Category: Uncategorised
GODSPELL AUDITION NOTICE
Music and New Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz
Book: John Michael Tebelak
The Team
Co-Producers: Rob Lachance and Kathleen McDowell
Director: Trevor Cartlidge
Music Director: F. Darryl Burton
Choreographers: Carol Wells and Dot Routledge
Stage Manager: Amanda Cook
About the Show
“Prepare ye for the timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew.”
A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.
Godspell is a wonderful and very unique show, in which no two productions are ever alike. Godspell is about a group of individuals gradually coming together to form a community. It’s done through the playing of games and the telling of stories, lessons and parables. It’s an exciting opportunity for actors as we are permitted to update and personalize the script to make it more current and relevant to today’s society. We are looking for funny, energetic people who have a sense of play.
In addition, we are looking for this to be a modern Godspell, reflecting society today. What we want to see on stage is all genders, all colours, all sexualities – and as a result, we will have a show with people of different backgrounds who can bring their own unique experiences to form this modern community. Further we will not only recognize but celebrates everyone’s own uniqueness . As such, we have no pre-conceived bias or preference as to the gender of any character and are open to gender swapping roles.
Covid Protocols and Vaccination Requirements
At this time we are not requiring masks to be worn in our rehearsal space. However, we encourage mask wearing and support those who choose to wear them.
All performers, production personnel and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated (2 shots) and to show proof of vaccination to participate.
Membership
Please note that if cast you will be required to become a member of Scarborough Music Theatre. There is a nominal fee which is offset by lots of great benefits including complimentary tickets and half price ticket deals!
Information Night
December 9, 2023 at 7:30 pm at SMT Unit and via Zoom
This is a great chance to meet the team, hear their ideas and how they work and get some tips on how to have a successful audition.
For those wishing to attend in person the session will be held at the SMT Rehearsal Unit, 51 Estate Drive, Toronto, ON (Markham and 401 area).
For those wish to join virtually via Zoom please use the following link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83047432110?pwd=MkVUb1pBZ3Z4Rnl1cGg0WHJTZGUvUT09
Audition Dates
Saturday, January 7, 2023, Noon to 6:00 pm
Friday, January 13, 2023, 7:30 to 10:30 pm
Callbacks
Saturday, January 21, 2023, Noon to 6:00 pm – be prepared to be there for the full session!
Information Night, Audition, Callback and Rehearsal Location
SMT Rehearsal Unit – 51 Estate Drive, Scarborough, ON. The Entrance is not visible from the street but is directly across the street from the entrance to the Holiday Inn Express. Parking is available on the street or in the lot beside the unit.
Rehearsals
Individual music rehearsals will be scheduled between soloists and the music director between February 13 and 25, 2023.
Full cast rehearsals begin February 26 and run to May 3, 2023 on Sundays from Noon to 6:00, and Mondays/Wednesdays from 7:30 to 10:30 pm
Performers must be available for ALL rehearsals. Some exceptions may be made for missed rehearsals but conflicts must be declared at the auditions.
Some additional or longer rehearsals will be held once the production has moved to the theatre and these will include:
- Move-in day: April 23, 2023, 9:30 am to 10:00 pm
- Sound Rehearsal: April 26, 2023, 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm
- Q2Q technical rehearsal: April 30, 2023, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Technical dress rehearsal: May 1, 2023, 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm
- Dress rehearsal: May 2, 2023, 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm
- Final dress rehearsal: May 3, 2022, 6:30 pm 11:30 pm
Performances and Clean Up
May 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18 and 19, 2023 at 8:00 pm and May 7, 14 and 20, 2023 at 2:00pm
Note: this show closes on the Victoria Day weekend
Additional performances may be added on any of Saturday, May 6 (2:00 pm), Wednesday, May 10 (8:00 pm), Saturday, May 13 (2:00 pm) or Wednesday, May 17 (8:00 pm). A decision regarding whether these additional performances will be added will be made by April 4, 2023.
Call time will be 6:30 pm for evening performances and 12:30 pm for matinees.
Performers must be available for ALL performances. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE ALLOWED.
A clean-up day at the unit is scheduled for May 27 2023. All cast members are expected to help in cleaning up.
Performance Venue
Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Road, Toronto (Kingston Road/ Markham Road)
Audition Requirements
Music
- Prepare one song of your choice that you feel great singing and that showcases your onstage personality.
- The music from Godspell leans toward pop or folk rock — keep this in mind when choosing your song, whether it’s a musical theatre or a jukebox/radio song.
- We may cut off the song and you may receive redirects of your song, so please make sure you are really comfortable with it.
- Please no songs from Godspell — we’ll hear those on call-back day!
- You may self-accompany your song, but if you use the accompanist provided, please ensure your sheet music is:
- In the proper key
- Double-sided, hole punched and placed in a binder
- Clearly marked for any cuts or repeats
Monologue
- Prepare a monologue of your choice no more than 2 minutes long that shows the unique talents you can bring to this production.
- Be prepared to receive redirects.
Dance
There will be no dance call during the initial auditions.
Callback Requirements
- Saturday, January 21, 2023, Noon to 6:00 pm
- Callback material to be provided after auditions.
- Please note: a movement session will be held at the callbacks. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes you can move in. Dance shoes not required
- In addition, the callbacks will also include scene work and musical selections from the show.
- People should be prepared to attend the callback in its entirety (though if we can, we will release people early!)
Roles Available
All roles in this production are open to all genders and all roles are open to any individual regardless of background, ethnicity, or sexual/gender orientation. Vocal ranges listed are for reference. Please note that songs may be transposed to facilitate cross-gender casting.
The style of dance/movement in this piece simulates playground-style physical interaction, adapted according to each performer’s individual characteristics.
Physicality/Intimacy Requirements Legend
C = basic physical contact like shaking hands, arm-in-arm and partnered dancing
K = kissing L = weight bearing, lifting or being lifted D = dance role
F = stage fighting S = simulated drug use I = physical intimacy considered more than kissing.
Jesus (C, L) – Must be the most charismatic individual in the cast. High energy, charming, funny, gentle but with strength. They are the sort of person others instinctively follow. Vocal range: High note G4, low note A2.
John The Baptist/Judas (C) – These are attributes of both characters: They are both Jesus’ lieutenant and most ardent disciple and the doubter who begins to question and rebel. Like Jesus, they are also charismatic, but in more of an overt revolutionary way. They are the most “serious” and intellectual of the group, though as with all the actors, they must still possess a good sense of physical comedy. Vocal range: High note E4, low note A2.
Nick (C) – Very high energy. Impish and playful. In the original, they played several musical instruments, including concertina, recorder and guitar. The ability to play these instruments is not a requirement for the role, although it would be a bonus! Vocal range: High note D5, low note A3.
Telly (C) – Not the brightest in the bunch, they are a little slow on the uptake. But there is a great sweetness and innocence about them. Because they sing “All Good Gifts” they must be a very good singer. Vocal range: High note A4, low note B3.
George (C) – The comedian, the class clown who can do a hundred voices and imitations. Vocal range: High note E4, low note A2.
Anna Maria (C) – A little rough around the edges, but basically open and sweet. Perhaps the youngest of the group. They are the first of the group to commit to following Jesus in the song “Day by Day.” Vocal range: High note A4, low note C4.
Lindsay (C) – The confident one, the show-off. The first one to volunteer, sometimes they jump in before they really understand what’s going on. Vocal range: High note C6, low note A4.
Uzo (C) – The shy one. Sometimes a little slow to get things, but when they do, they commit all the way. Has a nurturing, warm-hearted vibe. Vocal range: High note A4, low note C4.
Morgan (C) – Sassy and slightly cynical, the most urbane of the group. Also the “sexy” one, but their sexiness contains a large element of put-on, in the manner of Mae West or Madonna (who in fact once played this role.) Vocal range: High note F5, low note D4.
Celisse (C) – Goofy and a cut-up. In the 2012 Broadway revival, they played several instruments, including conga, ukulele and guitar; although the ability to play these instruments is not a requirement for the role, it would be a fun bonus! Vocal range: High note C5, low note A3.
Booking an Audition
To book an audition, contact smt_auditions@theatrescarborough.com. Please indicate your preference of audition date/time and any role(s) you are interested in auditioning for. You will be required to complete an online audition form prior to your audition date.
Reminder you must be fully vaccinated to participate in this production!
NON-PAYING / NON-EQUITY