Side Show
PERSONNEL
Music by: Henry Krieger
Book & Lyrics by: Bill Russell
Director: Frank Portanova
Choreographer: Antoinette DiPietropolo
Music Director: Stephen Ferri
The White Plains Performing Arts Center is seeking both AEA & non-union performers for the Side Show. We are seeking a MULTI-ETHNIC cast 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 4 (rehearses in NYC in the 10am-6pm range)
Tech: 4/18-21 (in White Plains)
Shows: April 22-24, April 28-May 1, May 5-8
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
LOA-LORT
$476/week min (plus pension/health weeks)
**Total of 3-4 performances/week
Non union: $1,200-$1,500 based on role + EMC Points
Casting Breakdown:
Daisy Hilton: Female, 25-40 (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: Caucasian
Violet Hilton: Female, 25-40 (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: Caucasian
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, 35-45
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/Partnering experience a plus.
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.
Jake: Male, 30-40
A BIPOC 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 comfortable being 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: BIPOC
The Boss: Male, 35-50
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.
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.
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.
Snake Lady: Female, 21+
snake charmer; dancer/strong mover; strong technique a plus; athletic/dancer’s body; exotic. Revealing costume.
Tattoo Lady: Female 21+:
Working class woman who acquires tattoos for sideshow. Used captivity narratives to explain appearance and tantalize the audience; Revealing costume.
Half-Man Half-Woman: Any gender 21+
They presented a half and half trick: woman on the left and man on the right. Revealing costume.
Reptile Man: Male, 21+
a sensitive and gentle soul among his friends; tall; lanky; form fitting costume
The Sheik: Male, 25+
Middle Eastern tribe ruler whose act includes his harem of virgins; athletic build. May appear bare-chested.
Bearded Lady: Male 21+
feminine, but strong; has a very strong opinion and not afraid to speak up; strong tenor voice. Having a beard a plus.
Fakir: Male, 21+
athletic build, exotic type; open to all sizes. Human pin cushion.
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.
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.
Geek: Male, 21+
a tightly wound and particular individual; refined but deadly wild man; extremely intelligent, very tall (over 6’2”), lanky.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
CALLBACKS (Invitation only) You will be notified via email after ALL auditions have completed if you have been asked for a callback. They will be held sometime late February early March.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
VIDEOS ARE DUE BY February 18th
-Please prepare about a one-minute cut of a song from the show or in the style of the show. Singing from the show is HIGHLY preferred.
We have provided a few options with accompaniment you can use should you want to but are happy to have you provide your own cut and accompaniment as well.
CASTING NOTE:
-If Submitting for Daisy/Violet only pick one and do it based on your vocal range. We can always call you back for the other if needed.
-Ensemble submissions: Please read descriptions as many have specific “iconic” physical traits assigned to those roles.
MATIERAL LINK:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4ukc5o25tqmegd7/AABC3nmrrwo9WXMbkV10gU9xa?dl=0
Questions email:
auditons@wppac.com
Submit all materials via this link:
https://airtable.com/shrB9YtaJvjJZeQzD
1. Videos must be uploaded to (youtube, vimeo etc) and sent as a link. Please No password protected videos etc.
2. Include Headshot and Resume (In one file not separate files)
3. In your recording, slate your name, union status,
4. Make sure we see as much of you as possible.
5. Accompaniment should be played on a separate device and be sure there is no editing, effects etc to your vocal recording.
Videos
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