AUDITIONS: The Wizard of Oz
Greenbelt Arts Center presents The Wizard of Oz
By L. Frank Baum
With Music and Lyrics of the MGM motion picture score by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg
Background Music by Herbert Stothart
Book Adaptation by John Kane from the motion picture screenplay.
Director: Jon Gardner
Producer: Win Britt
Music Director: Daniel Flores
Choreographer: Rikki Howie Lacewell
Auditions for The Wizard of Oz will be held at the Greenbelt Arts Center on Monday, August 7, Tuesday, August 8 and Thursday, August 10 at 7pm each night. Call-backs will be Saturday, August 12 at 10am. Come to one of the evening auditions and be prepared to come to call-backs if needed.
Rehearsals will begin September 17 and will be 4 times per week until Tech Week with the detailed schedule depending on conflicts.There will be 12 performances from November 24 to December 17 on each Friday and Saturday evening and on each Sunday afternoon. It is possible that one of the Saturdays will be a matinee instead of an evening performance.
There are 9 lead or feature roles, of which 6 are singing-dancing roles and 3 are not. In addition to the leads, we expect to cast an ensemble of 6 to 8 adults and 6 to 8 children or teens. We expect that all members of the ensemble will sing and dance, including solo and chorus singing.
Please prepare a short song (up to 32 bars) that demonstrates your vocal ability. Bring sheet music for the piano accompanist or sing a capella; we will not use backing tracks for the auditions. Auditions will include movement or dance, so please dress appropriately; do not wear jeans and bring dance sneakers or jazz shoes if possible. There may be readings from the script at the auditions or call-backs.
Bring a headshot and theatrical resume if you have one, or be prepared to list previous acting, singing, dancing training and experience. Bring a complete list of conflicts for September 17 to December 17, including all days of the week (weekday evenings and weekend afternoons). The parts of Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion will be called 4 times per week; other parts and the ensemble will be called between 2 and 4 times per week. In your list of conflicts, make a distinction between hard conflicts (when you cannot come to rehearsal) and soft conflicts (when you would come but prefer not to be called.)
The final dress rehearsal will be the day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 22 and opening night will be the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 24. There will not be a rehearsal on Thanksgiving Day. Conflicts with Tech Week and/or performances will not be permitted.
The Story:
Dorothy and Toto travel to Oz and join a Scarecrow, Tinman and Cowardly Lion in search of the Wonderful Wizard. The beloved musical movie version of The Wizard of Oz is brought to life on the GAC stage with Wicked Witches, Flying Monkeys, Ruby Slippers, Munchkins and more. Songs include "Over the Rainbow," "If I Only Had a Brain," "Yellow Brick Road" and "We're Off to See the Wizard." This high-energy show will delight your whole family. We will be doing the 1987 Royal Shakespeare Company revival version, which closely follows the screenplay from the 1939 MGM musical film.
Cast:
We expect to cast a combination of adults, teens and children; all ages are encouraged to audition. We welcome a diverse cast and welcome all ethnicities and gender identities; casting will depend on singing ability and vocal range, dancing ability and ability to portray the role. All roles are unpaid.
Dorothy Gale is optimistic, heroic and sweet-tempered. Dorothy is on stage in almost every scene. Sings Over the Rainbow. Alto or Mezzo-Soprano.
Toto is Dorothy’s dog. We expect Toto will be played by a human actor while in Oz. Physical comedy and possible dancing; Toto will probably be on hands and knees for much of the show. No lines, but must be able to bark with expression. Toto is on stage in almost every scene in Oz. We do not expect to use a real dog in the show. However, if you have a dog that you believe is sufficiently well behaved and well trained to participate, please contact Jon Gardner () to make arrangements. Do not bring a real dog to auditions.
Scarecrow is in search of a brain. Plays Hunk in Kansas. Should be capable of physical humor and pratfalls. Sings If I Only Had a Brain. Baritone or Tenor.
Tinman is in search of a heart. Plays Hickory in Kansas. Should be capable of mechanical movement and dance. Sings If I Only Had a Heart. Baritone or Tenor.
Cowardly Lion is in search of courage. Plays Zeke in Kansas. The role includes comic timing and high drama. Sings If I Only Had the Nerve and If I Were King of the Forest. Baritone or Tenor.
Wicked Witch of the West. Plays Miss Gulch in Kansas, uptight and self-important. The Witch takes great delight in wickedness. Non-singing role.
Aunt Em/Glinda the Good Witch. Aunt Em is careworn and a bit gruff, but fundamentally kind. Glinda is motherly, wise and powerful. Sings Munchkinland (Come Out, Come Out) and Poppies (You’re Out of the Woods). Alto or Mezzo-Soprano.
Uncle Henry/Oz Guard. Uncle Henry is vague and ineffectual but has a dry sense of humor. Oz Guard is melodramatic and emotional. Sings Merry Old Land of Oz. Baritone or Tenor.
Wizard of Oz/Professor Marvel. A showman, capable of high drama. Sleight of hand or other magical ability is a plus. Non-singing role.
The Ensemble includes an Adult Chorus plus a Children’s Chorus. The Adult Chorus consists of 6 to 8, singing SATB and dancing. The Children’s Chorus consists of 6 to 8, singing in unison and dancing. Members of the Ensemble will each play multiple roles from: Munchkins, Crows, Trees, Poppies, Snow, Ozians, Winkies, Winkie General, Jitterbugs, Lead Jitterbug, Flying Monkeys, Nikko – Lead Monkey. Ensemble roles can include some solo singing, dancing and lines. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a responsible adult to all rehearsals and performances.
This is going to be a high-energy show. Strong dancing is desired for many of the parts.
For additional information, see the website at http://www.greenbeltartscenter.org/ or contact Director Jon Gardner at .