Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane
CONTRACT
LOA $364 weekly minimum (LOA ref COST)
SEEKING
Equity actors for principal roles in Summer Lyric at Tulane's 2022 Season to include BANDSTAND, INTO THE WOODS, and RENT (see breakdown).
All stage managerial positions have been filled.
Summer Lyric Theatre will be adhering to all Health & Safety Protocols set forth by Actors' Equity Association, Tulane University, the City of New Orleans, and the State of Louisiana. We will be following a fully vaccinated protocol (including booster). Cast members must bring their vaccination card with them to the first rehearsal.
INSTRUCTIONS
SEE PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS IN BREAKDOWN. Please email 1 PDF file in this order: headshot, resume, and page with video link(s).
Deadline: Tue, Mar 22, 2022
SUBMIT TO
PERSONNEL
Viewing auditions:
Leonard Raybon, Artistic Director
Diane Lala, Director/Choreographer- Bandstand
Ray Proctor, Director- Into the Woods
Jaune Buisson, Choreographer- Into the Woods
OTHER DATES
Bandstand
Rehearsal Dates: June 1- June 22
Performance Dates: June 23- June 26
Into the Woods
Rehearsal Dates: June 27- July 13
Performance Dates: July 14- July 17
RENT
Rehearsal Dates: July 18- August 3
Performance Dates: August 4- August 7
OTHER
Productions will be rehearsed and performed in Dixon Hall (indoors).
Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a safe space for its company members. No one will be discriminated against based on their race, sexuality, sex, gender expression, or physical challenge.
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:
Filming/video instructions- please use the landscape framing (Picture wider than taller) for your movement video. Make sure your whole body is always in the frame.
Bandstand: Please submit a brief cut of a song from either a traditional swing-oriented selection (i.e., Berlin, Gershwin) or a contemporary musical with an earlier sensibility. Please do not submit a whole song. You can also submit a contemporary commercial song (i.e., Pop, R&B, Rock, etc.) if you feel it matches the style of the music in the show. You may sing something from the show, but please make sure your selection shows off your range and acting ability. If you would like to submit two song cuts to show contrasting styles, you may but please remember you are not required to do so. If you are auditioning for one of the band members, please send in a video of you playing your instrument. You may also use the accompaniment at https://tulane.box.com/s/lcwg073jqs0t0cck4ps3yq7ied4p7slk
Into the Woods: Please submit a brief cut of a song in a legit style. Please do not submit a whole song. You can sing something from the show, but please make sure your selection shows off your vocal and acting ability. Feel free to put your own spin on a traditional song. If you would like to submit two song cuts to show contrasting styles, you may but please remember you are not required to do so. You may also use the accompaniment at https://tulane.box.com/s/lcwg073jqs0t0cck4ps3yq7ied4p7slk
Rent: Please submit a brief cut of a song from a rock musical or a commercial song (preferably Rock, but Pop and R&B could work). Please do not submit a whole song. You can sing something from the show, but please make sure your selection shows off your range and acting ability. If you would like to submit two song cuts to show contrasting styles, you may but please remember you are not required to do so. You may also use the accompaniment at https://tulane.box.com/s/lcwg073jqs0t0cck4ps3yq7ied4p7slk
BANDSTAND, by Richard Oberacker & Robert Taylor
It's 1945. American soldiers return home to ticker-tape parades and overjoyed families; Private First Class Donny Novitski, singer and songwriter, returns with the hope of rebuilding his life with just the shirt on his back and a dream in his heart. When NBC announces a national competition to find the nation's next swing band sensation, Donny joins forces with a motley group of fellow veterans, and together they form a band unlike any the nation has ever seen. However, complicated relationships, the demands of the competition, and the challenging after-effects of war may break these musicians. But, when Donny meets a beautiful young singer named Julia, he finds the perfect harmony in words and music that could take this band of brothers all the way to the live radio broadcast finale in New York City. Victory will require every ounce of talent, stamina, and raw nerve that these musicians possess.
We are looking for a diverse cast of multi-talented performers for Bandstand. The band of 6 needs to play the instruments listed with the characters at an accomplished level, as they accompany many of the musical numbers. The ensemble of 4 couples needs to be strong dancers and singers. Swing dance experience is a plus. They will also play a variety of speaking roles.
Character Breakdown:
Donny Novitski- about 24 years old; Ruggedly handsome with Italian and Polish Heritage. He is passionate about swing music and writing his own songs. While clearly shining with that elusive star quality, he carries the dark weight of wartime experiences. Bari/tenor B -flat 2 to B-flat 4 ; plays piano very well (he is a prodigy) and also plays accordion.
Julia Trojan- about 24 years old; beautiful in a wholesome and effortless way. A gifted singer, but one without a drive to be a star. Her talents are personal to her and not showy, a means of expression and discovery. She is smart, honest, and no one's fool. Soprano with strong belt, G3 to F-sharp 5.
Mrs. June Adams- mid-40s to 50s, Julia's mother and a woman of modest means. She has a nervous anxiety most of the time and a desire to please that belies a personal history, filled with disappointment and loss. Out of this energy comes her very quirky sense of comedy. Alto, G3 to B4
Wayne Wright- late 20s to late 30s; Gifted jazz trombone player and a veteran Marine Lieutenant. Wayne manifests his war experiences in a severe case of obsessive-compulsive disorder. He carries enormous tension in his body and mind and maintains an aloofness that hides his emotional turmoil. high baritone, C3 to B-flat4; plays trombone
Jimmy Campbell- late 20s to mid-30s; He is a gifted jazz reed player, predominantly saxophone and clarinet. Jimmy is very bookish and well put together. He is studying law, having just returned from the Navy. He has a careful and guarded personality but is fiercely loyal to Donny and the band. Baritone, C3 to G-sharp 4; reed player- mostly sax and clarinet.
Johnny Simpson- mid-20s to late 30s; He is a drumming phenomenon. A returning Army Private, he suffers from extreme back pain due to an injury requiring 3 surgeries. He is therefore reliant on pain medication, which affects his mental clarity. He also shows signs of traumatic head injury with memory loss. But mostly this all combines to give Johnny an almost childlike and gentle personality. High baritone B2 to G-sharp 4; drummer.
Davy Zlactic- late-20s to early 40s; he is a whiz on the upright bass. A recent army veteran who served in the European theater and liberated Dachau, Davey is modeled heavily on Shakespeare's lovable Falstaff. A big man of big appetites, he drinks to no end and maintains a constant stream of silly jokes to entertain. Baritone B2 to F-sharp 4; upright bass.
Nick Radel- late 20s to early 40s; he is a genius trumpet player. A recent veteran of the Army who spent the last month of the European battles in a German prisoner of war camp, Nick is a man desperate for career and personal security. He is outrageously confident in his gifts as a musician and always on the lookout for those who would shortchange him of his deserved credit and compensation. Everything seems to be a personal affront to him, and he has not yet been able to stop fighting for his life every day since returning to the home front. Sometimes has a hard time being a team player. Baritone B2 to F4; Trumpet
Jean Ann Ryan- mid-30s to late 50s glamorous local radio personality. Alto.
INTO THE WOODS, Book by James Lapine; Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Character Breakdown:
Narrator- An intellectual and pleasant storyteller who helps to orchestrate the show and illustrate lessons to the audience. Vocal range top: E4. Vocal range bottom: G2
Cinderella- A young, earnest maiden who is constantly mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. Age: 20 to 30. Vocal range top: G5. Vocal range bottom: G3
Jack- The reckless Giant killer who is 'almost a man.' He is adventurous, naive, energetic, and bright-eyed. Age: 20 to 30. Vocal range top: G4. Vocal range bottom: B2
Jack's Mother- Browbeating and weary, Jack's protective mother who is independent, bold, and strong-willed. Age: 50 to 65. Vocal range top: Gb5. Vocal range bottom: Bb3
The Baker- A harried and insecure baker who is simple and loving, yet protective of his family. He wants his wife to be happy and is willing to do anything to ensure her happiness but refuses to let others fight his battles. Age: 35 to 45. Vocal range top: G4. Vocal range bottom: Ab2
The Baker's Wife- Determined and bright woman who wishes to be a mother. She leads a simple yet satisfying life and is very low maintenance yet proactive in her endeavors. Age: 35 to 45. Vocal range top: G5. Vocal range bottom: F3
Cinderella's Stepmother- The mean-spirited, demanding stepmother of Cinderella. Age: 40 to 50. Vocal range top: F#5. Vocal range bottom: A3
Florinda And Lucinda- Cinderella's stepsisters who are black of heart. They follow in their mother's footsteps of abusing Cinderella. Age: 25 to 35. Vocal range top: Ab5. Vocal range bottom: C4
Little Red Riding hood- A spoiled young girl who is strong-willed, quick-witted, fearless, yet youthful and naive. Age: 15 to 20. Vocal range top: F5. Vocal range bottom: Bb3
The Witch- Sarcastic, ugly-then-gorgeous, obsessive protector of Rapunzel; straightforward and aggressive. Age: 45 to 55. Vocal range top: G5. Vocal range bottom: F3
Cinderella's Mother- Deceased with her soul guarding and aiding her daughter from a tree. Age: 40 to 55. Vocal range top: F4. Vocal range bottom: E4
Mysterious Man- A mischievous vagrant and nosy meddler. He is a good-natured protector and observer. Age: 50 to 65. Vocal range top: Eb4. Vocal range bottom: G2
Wolf- Hungry and insatiable hunter who takes advantage of the weak by misleading and captivating his prey. Age: 30 to 35. Vocal range top: Gb4. Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Rapunzel- A loopy-but-lovely maiden who is sheltered by the Witch and terribly lonely. She yearns to experience the world. Age: 20 to 30. Vocal range top: A5. Vocal range bottom: B3
Cinderella's Prince- Vain and gorgeous, he is a disloyal lover who is currently searching for the next new, exciting thing. Age: 30 to 40. Vocal range top: F4. Vocal range bottom: B2
Rapunzel's Prince- Just as vain and gorgeous as his Prince brother, he is always chasing the newest, most exciting endeavor. Age: 30 to 40. Vocal range top: E4. Vocal range bottom: C#3
Giant- Voiceover. The Giant's wife is an angry and vengeful 'monster.' She is seeking restitution for her loss. Age: 40 to 60
RENT, Book, Music, and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Character Breakdown:
Roger Davis- A struggling musician and former drug addict. He is reminiscent of Kurt Cobain. Roommates with Mark in the loft and battles with being HIV-positive. Age: 20 to 25. Vocal range top: A4. Vocal range bottom: F2
Mark Cohen- Filmmaker and video artist. Knee deep in his own soul-searching, Mark is the typical young artist. He and Roger are roommates in the loft. A bit of a nerd. Age: 20 to 30. Vocal range top: G4. Vocal range bottom: A2
Tom Collins- A computer genius and liberal professor. He is a nurturer with a smooth and relaxed disposition. Used to be a roommate in the loft and is HIV-positive. Age: 25 to 35. Vocal range top: A4. Vocal range bottom: F#2
Benjamin Coffin III- The landlord of Mark and Roger's apartment building. A former roommate in the loft, Benny traded in his personal morals for power and wealth. Age: 25 to 35. Vocal range top: F#4. Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Joanne Jefferson- A public interest lawyer and headstrong lesbian. She is smart and purposeful in all her decisions. Carries on a tumultuous relationship with Maureen. Age: 25 to 40. Vocal range top: E5. Vocal range bottom: G3
Angel Dumott Schunard- The eccentric HIV-positive street drummer. A drag queen with an incredible gift of dance and a magnetic personality. He becomes Tom's lover. Age: 20 to 30. Vocal range top: A4. Vocal range bottom: C3
Mimi Marquez- An HIV-positive stripper with drug addictions. Slender and sickly, she conceals it all at her job in the local strip club. She lives in the same building as the loft. Age: 18 to 21. Vocal range top: E5. Vocal range bottom: Eb3
Maureen Johnson- An unpredictably zany performance artist. Maureen oozes sexuality and used to live in the loft. She has recently dumped Mark for Joanne. Age: 20 to 25. Vocal range top: F5. Vocal range bottom: C4
RESOURCES FOR VIRTUAL AUDITIONS
Backing Tracks: Piano Trax https://www.pianotrax.com
Self-Taping: Please refer to Bob Pavlovich's Self-Taping Guidelines on the SLT Website (https://tinyurl.com/4tawfzsv)
Here are a few blog posts with videos and tips and tricks for self-tapes
Broadway Collective: https://bwaycollective.com/selftapeguide/
Backstage: https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/guide-perfectself-tape-1758/
10 Tips To Nail Your Next Self-Tape Audition – The Actor's Aesthetic: https://www.actoraesthetic.com/blog/self-tapes
Makayla Lysiak on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTe43wmDZNs
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
