White Plains Performing Arts Center: Mainstage Auditions
Side Show
PERSONNEL
Music by: Henry Krieger
Book & Lyrics by: Bill Russell
Director: Frank Portanova
Music Director: Stephen Ferri
Choreographer: Lexie Frare
The White Plains Performing Arts Center is seeking both AEA & non-union performers for the Side Show. We are seeking a MULTI-ETHNIC cast of men and women with fantastic singing, acting and dancing abilities to play principal and supporting roles (breakdown below.)
Please note there is NO housing for this production. Theatre is located 35 min from NYC via train or car.
SYNOPSIS
*This is the original version of the show, not the revival
Based on the true story of conjoined twins and famed entertainers Violet and Daisy Hilton, Side Show is a remarkable musical about acceptance, love, and embracing one’s uniqueness. As the starring act of a sideshow, helmed by an abusive ringmaster, Violet and Daisy Hilton are eager to accept an offer of fame, fortune, and potential romance proffered by Terry, a talent scout, and Buddy, a budding musician. As stars on the Orpheum Circuit, it seems that Violet and Daisy have everything they ever wanted. The one thing they lack, however, is the fulfillment of their hearts’ desires. Different as they are, when it comes to matters of the heart, Daisy and Violet have the same burning questions: “Who could proudly stand beside me? Who will love me as I am?” Nearly entirely sung-through, Side Show features soulful music, stunningly beautiful lyrics, and powerhouse show-stoppers, particularly the famous duets “Who Will Love Me as I Am” and “I Will Never Leave You.” A stunning reminder of the importance of accepting and celebrating what makes us unique, Side Show is a true story that will touch audience’s hearts.
IMPORTANT DATES
1st Rehearsal: April 6 (rehearses in NYC, usually 10am-6pm)
Tech: 4/18-4/23 (in White Plains)
Shows: April 24-26, April 30-May 3, May 6-10
Please bring any and all conflicts to the auditions and note that the rehearsals times may vary. You must be available for all shows and tech week to audition.
Venue: White Plains Performing Arts Center?11 City Place, 3rd Floor (City Center)?White Plains NY 10601?(35 min from NYC via train/car) wppac.com
Rehearsals will begin in NYC then transfer to the venue for tech week. Rehearsals are within the 10am-6pm range. Tech week will switch to late afternoon/evenings. Please bring any and all conflicts to the auditions and note that the rehearsals times may vary.
CONTRACT
LORT-LOA Contract
**Total of 3-4 performance/week
$455/week for AEA actors + Pension/ 5 weeks health
Non union: $1,000-$1,400 based on role + EMC Points
Casting Breakdown:
Daisy Hilton: Female, 25-35 (Alto/Mezzo with strong belt; Big range, up to a sustained G5). The dominant and more outspoken of the twins, her dream is to become a famous actress/performer/celebrity.
Ethnicity: White / European Descent
Violet Hilton: Female, 25-35 (Mezzo/Soprano with strong belt; Big range, up to a sustained B5). The shy and more composed of the twins, her dream is to marry and raise a family at home. Ethnicity: White / European Descent
NOTE: Since the Hilton sisters were conjoined twins, attached at the lower spine/hip, actresses interested in these roles MUST be comfortable acting, moving and dancing in tandem with another actress. There is an incredible amount of stamina needed for both roles; physical, emotional and vocal. Looking for gifted actors that are incredibly vulnerable and real.
Terry Conner: Male, 35-40
a talent scout/agent for the Vaudeville circuit; an attractive and suave actor with a commanding presence and excellent rich voice. Daisy's love interest; a man torn between what society deems to be normal and acceptable, and his emotions. He ultimately is a man out for his own interests and success; very charming and slick; must be an excellent actor; Baritone with strong upper range; Low G to a sustained high F#) Ballroom dance a plus. Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
Buddy Foster: Male, 20-35
an aspiring choreographer/performer; a song and dance man; bright and energetic, but a bit naive; full of genuine drive and heart. Violet's love interest. He falls in love with Violet and the attention they are getting as they gain in success and fame; tenor; big range, up to C with a strong sustained high A.Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
Jake: Male, 30-40
sideshow foreman, a large and very strong physical presence even when silent. Secretly in love with Violet. Must be a strong actor of great depth with a fantastic voice. Ideally would be in excellent physical shape and appears at one point in tribal type clothing (Cannibal king) that is somewhat revealing (bare-chested) . He is a man of few words, but when he speaks it has great impact and he is heard loud and clear. He is an incredibly smart man and sees through Terry and Buddy's intentions and wants only the best for the girls. He loves them both deeply and would do anything for them; tenor/baritone with strong top range. Ethnicity: African American
The Boss: Male, 35-60
formidable presence, sleazy, drunk, owner and ring master of the side show. Must be a gifted actor with an excellent tenor voice; should have chords of steel as he does a fair amount of screaming/aggressive vocals. He needs to be physically different in some way. Short, stout, tall, thin, gangly; anything different; interesting looking, the type that you wouldn't expect to have total control over a group of people, but yet does through brain washing and abuse. He is a disgusting human being and is the biggest freak of them all. He is a very broken man and takes it out on those around him.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
FEATURED & ENSEMBLE ROLES
The entire ensemble will double in a number of smaller parts with featured lines, as well as singing throughout the show. The roles listed below are their featured roles in the “Side Show,” but they will also play reporters, vaudevillians, spectators, Follies performers, party guests, and Carny hawkers. All must be very strong singers who move well. Those with special skills, or features especially jumps, circus tricks, acrobatics etc are a plus.
Fortune Teller: Female, 21+
all sizes, exotic look; an extremely strong belter/gospel voice to F#5; a motherly type figure to the side show performers and should have a strong and earthy presence. Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
Dolly Dimples: Female, 25-45
based on a real person, Dolly was listed as the classic Fat Lady in the various side shows she traveled with. On stage she takes on the persona of a little girl in baby-doll type clothing, but backstage would be smoking a cigar and hanging with the guys. Crass and funny.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
Snake Lady: Female, 21+
snake charmer; dancer/strong mover; strong technique a plus; athletic/dancer’s body; exotic. Revealing costume.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
Tattoo Lady: Female 21+:
Working class woman who acquires tattoos for sideshow. Used captivity narratives to explain appearance and tantalize the audience; Revealing costume. Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
Half-Man Half-Woman: Female or Male 21+
She presented a half and half trick: woman on the left and man on the right. She was described as a man on the right side, and a woman on the left, with her right arm longer than her left. Her eyebrows were different. She displayed a bare right leg with a sandal, and a black-stockinged left leg with a woman's shoe. Her hair was brushed from the right side to the left, giving the impression of short hair on the right side. Revealing costume. Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
Reptile Man: Male, 21+
a sensitive and gentle soul among his friends; tall; lanky; form fitting costume
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
The Sheik: Male, 25+
Middle Eastern tribe ruler whose act includes his harem of virgins; athletic build. May appear bare-chested.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
Bearded Lady: Male or Female 21+
feminine, but strong; has a very strong opinion and not afraid to speak up; strong tenor voice. Having a beard a plus.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
Fakir: Male, 21+
athletic build, exotic type; open to all sizes. Human pin cushion.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
The Strong Man: Male, 21+
body builder with an excellent body; would be billed as The Strong Man that could do incredible things with his strength; May appear bare-chested.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
3 Legged Man: Male 21+
Born a parasitic twin; Considered one of the strangest exhibits of the side show. As an adult, his primary legs were also two different lengths while his extra leg was several inches shorter.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
Geek: Male, 21+
a tightly wound and particular individual; refined but deadly wild man; extremely intelligent, very tall (over 6’2”), lanky.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
Auditions by APPOINTMENT:
Monday, February 24th (10am-4pm)
The Growing Studio
344 West 38th Street, 4th floor
Wednesday, February 26 (10am-4pm )
The Growing Studio
344 West 38th Street, 4th floor
Equity Principal (EPA) by APPOINTMENT:
Monday March 2nd 10am-5pm
White Plains Performing Arts Center
11 City Place White Plains NY 10601 (3rd floor)
*Please note all who attend the WPPAC call WILL be seen regardless of union status.
CALLBACKS (Invitation only)
Monday March 9 at WPPAC.
You will be notified via email after ALL auditions have completed if you have been asked for a callback.
Appointment-Making Instructions:
For an appointment sign up via the link below
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044AABAA2FA2FF2-side1
Please put in your name, email and then your union status.
DO NOT SIGN UP FOR MORE THEN 1 SLOT.
Any questions or concerns please email auditions@wppac.com or call 914 328 1600.
Video Submissions: Please note we will accept video submissions from actors who can not attend the audition dates. You must be available by the first week of rehearsal to be considered for the show. Those who attend in person will be given priority for all roles. Videos must have you singing with accompaniment ideally from the show. Send to auditions@wppac.com
What to Prepare- Please prepare 16-32 bars from the show (preferred) OR a song in the style of the show/composer that can be fully interpreted with strong acting choices. Make sure the song shows vocal range! A piano accompanist will be provided but will not transpose. Charts are NOT acceptable, NO cd’s and NO unaccompanied singing.
Please bring headshot & resume, stapled back-to-back.
Theatre’s casting note: “Because of the short, intense rehearsal schedule, we are open and interested in seeing performers who may have done the show before. But it is NOT a requirement.”
Videos
