RAGTIME - Kentwood Players Non Equity Auditions
Kentwood Players
Kentwood Players
announces auditions for
and Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 6-9pm
at the
Westchester Playhouse.
Ragtime is the quintessential American musical. It paints a powerful portrait of life at the turn of the century. Three stories are woven together that poignantly illustrate the struggle Americans faced dealing with class, race, money and justice in a country still struggling to find balance as they moved from the 19th to the 20th century. It was a tumultuous time when immigrants were looking to find hope in America, when former slaves and their children, now freed, were trying to establish their hold on the American dream, and the white upper middle class society struggled to maintain their lifestyle and expectations.
The cast is multi-ethnic/multi-racial of 24 actors including 3-4 children. The entire ensemble sings. All cast members must have strong voices, be able to sing harmony and be able to move well. African-American ensemble members must also be able to dance well.
There are three ensembles giving most actors opportunities to play a number of smaller parts with lines that will be cast during rehearsals including the roles of Admiral Perry, Stanford White, Harry K. Thaw, Willie Conklin, Judge, train conductor, people of New Rochelle/Harlem/Union Square, Jewish immigrants, factory workers, demonstrators, newsboys, reporters, Coalhouse’s Men etc.
Auditions will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 11am-4pm and on Sunday, January 13 from 6-9pm with callbacks on Monday, January 14 from 7-10pm.
Please come prepared with headshot and resume, 16 bars of any song from the musical theatre literature including Ragtime. Pianist will be provided. Be prepared to learn a short dance routine. Sides will be provided at the auditions. No appointment required. Rehearsal schedule will be posted in the lobby during the audition period. It is strongly recommended that you listen to the CD prior to your audition.
Show opens March 15 for a six-week run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm.
For further information, please contact Director Susan Weisbarth at
ragtime@kentwoodplayers.org.
- Coalhouse Walker, Jr.
- African-American male, 30-45—baritone with strong top range; Ab to G, with a sustained high F#. Coalhouse is proud, confident and stubborn.
- Mother
- Anglo-American female, 30 to 40—lyric soprano, range low G to Eb on staff. Mother is kind, gentle, compassionate, optimistic and not used to making her own decisions.
- Tateh
- Eastern European/Jewish immigrant male, 30 – 45, slight accent-tenor, range Db to high F#. Tateh is intelligent, cautious, passionate, and creative.
- Sarah
- African-American female, 25-35—lyric soprano, range low G# to F# on staff. Sarah is fearful but puts her faith in Coalhouse that life will be better.
- Father
- Anglo-American male, 45-60—baritone, range Bto E on staff. Father is cautious, resistant to change.
- Younger Brother
- Mother’s younger brother--Anglo-American male, 30-40, tenor/baritone with strong top range, B to high F#. Young brother is a passionate anarchist, intense, easily influenced and high strung.
- Young Boy
- Mother and Father’s son--Anglo-American male, 8-14, juvenile voice, range E to Db on staff. He is precocious and curious.
- Emma Goldman
- Eastern European/Jewish immigrant, female, 40 – 50, slight accent, alto—range low G# to Db on staff
- Harry Houdini
- Hungarian immigrant male, Magician and body builder, 30-40, tenor range, mid C to high G
- Evelyn Nesbitt
- Anglo-American female, Vaudevillian “girl on the swing” 20-25, belter-soprano, range middle C to Db on staff. Dancer and singer.
- Grandfather
- Mother’s father--Anglo-American male, 60-70, speak sings lyrics, gruff and outspoken
- Sarah’s friend
- African-American female—20-30—gospel, lyric soprano or alto range, low G to stratosphere scat top note
- Booker T. Washington
- African American male, distinguished, 45 – 55, speak sing lyrics
- Henry Ford
- Anglo American male—50-65, speak sings lyrics
- JP Morgan
- Anglo-American male—45-55, speak sings lyrics
