GODSPELL
Book by John Michael Tebelak
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Trinity UMC Arlington Music (NON-EQUITY)
AUDITIONS APRIL 8-9 CALLBACKS (IF NEEDED) APRIL 15 7 PM
Director: Mike Hathaway
Music Director: Kendall Carter
Choreographer: TBA
Stage Manager/Lighting Designer: Adam Livingston
Performances July 13-22 Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm | Sundays at 2:30 pm
Rehearsals start June 4, primarily weeknights
ABOUT GODSPELL
A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.
ABOUT TRINITY’S PRODUCTION
Although this is being produced by and performed in a church building, this is not strictly a “church production”. We are striving to revive Trinity’s long history of producing plays and musicals, only now, we’re opening up auditions to DFW’s vast pool of theatrical talent. For GODSPELL, we’re using the 2012 version. It is highly recommended that you be familiar with styles of the 2012 cast recording in selecting your audition song.
AUDITION INFORMATION
PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION CAREFULLY! Due to the nature of this show, we’re breaking down auditions into singing one night and then dance/movement, script readings and any “extra talent” you care to show us (musical instruments, juggling, impressions/imitations – bring it!) on the next night. YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR BOTH NIGHTS. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Email TrinityUMCAuditions@gmail.com with questions.
NIGHT 1: SINGING Auditions Sun April 8 at 7 pm – slots available every 5 minutes. Bring a current headshot and resume and a list of all conflicts from June 4 - July 22. Please prepare 32 bars of a song in the style of the show (singing a song from the show is allowed, but if you do make it your own and don’t copy the cast recording!). Be prepared to sing the entire song upon request. Bring sheet music in your key. An accompanist will be provided. NO A CAPELLA SINGING. NO TRACKS.
**PLEASE SIGN UP FOR A SINGING AUDITION SLOT HERE: http://signup.com/go/zCFdGrR
NIGHT 2: DANCE/READING/EXTRA TALENT Auditions Mon Apr 9 at 7 pm
This night will be structured into two 1-hour-long sessions at 7 pm and then at 8:30 pm. Please be prepared to stay longer than 1 hour. Come dressed to MOVE. Come dressed for FUN. And come prepared to show us any other talents you have!
**PLEASE SIGN UP FOR A DANCE/TALENT BLOCK HERE: http://signup.com/go/zCFdGrR
Callbacks (if needed) Sun April 15 at 7 pm
Trinity UMC Music Department productions are done on a volunteer basis. We cannot engage Equity performers.
CHARACTER INFORMATION:
This is a HIGH ENERGY production requiring strong vocalists and strong improv skills. Depending on available talent, we’re also considering a very small “extra” ensemble to join in background vocals and perform as a more limited movement chorus.
All roles are open and available to all ethnicities, ages 18 and up.
JESUS - Tenor . Must be the most charismatic individual in the cast. High energy, charming, funny, gentle but with strength. He is the sort of person others instinctively follow. Solos in "Save The People", "Learn Your Lessons Well", "All for the Best", "Alas for You", "Beautiful City" and the Finale.
JOHN THE BAPTIST/JUDAS- Baritone - He has attributes of both Biblical figures: He is both Jesus' lieutenant and most ardent disciple and the doubter who begins to question and rebel. Like Jesus, he is also charismatic, but in more of an overt revolutionary way. Usually played by someone handsome and masculine, with an undertone of sexuality. He is the most "serious" and intellectual of the group, though as with all the actors, he must still possess a good sense of physical comedy. Solos in "Prepare Ye The Way of the Lord", "All for the Best", "Light of the World" and "On the Willows".
****With the exceptions of the scripted characters of Jesus and John the Baptist/Judas, songs and parables will ultimately be assigned based on individual talent and not necessarily follow what was done in prior productions. We’re providing the official character descriptions from MTI (based on the actors who performed in the 2011-12 Broadway revival ) to give auditioners the personality archetypes we’ll be looking for. The cast in the show will be playing more exaggerated versions of themselves and not a true, scripted character.******
NICK - Very high energy. Impish and playful. In the original, he played several musical instruments, including concertina, recorder and guitar.
TELLY - Not the brightest in the bunch, he is a little slow on the uptake. But there is a great sweetness and innocence about him. Because he sings "All Good Gifts" he must be a very good singer.
GEORGE - The comedian, the class clown. The guy who can do a hundred voices and imitations.
ANNA MARIA - A bit of a tomboy, but basically open and sweet. Perhaps the youngest of the group. She is the first of the group to commit to following Jesus in the song "Day by Day."
LINDSAY - The confident one, the show-off. The first one to volunteer, sometimes she jumps in before she really understands what's going on.
UZO - The shy one. Sometimes a little slow to get things, but when she does, she commits all the way. Has an "earth mother" kind of warmth to her.
MORGAN - Sassy and slightly cynical, the most urban of the group. Also the "sexy" one, but her sexiness contains a large element of put-on, in the manner of Mae West or Madonna (who in fact once played this role.)
CELISSE - The female equivalent of the class clown. Goofy and a cut-up. In the 2012 Broadway revival, she played several instruments, including conga, ukulele and guitar.
Location: Trinity United Methodist Church is located at 1200 WEST GREEN OAKS BOULEVARD, ARLINGTON TEXAS 76013. Please enter the building through the doors on the north east corner. There will be a sign on the doors to let you know you're at the right set!
For additional information, email TrinityUMCAuditions@gmail.com
Videos
