Geva Theatre Center 2023-24 Local EPAs - Rochester, NY (5.26.23) - Geva Theatre Center

Geva Theatre Center

Rochester, NY

2023-24 Season

Rochester, NY EPA (Accompanist Provided)



AUDITION DATE

Friday, May 26, 2023

Time: 11:00am – 8:00pm (EST)

Meal Break: 4:00pm – 5:00pm



APPOINTMENTS

 Members of AEA should please email Casting@GevaTheatre.org to make an appointment with “EPA – [Your Name]” in the subject line.

 If you are not a member of AEA but are a local actor, drop in during EPA hours and we will endeavor to see you.



CONTRACT

Wilson Stage, LORT B actor minimum: $1,058

Fielding Stage, LORT D actor minimum: $776



SEEKING

Equity actors for roles in Geva Theatre Center’s 2023-24 season (see breakdown).



PREPARATION

Prepare either: 1) 2 brief contrasting monologues totaling no more than three minutes; OR 2) A brief monologue and a brief song totaling no more than three minutes. An accompanist will be present.



LOCATION

Geva Theatre Center, Rehearsal Hall (2nd Floor)

75 Woodbury Blvd., Rochester, NY 14607-1717



PERSONNEL

Members of Geva Theatre’s Artistic department and an accompanist will be present.



OTHER

Critical to Geva Theatre Center’s core values is an institutional culture of dignity, trust, and mutual respect. We are committed to upholding the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our programming, casting, hiring of guest artists, and recruitment of staff in all departments. As Rochester’s professional theatre, we take particular responsibility to reflect the community we serve. To that end, for all casting opportunities, we actively encourage applications from women, persons of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities. All are welcome here.



An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producing organization will run all aspects of audition. Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.



While we are only able to schedule appointments for members of Equity, we strongly encourage local Non-Equity actors to attend so we get a chance to know your work!



BREAKDOWN

The Wizard of Oz (RSC)

By L. Frank Baum | Music & Lyrics by Harold Arlen & EY Harburg

Background Music by Herbert Stothart | Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard

Orchestration by Larry Wilcox | Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company

Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.

Directed by Zi Alikhan

First Rehearsal: August 01, 2023

Performances: August 29, 2023-October 01, 2023

Wilson Stage, LORT B

Seeking: All Roles



Synopsis: Contextualized around our country’s conversations about Drag Queen Story Hour, this Wizard of Oz will embark on a journey that starts with celebrating everyone in our queer communities, across identities, experiences, loves, and dreams. Think the gingham dress inside an episode of We’re Here where Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is premiering down the street, hosted by The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. We are excited to explore actors of all gender identities for all roles, although we are unable to change the as-written pronouns for any role. Note: The below ranges may be adjusted based on casting.



Dorothy Gale Range: G3-C5 (opt. E5)

Aunt Em (Emily Gale)/Glinda the Good Witch of the North Range: G3-C5

Uncle Henry (Henry Gale)/Emerald City Guard/as cast Range: Bb2-Eb4

Zeke/Cowardly Lion Range: Bb2-F4

Hickory/Tinman Range: Bb2-G4

Hunk/Scarecrow Range: Bb2-F#4 (opt. Ab4)

Miss Almira Gulch/The Wicked Witch of the West

Professor Chester Marvel/The Wizard of OZ

Ensemble (2 AEA/5 students/several children)



Frida… A Self Portrait

By Vanessa Servero

Directed by Joanie Schultz

First Rehearsal: October 12, 2023

Performances: October 17, 2023 – November 11, 2023

Wilson Stage, LORT B

All roles are currently cast.



Synopsis: Frida Kahlo was her own mysterious and brilliant muse. The iconic Mexican painter captured the difficulties and wonders of her life with incredible vibrancy. Now, she comes to life onstage through playwright and performer Vanessa Severo.



Mr. Parent

By Belinda Lopez with Maurice Emmanuel Parent

Conceived with and directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian

A Boston Playwrights’ Theatre Production

First Rehearsal: October 28, 2023

Performances: November 01, 2023 – November 19, 2023

Fielding Stage, LORT D

All roles are currently cast.



Synopsis: A struggling actor turns to teaching for a steady paycheck, thinking “how hard could it be?” It doesn’t take long to realize that the answer is somewhere between “very” and “impossible.”



A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens. Adapted by Mark Cuddy, Music and Lyrics by Gregg Coffin

Directed by TBD

Music Direction by Don Kot

First Rehearsal: November 14, 2023

Performances: November 28, 2023 – December 30, 2023

Wilson Stage, LORT B

Not currently seeking actors.



Synopsis: Miser Scrooge's view of the world is changed by the visits of three Christmas ghosts.



Dial M for Murder

By Frederick Knott

Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher

Directed by Rachel Alderman

Geva First Rehearsal: December 21, 2023

Geva Performances: January 16, 2024-February 11, 2024

Wilson Stage, LORT B

Seeking: All Roles



Synopsis: A new adaptation of the celebrated murder mystery that inspired Hitchcock’s masterpiece! Tony is convinced that his wife Margot has been cheating on him. Now it seems that the affair is over, but in his jealousy, Tony spins a web of suspicion and deception that will tighten around them and ensnare them both in danger, recrimination, and murder.



[TONY WENDICE] Male, mid-30s to mid-40s. British. A recently retired professional tennis player. Handsome, charming and charismatic. He does not initially seem like a villain, but is self-assured and arrogant; a constant manipulator with a slick, casual demeanor. Likes the finer things in life, but cannot afford them; his solution is to have his wealthy wife murdered. Any ethnicity.



[MARGOT WENDICE] Female, 30s to early 40s. British. Charming, elegant, confident but guileless wife of Tony Wendice. Comes from money and has always lived comfortably. She and Tony's marriage has not always been strong, leading her to have an affair with Max, which she has since ended. She trusts Tony and believes their marriage is back on track. Any ethnicity.



[MAXINE HALLIDAY] Female, 30s to 40s. An American murder mystery writer from New York. Successful and confident. Grounded, honest and genuine, she is in love with Margot and truly has her best interests at heart. Any ethnicity.



[CAPTAIN LESGATE] Male, mid-30s to mid-40s. Working class British. A con artist, also known as C.A. Swann, Adams, and Wilson. A former Cambridge classmate of Tony’s, who is now a convicted criminal willing to do most anything for money, including murder. An outsider looking in; guarded in manner, but easily one-upped. Dangerous in manner but not intelligence. Any ethnicity.



[INSPECTOR HUBBARD] Male, 50s to 60s. A seasoned British Police Inspector. A bit eccentric but thoughtful and extremely thorough. A strong presence, with gravitas. He has a keen sense of observation and intelligence, but does not show his hand until the time is right. Any ethnicity.



I Put a Spell on You (World Premiere)

Book by Harrison David Rivers

Music Arranged by Nubya Garcia

Based on I Put A Spell on You: The Autobiography of Nina Simone by Nina Simone with Stephen Clearly

Directed by TBD

First Rehearsal: February 06, 2024

Performances: March 05, 2024-March 31, 2024

Wilson Stage, LORT B

Seeking: All Roles



Synopsis: A world premiere musical by Geva’s Playwright in Residence, Harrison David Rivers, based on the life and music of Nina Simone. From the sticky-keyed upright at Luke C.M.E Church in Fort Tryon, North Carolina, to the sleek concert grand at Carnegie Hall, Nina Simone never met a piano she couldn’t make sing; or a song she couldn’t transform with her signature artistry and unique sound.



NINA, Black, Female-identifying, mid-40s/mid-50s. Consummate musical storyteller, dignified and sophisticated with a raw intensity and an unbridled passion. Worldly wise. Nina is singular in her purpose; uncompromising. Piano playing.



BLUE 1, Black, Female-identifying, 7-10 years old. Innocent and naïve. Devoted to her parents and desires to please them. Blue 1 is only just realizing her gift – and thus, her power. Piano playing.



BLUE 2, Black, Female-identifying, early 20s. Beginning to question and explore. First love. First heartbreak and disappointment. Piano playing.



EUNICE, Black, Female-identifying, mid-20s/mid-30s. Coming into herself as an artist, and as a wife and mother. Experiencing success and betrayal. Possible piano playing.



KATE/LORRAINE, Black, Female-identifying, 40s. Devoted to God above all else. Unable to square her daughter’s choices with her beliefs.



JOHN DIVINE/ANDY STROUD, Black, Male-identifying, 40s. The great loves of Nina’s life. Charming men. Caretakers. But ultimately, lacking; unable to give Nina what she needs. Possible piano playing.



EDNEY WHITESIDE/VOICE #1, Native American, Male-identifying, early 20s. Nina’s first boyfriend, her first everything. Loves Nina, but wants her to stay in North Carolina. His inability to compromise is the end of their relationship.



MRS. MILLER/MURIEL MASSINOVITCH/VOICE #4, White, Female-identifying, early 50s. Nina’s first champions. They see her genius and encourage it.



M.C./ANNOUNCER/BAR GUY/DON ROSS/MAN, White, Male-identifying, mid/late 30s. Charming, but has ulterior motives



HARRY STEWARD/TED AXELROD/SID NATHAN/VOICE #3, White, Male-identifying, mid 30s.



USHER/BARTENDER/JERRY FIELD/VOICE #2, White, Male-identifying, late 20s.



Sanctuary City

By Martyna Majok

Directed by TBD

A Kitchen Theatre Production

First Rehearsal: March 16, 2024

Performances: March 20, 2024 – April 07, 2024

Fielding Stage, LORT D

All roles will be cast by Kitchen Theatre.



Synopsis: From Pulitzer Prize-winner Martyna Majok comes this poignant and invigorating drama.



Newtown (World Premiere)

By Dan O’Brien

Directed by Elizabeth Williamson

First Rehearsal: March 19, 2024

Performances: April 16, 2024-May 12, 2024

Wilson Stage, LORT B

Seeking: All Roles



Synopsis: Newtown engages with recent history: the prologue and aftermath of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012. Derived closely from documentary source material, the play is at once lyrical and unflinchingly realistic. A heartbreaking and powerful interrogation of the complex causes of gun violence in our culture, Newtown offers in the end the possibility of healing and hope.



NANCY, early 50s: Loquacious, intelligent, a bit manic. Searching and desperate. Lonely.

ADAM, early 20s: Silent. A mystery, a cypher. Flashes of love and rage.

ROBBIE, early 30s: Outgoing, personable. Religious. A grieving father. Hopeful.

ALISSA, early 30s: Guarded but courageous. Religious. A grieving mother.

PETER, 50s: Shattered, guilt-stricken. Intelligent.



The Color Purple

By Alice Walker

Music & Lyrics by Brenda Russell, Alee Willis & Stephen Bray

Directed by Kelli Foster Warder

First Rehearsal: May 23, 2024

Performances: May 28, 2024-June 23, or June 30, 2024

Wilson Stage, LORT B

Seeking: All roles.



Synopsis: The Color Purple tells the story of courageous heroine Celie, as she journeys through joy, despair, anguish and hope in her own personal awakening to discover her unique voice in the world. This intimate version of this landmark musical celebrates life, love, and the strength to stand up for who you are and what you believe in.



CELIE- (she/her) Ages from 14-40s. A survivor who triumphantly journeys through a life filled with emotional and physical abuse. She is grounded in her rock-solid faith in God and devotion to her sister Nettie, and later her intimacy-awakening bond with Shug Avery. A dynamic singer who is well versed in both gospel and contemporary musical theatre styles. Mezzo soprano with strong high belt. Intimacy is required for this role.



MISTER- (he/him) Ages from 30s-50s. A deeply troubled man, as well as Celie’s husband and abuser. Still carries a torch for his former lover Shug Avery. Baritone. Intimacy is required for this role.



SHUG AVERY- (she/her) Ages from 30s-40s. A sultry and seductive singer who is overcoming her own traumas. Former lover of Mister’s whose body, soul, and desire to love again is reawakened by her intimate relationship with Celie. Alto. Intimacy is required for this role.



SOFIA- (she/her) Ages from 20s-40s. A full-figured woman with a big personality who suffers no fools. She has a lust for life and a proud sense of justice. Harpo’s wife and Celie’s friend. Alto with strong belt. Intimacy is required for this role.



HARPO- (he/him) Ages from 18-40s. Mister’s hapless son from his first marriage. He’s well intended but often falls short due to poor guidance. Falls deeply in love and takes a submissive role with his wife Sofia and later his girlfriend Squeak. Tenor/Baritone. Intimacy is required for this role.



NETTIE- (she/her) Ages from 13-40s. Smart, driven, and protected by circumstance. Unwaveringly devoted to her sister Celie. Mezzo soprano.



SQUEAK/ENSEMBLE- (she/her) 20s. Harpo’s devoted and protective girlfriend. She possesses a voice that matches her name. Soprano. Intimacy is required for this role.



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 audition.


Salary: $776 (LORT D) / $1,058 (LORT B)