Auditions Announced for 'The Christmas Schooner'

The Christmas Schooner Auditions

When: 9/27/14 & 9/28/14 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Where: The Repertory Theatre | 23 Norden Street | New Britain, CT 06051

Run Dates: 12/12/14 – 12/21/14

AUDITION PREPARATION:

We are casting principle roles of 4 women and 6 men, as well as a boy playing age 9, a boy playing age 15 and a girl playing age 9. There will also be ensemble roles available for more children and adults.

Please come prepared with 16 bars of a musical theater song in the style of the show. You can bring either sheet music, or a CD to play your music from. Monologues are not needed, but you may be asked to cold read from the script. A call back audition, if needed, will be held on Thursday October 2nd, 6:30 to 8:30pm. Those auditioners who the director wishes to see further will be invited to the call back audition.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:

Karl Stossel, at age 9 – An adventurous and curious boy who admires his grandfather and father greatly and wants to grow up to be sailors just like them. He is a proud boy, but not without a certain sensitivity.
Male, 8-11 yrs old
Range: Tenor

Karl Stossel, at age 15 – The same boy as he was at 9, but stronger, more mature, and on the verge of becoming a man like his father. Has a strong sense of obligation to honor his father’s legacy following his death. (Will also play ensemble roll of Young Man)
Male, 13-17 yrs old
Range: Tenor

Gustav Stossel – Peter’s father and Karl’s grandfather. He, too, is proud to be part of the American landscape, but does not want to forget where he came from. He is a hardworking sailor, a wise, calm and kind man, but very stubborn. (May use slight German accent)
Male, 55-65 yrs old
Range: Baritone/Bass

Alma Stossel – Peter’s wife and Karl’s mother. She is motherly and caring but very strong, and very proud to now call herself an American. She holds down the house while her husband is at sea.
Female, 25-35 yrs old
Range: Mezzo Soprano

Peter Stossel – The quintessential husband, father, and son. He loves his family very much. Has a strong sense of obligation to the other immigrants who have been less fortunate than he has, which ultimately leads to his demise. A hardworking sailor.
Male, 35-45 yrs old
Range: Baritone

Rudy / Man # 1 – The goofier of the two between himself and Oskar, he is also a skilled sailor who deeply respects Captain Stossel. Loves food and has a biting sarcasm.
Male, 20-35 yrs old
Range: Tenor

Oskar / Man # 2 – A hotheaded, know-it-all with a big heart. He likes to pick fights with Gustav and is one part of a dynamic duo with Rudy. A sailor who deeply respects Captain Stossel.
Male, 20-35 yrs old
Range: Baritone

Steve / Man # 3 – Although he is a man of indulgence, he is all business. Perhaps the most mature and most serious of Captain Stossel’s three right-hand men. Has a deep respect for Peter and would probably be second in line to captain the schooner.
Male, 35-45 yrs old
Range: Baritone/Bass

Hans / Officer Wells/ Man # 4 – Character actor and strong singer to portray various roles.
Male, 20-45 yrs old
Baritone

Enid/ Woman # 1 – Alma’s friend. Offers comfort when the sailors are away and looks after Alma and Karl. Hard worker.
Female, 20-35 yrs old
Soprano

Martha – Peter’s Cousin. A German immigrant in Chicago who misses the holiday traditions of the small town of Bremen. Martha’s letter inspires Peter to begin bringing the Christmas trees to Chicago. (Will also play roles of KATE and WOMAN # 2)
Female, 20-35 yrs old
Mezzo-Soprano

Olive / Woman # 3 – Alma’s friend. Offers comfort when the sailors are away and looks after Alma and Karl. Gossipy and slightly naïve, but very caring.
Female, 20-35 yrs old
Alto

Rose – A swindler on the streets of Chicago who tricks the sailors into buying fake watches. Character actress to portray various roles.
Female, 20-55 yrs old
Alto

Mary Claire Dougherty – Irish immigrant who has complete faith in the Christmas Schooners arrival. (May also play ensemble role of Young Girl).
Female, 8-11 yrs old

Ensemble – Citizens of Chicago, Citizens of Manistique, Bailey’s Harbor Nurses