Dreamgirls Auditions
Sunday, May 13 from 6pm-10pm
at the Arts United Center
Guest Director - Dianne Shaw
Music Director - Eunice Wadewitz
Choreographer - Melissa Duffer
Assistant Director - Dwight Wilson
Dreamgirls is a show about a time in American musical history when what is called rhythm and blues blended with other styles of popular music creating a new American sound. Act One is set in the fabulous sixties, at a time when many were still screaming at Elvis and listening to the Beatles, but were dancing to the new beat of soulful girl and boy groups like The Supremes, The Marvelettes, The Temptations and The Shirelles. Dreamgirls is not just about the singing and the dancing and the performing. The play is also about the behind-the-scenes reality of the entertainment industry-the business part of show business that made possible this cultural phenomenon. Act Two shows the creation and the arrival of disco-though the word is never used in the script. The subject matter of this play deals with a musical contribution to America of such importance that only now, two decades later, are we beginning to understand.
Book and Lyrics by Tom Eyer, Music by Henry Krieger – ADULT LANGUAGE AND CONTENT
Original Broadway Production Directed and Choreographed by Michael Bennett
6 Tony Awards for Book, Choreography, Lighting Design, Actor, Actress and Featured Actor
4 Drama Desk Awards for Set Design, Lighting Design, Actress and Featured Actor
AUDITION SIGN UP: We ask that you sign up for auditions by contacting Eunice Wadewitz, Music Director, at
260-422-8641, ext. 226 or
ewadewitz@fwcivic.org.
AUDITIONS: SUNDAY, May 13th, 2012; 6:00–10:00pm
Auditions will be held at the Arts United Center at 303 East Main Street. Enter from the rear of the building, using the glass doors to the Green Room. Please arrive early to check in and fill out an audition form.
CALL BACKS: Monday, May 14th; 7:00–10:00pm
REHEARSALS: June 4-July 27, 2012; Mondays–Fridays, 7:00-10:00pm;
Tech Sunday Rehearsal on July 22 from 12 noon to 11pm
PERFORMANCES: Sat., July 28-Aug. 12, 2012; Thurs @ 7:30pm, Fri & Sat @ 8:00pm,
Sat & Sun @ 2:00pm
NOTE: If the show sells well we will do performances on Aug. 17, 18 and 19th. HOLD ALL DATES!
Audition Requirements: It is important we have a list of ALL CONFLICTS at the time of the audition.
We are seeking strong singers/actors/dancers. Prepare and memorize 16 measures of a song in the style of the show which best shows off your voice, range, and personality. Standard Broadway show tunes are best. Be sure to bring sheet music (not just lyrics but actual piano music) in the correct key–do not expect the pianist to transpose your music on sight. Have all cuts or repetitions clearly marked. Place your music in a binder or tape the sheets together for the benefit of the accompanist. Pianist is provided. Arrive dressed and ready to dance first for the choreography audition, which will be taught on site. Plan to wear appropriate clothing (dance attire or sweat pants & sneakers or jazz shoes) for this portion of the audition.
CHARACTERS: African American cast including a few Caucasian roles.
4 WOMEN, 6 MEN & ENSEMBLE (up to 9 females/12 males)
EFFIE WHITE – African American woman, 20-30. Vibrant young woman who is as oversized in talent as she is in person. Effie is the true powerhouse in the group, a soaring singer whose voice overpowers and transcends Deena’s and Lorrell’s. She is smitten with Curtis from the start and is overcome with anger and jealousy when she senses his growing attraction to Deena. Effie should be full-figured, and her size carries with it a true sense of sexuality. Must have a huge gospel belt voice. Must move very well.
DEENA JONES – African American woman, 20-30. The young, thin, beautiful member of the dreams. Happy singing backup to Effie until Curtis puts her in the lead and grooms her as star of the group. Mezzo, big full belt. Must move very well.
LORRELL ROBINSON – African American woman, 20-30. The third member of The Dreams. Sexy, flirtatious girl from the projects of Detroit who has been singing with her best friends Effie and Deena for years. Carries on an affair with Jimmy Early, who refuses to leave his wife for her. Soprano, on top of most triad harmony, big full belt. Must move very well.
CURTIS TAYLOR, JR. – African American man, 30-40. Handsome, and very sexy. Slick car salesman who becomes the Dreams’ manager. He has an appreciation of R & B music and a sense of what sells. Motivated by his ambition, he takes over the management of Jimmy Early’s career and also oversees the rise to stardom of The Dreams. Initially warm and approachable he becomes hardened by wealth and power and the need to control everything and everyone. Baritone. Must move well.
JAMES “THUNDER” EARLY – African American man, 30-40. James Brown-like R & B star. The Dreamettes become his backup singers. Has an affair with Lorrell. Charismatic, sexy, high energy. Rock and R & B tenor. Must move well.
C.C. WHITE – African American man, 20-30. Effie’s songwriter brother; writes all the dreams hit songs. Endearing and soft-spoken, he tries to do what’s best but slowly gives up his ideals to Curtis’ controlling vision. High baritone. Must move well.
MICHELE MORRIS – African American woman, 20s. Effie’s replacement in The Dreams. Thin and beautiful, she sings bottom in the harmonies. Mezzo soprano, big belt. Must move well.
MARTY – African American man, 30-45, street savvy, long-time manager who oversaw Jimmy’s career and rise to R & B stardom. Represents an earlier age of black entertainment. At odds with Curtis and his ideas and schemes. Later oversees Effie’s comeback. Baritone. Should move.
1 CAUCASIAN MAN AND 2 CAUCASIAN WOMEN - Strong singers who move well to play Dave and The Sweethearts (Pat Boone singer and his backup girls who sing the all American pop version of “Cadillac Car.” Will play other ensemble roles such as reporters, press agents, etc.
1 CAUCASIAN MAN – Strong singer, character actor to play Frank, the press agent and various supporting roles. Must move well.
Ensemble of male and female (African American/Muticultural/Caucasian) singer/dancers to play various supporting roles: must be strong singers and move very well. All ensemble members should possess unique and vivid personalities and have the ability to play a wide variety of characters. Wayne and Tiny Joe Dixon will be cast from this ensemble.
CALL 422-8641 EXT. 226 TO SIGN UP TO AUDITION!
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