Watch this space for audition details

WCP/BHCT is committed to a policy of open auditions. Our success depends on the full participation of talented and committed people, regardless of their race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Neither experience nor membership is required to audition.

Unless otherwise indicated, auditions will be held in the WCP/BHCT Walker Building at 224 Commercial Street in Waterloo. Interested individuals need only attend one audition session.

Scripts will be available for a week-long perusal with a $10 deposit. Please stop by the WCP/BHCT Walker Building during normal business hours (Tuesday-Friday, 11am-5pm) to pick up a script.

Shakespeare in the Gardens

Much Ado About Nothing

Love, wit, mayhem, and mischief are swirled together in this

comedic battle-of-sexes production about searching for love.

Auditions

Saturday, March 29 at 11 am

Sunday, March 30 at 5 pm

at the WCP/BHCT Walker Building

Director: Anita Ross

AUDITION DETAILS

Please prepare a comedic Shakespearean monologue of 1-2 minutes to perform for initial auditions. Please visit Shakespeare’s monologues at www.shakespeare-monologues.org for suggestions.

Video submissions and virtual auditions are acceptable; all these submissions must be sent or scheduled by March 23. Please contact Anita at anita.ross@wcpbhct.org for questions, scheduling, or concerns.

Seeking a total of 15-21 performers; some actors may play more than one role. Those ages 12+ are encouraged to audition.

These auditions are open to anyone who is interested in taking on the Shakespearean language and willing to rehearse and perform outside. Please sign up for a time slot @: Much Ado Audition Sign up

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Beatrice (adult)- Beatrice is a strong willed woman, with a sharp wit and spirit. She wages a war

of wits against Benedick and often wins the battle.

Benedick (adult)- Benedick is quite charming, always making jokes and puns and carries on a “merry war” of wits with Beatrice. He is a character full of energy, humor and honesty.

Claudio (adult)- A captain who has recently returned from war. He falls in love with Hero.

Hero (adult)- The young daughter of Leonato and cousin to Beatrice. She is more innocent than Beatrice.

Don Pedro (adult)- Don Pedro is a longtime friend of Leonata. He is generous, courteous, intelligent, and loyal to his friends.

Leonato (older adult) Hero’s father, older, governor of Messina

Don John (ages 17+)- The illegitimate brother of Don Pedro; he is the villain of the play..

Margaret (ages 17+)- One of Hero’s long time friends and Leonato’s staff, she is full of life and a bit sassy.

Borachio (ages 17+)-A sergeant and right hand man of Don John.

Conrade (ages 17+)- One of Don John’s close associates, entirely devoted to Don John.

Dogberry (adult) -The constable in charge of the Watch. Dogberry takes his job very seriously to comedic ends.

Verges (ages 17+)-The deputy to Dogberry. Verges is quite bumbling.

The Watch (all ages)-The local folks from town who volunteer to keep the peace.

Sexton (adult)- Leads the trial against the villains.

Ursula (ages 17+)- One of Hero’s long time friends and Leonato’s staff.

Friar Francis (adult) - The priest who married the lovers, and is the voice of reason in the show.

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella

Music by Richard Rodgers & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

New Book by Douglas Carter Beane

Produced by Special Arrangement with Concord Theatricals

Director: Alan Malone

Musical Director: Ryan Occena

Choreographer: Carrie Peiffer

Auditions

Wednesday, April 23 at 6 pm

Friday, April 25 at 6 pm

at the WCP/BHCT Walker Building

Production Dates

July 11, 12, 17, 18 & 19 at 7 pm

July 13, 19 & 20 at 2 pm

SYNOPSIS

Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella is the new Broadway adaptation of the classic musical. This contemporary take on the classic tale features Rodgers & Hammerstein's most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It's Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” alongside an up-to-date, hilarious and romantic libretto by Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane. The story derived from the fairy tale Cinderella, concerns a young woman forced into a life of servitude by her cruel stepmother and selfish stepsisters. She dreams of a better life, and with the help of her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella is transformed into an elegant young lady and is able to attend the ball to meet her Prince. In this version, however, she opens the Prince's eyes to injustice in his kingdom.

AUDITION DETAILS - IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT AUDITIONS AND CASTING

Initial auditions will consist of three parts: a vocal (musical) audition, a dance/movement audition, and acting audition with selections chosen from the script.

For the vocal/music auditions: 16-32 bars/1 minute max from the show or similar musical and you will need to bring sheet music or a preferred instrumental music track. Provided tracks can also be used. No acapella auditions please.

For the dance/movement audition: Please be prepared to learn a dance section to music.
For the acting audition: You will perform cold readings of selections from the musical.

We’re excited to fill the stage with a bunch of people from all different walks of life! Whether you’ve been in 100 plays or this would be your first one, come on down and audition!

ROLES

PRINCIPALS

ELLA – Though no one notices her beneath her rags and quiet demeanor, she is opinionated, charismatic, passionate, beautiful, and funny. Idealistic and hopeful, she courageously challenges the prince to change the policies in his kingdom – and helps him discover who he truly is. Always her late father’s daughter, she is determined to see the good in everyone despite her hardships and suffering. We see her blossom into a confident woman.

TOPHER – A misguided and lost prince who longs to do something important with his life. Though brave and heroic, he feels lonely and unfulfilled. Charming but NOT a stereotypical ladies man, he is thoughtful, appealing, and innocent – with an unforced goofy streak. Moral, genuine, and kind hearted, he is at a crossroads and must take control of his kingdom and his future.

MADAME – Ella’s selfish stepmother. The epitome of vanity and fashion. A ravenous social climber who values wealth, status, and material possessions above all else. Unapologetically dismissive and sometimes cruel, Madame schemes her way up the social ladder.

SEBASTIAN – The kingdom’s Lord Chancellor. Though he is Topher’s trusted advisor, he is devious and selfish. Using propaganda and dishonesty, he keeps Topher isolated and in the dark about his kingdom. Sebastian rules without regard for the lower class, or anyone other than himself – and truly believes he deserves to rule the kingdom.

MARIE – A friend to Ella and the town’s resident crazy lady and beggar woman, Marie is actually a fairy godmother in disguise. Wise, warm, otherworldly, and charming, Marie rewards Ella for her kindness by making her dreams a possibility.

GABRIELLE – Ella’s stepsister and daughter of Madame. Encouraged by her mother and sister to value material wealth and social status, she unenthusiastically joins them in their abrasive behavior. Quietly passionate, empathetic, and witty, she is drawn to Ella and Jean-Michel. Ironically aware that she doesn’t fit in.

CHARLOTTE – Ella’s stepsister and daughter of Madame. Brash, self-centered, materialistic, snooty, loud, sassy, and bratty, she has a ridiculously high, but unfounded, opinion of herself. She never passes up an opportunity to be the center of attention.

JEAN-MICHEL – A feisty, passionate peasant determined to make a change for the starving class. Impetuous. A firebrand, but lacks authority and isn’t taken seriously as a revolutionary. Has a crush on Gabrielle, though their courtship is forbidden because they are from different social classes.

LORD PINKLETON – The Lord Chancellor’s right-hand man. Announces royal balls, banquets, and even the weather to the villagers.

ENSEMBLE
Giant, Fox (Puppet), Raccoon (Puppet), Footman, Coachman, Knights, Peasants, Serfs, Townspeople, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Court, Servants, etc.

GENERAL FAQS

WCP/BHCT is committed to a policy of open auditions. Our success depends on the full participation of talented and committed people, regardless of their race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Scripts will be available for a week-long perusal with a $10 deposit. Please stop by the WCP/BHCT Walker Building during normal business hours (Tuesday-Friday, 11am-5pm) to pick up a script.

Please bring all conflicts to auditions in order to fill out your personal conflict schedule.

Getting involved in a production is no small commitment and while we encourage and welcome one and all, it’s best to fully understand the time commitment and the challenges you may meet if you or a family member gets involved.

We will begin having rehearsals around May 1st. When we begin rehearsing, we will meet roughly 3-5 times per week; we will meet more often the closer we get to production. Each rehearsal is about 2-4 hours. Occasionally we meet for a longer time but we always strive to use the time wisely and efficiently.

The final technical and dress rehearsals are considered mandatory since we need to make sure one and all are fully prepared for our audiences. In order to meet that need, everyone involved needs to be present and doing their job/role.

Please contact Alan at alan.malone@wcpbhct.org if you have any questions or concerns.