Davidson Community Players Host Auditions For RAGTIME

Davidson Community Players announces open auditions for its June 2011 production of the landmark musical RAGTIME. The production will be directed by Melissa Ohlman-Roberge, with musical direction by John Smith and choreography by Felicia Davis. The production will open June 16th and will run thru June 25th. Rehearsals will begin April 26th.

Based on E.L. Doctorow's landmark book, RAGTIME is the story of three American families (upper-middle class Caucasians in New Rochelle, African Americans in Harlem, and Jewish immigrants new to New York) at the turn of the twentieth century. Brilliantly weaving actual historical events with fictional characters, the musical tells the characters' stories of struggle, independence, search for fulfillment and reliance on each other as the three families' lives become intertwined in ways that could not have been foreseen. Set to a sweeping, magnificent score (widely considered to be one of the crowning achievements of American musical theatre), Ahrens' and Flaherty's masterpiece is simultaneously moving, funny, and tragic, but ultimately leaves the audience filled with hope for the future of the country that we know is to come, and even more so for the world that is yet to be. Originally produced on Broadway in 1998, the musical won four Tony awards, including Best Book and Best Score.

WHEN:

Sunday, January 23 at 5pm for children ages 8-13

Sunday, January 23 at 5pm for actors 15 and up

Monday, January 24th at 7pm for actors ages 15 and up

Auditionees should plan to sign in by 8 p.m. and need only attend one session.

WHERE: Davidson Community Players' Armour Street Theatre at 307 Armour Street, Davidson.

FACTS & TIPS:

* Roles are available for two children (one male, one female) ages 8-13 as well as for young-adults (ages 15+) and adults.

* Ragtime requires a diverse cast and provides great opportunities for featured and leading roles for African American singers/dancers/actors ages 16+.

* Prepare 16 bars of a song that shows off your vocal range.

* Memorize your audition piece, and, as Ragtime is almost all music (very little spoken dialogue), prepare a piece that highlights your ability to act thru song.

* Please bring music in the proper key, an accompanist will be provided. Accapella singing is NOT recommended.

* A dance call will follow the vocal audition, please dress comfortably and be prepared to move.

* Bring a recent headshot, list of theatrical experience and list of conflicts for the late April-June time frame.

Ragtime features a cross section of Americans; performers of all ages, ethnicity, shapes and sizes are encouraged to audition. The director is seeking the following: (Please note: the role of Coalhouse Walker has been cast)

Fictional Characters/Families:

Sarah (18-20, African American) - Lyric soprano, low G* to high F*- Coalhouse's love interest and the mother of his child.
Sarah's Friend (20-30, African American) - Gospel lyric soprano, low G to stratospheric top note - Requires strong gospel and scat skills.
Mother (20-30) - Lyric soprano, low G to high Eb - Upper class New Rochelle housewife; gentle, compassionate, optimistic.
Father (30-45) - Baritone, B to E on staff - Upper class explorer and manufacturer, traditional and resistant to change.
Little Boy (8-13) - Tenor, E to Db - Mother and Father's son - precocious, observant and always curious.
Younger Brother (19-29) - Baritone, B to high F# - Mother's brother - anarchist in love with Evelyn Nesbitt.
Grandfather (60+) - Baritone - Little Boy's grandfather - very outspoken.
Tateh (30-45) - Tenor, Db to high F# - Jewish Latvian immigrant in search of American Dream - compassionate, creative, good with accent.
Little Girl (8-12) - Soprano, E to Db - Tateh's daughter - quiet and shy.

The Historical Figures:

Evelyn Nesbitt (20-30) - Belter soprano middle C to Db - Sexy movie starlet loved by all.
Emma Goldman (30-60) - Alto, low G# to Db - Feminist anarchist, Jewish immigrant, powerful figure.
Harry Houdini (20-40) - Tenor, middle C to high G - Famous magician, escape artist and illusionist.
Willie Conklin (22-45) - Tenor - New Rochelle's Fire Chief - obnoxious and cruel.
Booker T. Washington (30-55, African American) - Baritone - Civil rights pioneer.
Henry Ford (28-65) - Baritone - Founder of the Ford Motor Company, inventor of the assembly line.
J. P. Morgan (40-65) - Baritone - Banking mogul.

Ensemble Roles
A diverse ensemble of strong singers and/or dancers will fill out the company. The ensemble will have the opportunity to play numerous characters who interact with both the fictional and historical players, as well as the chorus singing throughout the show. Some featured, supporting and ensemble roles may be doubled. Supporting roles include: Admiral Peary, Stanford White, Harry K. Thaw, Houdini's mother, people of New Rochelle/Harlem/Union Square, Jewish immigrants, factory workers, demonstrators, newsboys, reports, bureaucrats, Coalhouse's Men.

Please note that the production does include some racially charged language, including the 'n-word.' It is important to understand, however, that like Mark Twain's use of the word in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, its inclusion serves two purposes: historical accuracy and the making of a point against such bigotry. Performers should be aware of this and need to be comfortable with the use of this language in a theatrical setting.

For additional information regarding auditions, please contact Melissa Ohlman-Roberge, Artistic Director at 704 892-7953 or email melissa@davidsoncommunityplayers.org.
The Davidson Community Players is a non-profit organization established in 1965 to produce theatre that entertains, enriches and encourages community participation in the dramatic arts. For information about the Davidson Community Players, visit the website at www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org or call 704.892.7953

 

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