McCarter Theatre Center 2024-25 Season - Princeton, NJ EPA McCarter Theatre Center | Princeton, NJ
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
Friday, April 19, 2024
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (E)
BREAK: 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Please fill out the form here -
https://mccartertheatre.wufoo.com/forms/zffphi91xaep7t/
LORT Non-Rep
$1197 weekly minimum (LORT B+) $1011 weekly minimum (LORT C)
Equity actors for roles in McCarter Theatre Center's 2024-25 Season (see breakdown).
Some roles will be understudied. All Stage Managerial positions are currently filled.
Each actor will have three minutes. Please prepare a brief monologue or two contrasting one-minute monologues. For EMPIRE RECORDS, please prepare a monologue and a brief cut of a rock or pop song. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring a picture and resume, stapled together, with contact information clearly printed on the resume.
McCarter Theatre
91 University Pl
Princeton, NJ 08540-5121
Mastrobuono Rehearsal Room, use the Administrative Entrance off University Pl. Waiting room opens at 9:45AM
Artistic Director – Sarah Rasmussen
Director of Artistic Initiatives – Julie Felise Dubiner
EXPECTED TO ATTEND:
Artistic and Casting Assistant – Meredith Bartmon
BOLD Artistic and Office Assistant – Jaimee Harmon-Taboni
See breakdown for production-specific dates.
OTHER
EPA Procedures are in effect for this 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.
Book by Carol Heikkinen
Directed by Trip Cullman
Choreographed by Ellenore Scott
Berlind Theatre - LORT C
First Rehearsal: on/around Tuesday July 30, 2024
Previews Begin: on/around Friday Sept 6, 2024
Opening: on/around Friday Sept 13, 2024
Closing: on/around Sunday Oct 6, 2024
SYNOPSIS: Overflowing with optimism, ‘90s counterculture, rooftop dancing, and the spirit of punk rock, Empire Records tells the story of a band of idealist misfits fighting to save their beloved record store from a corporate takeover. With tactics ranging from desperate to dangerous, the team comes together during a visit by overthe hill pop star Rex Manning to discover the true value of friendship, love, and music—all in one extraordinary, unforgettable day.
[JOE]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. 30's. Empire Records store manager. Joe loves Empire Records but is having trouble finding the money to keep it out of corporate hands. Despite their faults, he has always welcomed the weirdo misfit kids who work for him. But when Lucas loses over $5000 in one day, he is forced to consider selling. Plays drums. Baritenor or tenor with rich authentic tone and strong effortless rock sensibility. Open to texture like an Eddie Veder or more of a round warm tone. D3-F#4.
[AJ]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. 20. Empire Records store clerk. AJ is the in-store artist and a good friend. An art nerd at heart, he loves the store, and he looks out for all his fellow misfits. He is in love with Corey and is building up the courage to tell her. High tenor with strong nineties pop and rock style/feel and a soaring sound. D3-to a full C5.
[COREY]: Female. Any race/ethnicity. 18. Empire Records store clerk. Corey is the good girl who has always followed the rules. She’s worked hard and is leaving for New York to attend Columbia in just a few months. But when she lets her crush on Rex Manning cloud her judgment, she risks destroying her outlook and her friendships. Mezzo soprano, with strong belt and rock style/feel. Strength and comfort in lower and higher parts of her range. F#3-E5.
[DEBRA]: Female. Any race/ethnicity. 18. Empire Records store clerk. Debra puts up a sharp-edged exterior against the world. When she shaves her head in the backroom and her sleeve reveals a bandage around her wrist, her fellow misfits rally around her whether she wants them to or not. This role includes frank talk about suicidal thoughts and mental health issues. Plays guitar. Alto with solid mezzo range in choice moments. Can be textured alt rock or soulful singer-songwriter as long as there’s depth, richness and unique tone. G4-Eb5.
[GINA]: Female. Any race/ethnicity. 18. Empire Records store clerk. Gina is Corey’s best friend. She has a reputation for knowing how to have a good time. But when she discovers that her alcoholic mother has spent her entire college fund on booze, she makes a desperate decision which almost ruins everything. Mezzo soprano with strong pop and rock feel as well as power across her range. Able to deliver intense and “creaturey” vocals. Whether Brandi Carlile, Cynthia Erivo, or Tori Amos, her instrument has both range and lead singer style. F#3-E5.
[LUCAS]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. 21. Empire Records store clerk. When he finds out that Joe is going to sell Empire Records to the big chain Music Town, Lucas decides to take matters into his own hands by gambling the store’s cash in Atlantic City. When that fails, he returns to face the music and convince Joe to save the store for the sake of the family of misfits that love the place. Baritenor or tenor with strong pop and rock style/feel. D3-A4.
[MARK]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. 16. Empire Records store clerk. A high-energy kid with big dreams about starting a band. While assisting at the Rex Manning signing table, he eats a special brownie made by one of Rex’s fans. Plays bass guitar. Baritenor or tenor with strong pop and rock style/feel. Ideally has access to a playful punk sensibility. Think Billy Joe, Mark Hoppus, or Joey Ramone. D3- A4.
[REX MANNING]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. 30's. Pop star. Rex Manning used to be one of the biggest stars on the music charts. Now he is doing promotional events at Empire Records, and he isn’t thrilled. He takes advantage of his proximity to the young women who work at the store. Tenor with strong pop and rock style/feel. D3-G4.
[MAX]: Female. Any race/ethnicity. 30. Former Empire employee and Rex's handler for the day. Max was a local girl who made it big with one hit song as part of the band Otternaut. Now she is working behind the scenes at Rex’s record label. Being back at Empire Records with Joe helps her realize she has more she wants to do in this industry. Plays guitar. Alto or mezzo soprano with access to a unique alt rock, indie rock, or singer-songwriter sensibility. Open to many versions of this from Tracy Chapman to Shirley Manson to Janis Joplin. F3-D5.
[WARREN]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. 16. Shoplifter. A juvenile delinquent with a healthy disdain for authority. Flexible vocal range but must have strong pop and rock style/feel. D3- F5.
[ENSEMBLE]: Any gender. Any race/ethnicity. Various ages. Strong rock singers, actors, movers to play various roles including Bob Wilcox (TV news anchorman), Suzy (TV news reporter), Officer Brenda, Customers/Fans, Billboard Worker, etc. Strong pop and rock style/feel.
By Charles Dickens
Adapted and Directed by Lauren Keating
Matthews Theatre - LORT B+
First Rehearsal: on/around Tuesday Nov 5, 2024
Previews Begin: on/around Tuesday Dec 10, 2024
Opening: on/around Friday Dec 13, 2024
Closing: on/around Sunday Dec 29, 2024
SYNOPSIS: There is magic, music and merriment for all in this adaptation of the classic Dickens tale, as Ebenezer Scrooge is taken on a fantastical journey through Christmases past, present and future in order to discover delight, wonder, and generosity.
CASTING NOTE: Principal actors will also perform various ensemble roles.
[EBENEZER SCROOGE]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. 50s+. Stoic, guarded, distrustful; the anti-Santa Clause, all hard edges and frosty insides. His coldness comes from the abandonment and loneliness he suffered as a child, and the fears of heartbreak and poverty that plague him still. Over the course of his fantastical journey, the layers of self-protection, anger and coldness melt away to reveal a joyful, warm, childlike and eager individual.
[BOB CRATCHIT]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. 30s - early 40s. Scrooge’s clerk. A family man of kindness and compassion, good humor and enduring good spirits. A hard worker who cares about his community and is devoted to his family. Despite life's hardships, he remains optimistic and compassionate.
[MARGARET CRATCHIT]: Female. Any race/ethnicity. 30s - early 40s. The realist to Bob’s optimist. An author, as well as protective wife and mother who is fierce, loving and warm. She shares her husband’s compassionate disposition but is quicker to anger. She sees more clearly the injustice in the world and does not suffer fools.
[CHRISTMAS PAST]: Any Gender. Any race/ethnicity. Any age. A spritely ghost and the most angelic of the four spirits we meet. Welcoming and warm, as well as tough and investigative. Good movement and vocal skills.
[CHRISTMAS PRESENT]: Any Gender. Any race/ethnicity. 40s+. A spirit of immense jolliness and good spirits, such that it overflows from them. The incarnate of Christmas fun, with a talent for taking Scrooge to task when need be. Not afraid of confronting the darker side of things.
[CHRISTMAS YET TO COME]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. Mid 40s+. A phantom; an unspeaking and ominous presence with physical acuity. Good movement and vocal skills. Doubles as MR. FEZZIWIG – the warm and generous employer of young Ebenezer Scrooge.
[JACOB MARLEY]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. 30s. Scrooge’s deceased business partner. Shrewd and intelligent. He shuts himself off to anything outside of work and business. Strident, harsh and cold in his youth, repentant in his ghostly return. A hard-nosed businessman who also cares about his friend Scrooge. We see Marley at the age of his apprenticeship and as his ghostly, older self.
[FRED]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. 20s-30s. Scrooge’s nephew. Hearty and caring, exuding joy and goodwill wherever he goes. Recently married and very much in love. The beloved only son of Scrooge’s sister Fan, who died in Fred's youth. Excellent movement and vocal skills. Plays mandolin or fiddle. Doubles as the young EBENEZER.
[CAROLINE]: Female. Any race/ethnicity. 20s-30s. A big heart and a great wit. Recently married to Fred and very much in love. Feels the joy of the season and shares it with all around her. Loves a good joke and a good party. She is not afraid to stand up to Scrooge. Excellent movement and vocal skills. Plays tambourine.
[MRS. DILBER]: Female. Any race/ethnicity. Any age. Scrooge’s maid. She believes in ghosts, is easily spooked and is not great at gruel-making, but she has a kind heart and is beloved in the town. Comedically skilled. Good vocal skills.
[BELLE]: Female. Any race/ethnicity. 20s-30s. An optimist with clear values and a vision for her future. She has a positive outlook and isn’t afraid of a challenge. She comes from a large family and has an apprenticeship. Scrooge’s fiancé for a time. Strong movement and vocal skills. Plays tambourine.
[OLD JO]: Female. Any race/ethnicity. 50s+. Kind-hearted and scrappy, a kind of anti-Scrooge. Runs a street vending re-sale business dealing in any and everything. Always a good time; tries to hide their soft heart with a fast-talking exterior. Good movement and vocal skills.
[CAROL THE CAROLER/CHARLIE/EBENEZER’S FATHER]: Any Gender. Any race/ethnicity. Any age. Strong vocals and movement. Plays violin. Charlie is Old Jo’s friend.
[YOUNG PERFORMERS]: NOTE: We will be auditioning young performers at a later date. If a minor attends the audition, they must be accompanied by an adult.
[Tiny Tim & others]: The Cratchit's youngest child.
[Belinda & others]: The Cratchit’s child.
[Peter & others]: The Cratchit’s child.
[Martha & others]: The Cratchit’s oldest child.
[Young Scrooge, Turkey Kid & others]: Scrooge as a young person.
[Fan & others]: Scrooge’s sister.
[Want, Caroler & others]: A phantom who visits Scrooge.
[Ignorance, Caroler & others]: A phantom who visits Scrooge.
[Caroler & others]: Vocalist and ensemble member.
By Karen Zacarías
Directed by Sarah Rasmussen
Location TBD
First Rehearsal: on/around Tuesday Feb 11, 2025
Previews Begin: on/around Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Opening: on/around Sunday Mar 23, 2025
Closing: on/around Sunday Apr 6, 2025
SYNOPSIS: In Princeton, New Jersey, a brilliant astrophysicist tries to become a mother. Meanwhile—300 years earlier, in France—a mathematician, scientist, and lover to Voltaire finds out she’s about to become one. From the writer of Native Gardens and Destiny of Desire comes a bright and funny new play about life, the universe, and parenthood.
[EMILIE DU CHÂTELET]: Female. Any race/ethnicity. 42. An alluring and intelligent woman who can reason her way through anything – be it the stars or in love. A scientist and a restless, inquisitive mind. She finds herself unexpectedly pregnant with Saint-Lambert's child and works desperately to leave a legacy with her work before the baby comes, believing she will die in childbirth.
[VOLTAIRE]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. 54. Emilie’s lover; The famous playwright, philosopher, and scientist wannabe. Charming, effusive, prideful and competitive. He cares deeply for Emilie and her daughter Pauline. NOTE: Role requires proficient with sword skills.
[SAINT-LAMBERT]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. 25. Emilie’s gallant younger lover. An amorous poet in the court of the King of France. Doubles as LEWIS – Millie's brother who is struggling with the loss of his mother and with his sister’s decisions. NOTE: Role requires proficient sword skills.
[OLIVIA]: Female. Any race/ethnicity. 42. Modern professional woman. An astrophysicist, and the first and only woman tenured scientist at the Isaac Newton institute. In remission for late-stage ovarian cancer. She badly wants to have a baby but is having trouble balancing her ambition in her work with her idea of creating a life. Doubles as WET NURSE.
[MILLIE]: Female. Any race/ethnicity. 21. A modern young woman. An aspiring fashion designer. She agrees to mother and carry a child for Peter and Olivia as a surrogate. A confident go-getter. Doubles as PAULINE – Emilie's upbeat, headstrong, clever teenage daughter.
[PETER]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. 42. Olivia’s husband. An enthusiastic and devoted partner and Elementary school teacher. Doubles as MONSIEUR DU CHÂTELET - Emilie’s affable husband.
By Eboni Booth
Directed by Timothy Douglas
A Co-Production with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
Berlind Theatre - LORT C
First Rehearsal: on/around Tuesday April 15, 2025
Previews Begin: on/around Thursday May 1, 2025
Opening: on/around Friday May 2, 2025
Closing: on/around Sunday May 18, 2025
SYNOPSIS: An absorbing and open-hearted comedy about new beginnings, Primary Trust explores the inner and outer lives of Kenneth, a dedicated loner with a passion for drinking Mai Tais on weeknights. When he begins to face a world he’s long avoided, will he have the courage to embrace a new start in life?
[KENNETH]: Male. Black. Late 30s. Kenneth has spent every day of his adult life working in a bookstore and having mai tais with his best friend Bert. But when his boss closes up shop, he is forced to face the world and adapt to new people and places. NOTE: This role includes frank talk about trauma and mental health issues.
[BERT]: Male. Black. Late 30s – 40s. Kenneth’s best friend and primary source of support and advice. Bert’s presence has been the rock in Kenneth’s life since Kenneth's mom died when he was 10.
[CORRINA]: Female. Black. 30s – 40s. When Corrina gets a new job as a waitress at Wally’s she befriends Kenneith - its most mysterious regular customer. Even after 15 years of mai tais, she is the first person at Wally’s to have a real conversation with Kenneth. She brings him out of his shell with her own openness. Doubles WALLY'S WAITER and BANK CUSTOMERS. The various waiters and customers switch in rapid succession.
[CLAY]: Male. Any race/ethnicity. 40s – 50s. Clay works at Primary Trust and hires Kenneth. He lives for Friday happy hours and reminisces about the good old days of college football. He is understanding about his new employee’s eccentricities. Doubles as SAM and Le POUSSELET BARTENDER. Sam is the owner of Yellowed Pages bookstore and was Kenneth’s employer for years before his failing health forced him to sell.
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