Beechmont Players, Inc. is excited to announce the auditions for:
THE WIZARD OF OZ
By L. Frank Baum
With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg
Background Music by Herbert Stothart
Orchestration by Larry Wilcox
Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard
Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company
Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.
Produced by Tom Bergquist & Pam Kaesemeyer
Directed by Laura Berkemeier
Vocal Direction TBD
Choreography by Katey Blood
Auditions will be held Sunday February 21, 2016 at 6:00 PM & Monday, February 22, 2016 at 6:30 PM with possible call backs Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 6:30 PM at Anderson Center Theater, 7850 Five Mile Road, Cincinnati, OH 45230.
The cast will consist of approximately 14 actors and actresses, ages 18 and older — descriptions are below.
The Wizard of Oz will be staged August 5-13, 2016.
Actors interested in auditioning are required to fill out a pre-screen which can be found here. You will be contacted by the director with your specific audition time and requirements.
Be prepared to perform a musical number (accompanist provided; BYO sheet music), and for a dance audition (with dance shoes and clothes to move in). Also be prepared for cold readings from the script.
Bring known conflicts for the period May – August 13, 2016.
Questions? Contact the director at laura.berkemeier@gmail.com
Characters:
Dorothy Gale
Age 18-25, (Mezzo/Mix) Log-G to E
Looking for a spirited, energetic actress for this role. Needs to have a strong singing voice and some dance ability, but most important, needs to embody the personality of the character. Some dancing, will depend on skill of actor. Singing and acting are most important.
The Scarecrow
Age 18-40, Strong Baritone up to F# (opt Ab)
Looking for a sympathetic actor for this role with a softness and deep kindness. Needs to be very flexible and must have dance experience.
Tin-Man
Age 18-40, Strong Baritone/Tenor to G
Needs to be likeable but perhaps more edgy than the character we know from the movie. Looking for an actor who can find a new/different interpretation of this character. Light choreography.
Cowardly Lion
18-40, Strong Baritone to F
This is the most sarcastic of the Oz “friends,” actor needs to have excellent comedic timing. Looking for an actor who can find a new/different interpretation of this character than the norm. Light choreography.
Glinda, The Good Witch
25+, Mezzo/Soprano (G to middle C)
Actress needs to embody the kindhearted spirit of the good witch but might find other levels to play with. Non-Dancing Role.
Aunt Em (Might be combined with Glinda)
50+, Non-Singing Role
Should be strong, prairie-woman who is used to farm life. She loves her niece, but also doesn’t take any grief. Non-Dancing Role
Miss Gultch/Wicked Witch
25+, Some singing in character, not required to be ‘technically proficient’
Should be strong, scary but not necessarily ‘ugly’. She is the antagonist of the play and needs to be played as such. Might be interesting to see the evil really exploited and expanded. Non-Dancing Role.
Professor Marvel/Wizard of Oz
40+, Non-Singing Role
Is he a kind old man or is he a little devious? Interested to see these levels played. Non-Dancing Role.
Uncle Henry (Might be combined with Oz Guard)
50+, Non-Singing Role
Should be softer than Aunt Em but still used to the rough prairie life. Non-Dancing Role.
Jitterbug
18+, Non-Singing Role
This has one line, but is primarily a non-speaking role. This should be a strong dancer with a lot of personality. Requires major dancing experience/skill.
Ensemble
18+, Various Singing and Non-Singing, Speaking and Non-Speaking Roles
There are many ‘extra’ roles outlined in the script. These vary from talking trees to Winkie Generals. If you have one of these particular roles in mind, please indicate on the audition form. If not, you will be automatically considered. Needed: 6 men and 6 women ages 18 and older. May require dancing.
Toto
Looking for a talented and TRAINED actor dog. Contact director for more information.
