General Call: The Emperor's New Clothes - Virginia Repertory Theatre

General Call: The Emperor's New Clothes

Please direct questions to casting@virginiarep.org.



(TYA)

Book by Richard Giersch

Music and Lyrics by Jason Marks

Directed by Jan Guarino

Musical Direction by Jason Marks



A delightful re-telling of the classic story by the Brothers Grimm. Featuring a fun Broadway-style score, The Emperor's New Clothes tells the story of a haughty and selfish ruler who forbids the tiny town at the bottom of the hill from having any color whatsoever. But when a young boy named Flannel meets the Emperor, he teaches him the power of trust, forgiveness, and sharing. A terrific ensemble piece with wonderful and wacky characters, The Emperor's New Clothes is both a fun and timely new musical.



Notice Type

Non-Equity Video Submission



General Information

Casting Personnel:

Artistic Director: Todd D. Norris

Director: Jan Guarino

Music Director: Jason Marks



Audition Notice

Audition Location: Video Submission

Callback Location: November Theatre Complex

114 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA 23220

Call Type: Non-Union Video Submission



Casting Timeline

Submission Deadline: September 8, 2023

Rehearsals begin: September 25, 2023

Performance run: October 18 - November 12, 2023



To submit a video audition:

Please fill out an audition submission form through THIS LINK: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCuoAq22sfP3rpLfvp8DDrbVyteCzO2-HELUlDhK5L28jRqA/viewform All actors will fill out the audition form online. Following the initial audition individuals will be notified, if needed, for a callback.

At this time, we are only seeking actors local to Richmond, VA or actors who can provide their own housing.

Please note that Virginia Rep is a fully vaccinated workplace and all employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination will be required in order to attend auditions and callbacks.

PLEASE NOTE: There are performances that will take place during weekday mornings in addition to weekend hours. Actors' schedules will need to be flexible to accommodate all performances.

What to prepare:

Please prepare 16 - 32 bars of an up-tempo Broadway song that best showcases your vocal range and personality and a brief (1 min. max) comic monologue.



CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

In casting The Emperor's New Clothes, Virginia Repertory Theatre endeavors to be as inclusive as possible. We invite all performers, including gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors, to submit for the roles they most identify with. We will also list race/ethnicity when specific to the character but are otherwise seeking all races and ethnicities.



THE EMPEROR - He/Him, 20's-40's; Flamboyant, haughty, slightly foppish, quick-witted, and giddy about all things colorful. Seeking an actor who's great with his body, and moves easily. Must be both simultaneously ridiculous, as well as sincere when he learns his lesson at the end. Tenor (Up to A).



GREYSUEDE - He/Him, 20's-40's; The long-suffering right-hand assistant of the Emperor. Constantly getting injured by doing tasks for the Emperor. A good physical comedian with dry wit and excellent timing. Must move well. Baritone (Up to G).



MRS. FLANAGAN - She/Her, 20's-40's; The loving mother of Flannel. She knows Flannel has a good heart and means well, but is ever cautious around the agitated Emperor. Warm, kind-hearted, great singer. Soprano/Belt (Up to E)



MR. SILK - He/Him, 20's - 40's; A bumbling swindler who's the brains of the operation between himself and Mr. Cashmere. Hops from town to town, taking people's money by promising magical invisible clothes. Dupes the Emperor. Conniving, witty, sly, great mover/good with physical comedy. Baritone (Up to G)



FLANNEL - He/Him - Actor to play 8 - 13; A young boy who just wants to make his mama happy. When the Emperor takes his flute, he is determined to make things right. Ends up working for Silk and Cashmere, and discovers their scheme. Helps the Emperor to understand the concept of sharing, not stealing and being selfish. Young, earnest, great singer, the heart of our story.

*Will consider child actors for this role, ages 8 - 13. Adults may audition as well.



MR. BROADCLOTH - He/Him - 20's - 40's; A townsperson. He hangs with Mrs. Flanagan during the day, and longs for Flannel to play his flute on Tuesdays, when music and color is allowed for one day while the Emperor takes inventory of his wardrobe. Fun, jolly, lighthearted. Baritone (Up to G).



MR. CASHMERE - He/Him - 20's - 40's; The lowly bumbling assistant to Mr. Silk. Not the brightest crayon in the box. He wishes to be the brains of the operation - but never quite succeeds. Conniving, witty, sly, great mover/good with physical comedy. Baritone (Up to G).



ENSEMBLE/SWINGS: Seeking 2 Ensemble Members, 1 female, 1 male. Will play townspeople, wardrobe fantasy dancers, and other misc. roles, and will also swing for the other roles in the show. Should be great singers and movers. Tap a plus, but not required.



Please direct questions to casting@virginiarep.org.



About Auditioning

Listings generally include the ages needed and whether you will be asked to dance and sing in addition to either performing a monologue or reading from the script. When an appointment is required for an General Call, anyone can request an appointment until all time slots are taken. When an appointment is required for an EPA Call, members of AEA can request an appointment until all time slots are taken.



Unless another contact is listed in the announcement, please direct questions to casting@virginiarep.org.



Virginia Repertory Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. Performers of all ethnicities, races, gender identities, and abilities are strongly encouraged to audition.
Salary: $150-200/wk for adults; $500 stipend for children