Godspell Auditions

Godspell Auditions

The Strand Theatre announces auditions for its summer musical, Godspell.

A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose 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 will run July 30-31 at 7:00pm and August 1 at 2:00pm. The show will be directed by Shelby Garrett, and Justin Jones will serve as music director.

Auditions are Saturday, June 5, and Sunday, June 6, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Please prepare 16-32 bars of a song from either a musical or an upbeat pop song. An accompanist will be provided. Auditions will also consist of cold reads from the script and a dance combo, so wear comfortable clothing that you can move in. If necessary, callbacks will take place on Monday June 7, at 6:00pm. Contact Shelby Garrett at segarrett11@gmail.com, with questions.

Note:

In the script, other than the characters of Jesus and John the Baptist/Judas, the characters are called by the first names of the original cast members. While the original cast was broken down into 5 male and 5 female actors, the production will be open to casting differently than those gendered roles. The descriptions below provide an idea of the differences between the personalities and arcs of each character, much of each character’s personality is developed by the actor and director and are based around the song each character sings. All roles available, open to any age, ethnicity, or gender.

Character Breakdown:

Anna Maria (Alto): A bit of a tomboy, but basically open and sweet. Perhaps the youngest of the group. She is the first of the group to commit to following Jesus in the song “Day by Day.”

Celisse (Mezzo-Soprano): The female equivalent of the class clown. Goofy and a cut-up. In the 2012 Broadway revival, she played several instruments, including conga, ukulele, and guitar. She sings “Learn Your Lessons Well.”

George (Tenor): The comedian, the class clown. The guy who can do a hundred voices and imitations. He sings “Light of the World.”

Jesus (Tenor): Must be the most charismatic individual in the cast. High energy, charming, funny, gentle but with strength. He is the sort of person others instinctively follow.

John the Baptist/Judas (Baritone): He has attributes of both Biblical figures: He is both Jesus’ lieutenant and most ardent disciple and the doubter who begins to question and rebel. Like Jesus, he is also charismatic, but in more of an overt revolutionary way. Usually played by someone handsome and masculine, with an undertone of sexuality. He is the most “serious” and intellectual of the group, though as with all the actors, he must still possess a good sense of physical comedy. He sings “Prepare Ye,” “All For the Best,” and “On the Willows.”

Lindsay (Soprano): The confident one, the show-off. The first one to volunteer, sometimes she jumps in before she really understands what’s going on. She sings “Bless the Lord.”

Morgan (Alto): Sassy and slightly cynical, the most urban of the group. Also the “sexy” one, but her sexiness contains a large element of put-on, in the manner of Mae West or Madonna. She sings “Turn Back, O Man.”

Nick (Tenor): Extremely high energy. Impish and playful. In the original, he played several musical instruments, including concertina, recorder, and guitar. He sings “We Beseech Thee.”Telly (Tenor): Not the brightest in the bunch, he is a little slow on the uptake. But there is a great sweetness and innocence about him. Because he sings “All Good Gifts” he must be an exceptionally good singer.

Uzo (Alto): The shy one. Sometimes a little slow to get things, but when she does, she commits all the way. Has an “earth mother” kind of warmth to her. She sings “By My Side.”

Ensemble roles may be added at director’s discretion.