Deal Park, NJ EPA
REVISED
Sunday, September 21, 2025
1:00 PM - 9:00 PM (E)
BREAK: 4:00PM - 5:00PM
For Equity members to sign-up for a timeslot, please visit:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409054
BACA 72 FA 2 FB 6-58491435 - axelrod
EPA rules will be in effect: ONLY Equity members are able to make an appointment in advance, but theatre indicates that Non-Equity performers will be seen as time permits.
LOA
$662 weekly minimum (LOA ref. LORT) + health/pension - Rate pending
Equity actors for roles in Axelrod Performing Arts Center's 2025 - 2026 Season (see breakdown). Some roles will be understudied. Local Central NJ/Deal Park NJ actors are encouraged to audition.
Please prepare a brief traditional musical theatre singing selection in the style of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Bring sheet music in your key, an accompanist will be provided. Please bring a picture/resume, stapled together.
Axelrod Performing Arts Center
100 Grant Ave
Deal Park, NJ 07723
Ample free parking is available - report to lobby entrance, audition monitor will be set up there.
Producer: Axelrod Performing Arts Center
See breakdown for production-specific personnel.
See breakdown for production-specific dates.
If unable to attend the in-person EPA, you may send picture/resume to
submissions@michaelcassara.net. An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition.
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.
Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA
Venue: Bell Theater at Bell Works
Written and Created by Randy Johnson
Director: Mary Bridget Davies and Nick Hrutkay
Music Director: Charles Santoro
First Rehearsal: On/After 9/15/2025
First Performance: 10/3
Closing: 10/19
[JANIS JOPLIN] THIS ROLE IS CAST. Female. Great, authentic rock & roll/blues voice with incredible range and chords of steel. Range: G3 - A5.
[JOPLINAIRE 1] THIS ROLE IS CAST. Female, 20s – 40s. Strong Blues, Rock, and Legit vocal skills required. Plays Odetta, Bessie Smith, a Chantel. Range: G3 – E5.
[JOPLINAIRE 2] THIS ROLE IS CAST. Female, 20s – 40s. Strong Blues, Rock, and Legit vocal skills required. Plays Etta James, a Chantel. Range: G3 – E5.
[JOPLINAIRE 3] THIS ROLE IS CAST. Female, 20s – 40s. Strong Blues, Rock, and Legit vocal skills required. Plays Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone. Range: G3 – A5.
[JOPLINAIRE 4] THIS ROLE IS CAST. Female, 20s – 40s. Strong Blues, Rock, and Legit vocal skills required. Plays Blues Singer, a Chantel. Range: G3 – A5.
Venue: Axelrod Performing Arts Center
Music by Richard Rodgers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
New Book by Douglas Carter Beane
Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II
Director/Choreographer: Todd L. Underwood
Music Director: Dan Sander-Wells
Casting Director: Michael Cassara, CSA
First Rehearsal: 10/20/2025
First Performance: 11/6
Closing: 11/23
ELLA (CINDERELLA) – 20s, female, any race/ethnicity. Soprano. Though no one notices her beneath her rags and quiet demeanor, she is opinionated, charismatic, passionate, beautiful, and funny. Idealistic and hopeful, she courageously challenges the prince to change the policies in his kingdom – and helps him discover who he truly is. Always her late father’s daughter, she is determined to see the good in everyone despite her hardships and suffering. We see her blossom into a confident woman.
TOPHER (THE PRINCE) – 20s – 30s, male, any race/ethnicity. Baritone. A misguided and lost prince who longs to do something important with his life. Though brave and heroic, he feels lonely and unfulfilled. Charming but NOT a stereotypical ladies man, he is thoughtful, appealing, and innocent – with an unforced goofy streak. Moral, genuine, and kindhearted, he is at a crossroads and must take control of his kingdom and his future.
MARIE (THE FAIRY GODMOTHER) – 30s – 60s, female, any race/ethnicity. Soprano with strong mix. A friend to Ella and the town’s resident crazy lady and beggar woman, Marie is actually a fairy godmother in disguise. Wise, warm, otherworldly, and charming, Marie rewards Ella for her kindness by making her dreams a possibility.
MADAME (THE STEPMOTHER) – 40s – 60s, female, any race/ethnicity. Mezzo-Soprano. Ella’s selfish stepmother. The epitome of vanity and fashion. A ravenous social climber who values wealth, status, and material possessions above all else. Unapologetically dismissive and sometimes cruel, Madame schemes her way up the social ladder.
GABRIELLE – 20s – 30s, female, any race/ethnicity. Mezzo-Soprano. Ella’s stepsister and daughter of Madame. Encouraged by her mother and sister to value material wealth and social status, she unenthusiastically joins them in their abrasive behavior. Quietly passionate, empathetic, and witty, she is drawn to Ella and Jean-Michel. Ironically aware that she doesn’t fit in.
CHARLOTTE – 20s – 30s, female, any race/ethnicity. Mezzo-Soprano. Ella’s stepsister and daughter of Madame. Brash, self-centered, materialistic, snooty, loud, sassy, and bratty, she has a ridiculously high, but unfounded, opinion of herself. She never passes up an opportunity to be the center of attention.
SEBASTIAN – 40s – 60s, male, any race/ethnicity. Baritone. The kingdom’s Lord Chancellor. Though he is Topher’s trusted advisor, he is devious and selfish. Using propaganda and dishonesty, he keeps Topher isolated and in the dark about his kingdom. Sebastian rules without regard for the lower class, or anyone other than himself – and truly believes he deserves to rule the kingdom.
JEAN-MICHEL – 20s – 30s, male, any race/ethnicity. Tenor. A feisty, passionate peasant determined to make a change for the starving class. Impetuous. A firebrand, but lacks authority and isn’t taken seriously as a revolutionary. Has a crush on Gabrielle, though their courtship is forbidden because they are from different social classes.
LORD PINKLETON – 30s-40s, male, any race/ethnicity. The Lord Chancellor’s right-hand man. Announces royal balls, banquets, and even the weather to the villagers.
ENSEMBLE – 20s – 50s, all gender identities, any race/ethnicity. Villagers, Lords and Ladies of the Court, Pages, Servants, Footmen, Horses. Strong singers and dancers who create the world of the story.
Conceived by N’Kenge
Book and Lyrics by Trey Ellis
Music and Lyrics by Shelton Becton
Music Director: Deah Love Harriott
Arranger: Everett Bradley
First rehearsal: on/about 1/26/2026
First performance: 2/20/2026
Closing: on/about 3/1/2026
[DOROTHY DANDRIDGE] CAST 30s to 40s, Black, female. A brilliant, trailblazing Black performer navigating fame, racism, heartbreak, and self-discovery; she's passionate, vulnerable, and relentless in chasing both career success and personal fulfillment. Strong singer (soprano/legit and belt) who moves well. THIS ROLE IS CAST - seeking understudy/future replacements.
[VIVIAN DANDRIDGE AND OTHERS] 30s to 40s, Black, female. Dorothy’s loyal sister and fellow performer, often caught between family loyalty and personal identity; Talented in her own right, but lives in Dorothy’s shadow. Mezzo/belt, moves well.
[RUBY DANDRIDGE AND OTHERS] 50s to 70s, Black, female. Dorothy’s controlling, fame-driven mother who prioritizes career over compassion, often harsh but convinced she’s protecting her daughters. Strong singer/belter.
[OTTO PREMINGER AND OTHERS] 40s to 50s, white, male. A brilliant but manipulative director with whom Dorothy has a complicated professional and romantic relationship. Has an Austrian accent. Strong baritone with rock/pop ability, should move well.
[ANTHONY QUINN AND OTHERS] 30s to 40s, male. A legendary actor who believes in Dorothy’s talent and helps her develop confidence in her dramatic skills. Doubles as [JACK DENISON] He is charming, slick, and slippery. He woos, then abuses Dorothy. Strong singer/actor who moves well.
[EARL MILLS AND OTHERS] 30s to 40s, white, male. Dorothy's long-suffering manager. Gentle and soft-spoken. Falls in love with Dorothy on first sight. A constant in Dorothy’s life. Strong singer (tenor) who moves well.
[HAROLD NICHOLAS AND OTHERS] Black, male, 30s, Doubles as legendary tap dancer HAROLD NICHOLAS, HARRY BELAFONTE, and other Ensemble roles. One of the famous Nicholas Brothers and Dorothy’s first husband. He is a charming ladies’ man who wins Dorothy’s heart, then breaks it. Strong singer/tenor / terrific dancer with outstanding tap ability.
[FAYARD NICHOLAS AND OTHERS] Black, male, 30s, Doubles as legendary tap dancer FAYARD NICHOLAS, PHIL MOORE (Dorothy’s music coach), and other ENSEMBLE roles. Strong singer/baritone / terrific dancer with outstanding tap ability.
[NEVA AND OTHERS] Black, female, 50s to 60s. Geneva “Neva” Williams is Ruby’s partner and the girls’ strict vocal coach and manager, known for her tough love and intimidating presence. Stern presence, with gravitas. Strong singer (mezzo/belt) who moves well.
[ETTA DANDRIDGE/HAROLYN/AND OTHERS] 30s, Black, female. Etta is one of the three Dandridge Sisters. She is spunky and flirty. Doubles as [HAROLYN] Dorothy’s daughter who suffered brain damage at birth, and is unable to speak or recognize Dorothy as her mother.
[LENA HORNE/AND OTHERS] Will double as [LENA HORNE] in a brief singing cameo. Strong singer (mezzo/alto) and strong dancer.
[MARILYN MONROE AND OTHERS] 30s, white, female. Dorothy’s close friend and confidante who offers lessons in owning one’s sensuality and navigating fame with flair and vulnerability. Strong singer/dancer.
[ENSEMBLE MALE 3] Black, male, 20s-40s. Doubles as Theater STAGE MANAGER, REPORTER, CLUB PATRON, and other ENSEMBLE roles. Strong singer/dancer.
[ENSEMBLE MALE 4] white, male, 20s-40s. Doubles as WALTER WINCHELL, OSCAR NIGHT ANNOUNCER, and other ENSEMBLE roles. Strong singer/dancer.
[HEDDA HOPPER AND OTHERS] 30s, white, female. Doubles gossip columnist [HEDDA HOPPER] and other ENSEMBLE roles. Strong singer/dancer.
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