ABOUT THE SHOW - Heathers: The Musical is based on the classic 1989 film. Westerberg High is ruled by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing junta: Heather, Heather and Heather, the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark and sexy stranger J.D., who plans to put the Heathers in their place - six feet under.
IN PERSON AUDITIONS
Saturday May, 13th (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Monday, May 15th (6:00 PM – 9:30 PM)
Callbacks will be held Thursday, May 18th (6:00 PM to 9:30 PM)
SHOW DATES: SEPTEMBER 8 through 17th 2022
REHEARSAL DAYS (Planned) SUNDAYS / MONDAYS / WEDNESDAYS (to be finalized)
AGE LIMIT - You must be at least 17 years old at the time of the audition. Most of the characters represent high school teenagers, but, due to the style of the show, mature content, and vocal demands it is possible older individuals could be cast. Anyone 17 years of age cast for the show will need to submit a parental permission which can be found at our website:
HEATHERS AUDITION INFORMATION AND CONSENT FORM
Auditions will be at the Everett Theatre on 47 West Main Street, Middletown, DE. Please look for signage to the registration area. For those that cannot attend auditions, you may email video submissions to the following email address:
bob@bobgatchel.com and cc'd to this address
auditions@everetttheatre.com
VIDEO SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
The video should include you singing either a contemporary song OR a song from the show that shows your vocal range. NOTE: this is the new “West End” version of the production, and certain blocking and song changes have been made to the “original” so if you choose to “sing from the show”, be sure you are using the “West End” version.
Send your video audition via a link from Google Drive, DropBox or any similar service, along with your resume and any conflict dates you have. Also explain any dance experience you may have had. All video submissions should be submitted no sooner than Saturday, May 13th and no later than 4PM on Tuesday May 16th. and should be submitted to:
bob@bobgatchel.com and cc'd to this address
auditions@everetttheatre.com
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
(The ages stated below are ‘stage age’, actors older than these ages may be cast.)
VERONICA SAWYER – (17) Burns to be both cool and kind, but doesn’t yet know how to be both at the same time. Fierce sense of right and wrong, keen sense of ironic humor. Thinks she’s an old soul, but she’s still innocent enough to be blindsided by love or shocked by cruelty. Voice: high belting required, up to A . Must have dynamic and stylistic range.
JASON “J.D.” DEAN – (17) Darkly charismatic, compelling, attractive. Charming on the outside, damaged on the inside. Keen smarts, savage wit. Voice: strong, confident belt to at least an A , A preferable; wide emotional range.
HEATHER CHANDLER – (17) The richest, hottest, cruelest girl in town. Relishes power and wields it without fear, patience, or mercy. Voice: strong belt to F or higher preferred. Mezzo for chorus. NOTE: In certain choral songs, CHANDLER can switch parts with the other HEATHERS as needed.
HEATHER MCNAMARA – (17) Beautiful, innocent, stupid. Can be mean on command if Heather Chandler orders it, but actually quite vulnerable and fearful. Voice: strong belt to D , D preferred. Soprano for chorus. NOTE: In certain choral songs, MCNAMARA and DUKE can switch vocal parts as needed.
HEATHER DUKE – (17) The whipped beta dog of the three Heathers. Deeply insecure. When she finally becomes Queen Bee, she wields power like a bulldozer. Voice: strong belt to C, D preferred. Alto for chorus. NOTE: In certain choral songs, DUKE and MCNAMARA can switch vocal parts as needed.
MARTHA DUNNSTOCK – (17) Nicknamed “Martha Dumptruck,” the opposite of confident and popular. Huge and beautiful soul, optimistic even in the face of rejection. Voice: strong belt to E or F, wide vocal expression.
RAM SWEENEY – (17) Linebacker. Big, insensitive to the feelings of others, ruled by appetites. Voice: strong baritone, belt to G, some falsetto useful. NOTE: In certain songs, RAM and KURT can switch choral assignments if, say, RAM sings higher than KURT.
KURT KELLY – (17) Quarterback and captain. Chiseled, rude, entitled, cocky. He’s the brains in the friendship with Ram. Voice: tenor, strong belt to A or A, some falsetto. NOTE: In certain songs, KURT and RAM can switch choral assignments if, say, RAM sings higher than KURT.
RAM’S DAD / BIG BUD DEAN / COACH RIPPER – (40-45)
RAM’S DAD: Former football player turned suburban dad, has never outgrown his high school glory days. Hates weakness, but capable of soul-searching when tragedy strikes.
BIG BUD DEAN: J.D.’s single dad. Big jolly personality that barely conceals the enormous rage bubbling just below the surface. Quite possibly a serial bomber.
COACH RIPPER: Stalwart, man’s man; quick to defend his players.
Voice: baritone/tenor, power Country/Gospel belt to A , higher welcome. NOTE: Sometimes ?
this actor has played PRINCIPAL GOWAN instead of BIG BUD / COACH.
MS. FLEMING / VERONICA’S MOM – (45-50)
MS. FLEMING: Aging hippie teacher, still yearning for the day the Age of Aquarius reaches Ohio. Resentful of today’s entitled youth, protective of the underdogs. Despite a penchant for self-promotion, genuinely cares about the students in her charge.
VERONICA’S MOM: Easygoing, distant, yet capable of laying down the law. Voice: great belt up to C, higher always welcome.
KURT’S DAD / VERONICA’S DAD / PRINCIPAL GOWAN – (30-45)
KURT’S DAD: Straight-laced, very conservative, also former football player. A simple guy, not book smart, you’d be happy to share a beer with him.
VERONICA’S DAD: Easygoing and distant.
PRINCIPAL GOWAN: Rumpled, burned out, hates conflict. Voice: strong baritone/tenor, power Country/Gospel belt to G, even higher better. NOTE: Sometimes this actor has played BIG BUD/COACH instead of PRINCIPAL GOWAN.
BOY 1: BELEAGUERED GEEK – (17-18) An embittered social outcast. Voice: baritone (up to F#) or tenor (up to A).
BOY 2: PREPPY STUD – (17-18) Straightlaced, ambitious, blow-dried. Dreams of being even richer than his parents. Voice: bass (up to E) or baritone (up to G#).
BOY 3: HIPSTER DORK – (17-18) Thinks he’s Ducky from Pretty in Pink. Voice: baritone (up to F#) or tenor (up to A).
GIRL 1: NEW WAVE GIRL – (17-18) She wants her MTV and dresses accordingly. Voice: belt to at least C# (a soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).
GIRL 2: STONER CHICK – (17-18) Smokes outside with the freaks in between classes. Her future’s so bright she’s gotta wear shades to hide her bloodshot eyes. Voice: belt to at least C# (a soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).
GIRL 3: YOUNG REPUBLICANETTE – (17-18) A tennis-playing, perky Student Council type. Voice: belt to at least C# (soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).
Additional Parts - The audition panel MAY decide to cast additional chorus/ ensemble parts. Please indicate your interest on your audition form
AUDITION FORMAT - Initial auditions will consist of a vocal / singing audition. Additional vocal auditions, Script reads & a dance call will be conducted at callbacks.
Vocal Performance
Come prepared to perform a contemporary musical theatre song OR a song from the show (PREFERRED). Please prepare 16 to 32 Bars (or about 1 minute) of the part of the song that showcases your range & ability. And once again, we will be doing the new “West End” version of the production, and there are some changes to certain musical numbers. So, if you choose to “sing from the show”, be sure you are using the “West End” version.
No matter what you choose, the song should demonstrate your vocal range and ability. It is preferred that you perform the song memorized, but you may read from sheet music. We want to see your range and see you ACT when you SING.
No accompanist is provided so you must bring a backing track to be played on our provided Bluetooth PA system. When using a backing track there should be no vocals on the track. Please do not sing unaccompanied.
Audition time is limited so you may be asked to stop before finishing your entire song – this has nothing to do with the quality of your audition.
Script Reading (callbacks)
During callbacks auditionees will be asked to read a script excerpt from the show. Materials will be made available before the callback date by email. You will read with other auditionees. This will give you the best chance to demonstrate your acting range and ability. You might be asked to re-perform the scene in a different way or with a different auditioner. This will give the production staff the opportunity to see how you perform with others if needed.
Dance Workshop (callbacks)
The dance will consist of a short routine which will be taught to you by our choreographer. The dance will be conducted in small groups with other auditionees. No special dance shoes are required but please dress appropriately. Heathers has quite a lot of dance and movement so all auditionees will be required to complete this component.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
What are we looking for? Heathers is an exciting, fun and high energy show and it needs a cast to match. We are looking for:
Variety in look with all shapes and sizes
Versatility in acting range, with the ability to play more than one character, including characters of contrasting ages
Strong solo singers who can also blend in an ensemble
Strong singers who can dance / Strong dancers who can sing / Triple Threats
Friendly people who work hard
Commitment to the show and rehearsal process
A good attitude
CALL BACKS
After everyone has auditioned, the panel will discuss casting. We may wish to see some auditionees again. This can help us decide between a number of potential options and see how different people look and work together. All auditionees should keep the call back dates available.
You will be contacted if you are required for call backs and emailed further music/readings to prepare if required. We suggest familiarizing yourself with the songs from the show before the call backs.
If you aren’t called back, it does not mean your audition was unsuccessful. It is important to note that depending on the outcome of the auditions, we reserve the right to conduct an additional audition period.
CASTING ANNOUNCEMENTS
We appreciate the time, effort and courage it takes to audition. Please be assured that we are committed to providing you with a fair chance to show us your best in the audition room in a welcoming and fun environment. Once decisions have been made, you will be contacted by email if offered a role. Please ensure that the contact details you provide on your audition form are correct.
CONTENT WARNING
Heathers is a dark comedy which deals frankly and sometimes comically with subjects such as sexuality, mental health, murder and suicide. We consider these are aspects of real life which should be represented in art however we acknowledge these subjects may be triggering for some people.
Please seriously, and honestly, consider your ability and comfort dealing with these issues before committing to your involvement in Heathers. In particular, you should note the following:
Veronica & JD are required to kiss and there is a simulated sex scene
The “Dads” will have a dramatic kiss in one scene
Kurt, Ram, JD & Veronica are required to appear in underwear on stage
Martha, Heather McNamara and JD attempt suicide in the show
Veronica fakes her own suicide
Veronica, Kurt and Ram are involved in a scene where sexual assault is implied
Heather Chandler, Kurt and Ram are murdered in the show
Many characters sing about topics of a sexual nature
Some scenes depict the use of alcohol and drugs
Some scenes and songs include coarse language and adult themes
We have included this information not to put you off from auditioning but rather to be honest about what the show includes. To avoid difficulties later, we encourage all auditionees to read a full synopsis of the show and consider watching the movie and the “west end” production on Roku TV prior to auditioning. You might also wish to discuss this with your family, friends or healthcare professional prior to making the decision to audition. Please be assured that Heathers will be created in a safe and controlled manner and we will treat the material with sensitivity. However, if you are auditioning for/offered one of these roles and have concerns about the above please discuss it with the production team before committing to the show.
REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES
Rehearsals are planned to start either late May / early June, starting with a “meet the cast” and script read through. Rehearsals will take place at the Everett Theatre complex. A schedule will be made and will be available the first night. We value your time, so we will only schedule you for the rehearsals that you need. If you anticipate absences during the rehearsal period be honest about this on the audition form (conflicts calendar). We can work around most conflicts, but it is asked that you consider your availability for rehearsals and the performance dates prior to auditioning to avoid disappointment. Please note the rehearsal schedule is subject to change. The regular rehearsal times will generally follow this structure: Weekdays 6:30 - 9:00 PM - Weekend Rehearsals as needed: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
NOTE that TECH WEEK REHEARSALS (September 3rd - September 7th) and ALL PERFORMANCE DATES are mandatory for all cast members. Again, consider your availability prior to auditioning to avoid disappointment.
We look forward to seeing you! Break a leg!
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