WEST SIDE STORY - The Lower Ossington Theatre
AUDITIONS: WEST SIDE STORY
Presented By Joseph Patrick & Maurice Galpern at The Lower Ossington Theatre (LOT)
Book by Arthur Laurents, Music by Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Directed by Lillian King
Choreography by Kiri-Lyn Muir
Musical Direction by Dan Rutzen
LOT values gender equity and cultural diversity in all of our practices.
We encourage submissions from all performers interested in being involved with this production.
Auditions: June 20th 2016
Important Dates:
Rehearsals begin from June 24th2016 part-time
Tech begins July 31st 2016
Show runs from August 11th to September 18th 2016 (with possible extension)
Performances are Thursday thru Sunday weekly with multiple show times on Saturday.
We are seeking strong performers, with musical ability and dance experience.
All should prepare a short dramatic monologue as well as a 32 Bar selection of a song in the style of West Side Story. This is a paid non-equity position.
Please submit a headshot and resume to lotheatreauditions@gmail.com to be considered. Only those applicants receiving an audition will be contacted.
WEST SIDE STORY
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to 1960s New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time. From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Arthur Laurents' book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim is widely regarded as one of the best ever written. The world's greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre's finest accomplishments.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Riff
A spritely, quick-tempered leader. They seek to eliminate the Sharks and establish their own gang's dominance. Tony's best friend, they are eventually murdered by Bernardo.
Approx Age: 25 to 30 - Vocal range top: G4 -Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Tony
A young romantic and former leader of the Jets, they have found a new lifestyle. They are violently torn between their friendships and love when they fall in love with Maria, meeting their untimely death. Genuinely sweet and sincere.
Approx Age: 25 to 30 -Vocal range top: Bb4 -Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Bernardo
A proud, strong and handsome Puerto Rican. Bernardo seeks to carve out territory as a sense of identity for them and their friends. Maria's sibling and Anita's partner. Leader of the Sharks. Approx Age: 25 to 35 -Vocal range top: Eb4 -Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Maria
Hopelessly romantic and innocent. They fall in love with Tony and are stuck in the center of the violent conflict between the two gangs. Bernardo's sibling. Puerto Rican.
Approx Age: 18 to 21 -Vocal range top: C6 -Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Anita
Feisty and assertive. Anita dispenses "older sibling" advice to Maria and tries to shield them from the dangers of the gangs. Bernardo's partner and Maria's friend. Puerto Rican.
Approx Age: 25 to 30 -Vocal range top: D5 -Vocal range bottom: F3
Chino
An angry and, at times, naive Shark who turns murderous and vengeful. Suitor to Maria and friend of Bernardo's. Approx Age: 20 to 25
Anybodys
A spunky kid who is desperate to become a member of the Jets. The other Jets mock them for their ambitions, but generally appreciate their company. Full of energy and heart.
Approx Age: 15 to 25
Doc
The owner of the candy store where the Jets hang out. Doc tries to guide the Jets youthful angst and provides a safe haven for Tony. Old fashioned and wise in their ways.
Approx Age: 60 to 75
Schrank
A local police detective frustrated by the ongoing violence between the Jets and Sharks. Blunt, brash, and unapologetic. Approx Age: 40 to 55
Krupke
The local beat cop. Krupke has no patience for the gangs conflict and tries to keep tensions from errupting between them. Regularly mocked by the local gangs.
Approx Age: 30 to 60
Ensemble
Jets & Sharks, Any Age: Strong dance ability required.
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