cool neighbor” to Chris – smokes pot with him, tells him stories (that may or may not be totally true), and wants to mentor his rock band in part so that she can get “back in the game”. Always positive and encouraging with him, and her approval fuels Chris’s thought that the band can be great. Strong rock belt to F#.
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