FORT WAYNE CIVIC THEATRE – MUSICAL AUDITIONS
A Christmas Story - the musical
November 7-22, 2015– Main Stage: Arts United Center
Director/Choreographer–Doug King, Music Director-Eunice Wadewitz,
Stage Manager – Nan Durant, Asst. Stage Manager – Brittney Koza
A CHRISTMAS STORY-THE MUSICAL:(Rated G)Based on the motion picture A CHRISTMAS STORY distributed by Warner Bros., Written by Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown and Bob Clark, and upon In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash written by Jean Shepherd. (3wknds) – Main Stage: Arts United Center
This musical, which received rave reviews on its Broadway run, is based on the movie classic that runs round-the-clock on television every Christmas. Set in the 1940s in the fictional town of Hohman, Indiana, the musical follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Holy Grail of Christmas gifts – an Official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Rebuffed at every turn with a similar echoing response, Ralphie plots numerous schemes to achieve his desperate desire for the coveted BB gun. All the iconic scenes from the movie are here: Ralphie’s friend, Flick, getting his tongue stuck to the flagpole; his brother, Randy, getting dressed in his snowsuit; the bullies, Farkus and Dill; the leg lamp award; the bunny suit and more. The delightfully versatile score ranges from gentle ballads to show-stopping full-ensemble numbers!A Christmas Story the musicalwill bring an exciting new dimension to those who have seen the movie, and will certainly stand on its own for those who haven’t.
Audition Sign Up: We ask that you sign up for auditionsby contacting Eunice Wadewitz, Music Director, at
260-422-8641, ext. 226or
ewadewitz@fwcivic.org.
Auditions: SATURDAY, August 22 @1 p.m. to 4 p.m.Call Backs: MONDAY, August 24 @7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Auditions will be held at the Arts United Center at 303 East Main Street.Enter from the rear of the building, using the glass doors to the Green Room. Please arrive early to check in and fill out an audition form.
Rehearsals:Sept. 21-Nov. 6, Mon.–Fri.,7:00-10:00pm; ALSO Sat., Sept. 26thAND Oct. 3rdfrom12-4 p.m.
Some Sunday rehearsals – t.b.d.;2 to 6pm
Performances:Nov. 7-22; Thurs @ 7:30pm, Fri & Sat @8:00pm, Sat & Sun @2:00pm
Audition Requirements:It is very important that we have ALL CONFLICTS at the time of the audition.We are seeking strong dancers/singers/actors. Prepare and memorize one verse of an up-tempo song or ballad which shows off your voice, range, and personality.Standard Broadway show tunes are best. Be sure to bring sheet music (not just lyrics but actual piano music) in the correct key –do notexpect the pianist to transpose your music on sight.Have all cuts or repetitions clearly marked.Place your music in a binder or tape the sheets together for the benefit of the accompanist.Pianist is provided. Arrive dressed and ready to dance first, wearing clothes that shows your body type (no baggy clothes). Wear clothing you can move in for the choreography portion of the audition, which will be taught on site.
*NOTE:We encourage actors of all ethnicities to audition.
Cast size: For 27 actors: 2 men, 2 woman, 4 boys (playing one role each), and an ensemble of 6 men, 5 women, 5 boys & 3 girls)
PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS:
JEAN SHEPHERD: 50s-60s, the narrator (Ralphie is him as a boy) plays several roles in and out of the story as well. Midwestern, charming, warm, excellent story teller. Non-singing/dancing role.
Ralphie:Must look around 9 years old. No taller than 5'. Great actor and singer. Must dance some. Warm and funny. On stage the entire show. We are looking for a young man who can be focused and have a professional attitude. Range: Mezzo Soprano
Mother:30s-40s. Pretty, warm, funny, wonderful expressive singer, contemporary mid-range mix-belt, with some soprano. Must be a truly great actress as well as a great singer. Subtle real, genuine and truthful sense of humor, a bit on the quirky side.
The Old Man:30s-40s. Genius comic actor who sings and dances. Untight, fuss-budget, flawed. Humorously terrifying dad with a heart somewhere. Range is high baritone.
Randy:Ralphie's younger brother. Must look 6-7 years of age. Must be shorter than Ralphie. Must sing and dance (tap)
Miss Shields:40s-50s+. School teacher. Not a stick-in-the-mud, she's sassy. Funny musical comedy belter who taps.
Scut Farkus(child): Must be taller than Ralphie. Tough, older (9-12), must dance (tap).
Grover Dill(child): Scut's sidekick. Must be small and look 6-8 years of age. Comic actor, must dance (tap).
ENSEMBLE:
MEN(must look 25+ and up): Seeking all ethnicities, interesting off-beat, singer/dancer/actors with bright contemporary voices to play a multitude of roles and some to play featured roles. Roles in ensemble: Santa, fathers, neighbors, delivery people and elves, etc. Vocal ranges include tenors to high A. High Baritones to F#.
WOMEN(must look 25+ and up): Seeking all ethnicities, interesting off-beat, singer/dancer/actors with bright contemporary voices to play a multitude of roles and some to play featured roles and some to cover the principals. Roles in ensemble and mothers, neighbors, and elves, etc. Vocal Ranges include strong altos, legit sopranos to high A and legit sopranos to high C.
Specifically looking for these featured roles from ensemble:Santa(solo musical number) &Asian American Actor(classic comic scene)
CHILDREN:(Must look between 7-12 years of age) **All Must Sing and Dance, including Tap Dancing**
FLICK (Ralphie's friend) 3 MALE CHILDREN (Ralphie’s school mates and friends)
SCHWARTZ (Ralphie's friend) 3 FEMALE CHILDREN (Ralphie’s school mates and friends)
If you would like to serve on the backstage crew for this production, please call Derek at 422-8641 x227.
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