Center Theatre Group and Tony Award-winning director Bartlett Sher announced today that the search for the next Fanny Brice in the classic romantic musical comedy "Funny Girl" has gone digital. Women, ages 21 to 35, whether they are Actors' Equity Association members or non-members, are encouraged to submit an audition video through CenterTheatreGroup.org/FunnyGirlCasting to be considered for this star-making role.
"Fanny Brice is an extraordinary role that requires an equally extraordinary actress," said Sher. "By adding this open and inclusive online audition system to our more traditional casting efforts we can, in essence, launch a nationwide search into every city and town in America. The ability to see the best talent from all over the country will be of enormous value in our wide-ranging search."
Online casting for "Funny Girl" is facilitated by Let It Cast, an innovative casting technology firm. Let It Cast allows actresses to submit an audition video online and free of charge, while receiving the same level of privacy afforded any actor in a traditional casting session. The videos are only made available to the creative team and producers of "Funny Girl."
Submissions should be no longer than 90 seconds and only one audition video is allowed per performer. Actresses are directed to sing a short song of their choice, preferably something that shows off their personality -- ideally something from musical theatre. The woman who will play Fanny Brice must have an unforgettably thrilling voice with a big range (E below middle C to a high F; Mezzo with a high mix or belt) and great comic skill, masking deep insecurity and pain. She is a once-in-a-generation talent, and must have excellent comedic timing.
More details are available on the casting Web site and they should be read carefully before submitting a video. Audition videos are only being accepted for the role of Fanny Brice. The deadline for submissions is July 15, 2011. Applicants must be lawfully and currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.
The all-new production of "Funny Girl" opens February 1, 2012, at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. Previews begin January 15 and the production continues through February 26, 2012.
"Funny Girl" has music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Bob Merrill, book by Isobel Lennart, and direction by Tony Award®-winner Sher, who has reassembled the acclaimed creative team behind his ravishing production of "South Pacific" (the winner of seven Tony Awards and presented at the Ahmanson last summer).
From the streets of New York's Lower East Side to the bright lights of Broadway, "Funny Girl" is the rags-to-riches, road-to-stardom story of legendary entertainer Fanny Brice - a pioneering female entertainer as well known for her oversized personality as she was for her unmatched talent.
A love story packed with unforgettable songs ("Don't Rain on My Parade," "I'm the Greatest Star," "I Am Woman, You Are Man" and the international hit "People"), irresistible backstage drama and a heartbreaking romance, this classic musical takes theatregoers back to the Golden Age of Ziegfeld and the height of burlesque. Part show-biz spectacular, part timeless love story, "Funny Girl" is pure Broadway legend.
Tickets for "Funny Girl" are only available by subscription at this time. For information and to charge season tickets by phone, call the Exclusive Season Ticket Hotline at (213) 972-4444. To purchase subscriptions online, visit
www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.
