 Auditions for The Will Rogers Follies - (download flyer)
May 13, 14, 15, and 17, 2008
Callbacks May 18, 20, 21, 2008
Performance Dates August 29 - September 27, 2008
Director: Gloria Trombley
Choreographer: Sheri Stockdale
Musical Director: Cheryl Yee Glass; Vocal Director: Chad Runyon
Producer: Ellen Smith
Book by Peter Stone
Lyrics by Betty Comden & Adolph Green • Music Composed and Arranged by Cy Coleman
Inspired by the words of Will and Betty Rogers
Call the DLOC office (925-944-1565) to make an audition appointment
All Singing Roles: Please prepare 32 bars from classic American musical theatre of both an up-tempo musical selection and a ballad. Bring sheet music in your key. Accompanist provided.
Ensemble: Dress to dance in proper dance attire (no sweats). Men: Tap and Jazz Shoes. Ladies: Tap and High Heeled Shoes. (No Sneakers) Zig’s Favorite must attend an Ensemble Dance Audition! All will also be considered for entire season – including The Producers and Hello, Dolly!
Other roles: Be prepared to move (not Wiley or Ziegfeld)
Non Singing Roles: Please prepare a one-two minute monologue
If auditioning for Will, please prepare a short monologue that could illustrate his Oklahoma accent, comic timing and/or gentle mannerisms associated with his humor and storytelling. Please send head shot, resume and any additional material as soon as possible to DLOC, P.O. Box 5034, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.
Stipend. AEA Eligible. All ethnicities will be considered
Auditions, Callbacks and Rehearsals at the DLOC Firehouse, 1948 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill
Contact Producer Ellen Smith at 925-519-0346 with any questions or concerns.
Will Rogers Follies Character Breakdown:
Will Rogers - is played over a 30 year period, from his early 20’s to age 55 when he is killed in an airplane crash. While he is primarily portrayed here as an entertainer in the world famous Ziegfeld Follies, he is seen throughout as an engaging, compassionate man of integrity known for his down-to-earth humor and zest for living life to the fullest. His shy charm and open honesty was key to his reputation as “the greatest communicator that America ever produced.” His wit and wisdom is evident in the thousands of “sayings,” “jokes” and “gags” that have made him one of America’s most beloved humorists. A true cowboy - “Will” can spin a lariat (or learn how to), and playing the guitar is a plus.... harmonica too! It is essential that you be able to ad-lib and comment on particularly newsworthy topics of the day - such as “Hoover, taxes, the depression or Hollywood, among other things”... (or Bush, taxes, the recession or Hollywood!) Please prepare a short monologue that could illustrate his Oklahoman accent, comic timing and/or gentle mannerisms associated with his humor and self- effacing appeal and storytelling about the common man. Must sing and move well. (Vocal Range: low a-flat to f (octave and a 6th)
Betty Blake - Will’s wife of 25 + years; a striking beauty that incorporates a strong will, salt-of-the-earth, sincere appeal that sweeps “Will” off his feet! Must sing and move well; comic timing a plus. Vocal Range: low f to e-flat (octave and a 7th)
Clem Rogers - Will’s father - a comic character that travels to and from a grouchy, old grump to a perceptive and lovable, old curmudgeon. Must be approximately 20 years senior to “Will.” Must sing and move. (Vocal Range: b to e (octave and a 4th)
Ziegfeld’s Favorite - The epitome of the beautiful American chorus girl that was the center of the Ziegfeld Follies of the early 1900’s. She is “all legs”- an exquisite all-around beauty. Must sing & dance! (Vocal Range: g (below middle c), to b-flat (octave and a 3rd)
Ziegfeld Girls - The female chorus of singers and dancers in the ensemble. Must tap! Will’s six sisters (also Betty’s six sisters) - played by a sextet from the Ziegfeld girls of the chorus.
Cowboys - The male chorus of singers and dancers in the ensemble. Must tap!
The Four Rogers Children - (Will Junior, Mary, James and Freddie) These children can range in age from 8ish to 12ish. Must sing and move well. Vocal Range: a-flat (below middle c) to e-flat (octave and a 5th)
Wiley Post - (non- singing role) - a fellow Oklahoman (similar accent) and friend of Will’s, famous for his two round-the-world flights (one alone!) A big, imposing, accomplished man who wears an eye patch. No dancing.
Florenz Ziegfeld’s voice (offstage) - (non-singing role) - the classic, deep and commanding voice characteristic of the “Greatest American Showman” of Broadway!
Roper (Professional rope spinner) - (non-singing)
Dog Act
Rehearsals July 13 - August 28, 2008
Performances at the Lesher Center for the Arts
1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA
Performance dates:
August 29 through September 27, 2008--may be extended through October 5, 2008. |
