|
Seeking
Equity singers who dance, men and women, to comprise the ensemble and play various characters in the world of the Paris Opera Ballet.
see breakdown.
Preparation
Please sing a contemporary musical theatre song. An accompanist will be provided.
Please bring a picture and resume, STAPLED TOGETHER.
Other Dates
1st Rehearsal: September 16th, 2014
Opens: October 25th, 2014
Closes: November 30th, 2014
Other
Part fact, part fiction, Little Dancer is inspired by the obscure fourteen-year-old ballerina who posed for the famed Degas sculpture, 'Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen.'
Personnel
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Direction and Choreography by Susan Stroman
Music Director- David Loud
Casting: Tara Rubin Casting
· Chorus rules are in effect.
· A monitor will be provided.
Performers of all ethnic and racial background are encouraged to attend.
Always bring your Equity Membership Card to auditions.
|
|
Breakdown
**BREAKDOWN UPDATED 5/19/14**
Part fact, part fiction, Little Dancer is inspired by the obscure fourteen-year-old ballerina who posed for the famed Degas sculpture, 'Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen.' The show is set in the glamorous and lurid world of the Paris Opera Ballet, and follows Marie Van Goethem as she struggles to keep her place in the ballet corps, torn by her family’s poverty, her mother’s irresponsibility, the demands of Degas and the lure of wealthy men. Ultimately, this is the story of a girl on the verge of womanhood who inadvertently becomes the most famous dancer in the world.
SEEKING:
12 ENSEMBLE WOMEN:
WOMAN #1: BACKSTAGE WORKER, PERSON AT EXPOSITION, MARTINE VAN GOETHEM: Mother to Young Marie, and her other two daughters (Antoinette and Charlotte). Martine was once a dancer, but has come down in the world and is now a washwoman. She isn’t above getting money from men, too. She drinks too much as a way of lightening her burdens. She is a merry drunk, but can turn mean or maudlin at the drop of a hat. She is a loving yet neglectful single mother. Also: Dances well. Strong Alto (Belt), F# -- C.
WOMAN #2: BACKSTAGE WORKER, PERSON AT EXPOSITION, ANTOINETTE VAN GOETHEM: Marie’s older sister, a former ballerina, now turned courtesan. Antoinette is flighty, vain and a little naive. She believes she has a handle on life, but in fact is living precariously, at the mercy of the men she takes up with. She loves her sisters and has a good heart, always “helping” her sister Marie by giving bad advice. Very strong soprano singing, good acting, and movement. Coloratura Soprano with a dazzling high C.
WOMAN #3: RENEE (a washwoman); PERSON AT EXPOSITION, BACKSTAGE WORKER, CUSTOMER AT LE RAT MORT, MARY: A noted impressionist painter and friend of Degas. She is a single woman, 40’s, who has managed to make her own way in the world as an artist. Once Degas’ student, she now feels free to speak her mind to him as his equal. She once thought she might be in love with him, but their relationship is really one of close and honest friendship. Serious acting, good singing. Soprano (with Belt), G - G, moves well.
WOMAN #4: PROPRIETRESS OF LE RAT MORT; JOSETTE (a washwoman); PERSON AT EXPOSITION, MADAME THEODORE: A noted dance teacher at the Paris Opera Ballet. Strict, unbending, with a good eye for talent. She is somewhat protective of her young dancers, but is realistic enough to understand that being a dancer may also entail socializing with the wealthy patrons. She thinks Marie is very talented, but also undisciplined, and wants her to do well. Strong singing, and SABINE (Degas’ housekeeper): Degas’ loyal housekeeper. Middle-aged, unmarried, devoted to running his household and taking care of him. She has a contentious relationship with Degas, feels put-upon and abused, and yet adores him. Soprano (with Belt), G – G. Moves well.
WOMAN #5: LOUISE (a washwoman); PERSON AT EXPOSITION; BACKSTAGE WORKER; BALLERINA, CUSTOMER AT LE RAT MORT; PERSON AT EXPOSITION. Must have classical ballet technique and sing very well. Soprano (with Belt), G – G
WOMAN #6: CECILE (a washwoman); MME. PRUNEAU (wealthy mother of one of the dancers) ; BACKSTAGE WORKER, CUSTOMER AT LE RAT MORT; PERSON AT EXPOSITION. Must have classical ballet technique (pointe) and sing very well. Alto (G – C).
WOMAN #7: GABRIELLE (a washwoman); PERSON AT EXPOSITION, BACKSTAGE WORKER, CUSTOMER AT LE RAT MORT; BALLERINA. Must have classical ballet technique (pointe) and sing very well. Alto (G – C).
WOMAN #8: ESME PRUNEAU (a little rat), a show-off, full of herself, snooty. Has a wealthy, pushy mother Also: PERSON AT EXPOSITION, WASHWOMAN, CUSTOMER AT LE RAT MORT. Must have classical ballet technique (pointe) and sing very well. Light Soprano to D.
WOMAN #9: CHANTAL BRETT (a little rat). Gets the role at the end of the show. Religious (crosses herself a lot) Always practicing. Also: PERSON AT EXPOSITION, WASHWOMAN, CUSTOMER AT LE RAT MORT. Must have classical ballet technique (pointe) and sing very well. Light Soprano to D.
WOMAN #10: ONDINE GIGOT (a little rat); Clumsy, innocent, a little behind the curve, always out of step, always bringing up the rear. Maybe the youngest. Probably looks up to Esme. Also: PERON AT EXPOSITION, WASHWOMAN, CUSTOMER AT LE RAT MORT. Must have classical ballet technique (pointe) and sing very well. Alto to C.
WOMAN #11: NICOLINE SANSOUCI (a little rat). Marie’s friend. Always eating, always flirting with men. Yawning, a little indolent. Also: PERSON AT EXPOSITION, WASHWOMAN, CUSTOMER AT LE RAT MORT. Must have classical ballet technique (pointe) and sing very well. Alto to C.
GIRL #12: CHARLOTTE VAN GOETHEM (7 or 8 years old). She must act and sing really well. Also: CHILD WORKER IN LE RAT MORT; CHILD AT AUDITIONS; CHILD AT EXPOSITION. Must have classical ballet technique (pointe) and sing very well. Alto (Bb – Db).
6 ENSEMBLE MEN:
MAN #1: PASCAL PLOUFF, who own the laundry where Martine works); PERSON AT EXPOSITION; DOCTOR, AUGUSTE CORBEIL –(shortened form of Vaucorbeil)—the director of the Paris Opera Ballet in 1881. (He would have known Marie in real life.) He is authoritarian with anyone who works at the ballet, and obsequious to anyone who may give money to the ballet. He’s willing to play favorites if it means receiving a donation, and will send young girls into the arms of patrons if it means that they renew their subscriberships. A very good politician within his organization. Baritone (G – E). Moves well.
Man #2: BACKSTAGE WORKER, PERSON AT EXPOSITION, ABONNEE, DOCTOR, CUSTOMER AT LE RAT MORT, LUIS MERANTE. First Balletmaster and Chief Choreograher in 1881. Cares only about his new ballet, and will cast anyone who serves his purpose. A taskmaster. Second Tenor (A – A). Moves well.
MAN #3: DOCTOR, CUSTOMER AT LE RAT MORT, PERSON AT EXPOSITION, WORKMAN, CHRISTIAN. Rehearsal violinist and romantic interest for Marie. A handsome and roguish young man, a talented musician, responds to Marie’s talent, and she to his. Early twenties. Need a great singer, someone with charm, danger, sex appeal. Tenor, A – F (solo) sings to B with Ensemble, moves well.
MAN #4: PHILIPPE DE MARCHAL: Antoinette’s lover--a wealthy man, privileged and jaded); ABONNEE, DOCTOR, PERSON AT EXPOSITION, WORKMAN. Must have classical ballet technique (partnering) and sing well. High Baritone (A – F).
MAN #5: GILBERT (a wealthy gentleman) ; DOCTOR, PERSON AT EXPOSITION, ABONNE, WORKMAN. Must have classical ballet technique (partnering) and sing well. Baritone (G – E).
MAN #6: EDUARD (a wealthy gentleman); DOCTOR; PERSON AT EXPOSITION; ABONNE, WORKMAN. Moves well. Tenor (B – B).
SEEKING ACTORS OF ALL ETHNICITIES AND CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS.
|
