AUDITION PACK DIRECTOR MUSICAL DIRECTOR CHOREOGRAPHER Regan Jackson Jo Castelow Jessie Thomson 24 May 1 June 2019 Ashburton Trust Event Centre
AUDITION INFORMATION PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION CAREFULLY & COMPLETE ALL SECTIONS ON THE AUDITION FORM Things you need to know We are looking for talent to fill Principal, Ensemble & Backing Vocal roles. All roles in SISTER ACT are available to people who are Year 10 and over as at 2019. Diversity is encouraged, and all ethnic groups are welcome to audition. All roles auditioned for are on an unpaid basis. The season of SISTER ACT will be performed at the Ashburton Trust Event Centre from 24 MAY 1 JUNE 2019 SISTER ACT is the feel-amazing musical comedy smash-hit based on the 1992 Whoopi Goldberg film. The show features all new original music by TONY and 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Beauty and The Beast, The Little Mermaid). When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in one place the cops are sure she won't be found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase only to find themselves up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood. Gloriously funny and a sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is a reason to rejoice! Rehearsals... The first cast together will be held on Sunday 27 January 2019 from 3 5pm. Rehearsals will then commence on Sunday 10 February 2019 and will be held at the VTA Rooms, Wills Street, Ashburton. Vocal & Choreography Rehearsals Wednesdays and Thursdays Sundays Vocal, Choreography & Director s Rehearsals Wednesdays and Thursdays Sundays 10 February 21 March 7 10pm 10am 1pm From 24 March 7.30pm 10pm From 10am onwards as per schedule
IMPORTANT NOTE Weekday & weekend rehearsals & times will increase once we move into the theatre. If you have any concerns regarding your availability, please note this on your Audition application form. FULL COMMITMENT TO REHEARSALS REQUIRED If you re successfully cast in SISTER ACT you will be required to be available for the entire rehearsal period and show season. Due to the nature of this show, rehearsals will be intensive, requiring discipline, professionalism and a high level of energy and commitment from the outset. Please do not audition if you are not in a position to fully commit to the rehearsal schedule. While talent is a primary consideration when casting, level of commitment will be also be a consideration, and final choices for principal and ensemble roles will be made with this in mind. WORKSHOPS DATES. Group Movement Auditions Saturday 1 December, VTA Rooms Entry via Party People Costume Hire, Victoria Street. Everyone auditioning for onstage roles (Principals, Nuns & Ensemble Only) are required to attend this group movement audition. No preparation is needed as you will be taught the movement on the day. 9 10.30am Group Movement Workshop & Audition Please ensure you wear suitable footwear and clothing that allows for freedom of movement. On arrival at the venue, you will be required to register for your audition, and you will be given a number which is to be attached to your clothing and visible to the creative team.
Principal Roles, Nuns, Ensemble & Backing Vocal Auditions Saturday 1 December, VTA Rooms From 11am If you are auditioning for a Principal, Ensemble and/or Backing Vocal role, you will need to register for a 10-minute individual audition appointment. To book your audition appointment, please go to www.varietytheatreashburton.co.nz We recommend you arrive at the venue at least 10 minutes before your audition time to allow time for registration and preparation. Please prepare part of a song (1 2 minutes long) that fully displays your vocal ability. If auditioning for a Principal or Ensemble role, you will also be required to sing a song from the Audition Song Requirements. The audition song(s) for each part, including Ensemble & Backing Vocals, is listed below. Backing track and sheet music for your audition is available on our website www.varietytheatreashburton.co.nz We want you to relax and enjoy your audition experience. Please ensure your audition is well rehearsed and preferably performed to near performance standard. This will allow you to demonstrate your performance ability, and shows the panel you have put some thought and commitment into this. Do not be offended if we don t get you to sing all of your prepared vocals It doesn t mean you are not being considered. Audition Information & Registration A pianist will be available. You are welcome to bring your own pianist if you like. Please bring your sheet music in the proper key and taped together. A sound system will be available for backing tracks either on CD or MP3/iPod Please be on time for your audition, allowing time to sign-in, complete audition paperwork and ensure you are vocally and physically warmed up. Prepare your audition to the best of your ability this shows you are serious about being involved and that you have given considerable thought to your audition. Nothing will frustrate the creative team more than those people who come unprepared. Have some understanding of the character(s) you are auditioning for. Be professional, and bring lots of energy to your performance. Dress appropriately, and enjoy yourself! All auditionees will be advised of their audition outcome by email or phone at the completion of the audition process. Please complete the Audition Application Form (enclosed) and bring this with you to your audition.
RECALLS 2 DECEMBER 2018 Those required for a recall will be notified by 7pm on Saturday 1 st December. Please ensure you leave the day free in the event that you will be recalled. Deloris Van Cartier An inspiring disco diva wannabe performer, trying to find both fame and a place in the world with a mega-watt dream of Donna Summer glory. When forced to hide in the convent, she initially refuses to embrace her new lifestyle but learns to enjoy it when she works with the choir. Loud-mouthed, sassy, and quick on the quip but ultimately caring she has no faith in anything or anyone but herself. Excellent singing voice (Disco, R n B Gospel) and good movement required. Good comic timing. 25 35 years old Black/Afro Caribbean descent. E F# (Alto/Mezzo with belt capability) Take me to Heaven and Fabulous Baby Mother Superior An old-school Catholic traditionalist with a spine of steel, a will of iron, an acid tongue, and a hidden heart. The head of the convent, sarcastic and bit stiff. Firm, but fair and dignified. Extremely protective about keeping her sisters away from the outside world, which puts her in direct opposition to Deloris and her musical teachings. Good vocal required. 40 70 years old D E (Strong unwavering Alto with Mezzo capability) I Haven t Got a Prayer Curtis Shank A club owner, notorious gangster and Deloris boyfriend. Smooth and calculating. Cocky and controlling, always on the verge of violence. A super cool, super confident, super smooth bad guy with soul. He is a tough narcissist with flair, sex appeal and charisma. He is elegant and dangerous. Needs to be extremely strong-voiced with big range. 30 40 years old A Ab (Tenor/Baritone with strong disco falsetto) When I Find My Baby Eddie Souther The desk chief at the Philadelphia Police Station and a high school classmate of Deloris who helps get her into hiding. A sweet guy who dreams of being confident, but faces a lot of nerves when under pressure, causing him to sweat profusely. He still yearns for Deloris after all these years, and dreams of being her hero. 25 35 years old Ab B (Tenor with falsetto) I Could Be That Guy
Monsignor O Hara One of the heads of the convent. A gentle, kind man who is a bored, uninspired preacher. Constantly concerned with financial matters, though soul music surprisingly puts him in a different mood. Strong character actor. 45 60 years old E G (Baritone) Sunday Morning Fever Sister Mary Robert A postulant, abandoned as a baby and raised at the convent. Teetering on the decisions of whether to take her final vows or leave the convent to rejoin the world that intimidates her so. Her shy and softspoken personality masks a huge, powerful singing voice. Sings a big Act II solo, The Life I Never Led. Should have an unexpectedly huge belt. Excellent vocal and good movement required. 16 25 years old F# - A (Mezzo soprano with belt capability) Raise your Voice (Belt part) and Sister Mary Lazurus A nun of the convent and the head of the choir. Older, crabby, snappy and seemingly grumpy. Tough, out of the Depression Era, full of vinegar and humour, with twice the energy of anyone half her age. She s seen them come and go, and nothing fazes this Sister. She s quick on the wisecracks and always ready to roll up her sleeves and dig in. Must be a strong comedic actress. Rather deadpan and the least welcoming of the nuns, but she gets caught up in Deloris soul music. Good character singing and good movement required strong belter. 50 70 years old F B (Alto with belt capability) Sister Mary Theresa A nun of the convent the oldest of the group. Decrepit at a glance, but secretly packs a punch. Vocal 60 70 years old Speaking role Sister Mary Patrick A nun of the convent. Upbeat, fun, filled with love and delight in God, food and friendship. Enjoys every minute of life. A larger-than-life character. Consistently perky, enthusiastic and easily excitable. Has a heavyset physique. Excellent vocal and good movement required. Good comic timing. 30 50 years old G E (Mezzo Soprano with belt capability) Sister Mary Martin-of -Tours A nun of the convent. Clearly in her own world, but has her moments of surprising clarity. Vocal 40 60 years old Speaking role
Bb Eb (Baritone/ strong disco falsetto) TJ Curtis undersized nephew and one of his thugs. Deft and cognizant of the fact, but constantly in a state of ignorant bliss. He s well-intended but doesn t always have the brain power to think ahead. Must have comic chops. 16 30 years old Db Eb (Tenor/Baritone, with strong falsetto) Lady in the Long Black Dress Joey One of Curtis thugs. Big, burly and fiercely loyal. He is the heavyset one of the trio. Believes himself to be quite the ladies man. Wants to please Curtis and be dangerous but isn t quite capable of it. Must have comic chops. Good vocals and movement required. 25 40 years old Lady in the Long Black Dress Michelle One of Deloris backing singers in Curtis club. Lippy and always quick with a retort. Excellent vocals and movement required. Will also be part of ensemble. 20 30 years old Bb F (Mezzo Soprano with belt capability) Pablo One of Curtis thugs. A natural follower, constantly speaks in Spanish. Thinks he s something of a love- God. Good vocals (Soul and R n B) and movement required. Good comic timing. 25 40 years old C F (High Baritone/tenor, with falsetto) Lady in the Long Black Dress Ernie One of Curtis thugs. Initially thought to be mindless yes-man, he turns out to be an undercover police informant. 25 35 years old Speaking role Own choice Tina One of Deloris backing singers in Curtis club. A little thick and naïve. Excellent vocals and movement required. Will also be part of ensemble. 20 30 years old Ab F (Mezzo Soprano with belt capability Take Me to Heaven Ensemble/Backing Vocals Nuns, Denizens (Bar Patrons of a Seedy Bar Waitress, Drag Queens, Prostitutes), Homeless People, Alter Boys, Fantasy Dancers. Various age and vocal ranges, but good movement required.
Audition Application Form Name Address Home Phone Mobile Mobile Age (as at date of Audition) Email Facebook Yes or No (please circle) Part(s) in production you are auditioning for 1. 2. (in order of preference) 3. 4. If you are not chosen for a Principal role would you like to be in the Ensemble or Backing Vocal? Yes / No If you are unsuccessful at this audition, would you like to be involved in this production in some other way? If so, please state: Can you read music? Yes / No Do you learn dancing? Yes / No What type? How long? Do you learn singing? Yes / No How long? Drama Classes Yes/No How long? You must be available for all rehearsals you are scheduled to attend. Please ensure you advise the Audition Panel of any dates you are not able to attend. Please note: We may be rehearsing during Easter Weekend (19-22 April 2019) Are you involved in any other productions or do you have any other commitments that may conflict with the rehearsal and performance period between February May 2019 Yes / No If yes, please give details
Previous Theatre / Music / Dance Experience (or attach CV) Do you have any health conditions that are affected by various light and or sound techniques? If yes, please list the conditions Do you agree to your contact details being given to Heads of Departments as required? YES / NO I am a member of the Society YES / NO If selected I will become a financial member of the Society. I agree to find a minimum sponsorship of $100.00 to assist with the cost of the show. The committee wishes to point out that final cast selection is subject to approval and that those who are successful will have been selected on their suitability for the particular role they have been given. Non-acceptance does not reflect on the talents of the unsuccessful auditionee. Any photos, comments or material posted on social media sites that are found to detract from the spirit and ethos of being a company member of Variety Theatre Ashburton may be referred to the committee and disciplinary procedures may be taken, including possible removal from the show company. The committee retains the right to make alterations to the cast which may have been rendered necessary at any time during the production and staging of this show. The decision of the full committee is final. No communication, written or verbal, will be entered into on this matter. Please note that some of the information in this form is required by Variety Theatre Ashburton for applications for grants and funding. No names will be used for these purposes only any relevant details such as, but not limited to, age and ethnicity. Applicants Signature.. Parents Consent if under 16