White Plains Performing Arts Center: Mainstage Auditions
The Bodyguard (Regional Premiere)
PERSONNEL
Music and Lyrics by various writers of Whitney Houston's hit songs
Book by: Alexander Dinelaris based on the screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan
Director: Frank Portanova, Music Director: Stephen Ferri, Choreographer: Daniel Gold
The White Plains Performing Arts Center is seeking both AEA & non-union performers for the Regional Premiere of The Bodyguard. 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.)
NON-TRADITIONAL CASTING is strongly encouraged.
Please note there is NO housing for this production.
SYNOPSIS
Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. A breathtakingly romantic thriller and West End smash hit, The Bodyguard features a host of irresistible classics including “Queen of the Night,” “So Emotional,” “One Moment in Time,” “Saving All My Love,” “Run to You,” “I Have Nothing,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and one of the biggest selling songs of all time – “I Will Always Love You.”
IMPORTANT DATES
1st Rehearsal: April 8 2019 (rehearses in NYC)
Tech: 4/20-4/25 (in White Plains late afternoon through evening)
Shows: April 26-28, May 2-5, May 8-12 (3-4 shows/week - 11 total)
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 USUALLY, but some nights may be scheduled throughout the process in place of days. 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
(4 shows/week)
$455/week for AEA actors + Pension/health (LORT-LOA CONTRACT)
Non union: $1,000-$1,400 based on role + EMC Points
Casting Breakdown:
Rachel Marron (Female, 28-35) A famous singer/actress who is at the top of her game! Sexy, confident and self-sufficient. Must be an EXCEPTIONAL powerhouse singer (Whitney Houston). G3 to F5 (belt) should be very comfortable with riffs, r&b, gospel and pop/rock. ETHNICITY: African American
Frank Farmer (Male, 35-45)
A former C.I.A. agent, physically fit, lithe and athletic; sharp witted and instinctive; handsome and charismatic. He radiates a silent strength, an American alpha man type. Frank sings one song in a karaoke style and does not need to be a major singer, just have the confidence to sing in front of a theatre audience. ETHNICITY: Caucasian
Nicki Marron (Female, 25-35)
Rachel's sister, a very talented singer who has taken a back seat to her sister’s rising star. Quiet type but attractive. Must be a very strong singer. Nicki must have a very soulful, gospel-tinged voice. She sings ballads in the show and should have a warm resonance, excellent pitch and an ability to riff. Range from G below middle C to E at top of staff. ETHNICITY: African American
Bill Devaney (Male 40-55)
Rachel Marron's long-standing Manager/Guardian Angel. He has looked after her from the start and runs her life. A kind and loyal man who always has Rachel’s best interests at heart. ETHNICITY: All Ethnicities
Tony (Male 30-40)
Rachel Marron's security, broad shoulders, narrow hips, classic bouncer physique. He is fiercely protective of Rachel and would do anything for her. A kind man. ETHNICITY: All Ethnicities
Sy Spector (Male, 35-50)
Rachel's publicist, deeply ambitious and doesn't suffer fools or indeed anyone who isn't doing exactly what he wants; bullish and quick. His belief is that the whole Oscar nomination for Rachel is because of his hard work and his alone! He believes he is her driving force. ETHNICITY: All Ethnicities
Stalker (Male, 20-35)
Rachel Marron's stalker, military type, weird, outcast; should be able to sing comfortably in a tenor range. Must be in GREAT shape. ETHNICITY: All Ethnicities
Fletcher (Male, 8-12)
Rachel’s son. Must be a good singer. ETHNICITY: African American
Ensemble:(Male/Female, Age 25-30)
Athletic dancers with strong voices that have proficiency in multiple styles (including Contemporary and Hip Hop). Tumbling/Partnering experience is a plus but not required.
Pit Singers (Male/Female)
Singers who have exceptional voices familiar in the style of gospel, pop rock etc.These positions will have a travel stipend with EMC points.
Auditions (Equity AND non-Equity) by APPOINTMENT:
Wednesday, February 27 (10am-4pm)
The Growing Studio
344 West 38th Street, 4th floor
-Dancers who sing sign up for a time between 10am-1pm (studio 2)
-Singers who move etc. sign up for any times throughout the day. If you are only interested in the leads do NOT sign up for the dance call.
Auditions (Equity AND non-Equity) by APPOINTMENT:
Friday, March 1st (10am-4pm)
-Dancers who sing sign up for a time between 10am-1pm (studio 2)
-Singers who move etc. sign up for any times throughout the day. If you are only interested in the leads do NOT sign up for the dance call.
The Growing Studio
344 West 38th Street, 4th floor
Equity Principal (EPA) by APPOINTMENT:
Monday March 4th 10am-6pm
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 11th you will be notified via email after ALL auditions have completed if you have been asked for a callback.
Appointment-Making Instructions:
READ CAREFULLY!!!
For an appointment:
Dancers who sing (ensemble roles) please use this sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044AABAA2FA2FF2-bodyguard
Singers who also move use this sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508044aabaa2fa2ff2-bodyguard1
Please put in your name, email and then your union status in the comment section. 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 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.
If auditioning for the role of Frank please prepare a 45 sec monologue instead and be prepared to sing 16 bars of a song if asked.
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
