Auditions- West Side Story - Artisan Center Theater

Artisan Center Theater

Announcing Auditions For:

West Side Story

Book by Authur Laurents

Music by Leonard Bernstein | Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Based on a Conception by Jerome Robbins of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

Directed by Chris Gallego Wong

Music Direction by Thomas Bartke

Choreography by Kianna Dugan

AUDITION DATES:

Monday, January 30, 2023 and Tuesday, January 31, 2023 from 7:00pm–10:00pm Callbacks (if requested by Director) - Wednesday, February 1 , 2023 from 7:00pm – 10:00pm

● Audition form and more information at: https://www.artisanct.com/auditions

● MUST BE 18YRS OR OLDER TO AUDITION or (17 with Director Approval)

● Auditions will be held at Artisan Center Theater located at 444 East Pipeline Road, Hurst, TX 76053

● Rehearsals begin February 6, 2023 and are generally Mondays, Tuesdays, (no Wednesdays) Thursdays and Fridays from 7:00pm – 10:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm (Not everyone will be called to all rehearsals)

PRODUCTION DATES:

March 24th– May 6th, 2023 performances will be Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm, and Saturdays at 3:30pm and 7:30pm.

AUDITIONS:

● No accompanist will be provided, so actors are asked to bring an electronic device with their accompaniment. (32 bars or 30 to 60 seconds). No singing a cappella please.

● There will be a dance component to the audition at call-backs for ALL auditionees (bring appropriate footwear and dress to move)

● Actors will be doing readings from the script, so it is encouraged that everyone auditioning is familiar with the material. Audition sides will be posted on the ACT website.

● Please contact Chris Gallego Wong (CG@artisanct.com) to submit a video audition. You will still be required to complete all digital paperwork and come to callbacks in person if requested.

● MUST BE 18YRS OR OLDER TO AUDITION or (17 with Director Approval)

● Please see registration link for conflict calendar. It is critical that you let Artisan Center Theater know all of your conflicts when you register to audition. Artisan Center Theater will be unable to accept conflicts after casting is done unless they are emergencies.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching, and relevant musical dramas of our time.

Highlighting the talents of a young ensemble cast, West Side Story has found popularity in schools as well as professional theaters throughout the world. It’s exciting, sophisticated score by Leonard Bernstein is often considered Broadway's finest, its songs a part of the nation's musical heritage. As originally staged by the legendary Jerome Robbins, the show is an impressive showcase for accomplished dancers (a guide featuring the original choreography is available for rental). And, with a reduced orchestration and transpositions on demand, this masterpiece is easier to mount than ever before!

(Parental Guidance Strongly Suggested)



ROLES AVAILABLE:

Jets and Sharks: We are looking for cast members who can portray characters from their late teens to late twenties.



Artisan Center Theater is committed to the practice of inclusive and color-conscious casting.





Sharks: (ALL characters must be Latinx or B.I.P.O.C)

Bernardo: Handsome, proud, fluid leader of the Sharks, with a sardonic chip on his shoulder; baritone.

Chino: Shy, gentle, yet angry shark, who turns murderous and vengeful. The intended husband of Maria; Baritone.

Pepe: Lieutenant to Bernardo, typically proud, and resentful of discrimination; baritone.

Indio: Typically proud, and resentful of discrimination; baritone.

Luis: Typically proud, and resentful of discrimination; baritone.

Juano: Typically proud, and resentful of discrimination; baritone.

Toro: Typically proud, and resentful of discrimination; baritone

Maria: Lovely young and obedient immigrant Puerto Rican girl, excited and enthusiastic about her new life in America, but with stubborn inner strength that allows her to evolve into a strong woman; soprano.



Anita: Older (20’s) and wiser in the ways of the world, flashy, sharp-tongued, and with a knowing sexuality; Alto/mezzo-soprano..

Consuelo: Tough, young Puerto Rican girl with bleach blond hair and lots of baubles; Mezzo-soprano.

Rosalia: Young Puerto Rican girl, more demure, not too bright; mezzo-soprano.





Jets:

Tony: A romantic young man and former leader of the Jets. He finds himself torn between friendship and love. Genuine and sincere; Tenor.

Riff: Glowing, driving, intelligent, slightly wacky leader of the Jets; tenor.

Baby John: Youngest member of the Jets, awed at everything, even being a Jet; tries to act like a big man, but is vulnerable; baritone.

Diesel: Lieutenant to Riff, big, slow, steady; baritone.

A-Rab: Small of stature, enjoys everything, takes nothing seriously, unaware, can be explosive; baritone.

Action: Most aggressive member of the Jets, a cat-like ball of fury; baritone.

Snowboy: Bespectacled, self-styled expert; baritone

Anybody’s: Scrawny teen-aged girl, pathetically dressed to imitate the Jets, and desperately wants to be taken seriously by them.

Velma: Riff’s girlfriend, young, slithery, sexy, lost in a world of jive.

Graziella: Girlfriend of Diesel, impressed with herself.



The Adults:

Doc: Middle-aged drug store owner, tired and worn out.

Lieutenant Schrank: Plainclothes policeman used to being in charge, superficially pleasant to cover his venom, fear, and bigotry.

Officer Krupke: A not-too-bright street cop.

Glad Hand: Nerdy, overly cheerful and ill-equipped social director at the local gym dance.

ABOUT THE THEATER:

Artisan Center Theater produces year-round, full scale Broadway style musicals in their 195-seat theater-in-the-round. On Second Stage, Artisan Children's Theater produces children's shows each year where children perform for children. As part of their charge to create opportunities to experience uplifting family-friendly theater, Artisan offers a complete program of theatrical education, dance and performing arts classes throughout the year. Opening in 2003 Artisan has been blessed to serve, entertain, and offer theater opportunities to hundreds of thousands of people in the DFW area and beyond. Artisan Center Theater is located at 444 E Pipeline Rd. in Hurst, Texas. The theater is closed on Sunday. For more information on Artisan visit www.ArtisanCT.com.

Artisan Center Theater

444 East Pipeline Road, Hurst, Texas 76053

817-284-1200 | ArtisanCT.com

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