THE KID WHO WOULD BE POPE Equity Principal Audition - NYMF Auditions

The Kid Who Would Be Pope

• Equity Principal Auditions

GM: R. Erin Craig/La Vie Productions LLC NYMF Agreement (salary TBA)
Book/Music/Lyrics: Tom Megan and Jack Megan
Dir: Gabriel Barre

CD: Michael Cassara, CSA

Tentative schedule:

Rehearsals: 8/30 – 9/4/11 (10-6); 9/8-9/25 (Th and F 4-9, Sa and Su 10-6). Runs (6 perfs) 9/26-10/15.

Equity Principal Auditions:

Friday, June 17, 2011 Actors' Equity Association Audition Center

9:30 AM - 5:30 PM 165 West 46th Street, 2nd Floor

Lunch from 1 - 2. New York City

Please prepare a brief, contemporary musical theatre song that shows off your voice. Bring sheet music in the correct key; accompanist is provided, but may not transpose.

Please bring a picture & resume, stapled back-to-back.

Seeking (all roles/positions are available):

Adult Characters:

Sister Katherine / Others:

Multiple characters for one actress. Sister Katherine: Early 20s. Luminous nun. Drama teacher at the school. Has an inner emotional vitality that conveys warmth, humanity, egolessness and harmony. Physically attractive, but it is this inner emotional quality -- an open, unguarded, slightly maternal quality -- that is most striking. Were you to walk into a roomful of strangers, Sr. Katherine would be the easiest to approach and the most welcoming. Actress also plays Margaret (an old, crotchety parishioner), Monk and First Cardinal. Mezzo soprano or soprano; the range is adaptable.

Sister DelMonico / Billy’s Mom / Others:

Actress in this track plays a variety of characters and ages. Sister DelMonico: A more elderly nun at the convent school. Once her vow of silence is dispelled, she becomes the garrulous master of ceremonies at Bingo Night. Billy's Mom: Mid 30s. Sweet, but somewhat confused by life. Sends Billy to parochial school with hopes of reasserting a sense of control and order she remembers, growing up in New England. Actress also plays Gym Teacher, Monk, Devil and Second Cardinal. Strong singer (either mezzo soprano or alto).

Sister Rudy / Others:

Multiple characters for one MALE actor. Track age: 30+. Sister Rudy: Billy's harsh, domineering classroom teacher. She's old-school when it comes to discipline: children are wild animals to be tamed through constant humiliation. But she is capable of flights of fancy and high reverie if discussing religion, food, Italy. Understands the notion of service; love, not so much. Actor also plays Dad's Boss, Angel (appears when Billy sees Sr. Katherine), Monk and Doorman. Baritenor.

The Pope / Others:

Multiple characters for one actor. Track age: 33+. Pope: Middle-aged man who conveys both a sense of wisdom and dry humor. Sees the world through a slightly ironic lens, and thus is sympathetic to human foibles. Speaks English with a heavy Italian accent. Actor also plays Father Burns (youngish parish priest, somewhat removed from life), Angel (appears when Billy sees Sr. Katherine), Billy's Dad (beer-drinking good old boy who grew up in Florida) and Monk. Baritenor.

Child Characters:

Note: The eight children in the cast play fifth graders, about age 11. The key is that they be – or appear to be – preadolescent. Each of these positions requires a strong singer with sharp comic timing. Note from Equity: Some of these positions may be on Equity Chorus contracts.

Billy McPherson:

Eleven years old, fifth grade. The central character. Sensitive, imaginative boy with a strong will. There is a sense of him having lost his grounding when his family moved from Florida to New England. An inner agitative, searching quality. Can be fast and funny, but there is inner need driving him in his quest. Open-hearted, and does have a vulnerable quality. Strong singer needed, pre-voice change probably.

Alison McNally (Ali):

Very smart, pretty girl who is naturally empathetic. Perhaps the most mature of her classmates. Prides herself on being a “good girl”, and doesn't see how irritating this can be sometimes. Was the new kid last year, so she knows that Billy needs a friend, and this is her original motivation in reaching out to him. Strong singer needed.

Johnny and Joey McJohnson:

Twins. Masters of sarcasm, ridicule and practical jokes. They attempt to outdo each other in the dark arts. Parents own a pet shop.

Mary-Louise McPaulson:

Writes poetry frequently and indiscriminately. Generally a little too lofty for her own good.

Mary McDoyle:

Wisecracking classmate. Adept at the quick invention of improbable lies. Means no harm. She is the most fun as a classmate.

Kenny McBride:

Perhaps a little slower than the rest, but lovable and dependable. A bit on the heavy side. Always the last kid picked on a team. Plays Attila in the dramatic book report scene. And perhaps Tevye. Will grow up to sell life insurance.

Elizabeth McPetty:

Loves Drama class and all the backstage intrigue of a production.