Conejo Players Theatre AUDITION NOTICE:
The Secret Garden
Presented through special arrangement with: Concord Theatricals
Directed by: Dana Marley-Kolb
Produced by: Priscilla Losey& Sarah Ely
Audition Dates & Times: January 15, 16 & 17, 2023 (Sunday, Monday & Tuesday) at 7:30pm
Location: Conejo Players Theatre, 351 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361
Performances: March 24 – April 16, 2023, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 2pm (no show April 9); Thursday, March 30 at 8pm and, Saturdays, April 8 & 15 at 2pm
Audition Requirements:
Please prepare approximately one minute of a song, not from the show, in a classic Broadway style. You may utilize our provided accompanist, or bring a track downloaded onto your own device. Sound system supplied. You will also be asked to read. Sides will be available at the auditions and one month before auditions on the CPT website. A small dance sequence will be given at call backs. Please (if you have one) bring a headshot and resume. Non-union, NO PAY.
For more information: Contact Priscilla Losey at
pcillalosey@gmail.com; (949) 306-7297
Show Synopsis:
This enchanting classic of early 1900’s children’s literature is reimagined as a brilliant musical by composer Lucy Simon and writer Marsha Norman. Orphaned in India, young Mary Lennox is sent to Yorkshire to live with her reclusive, embittered uncle Archibald and his disabled son Colin. Encouraged by the ghosts of her past, and the warm locals who work the estate, Mary discovers (and eventually shares) hope, love, and the healing power of nature.
Character Descriptions:
Characters speak with either a Standard British Accent (RP) or a Yorkshire Accent (YORK). Accents do not need to be perfect at first audition, but attempts are appreciated.
Presenting Female:
LILY - 28-40 (Range: Soprano, Bb3-D6) Mary's aunt and Archibald Craven's wife. Died of a tragic accident within her garden and haunts the walls of Misselthwaite Manor. A passionate woman who followed her own instincts, she reaches from beyond the grave to ensure the happiness of those she cares for. RP
MARY LENNOX - Female, 10 (Range: Young Mezzo, Ab3-D5) A young girl sent to live with her uncle, Archibald, when her parents die from cholera in India. Initially spoiled, she becomes a curious explorer, and often finds herself in trouble. Stubborn and always fighting for what she believes in. Must be a strong singer/actress capable of carrying a show. RP
MRS. MEDLOCK - 35+ (Non singing but may be used offstage, Range: Flexible) Archibald’s housekeeper. Desperate to please those in charge and keep her job. World weary. YORK.
MARTHA - 18-30 (Range: Mezzo-Soprano Belt, G3-D5) A young and spunky housemaid. Although she is from a lower-class family, her wisdom is often far beyond her age, and her warmth initiates the thawing of Mary. YORK
Presenting Male:
ARCHIBALD CRAVEN - 40-55 (Range: Baritone/Tenor, C3-A4) Mary's uncle and lord of Misselthwaite Manor. He has a hunch-back. Haunted by the past and afraid of the future, he locks himself away both physically and mentally. Mary painfully reminds him too much of his wife, Lily, who died ten years ago. RP
DR. NEVILLE CRAVEN - 35-50 (Range: Baritone, C3-F#4) Archibald’s younger brother. Trapped by the idea that he is responsible for the caretaking of Colin and his brother. Even though he was never loved back by Lily, he is still in love with her. This adds to his unwillingness to move on and leave Misselthwaite. RP
BEN WEATHERSTAFF - 40+ (Range: Ensemble-Part Flexible, Solo-speak/sing Baritone E3-D#4) Head gardener. Secretly entrusted to take care of the garden after Lily’s death. Crotchety, but with a soft heart, he eventually aids Mary and her friends.YORK
DICKON - 16-25 (Range: Tenor, D3-G4) Martha's younger brother. Looks after the sick plants and animals within the Misselthwaite grounds—including Mary. He is a young man who is between the world of child imagination and adult reasoning. Open, honest, energetic, and at one with nature. Befriends Mary and convinces her to take care of the Garden. RP
COLIN CRAVEN - 10 (Range: Young Mezzo, A3-E5) Archibald's ten-year-old son. Spent his life in bed due to a heart condition. He is very stubborn and throws temper tantrums to get what he wants. He truly believes he is going to die. RP
The Following characters, referred to collectively as the Dreamers, are people from Mary's life in India who haunt her until she finds her new life in the course of the story. They are free to sing directly to us, appearing and disappearing at will. All are defined characters with lines and character arcs, and all must be very strong singers. Lots of solo and intricate choral singing. Rose and Albert are secondary leads.
ROSE LENNOX - 28-38 (Range: Mezzo/Soprano, A3-D6) Mary's distant mother. Doesn’t understand how her sister Lily could truly love Archibald. Beautiful and self-centered, she learns how to become a mother only after her own death. RP
CAPTAIN ALBERT LENNOX - 30-45 (Range: Baritone/Tenor, D3-A5) Mary's loving father. Truly cares for Mary but is highly influenced by his passion for his wife. RP
ALICE - Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Rose's friend. Girlfriend to Lt. Wright. Clueless to the humanity of the Indian servants. RP
LIEUTENANT WRIGHT - Male, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Officer in Mary's father's unit. Excited to be invited to the Lennox home. RP
MAJOR HOLMES - Male, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Superior to Albert Lennox. Confident in his rank and power. RP
CLAIRE HOLMES - Female, Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Major Holmes' wife. Enjoys the privileges of a powerful husband. RP
FAKIR - Age Flexible (Range: Ensemble Tenor, C3-B4) Itinerant Hindu ascetic. Mary is fascinated watching him as he sings and dances. Must Move well. Indian Accent
AYAH - 30+ (Range: Ensemble/Part Flexible) Mary's Indian nanny. Cares for Mary even though she is not treated well. Must move well. Indian Accent.
As stated in our Anti-Discrimination Policy, our theatre is welcoming to ALL, including members of every race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, public assistance status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, family relationship, socio-economic status, or any other protected status.
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