RIDE THE CYCLONE - Chicago Street Theatre Non Equity Auditions

What is a life lived, and will I survive the ride?

In a dilapidated warehouse, in a familiar amusement park, an aging mechanical fortune-teller called The Amazing Karnak comes to life and brings with him a ghostly choir of five deceased high-schoolers – all members of the Saint Cassian Chamber Choir, who were tragically killed on the park’s Cyclone roller coaster. Now, Karnak has the power to return one of these youths to life – but they must all decide among themselves who is the worthiest of a second chance to “ride the cyclone” that is life.

Those interested in auditioning must be 18 years of age or older and should prepare 16–32 bars of a contemporary piece of music. An accompanist will be provided, so please bring clearly legible sheet music for them to read. After we hear you sing, there will be a short dance audition. Please bring appropriate shoes and clothes to change into if needed.

Actors interested in auditioning for Karnak, should come with the prepared monologue from the show found on audition application page (link below).

Those we’d like to see more from will be invited to attend callbacks. Acting sides and vocal cuts will be sent via email prior to callbacks.

If you are unable to attend, please contact the director, Michael Glorioso, at
mrglorioso@hotmail.com to get details on how to submit a video audition.

Cast Size: 3 female/ 3 male/ 1 either male/female

Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg (Female, 18-30, Vocal Range A flat 3-A5) born December 22nd, Capricorn, the ambitious nature. Favorite ride: Bumper Cars. Ocean was born into a family left of center humanist who moved to Northern Saskatchewan to live a carbon-free lifestyle. High school president, straight A student, she is the most successful girl in town. Actress gives group leader/hidden bitch vibes, high Broadway mix, with a pop quality, large range.

Noel Gruber (Male, 18-30, Vocal Range F sharp2-C4) born March 5th, Pisces, sign of Passion. Favorite ride: Farris wheel. Very early on in Noel’s life his mother realized two things: one, he had a lot of sugar in his tank; second, was his penchant for all things nihilistic. While other children acted out Harry Potter, he acted out French New Wave Cinema. The actor must be able to sing in the style of a French chanteuse and be comfortable dancing and kissing someone of the same sex.

Mischia Bachinsk (Male, 18-30, Vocal Range B flat 2-A4) born August, Leo, sign of aggression. Favorite ride: Beer Garden. Mischa was conceived in a little town outside of Odessa in the Ukraine by a factory worker named Tamara. His mother, after being part of the cleanup crew in Chernobyl, was dying of prolonged exposure. Adoption-forging his birth certificate, she claimed he was two years old and was recently potty trained. Because of his upbringing, he turned to the last bastion of pure strength and masculinity in society: self-aggrandizing commercialized hip hop. This is how Mischa became the angriest boy in town. Actor is a baritenor with the ability to sing lyrical Ukrainian folk music as well as rap. The need to be comfortable dancing and kissing someone of the same sex.

Ricky Potts (Male, 18-30, Vocal Range: B flat 2-B flat 4) born June 5th, Gemini: dual nature. Favorite ride: Graviton. Born with a rare degenerative disease where he lost his power of speech. He is very interested in reading comics, or feeding cats (he has fourteen). Ricky developed an elaborate playground in his synapses, where he became his own best friend. The actor needs to be comfortable using forearm crutches. Rock baritone is required, being able to play accordion and/or doing basic tumbling is a plus.

Jane Doe (Female, 18-30, Vocal Range: B3-C6) one unidentified body of the Cyclone roller coaster disaster. No one knows who she is or where she comes from. All one knows for certain is that a body was found with a Saint Cassian uniform, without a head. Actress should react to things in a literal way and largely without emotion, almost robot-like. Classically trained soprano with flexible coloratura upper range, and some grit/meat in the lower register. Actress must be comfortable with possible flight, wearing a corset and contacts.

Constance Blackwood (Female, 18-30, Vocal Range: F sharp 3- D5) born November 14th, Scorpio: secret nature. Favorite ride: Cyclone. The only honor Constance Blackwood was to receive in her short lifetime was “Nicest Girl in Homeroom” three years in a row, an award she secretly threw in the dumpster behind her local KFC on her way home. Very likeable comic actress, alto belt with a rock edge.

Amazing Karnak (Male/Female 18-65, non-singing role) known also simply as “Karnak,” they are a precognition machine designed to predict the cause, time, and place of someone’s death. This was not their main function when they were in use at the Fall Fair, where they only told people’s basic fortunes which consisted of their lucky number, a vague statement about their future, and to go ride the Cyclone. Actor playing Karnak may be in heavy make-up or mask. They may also be utilized preshow, so they will have an earlier call time. Their Character is dry in their humor and can deliver jokes as facts.

Audition Information and Application Form