Kelsey Forward Initiative is committed to actively assisting Kelsey Theatre in advancing an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all productions and programs offered by the resident theatre companies. We acknowledge the need for growth and are committed to learning from our past mistakes. We aim to foster an inclusive environment for people of all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, creeds, socio-economic statuses, nationalities and abilities.
The Kelsey Theatre has 10 different Theatre Companies that use our stage and their needs vary. Please read ALL audition notices through to see what is required and how to sign up for the audition.
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All auditions for Kelsey Theatre productions will be held on the Mercer County Community College unless stated otherwise in the announcement. Auditions are usually held in the College's Communications Building but please check the Kelsey Theatre sign boards for specific room locations.
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Produced by PLAYFUL THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
Producers RUTH KRESGE, HILARY LEBOFF, NANCY RUSSELL, and SUZANNE SMITH
Directed by FRANK FERRARA
Musical Direction by SHANNON FERRARA
Playful Theatre Productions is proud to be a part of the Kelsey Forward Initiative, which is committed to actively assisting Kelsey Theatre in advancing an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all productions and programs offered by the resident theatre companies. We acknowledge the need for growth and are committed to learning from our past mistakes. We aim to foster an inclusive environment for people of all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, creeds, socio-economic statuses, nationalities, and abilities.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Set in the streets and pubs of present-day Dublin, Once is a musical fable about love, creation, and the vital importance of vacuum repair. It tells the story a pair of musicians – an Irish street musician and a Czech immigrant – with complicated pasts and similar dreams. The unique folk-rock score of Once, which includes the Oscar-winning song “Falling Slowly,” is played entirely by the onstage cast.
All performances will be held at the Kelsey Theatre at the West Windsor Campus of Mercer County Community College (1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor, NJ, 08550).
Most rehearsals will be held in the Communications (CM) Building adjacent to Kelsey Theatre, and will begin in early July.
SEEKING:
The cast of Once will consists of approximately 12 adult performers (age 18 and up) and 1 younger actor (female presenting, age 10-14). A list of specific roles is provided below.
Playful is actively seeking a cast that represents diversity in cultural and musical background. All roles are open to any actor regardless of race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or body type. In addition, we encourage talented singers and musicians with experience in any performing style (traditional musical theater, pop/rock, folk, church, etc, classical) to consider auditioning.
As described above, all cast members will play at least one instrument as part of the production. For this reason, proficiency in piano, guitar, bass, violin, cello, and/or accordion is very strongly preferred. Please note that with the exception of Guy (who must be a proficient guitar player) and Girl (who must be a proficient pianist), no particular roles are tied to any particular instruments.
AUDITION DATES AND TIMES:
In-person preliminary auditions will be held on the following dates:
Sunday, June 26 (2022), 1:00PM – 5:00PM
If you would like to audition but are unable to make this date, pre-recorded auditions are welcome! Please contact us (see “Audition Appointments” below) to arrange for this. Callback auditions will be held by invitation for all roles as necessary.
AUDITION APPOINTMENTS:
Audition appointments are very strongly recommended for in-person auditions. To schedule an appointment, please visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090944A4A928AAF58-once. If you have any questions, you may contact us by e-mail at frankcferrara@gmail.com.
If you wish to submit a pre-recorded audition, select the “Virtual Audition” option at the SignUpGenius link above; we will contact you by e-mail with information on your audition.
AUDITION PREPARATION:
Performers are asked to prepare approximately 2-3 minutes of music in the style of the show. This should include representative samples of both singing and the instrument(s) of your choice. Anyone wishing to be considered for the roles of Guy or Girl should be prepared to accompany their own singing on guitar or piano (respectively); other actors for whom this is feasible are also encouraged (but not required) to self-accompany.
An accompanist will be provided for performers who do not self-accompany; please bring sheet music in the key that you wish to perform (a capella auditions or recorded accompaniment cannot be accommodated). There will be no readings or dancing at the initial audition.
Please note that a keyboard/piano will be available at the audition for your use; any other instrument should be brought along with you to your audition.
In addition to these audition materials, please bring a list of expected conflicts that is as comprehensive as possible. Headshot and resume, while welcome, are not required.
COVID-19 INFORMATION:
Per Playful Theatre Productions’ policy, all members of the cast and crew of Once will be required to present proof of vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19). At this time, facemasks are optional for rehearsals held at Mercer County Community College (per the college’s policies); the performance will be unmasked.
CHARACTER INFORMATION:
PLEASE NOTE: The ages and gender presentations listed below describe the characters, and not necessarily the actors who will play them.
Adult Roles (actors age 18+ will be considered for these roles)
The principal adult roles in Once are Guy and Girl, both late 20s or early 30s, he a likable street musician who has run out of luck and hope, and she a Czech immigrant who is somehow at once cynical and optimistic. Both must be strong singers in the folk-rock style of the show, and both must accompany themselves frequently (Guy plays guitar; Girl plays piano).
The remainder of the adult cast will comprise approximately 10 performers (5M, 5F). These include:
All roles include significantly opportunities for dialogue and/or solo singing/playing.
Non-Adult Role
In addition to the adult roles listed above, we are seeking an actor to play Ivanka (F, age 10-14). Ivanka is shy and good natured, and should be able to manage an Eastern European (Czech) accent. Some piano proficiency is a plus, but not required.
Book John O’Farrel & Karey Kirkpatrick
Music & Lyrics by Karey & Wayne Kirkpatrick
PRESENTED BY MPOnStage
DIRECTOR – John M Maurer
MUSICAL DIRECTOR - Laurie Gougher
CHOREOGRPAHER - Haley Schmalbach
MPOnStage and Kelsey Theatre are committed to advancing an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all productions and programs offered by the resident theatre companies. We acknowledge the need for growth and are committed to learning from our past mistakes. We aim to foster an inclusive environment for people of all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, creeds, socio-economic statuses, nationalities and abilities.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Welcome to the Renaissance and the outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce, Something Rotten! Created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick, and successful screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, Something Rotten! was lauded by audience members and critics alike, receiving several Best Musical nominations and hailed by Time Out New York as "the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years". Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.
PERFORMANCE DATES:
Friday, October 21 & 28 at 8pm
Saturday, October 22 & 29 at 8pm
Sunday, October 23 & 30 at 2pm
AUDITION DATES & TIMES:
Auditions will be held on the Mercer County Community College West Windsor Campus. Check the Kelsey Theatre signboard for a room location on the day of your audition.
MCCC is located at 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor NJ 08550
APPOINTMENTS AND QUESTIONS:
You can sign up online for an audition slot at www.mponstage.com/CastMe or email Audition@mponstage.com or call 609-882-2292.
PREPARE:
Please see the audition packet for details.
SEEKING:
COVID-19 INFORMATION:
All actors and production staff must be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and will be required to show their vaccination card at the time of audition. At this time, facemasks are optional for rehearsals at MCCC, the performance will be unmasked.
REHEARSALS will be held on the campus of MCCC.
The Kelsey Forward Initiative is committed to actively assisting Kelsey Theatre in advancing an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all productions and programs offered by the resident theatre companies. We acknowledge the need for growth and are committed to learning from our past mistakes. We aim to foster an inclusive environment for people of all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, creeds, socio-economic statuses, nationalities and abilities.
Check back for MORE Upcoming Audition