White Plains Performing Arts Center
CONTRACT
LOA $476 weekly minimum + pension/health *Total of 3-4 performances/week
SEEKING
Fantastic Equity singers & actors who move well to play principal and supporting roles in SIDE SHOW (see breakdown).
Theatre’s casting note: Because of the short, intense rehearsal schedule, we are open and interested in seeing performers who may have done the show before. But it is NOT a requirement.
INSTRUCTIONS
SEE PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS IN BREAKDOWN. Submit all materials via this link: https://airtable.com/shrB9YtaJvjJZeQzD . Videos must be uploaded to (youtube, vimeo etc) and sent as a link. Please no password protected videos etc. Include Headshot and Resume (in one file not separate files).
Deadline: Fri, Feb 18, 2022
PERSONNEL
Music by: Henry Krieger
Book & Lyrics by: Bill Russell
Director: Frank Portanova
Music Director: Stephen Ferri
Choreographer: Antoinette DiPietropolo
OTHER DATES
CALLBACKS TBD (sometime late Feb or first week in March)
1st Rehearsal: April 4 (rehearses in NYC in the 10am-6pm range)
Tech: 4/18-21 (in White Plains)
Shows: April 22-24, April 28-May 1, May 4-8
Please bring any and all conflicts to the auditions and note that the rehearsals times may vary. You must be available for all shows and tech week to audition.
OTHER
Questions email: auditons@wppac.com
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to submit.
BREAKDOWN
PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please prepare about a one-minute cut of a song from the show or in the style of the show. Singing from the show is HIGHLY preferred.
We have provided a few options with accompaniment you can use should you want to at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4ukc5o25tqmegd7/AABC3nmrrwo9WXMbkV10gU9xa?dl=0 but are happy to have you provide your own cut and accompaniment as well.
CASTING NOTE:
- If submitting for Daisy/Violet only pick one to submit for and consider it based on your vocal range. We can always call you back for the other if we need.
- Ensemble submissions: Please read descriptions as many have specific “iconic” physical traits assigned to those roles. Consider that when submitting.
- In your recording, slate your name, union status and height (if not listed on resume)
- Make sure we see as much of you as possible.
- Accompaniment should be played on a separate device and be sure there is no editing, effects etc to your vocal recording.
SYNOPSIS
*This is the original version of the show not the revival
Based on the true story of conjoined twins and famed entertainers Violet and Daisy Hilton, Side Show is a remarkable musical about acceptance, love, and embracing one’s uniqueness. As the starring act of a sideshow, helmed by an abusive ringmaster, Violet and Daisy Hilton are eager to accept an offer of fame, fortune, and potential romance proffered by Terry, a talent scout, and Buddy, a budding musician. As stars on the Orpheum Circuit, it seems that Violet and Daisy have everything they ever wanted. The one thing they lack, however, is the fulfillment of their hearts’ desires. Different as they are, when it comes to matters of the heart, Daisy and Violet have the same burning questions: “Who could proudly stand beside me? Who will love me as I am?” Nearly entirely sung-through, Side Show features soulful music, stunningly beautiful lyrics, and powerhouse show-stoppers, particularly the famous duets “Who Will Love Me as I Am” and “I Will Never Leave You.” A stunning reminder of the importance of accepting and celebrating what makes us unique, Side Show is a true story that will touch audience’s hearts.
BREAKDOWN
NOTE: Since the Hilton sisters were conjoined twins, attached at the lower spine/hip, actresses interested in these roles MUST be comfortable acting, moving and dancing in tandem with another actress. There is an incredible amount of stamina needed for both roles; physical, emotional and vocal. Looking for gifted actors that are incredibly vulnerable and real.
Daisy Hilton: Female, 25-30’s (Alto/Mezzo with strong belt; Big range, up to a sustained G5). The dominant and more outspoken of the twins, her dream is to become a famous actress/performer/celebrity. Ethnicity: Caucasian
Violet Hilton: Female, 25-30’s (Mezzo/Soprano with strong belt; Big range, up to a sustained B5). The shy and more composed of the twins, her dream is to marry and raise a family at home. Ethnicity: Caucasian
Terry Conner: Male, 35-45. A talent scout/agent for the Vaudeville circuit; attractive with a commanding presence and excellent rich voice. Daisy's love interest: a man torn between what society deems to be normal and acceptable, and his emotions. He ultimately is a man out for his own interests and success; very charming and slick; Baritone with strong upper range; Low G to a sustained high F#) Ballroom/Partnering experience a plus.
Buddy Foster: Male, 20-35. An aspiring choreographer/performer; a song and dance man; bright and energetic, but a bit naive; full of genuine drive and heart. Violet's love interest. He falls in love with Violet and the attention they are getting as they gain in success and fame; tenor; big range, up to C with a strong sustained high A.
Jake: Male, 30-40. A BIPOC sideshow foreman, a large and very strong physical presence even when silent. Secretly in love with Violet. Has great depth with a fantastic voice. Ideally would be in excellent physical shape and comfortable being bare chested. He is a man of few words, but when he speaks it has great impact and he is heard loud and clear. He is an incredibly smart man and sees through Terry and Buddy's intentions and wants only the best for the girls. He loves them both deeply and would do anything for them; tenor/baritone with strong top range. Ethnicity: BIPOC
The Boss: Male, 35-50. Formidable presence, sleazy, drunk, owner and ring master of the side show. Excellent tenor voice; has chords of steel as he does a fair amount of screaming/aggressive vocals. He is physically different in some way. Short, stout, tall, thin, gangly; anything different; interesting looking, the type that you wouldn't expect to have total control over a group of people, but yet does through brain washing and abuse. He is a disgusting human being and is the biggest freak of them all. He is a very broken man and takes it out on those around him.
FEATURED & ENSEMBLE ROLES
The entire ensemble will double in a number of smaller parts with featured lines, as well as singing throughout the show. The roles listed below are their featured roles in the “Side Show,” but they will also play reporters, vaudevillians, spectators, Follies performers, party guests, and Carny hawkers. All must be very strong singers who move well. Those with special skills, or features especially jumps, circus tricks, acrobatics etc are a plus.
Fortune Teller: Female, 21+. Any size, exotic look; an extremely strong belter/gospel voice to F#5; a motherly type figure to the side show performers and has a strong and earthy presence.
Dolly Dimples: Female, 25-45. Based on a real person, Dolly was listed as the classic Fat Lady in the various side shows she traveled with. On stage she takes on the persona of a little girl in baby-doll type clothing, but backstage would be smoking a cigar and hanging with the guys. Crass and funny.
Snake Lady: Female, 21+. Snake charmer; dancer/strong mover; strong technique a plus; athletic/dancer’s body; exotic. Revealing costume.
Tattoo Lady: Female 21+. Working class woman who acquires tattoos for sideshow. Used captivity narratives to explain appearance and tantalize the audience, revealing costume.
Half-Man Half-Woman: Any gender 21+. They presented a half and half trick: woman on the left and man on the right. Revealing costume.
Reptile Man: Male, 21+. A sensitive and gentle soul among his friends; tall; lanky; form fitting costume
The Sheik: Male, 25+. Middle Eastern tribe ruler whose act includes his harem of virgins; athletic build. May appear bare-chested.
Bearded Lady: Male 21+. Feminine, but strong; has a very strong opinion and not afraid to speak up; strong tenor voice. Having a beard a plus.
Fakir: Male, 21+. Athletic build, exotic type; open to all sizes. Human pin cushion.
The Strong Man: Male, 21+. Body builder with an excellent body; would be billed as The Strong Man that could do incredible things with his strength; May appear bare-chested.
3 Legged Man: Male 21+. Born a parasitic twin; Considered one of the strangest exhibits of the side show. As an adult, his primary legs were also two different lengths while his extra leg was several inches shorter.
Geek: Male, 21+. A tightly wound and particular individual; refined but deadly wild man; extremely intelligent, very tall (over 6’2”), lanky.
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to submit.
Videos
