The Shaggs: Philosophy of the World
– Equity Principal Auditions
Playwrights Horizons and New York Theatre Workshop Off-Broadway $539/week minimum.
Music/Lyrics: Gunnar Madsen
Book/Lyrics: Joy Gregory
Dir: John Langs
CD: Alaine Alldaffer
Assoc CD: Lisa Donadio;
Casting Asst. Darragh Garvey
1st reh: 4/12/11. Runs 5/13-6/26 (end of subscription run).
Equity Principal Auditions:
Monday, January 3, 2011 Actors' Equity Association Audition Center
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM 165 West 46th Street, 2nd Floor
Lunch from 1 - 2. New York City
Please prepare a brief rock/alternative song. Bring sheet music; accompanist provided.
Please bring a picture & resume, stapled back-to-back.
Based on a true story about a girl garage band from the 60s. American tale about a father's dream of fame and success for his three misfit daughters, each of whom has a haunted quirkiness. An outsider musical about outsiders.
Seeking:
Casting Director’s notes: “Seeking rockers with character. No legit, no Broadway, no pop. Actors do not need to play instruments."
Betty:
AVAILABLE ROLE. Seeking actress 18+ to play teenager. Betty is Austin's middle daughter. Bursting with frustration and rebellious impulses. Three steps ahead of everybody. Mezzo with strong low and middle register and belt. Style: Regina Spektor, Iris Dement, Joanna Newsom.
Helen:
AVAILABLE ROLE. Seeking actress 18+ to play teenager. Helen is Austin's youngest daughter. Fragile and odd. A pure spirit. Sometimes mute by choice. Alto. Style: Regina Spektor, Iris Dement, Joanna Newsom.
Kyle:
AVAILABLE ROLE. Seeking actor 18+ to play teenager. Comic, geeky, awkward. Deeply impassioned about music. Sees himself as a searcher, but unprepared for the tragedy he gets swept up in. Tenor.
Annie:
AVAILABLE ROLE. Woman, 40s. Exhausted rural mom. Her looks have faded over the years. Quiet, deep soul. Mezzo.
The following roles have been cast (i.e. offered and accepted). Auditioning performers will be considered as possible replacements, should any become necessary.
Austin:
CAST. Man, 50s. Poetic ranter, visionary. Dominating in a quiet and powerful way. Unhinged. King Lear meets Momma Rose meets “Joe the Plumber”. Alternately terrifying and heartbreaking. Baritone (in the world of Johnny Cash, Lou Reed, Peter Gabriel).
Dot:
CAST. Actress 18+ plays teenager. Dot is Austin’s oldest daughter, and a true believer. People pleaser. Fiercely loyal. Stronger than she knows. Mezzo with strong low register. Style: Regina Spektor, Iris Dement, Joanna Newsom.
Charley Dreyer / Bobby:
CAST. Man, mid 30s. The Shaggs’ music producer. NOT shady, NOT a crook. Sincere, with a heart of gold. Weird, comic and misunderstood. Actor also plays Bobby, an engineer at the studio where the Shaggs record. Baritone.
Mr. Wilson / Others:
CAST. Man, mid 40s. Comedic foil to Charley. Dry and contained. Well-intentioned, small-town weirdo. Actor also plays Russ, an engineer at the studio where the Shaggs record;Hank, a firefighter; and the Exeter Talent Show Host. Tenor/ high baritone.
Theatres’ statement: “Playwrights Horizons and New York Theatre Workshop] do not believe in discrimination based on color, race, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, disabilities, gender, or otherwise. All performers, including those of color, seniors, women and performers with disabilities, are encouraged to audition and will be given full consideration.”
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