Arvada Center Announces Auditions for Hairspray

The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities will hold auditions for Hairspray at the Arvada Center, March 24 & 25; in Los Angeles, March 30 - April 1; and in New York City, April 5 - April 7, 2011. Hairspray will be directed by Rod A. Lansberry, artistic producer for the Arvada Center, with choreography by Kitty Skillman Hilsabeck and musical direction by David Nehls.

Denver auditions, March 24 & 25, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., are by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling (720) 898-7200.

Wojcik/Seay Casting will coordinate the Los Angeles auditions, March 30 - April 1, 2011; and New York City auditions, April 5 - 7, 2011. To be considered for an appointment in New York or Los Angles, mail a hard copy of your photo and résumé and indicate the role you are interested in to the following address:

Wojcik/Seay Casting
Attn. Hairspray
247 West 38th Street 10th Floor
New York, NY 10018

Experienced performers with strong acting and singing abilities are needed. Dance or strong movement will be needed. See breakdown (below) for more specifics. Actors should prepare a 60's pop number or song from the show. Do not use standard musical theater numbers. Please bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided. No taped music or a cappella allowed. A current headshot and résumé are required. Equity members must have a current ID card.

This is an Equity LORT B production, although non-equity actors may audition. Ethnic minorities and cultural varieties of all physical types are strongly encouraged to audition for all roles.

Rehearsals for Hairspray begin on May 31, 2011. The show opens June 21, 2011 and runs through July 17, 2011; Tuesday through Saturday evenings with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays for a total of eight shows per week.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

TRACY TURNBLAD
Baltimore high school "girl". Late teens early 20's. Should be no more than 5' 6" and of heavy physical stature. Must be extremely lovable and outgoing with a vibrant personality that continues to grow. Loves to dance and always exudes a high energy and joy for life. Typical teen with usual teen concerns but learns more as she grows. Must have an air of earlier 60's period sensibilities and style. Very strong pop belt and strong dance.

PENNY PINGLETON
The best friend. Not too quick and slightly neurotic but completely loyal. Late teens - 20's. Kind of the nerd of the period. Plain exterior that hides an actually attractive young girl. Strong belt and strong mover.

LINK LARKIN
All-American handsome high school boy. Late teens early 20's. Typical TV looking heart throb. Honest, sincere, and the perfect boyfriend. Strong pop vocals and strong dance.

EDNA TURNBLAD
Typical hard working middleclass mother of "size". 40s -early 50's Working class struggling with her realities and her dreams. Loving wife and concerned mother. This role is played by a male but should not be camp. Must comfortably portray a believable mother with a sensibilities of the 50's decade, and not ready to really move into the 60's or watch her daughter growing into a woman. Strong vocals and good movement ability.

MOTORMOUTH MAYBELLE
Baltimore's Queen of Soul. 40s - 50's. Strong willed and completely upfront. Bold and brassy. Strong gospel /pop and good mover.

CORNY COLLINS
Handsome TV host. 30's. Smooth , charming, and smart. Stylish and hip enough to be idolized by the "kids". Strong pop vocals, good mover.

SEAWEED J. STUBBS
African American high school boy. Late teens - early 20's. Very cool and street smart with a loving nature. Knows the score. Very strong pop vocals and great soul sound and dance.

AMBER VON TUSSLE
The high school ice princess. Aloof and a snob. Late teens - early 20's. Very attractive and "well built" and uses it. Strong pop belt and strong mover.

VELMA VON TUSSLE
Strong controlling former beauty queen. 40's -50's Very attractive in over the top stylish look, but hides her age with makeup and her dress. Snob and racist. Completely manipulative and controlling. Strong character vocals and good mover.

WILBUR
Loving but unassuming working class father that loves his family. Late 40's - 50s. Slightly off but fun and sweet man with almost a child like innocence who hopes to make the world and family better with one of his joke shop inventions. Good character movement and vocals.

LITTLE INEZ
Perfect African American little sister. Late teens to play younger. No taller than 5' 4". Smart and cute and uses it. Very quick and street smart. Very strong pop and strong mover.

FEMALE AUTHORITY FIGURE
To play characters 30-45, versatile character actress with strong comedic timing to play a variety of great featured characters, including PRUDY PINGLETON, penny's overprotective and closed-minded mother, PRISON MATRON, guarding the Big Doll House, and GYM TEACHER, Must have strong vocal and a good mover. All ethnicities and physical types.

MALE AUTHORITY FIGURE
To play characters 30-50, versatile character actor with strong comedic timing to play a variety of great featured characters, including MR. PINKY, owner of the Hefty Hideaway, MR. SPRITZER, President of Ultra Clutch hairspray, and PRINCIPAL of Tracy's high school. Must have strong vocal and a good mover. All ethnicities and physical types.

ENSEMBLE
Late teens - 20's. High school "look" All ethnicities and physical types are strongly being sought. Must have very strong pop belt and strong dance. Think "Glee" of the 60's.

About the Arvada Center
The Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities, celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2011, is one of the nation's largest multidisciplinary arts centers. With award-winning theater, fine art exhibitions, an outdoor amphitheater, and classes in the arts and humanities, the Arvada Center is recognized as a premier venue for arts, culture, and education in the Denver metro region. We are supported, in part, by the City of Arvada, the citizens of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), and individual and institutional donors. For events and activities, visit www.arvadacenter.org or call (720) 898-7200.

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