The Arvada Center announces auditions for the musical Memphis
The Arvada Center will hold auditions for the musical, Memphis at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., on June 12 and 13 (Chorus Dance Call on June 11) and in New York City, on June 23. The Arvada Center production will be directed by Arvada Center Artistic Producer Rod A. Lansberry with musical direction by David Nehls and choreography by Kitty Skillman Hilsabeck.
Adult Principal and Chorus:
Colorado Principal/Chorus auditions are on June 12 and 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., by appointment only. The Women’s Chorus Dance call is 12:45 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Men’s Chorus Dance call is 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 on June 11. All dance calls are by appointment only and dancers may be asked to sing. Call the Arvada Center Box Office at
720-898-7200 to schedule an appointment time. Please do not contact the production staff to schedule an appointment. Actors must be 18 years & older to audition.
General Audition Requirements:
Experienced performers with strong acting and singing abilities are needed. Good movement abilities are required. See the character breakdown (below) for specifics on available roles. Actors should prepare 16-32 bars from a song appropriate to the style of show. Please bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided. Recorded music or a cappella audition will eliminate casting consideration. A current headshot and résumé are required. Audio and video submissions will not be considered. Equity members must have a current equity ID card. This is an Equity LORT B production, non-equity actors will be considered. Individuals of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds are needed and encouraged to audition for all roles.
New York Auditions:
Wojcik/Seay Casting will coordinate the New York City auditions, to be held on June 23. To be considered for a New York audition, mail a hard copy of your headshot and résumé and indicate the role you are interested in (if known) to the following address:
Wojcik/Seay Casting
Attn. Memphis, Arvada CO production
247 West 38th Street 10th Floor
New York, NY 10018
NO CALLS PLEASE – qualified actors will be contacted to schedule an audition
Rehearsal and Performance Dates:
Rehearsals for Memphis begin on August 19, 2014. The production opens on September 9 and runs through September 28, 2014. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday evenings with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays for a total of eight shows per week.
ARVADA CENTER – Memphis
Character Breakdown
HUEY - Caucasian, 20s-30s. Frenzied, bombastic, motor-mouthed hero, who talks his way into becoming a DJ at a local white Radio station. Ignores race barriers and eventually falls in love with Felicia, a talented black singer, which causes a whole new set of problems for Huey in a segregated 1950s Memphis. Tenor with a great feel for pop/rock/r&b style.
FELICIA - African American, 20s-30s. Beautiful, wide-eyed. Fiercely gifted singer. Follows her heart and falls in love with Huey, despite knowing deep down that a relationship between a white man and a black woman in prejudiced Memphis is doomed. High r&b belt.
DELRAY - African American man, 30s-40s. Felicia's older brother. Owns the club on Beale Street where she sings. Realistic, cautious, protective, and aware of the realities of the segregation that exists in Memphis and the world beyond. Baritenor with great pop/rock/r&b voice.
GLADYS - Caucasian, 40s-60s. Huey's stern, traditional blue-collar, Southern mother. Has worked her entire life to be able to support herself and her son, whom she loves, but about whom she constantly worries. Strong singer with alto-belt mix; excellent actor with comic skills.
GATOR - African American man, 20s-30s. Bartender at Delray's - hasn't spoken since age five, when he saw his father killed. As the story progresses, Gator finds his voice again. Requires an excellent actor and singer (great r&b Baritenor); comic timing a plus.
BOBBY - African American, 30s-40s. Janitor at Mr. Simmons' radio station. Full of personality and heart. Great gospel voice. Role requires an actor who is comfortable with physicality, as he has a dance break in his show-stopping number ''Big Love”; comic skills a plus.
MR. SIMMONS - Caucasian, 40s-60s. Conservative owner of the radio station where Huey gets his start. The strong, Southern, commanding businessman becomes willing to take a chance on Huey when he realizes the audience Huey reaches and the money he can command. Great actor who is comfortable singing.
MALE ENSEMBLE - All ethnicities, 20s-40s. Male dancers who sing very well, to play various ensemble characters. Seeking excellent, athletic dancers who sing.
FEMALE ENSEMBLE - All ethnicities, 20s-40s. Female dancers who sing very well, to play various ensemble characters. Seeking excellent, athletic dancers who sing.
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