Western Reserve Playhouse

THE WESTERN RESERVE PLAYHOUSE IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE: 

AUDITION NOTICE FOR

THE WITCH OF EDMONTON

A virtual production with WRP Connect

By Tohmas Dekker, John Ford, and William Rowley

In a version adapted by August Scarpelli

An unsettling tale of witchcraft, betrayal, and murder in a small town. Persecuted by her neighbors, Elizabeth Sawyer turns to the devil – who appears in the form of a black dog – for consolation and revenge. Once unleashed, the canine makes his own forays into the lives of the citizens of Edmonton.

We are looking for a diverse group of actors to place this story in our present day and use the lens of our current social circumstances.

Virtual auditions will be held via Zoom on  Wednesday 9/30/2020, Thursday 10/01/2020, and Friday 10/02/2020, from 7pm-10pm. 

Email august@thewrp.org for a 20 minute audition slot. When you have secured a slot you will receive a link to the Zoom meeting.

Please prepare one approximately 90-second speech from the English early modern canon (Shakespeare or one of his contemporaries, i.e. plays from about 1580-1642)

If you are not able to attend one of the above audition times, pre-recorded auditions will be accepted to august@thewrp.org no later than Saturday, 10/03/2020 @ 10pm. 

Production Schedule: We will be rehearsing and recording scenes over the first three weeks of the month of October 7pm-10pm, including weekdays and potentially weekend afternoons, depending on the actor’s availability. This will be a fairly minimal time commitment. Actors in the largest number of scenes will be asked to rehearse and record on approximately 8-12 occasions maximum.

Available roles:

Elizabeth Sawyer, The witch

Dog, a “familiar”

Old Thorney

Frank, Thorney’s son

Winifred, Frank’s wife

Sir Arthur Clarirington, Master to Frank and Winifred

Old Carter, a wealthy yeoman

Susan, Carter’s daughter (Frank’s other wife)

Katherine, Carter’s daughter

Warbeck, Suitor to Susan

Somerton, Suitor to Katherine

Old Banks, a countryman

Cuddy Banks, his son

Old Ratcliffe, a countryman

Anne, his wife

Justice

Countrymen and Morris Dancers

Production requirements: A free Zoom account, a stable wifi connection, a clean and quiet room to record in, a microphone that picks up speech cleanly, and the ability to have at least one isolated light source that you are able to control.

If you have any questions, or would like more information about the play or project, please email august@thewrp.org.

Our next play here at WRP will be Anton Chekhov’s classic drama, “The Seagull,” translated by Michael Frayn. In his famous Chekhovian style, the playwright details a family living in a luxurious country home, and the drama that spikes between one another as love and loss become prevalent.

Production Staff:

• Director: August Scarpelli

• Stage Manager: James Elliott

• Lighting Design: Steven A Barton

• Set Design: August Scarpelli

• Costumes: Kelsey Tomlinson

Audition Dates: 

Saturday February 22nd  from 2pm-6pm 

Sunday February 23rd from 12pm-3pm

Callbacks: Sunday March 1st from 11am-3pm

Sign up here : 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EADA92AA5F85-theseagull

Rehearsals: Will begin approximately April 26th 

Performances: June 5th thru June 21st

Location: Western Reserve Playhouse 3326 Everett Road, Bath, Ohio 44286

Audition Requirements:

• Arrive at least 10 minutes before the audition time slot to fill out required information and receive an excerpt.
• When possible, actors will be asked to stay to read scenes with other prospective actors.
• Total audition time will not exceed 40 minutes.
• Please bring all known conflicts to the auditions.
• Please bring, if available, headshots and resumes. (supplied material may not be returned)
• Prospective cast, under the age of 18, will need to have a guardian attend the audition.

What to prepare:

• Please prepare one monologue (not exceeding 2 minutes ) that to you is Chekhovian (Either from one of Chekhov’s plays OTHER than The Seagull OR one that you think is fitting )
• Please come with having read the play (you can find a free translation here: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1754/1754-h/1754-h.htm )

Casting:

Roles are open to all ethnicities. No equity contracts at this time.

Roles Available: 

Arkadina- an actress

Konstantin – her son

Sorin – her brother (This role has been pre-cast; Robert Hawkes)

Nina – the young daughter of a wealthy landowner

Shamrayev – a retired lieutenant, Sorin’s steward 

Polina – his wife 

Masha – his daughter

Trigorin – a novelist 

Dorn – a doctor

Medvedenko  – a teacher

Yakov – a workman

A cook

A maid

If you have any questions for the director, please email august@thewrp.org 

If you are interested and have a conflict with the audition time please let us know!

Western Reserve Playhouse 

3326 Everett Rd, Bath, Ohio 44286 

330-620-7314

 www.thewrp.org

Western Reserve Playhouse auditions for 

the next 2 Musicals 

I Love You,  You’re Perfect, Now Change – 2018 Revival 

Music by Jimmy Roberts with Book & Lyrics By Joe DiPietro

&

VIOLET

Music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics by Brian Crawley

Based on The Ugliest Pilgrim by Doris Betts 

Production Staff: 

I Love You,  You’re Perfect, Now Change

• Director,  Kevin Kelly 

• Musical Director, Bryan Bird

Violet 

• Director, Dawn Sniadak-Yamokoski

• Musical Director, Bryan Bird

• Choreographer, Jennifer Justice

Audition Date: Sunday, January 26 – 7-9PM and January 28 – 7-9PM 

Callbacks: (if needed)  January 29 7-9PM 

Sign Up HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EADA92AA5F85-auditions4

Rehearsals: I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change will start February 9, 2020

and Violet will start March 22, 2020 (The rehearsal period will not exceed 5 weeks total)

Performances:

I Love You,  You’re Perfect, Now Change – March 13-28, 2020

Violet- April 24 – May 9, 2020

Location: Western Reserve Playhouse 3326 Everett Road, Bath, Ohio 44286

Audition Requirements:

• Arrive at least 10 minutes before audition time slot to fill out required information and receive excerpt.
• When possible, actors will be asked to stay to read scenes with other perspective actors.
• Total audition time will not exceed 40 minutes.
• Please bring all known conflicts to the auditions.
• Please bring, if available, headshots and resumes. (supplied material may not be returned)
• Prospective cast, under the age of 18, will need to have a guardian attend the audition.

Please prepare:

• Prepare  32 bars of a musical theatre, gospel, or country song and 32 bars of contemporary musical theater comedic song or ballad.  An accompanist will be provided – no a cappella or recorded accompaniment allowed
• You may be asked to read sides from the script
• Bring a headshot and resume
• Bring ALL known conflicts during your rehearsal process. 

Casting:

Roles are open to all ethnicities. No equity contracts at this time.

Roles Available: 

I Love You, You’re Perfect Now Change (2018 Revival) Runs –March 13-28, 2020

The longest running off-Broadway revue has been revised for the 21st century! This celebration or the mating game takes on the truths and myths behind that contemporary conundrum known as ‘the relationship.’ A DFW audience favorite, the 2018 version features two new songs, revised lyrics and dialogue throughout the show to reflect dating in modern times. Perfect for its Valentine’s Day opening.

Roles that  are open, diversity is welcomed, 2 Women and 2 Men, all playing several characters. All roles contain adult content, language and sexual references. All cast members must be comfortable on stage in some form of underwear.

Woman #1 – 25 and up, Soprano or Mezzo, low A to High G, able to play a wide variety of characters

Man #1 – 25 and up, Bari/Tenor, low G to high G, able to play a wide variety of characters

Woman #2 – (Pre-Cast) 21+, Soprano or Mezzo, low F to High E, able to play a wide variety of characters

Man #2 – 25 and up, Bari/Tenor, low G to high G, able to play a wide variety of characters

Violet – Runs, April 24 – May 9, 2020 :

Winner of the Drama Critics’ Circle Award and Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical when it premiered Off-Broadway in 1997, and then on to a Tony-nominated Broadway debut in 2014 with a revised version, Violet is a moving musical featuring show-stopping anthems, ranging from American-roots to folk to gospel.  With a score from Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, or Change; Thoroughly Modern Millie; Shrek; Fun Home) and book and lyrics by the acclaimed Brian Crawley (A Little Princess), Violet is inspired by the short story, The Ugliest Pilgrim by Doris Betts, astounding critics and audiences alike in two separate decades.

As a girl, Violet was struck by a wayward axe blade when her father was chopping wood, leaving her with a visible scar across her face. With enough money finally saved, she’s traveling across the Deep South in Civil Rights era 1964 towards a miracle – the healing touch of a TV evangelist who will make her beautiful. Although she may not succeed in having the scar on her face healed, Violet is able to repair those scars that are lying deeper than her skin. On the way, she meets a young African-American soldier whose love for her reaches far past her physical “imperfections.”

See below the roles that are open and all ethnicities are encouraged to audition.

Cat of 11 needed: 6 men, 4 women, 1 girl.  Ages are approximate.

VIOLET | F | 20-35 | Caucasian | Mezzo with strong musical theatre belt | The title character, a young North Carolina woman whose face was scarred in a childhood accident. She is stubborn and prickly, but filled with equal parts hope and obsession that she may be healed and made beautiful.

FLICK | M | 20-30 | African-American – Pre -Cast (Anthony Savage-Williams) | Baritone with strong musical theatre belt | A soldier; a dreamer and go-getter. He doesn’t enjoy the army, but enjoys the respect it garners him. There is something gentle and good about him, not to be interpreted or confused with weakness or lack of authority.

MONTY | M | 20-30 | Caucasian | Tenor | A paratrooper and Flick’s friend from basic training. Rough around the edges. Self-consumed, but not necessarily purposefully so. Fighting his own demons.

YOUNG VIOLET | F | 10-13 (Or reads 10-13 on stage)| Caucasian | Mezzo | Not quite as guarded or prickly as her older self, but still tough and stubborn. She has a keen curiosity and the rough edges of being brought up solely by her father.

FATHER | M | 35-45 | Caucasian | Baritone | A simple, widowed man who lovingly raises his daughter alone doing the best he can with little knowledge or resources. Stern but friendly, smart but uneducated. Accidentally scars Violet’s face while he is chopping wood.

OLD LADY | F | 45-65 | Any Ethnicity | Alto | A former beauty in her heyday. Staunch, tired and frustrated with life. Must be able to play both sweet and “down and dirty.” Actor doubles as Hotel Hooker.

PREACHER | M | 35-50 | Any Ethnicity | Tenor | An impassioned, theatrical man who 

preaches with all the bravado he can muster. Once had a true healing touch but has lost it in his quest to become a showman. Dismissive and egotistical. Actor doubles as Radio Singer, Bus Driver, and Bus Passenger.

VIRGIL | M | 20-35 | Caucasian | Tenor | The Preacher’s assistant. Knows the smoke and mirrors of the Preacher’s show and must begrudgingly deal with anyone who might derail it. Actor doubles as Billy Dean, Bus Driver, Radio Singer, and Bus Passenger.

MUSIC HALL SINGER | F | 35-45 | Any Ethnicity | Alto/Mezzo with strong blues belt | The solo performer at a dance hall in Memphis. Actor doubles as Bus Passenger.

LULU BUFFINGTON | F | 40-70 | African-American | Alto with strong gospel belt | A soloist in the volunteer choir that sings for the Preacher’s telecast. Sings for God with passion and power. Actor doubles as Almeta (Landlady) and Bus Passenger.

LEROY EVANS | M | 45-70 | Caucasian | Baritone | A citizen of Spruce Pine with a dog named Roscoe. Not very bright. Actor doubles as Radio Soloist, Bus Driver, and Bus Passenger.

If you have any questions for either director please email, jobsatwrp@gmail.com

Western Reserve Playhouse 3326 Everett Rd, Bath, Ohio 44286 – 330-620-7314, www.thewrp.org

Western Reserve Playhouse is holding auditions for our 2020 $5 Play Reading Series:

What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton, The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa FastHorse, Hand to God by Robert Askins, The Cake by Bekah Brunsteter, The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh

When: Saturday, November, 23, 2019 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Western Reserve Playhouse 3326 Everett Rd, Richfield, OH 44286

Sign Up At https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508054EADA92AA5F85-2020

Please prepare two 1 minute contemporary monologues, one comic, one dramatic; actors may also be asked to read from one or more of the plays being presented. Character descriptions should NOT be taken as literal guidelines for casting. They offer a very broad outline to give a rough idea of character types. Before auditioning, actors are strongly encouraged to read the play(s) they are interested in auditioning for. No equity contracts offered at this time.

Roles available for What the Butler Saw, directed by Jim Fippin, performance January 26, 2020:
Dr. Prentice (m): 40s or 50s. “A husband must be allowed to put his wife into a straight-jacket. It’s one of the few pleasures left in modern marriage.”
Geraldine Barclay (f): 20s. (answering the question “What is your shorthand speed?”) “I can manage twenty words a minute with ease, sir.”
Mrs. Prentice (f): 40s or 50s. (said of her, not by her) “You were born with your leg apart. They’ll send you to the grave in a y-shaped coffin.”
Nicholas Beckett (m): 20s. “I’d like to get out of the indecent photograph racket. It’s so wearing on the nerves.”
Dr. Rance (m): 50+. “I once put a whole family into a communal straight-jacket…It was my own family. I’ve a picture of the scene at home.”
Sergeant Match (m): “If you make any attempt to arouse me, doctor, I shall call for help.”

Roles available for The Thanksgiving Play, directed by Connie Thackaberry, performance March 15, 2020
Logan (f): Caucasian looking, the director as well as an actor. Earnest about doing the right thing, but wants everyone to feel part of the collaboration so much that it derails the actual play.
Caden (m): Caucasian looking, the academic. Teacher in the Los Angeles Unified School System with dramatic aspirations but no clue how things work on stage.
Jaxton (m): Caucasian looking, the LA surfer actor. Politically correct to a fault, a big one. He’s that guy everyone loves, but his logical PC thinking takes weird turns.
Alicia (f): Brunette Caucasian but has looks that would have been cast as ethnic in 1950’s movies. Hot, but not bright. That actress whose every script note ends with her being allocated more lines.

Roles available for Hand to God, directed by Andrew Cruse, performance May 17, 2020
Margery (f): recently widowed, recruited by her pastor to teach a church “puppet class” for teens.
Jason/Tyrone (m): her teen-aged son, introverted, shy. Tyrone is his puppet, libidinous, angry, dangerous.
Jessica (f): a nerdy and offbeat teen in the class
Timothy (m): a horny and expletive spouting teen, also in the class
Pastor Greg (m): middle aged, infatuated with Margery

Roles available for The Cake, directed by Shane Stahl, performance July 5, 2020
Della (f): 40s, pleasant, round, with a mass of big, curly hair.
Tim (m): 40s, her husband, a good ol’ boy.
Jen (f): early 30s, with a wedding binder, who has dreamt of her wedding day her whole life.
Macy (f): early 30s, her reluctant fiancé, African American.

Roles available for The Pillowman: directed by Kyle Huff, performance on November 8, 2020
Katurian (m): a writer of gruesome short stories often involving children. His disturbed imagination is the result of hearing his brother abused when they were younger.
Michal (m): Katurian’s brother, who is “slow to get things.”
Tupolski (m): a detective, the “good cop.” Cold, uncaring, detached.
Ariel (m): a brutal and violent detective who has a vendetta against anyone who commits crimes against children because of abuse in his own past.

Questions? Email the Series Coordinator Jim Fippin at jimfippinwrp@gmail.com