PLEASE NOTE: For the safety of our audiences, actors, crew and volunteers, we are currently only auditioning/casting individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please bring proof of vaccination to your audition.
We are committed to building diversity and inclusion onstage and throughout our organization. Actors of all ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities are highly encouraged to audition.
FOREVER PLAID
Written and Originally Directed & Choreographed by Stuart Ross
Directed by Melanie Del Sole, Music Direction by Nick Ciasullo
Choreographed by Stephen Koehler
AUDITIONS: Monday, January 8 & Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 6:30pm (sign up required)
PERFORMANCES: March 1-17, 2024
REHEARSALS: 2-3 nights per week, plus Sundays.
LOCATION: Almira Stephan Memorial Playhouse, 59 West Main St., Meriden
ABOUT THE SHOW: Once upon a time, on February 9, 1964, a semiprofessional harmony group was on its way to its first big gig at the airport Hilton cocktail bar, Fusil-Lounge. While driving in a cherry-red 1954 Mercury convertible, the members were rehearsing their finale, “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing.” They were just getting to their favorite E flat diminished seventh chord, when they were slammed broadside by a school bus of eager Catholic teens from out of Harrisburg. The teens were on their way to witness the Beatles make their U.S. television debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” and miraculously escaped, uninjured. The harmony group, however, was killed instantly. It is at that moment, when their careers and lives ended, that the story of Forever Plaid begins.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
• Please sign up for an audition time HERE. We will be seeing people in groups of five, in 20 minute intervals.
• Please prepare one of the song cuts below. An accompanist will be provided.
• The full cast recording can be heard HERE.
• You will be asked to read. Sides will be provided at auditions
• Your audition will involve learning and performing brief choreography – please come dressed comfortably.
• Please bring a headshot and resume with you to your audition.
• Bring your calendar and be prepared to list all conflicts.
• All actors must be great at holding intricate, 4-part harmony (Ala Four Lads, Four Aces) and be equally great at blending with other singers as well as solo.
CHARACTERS: *All roles available!*
FRANCIS – age 20s – early 30s, male presenting, all ethnicities. He is the leader of the group. He has the most confidence. He takes care of the fellow Plaids and makes sure that everyone knows what is supposed to happen next. This includes the audience. He has asthma which acts up whenever numbers are too fast or the choreography too energetic. He has a great deal of compassion for the music and the group. Vocal Range – Second Tenor (F3 to B5). Audition Cut: 16Tons/Chain Gang
SPARKY- age 20s – early 30s, male presenting, all ethnicities.. The “cut-up” of the group. He is always looking for ways to crack jokes. He is very sharp and loves singing his tailor-made solos. He wears a retainer and has a slight speech impediment. Vocal Range – Baritone ( F3 to G5). Audition Cut: Falling Star
JINX – age 20s – early 30s, male presenting, all ethnicities.. The shy one. He doesn’t always remember what song comes next or what the next move is. He is Sparky’s step-brother and there is a little step-sibling rivalry going on between them. He occasionally gets a nose bleed when he sings above an A. Vocal Range – Tenor ( F3 to C6 (High C)). Audition Cut: Cry
SMUDGE- age 20s – early 30s, male presenting, all ethnicities.. He is the worrier. He worries about the props, about the running order and always assumes that the audience won’t like him. He has a chronic nervous stomach. He is very reluctant to perform. He is also dyslexic when it comes to telling his left foot from his right. Range – Bass (Low C to G5). Audition Cut: 16Tons/Chain Gang
CLICK TO SIGN UP FOR AN AUDITION TIMESLOT!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to EMAIL US.
THE 39 STEPS
By Patrick Barlow
Based on the novel by John Buchan & the film by Alfred Hitchcock
Directed by Todd Santa Maria
AUDITIONS: Monday, March 11th & Tuesday, March 12th at 7:00pm
Check back for more information, including audition materials, character breakdown, how to sign-up & more!
SPRING AWAKENING
Book & Lyrics by Steven Slater, Music by Duncan Sheik
Based on the play by Frank Wedekind
Directed by Oliver Kochol
AUDITIONS: Tuesday, May 14th & Thursday, May 16th
Check back for more information, including audition materials, character breakdown, how to sign-up & more!
We are committed to building diversity and inclusion onstage and throughout our organization. Actors of all ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities are highly encouraged to audition.