The Company Theatre to Hold Open Auditions for Billy Elliot the Musical

The award-winning Company Theatre announces open auditions for their upcoming production of Billy Elliot the Musical on Sunday, January 10 at 1 pm at The Company Theatre Center for Performing Arts, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell. Callbacks will be held on Monday, January 11. Billy Elliot the Musical book and lyrics are by Lee Hall with music by Elton John and orchestrations by Martin Koch. All roles are open for casting. The production will be directed by Zoe Bradford and Jordie Saucerman, choreographed by Sally Forrest, with music direction by Michael Joseph. A rehearsal schedule will be available at auditions.

The musical of the decade that won the hearts of millions, Billy Elliot the Musical is the inspirational story of a young boy’s struggle against all odds to make his dreams come true. Set against the background of Northern England’s miner’s strike of the 1980’s, Billy’s journey begins when he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class. He discovers his passion for dance, and ultimately inspires his family, and the entire community. With a timeless score by Elton John, sensational dance, and a powerful story that has captured audiences world-wide, Billy Elliot is funny, uplifting, and will stay with you long after the final curtain!

Audition candidates should be strong singers, and arrive prepared to sing a song from the show in the show key, or a song in a similar musical theater style. The score will be available, and an audition accompanist will be provided. Dress appropriately to learn and rehearse a dance combination, not all audition candidates are required to be strong dancers. Audition candidates may bring their own sheet music, and should also bring a headshot or snapshot. A resume is helpful, but not required.

Rehearsal throughout the production season are held Sundays from 1 to 6 pm, Mondays and Thursdays from 7 to 10 pm. Child actors need not stay late on school night rehearsals until close to performances.

Performances of Billy Elliot the Musical will be held from March 18 through April 10, with show times at 7:30 pm from Thursday through Saturday. Sunday matinee performances are held at 3:00 pm. Tickets are available for $39.00 to $41.00. For a complete performance schedule or to order tickets, please visit www.companytheatre.com.

Character Descriptions and Voice Ranges:

Billy Elliot - A boy who stumbles upon a ballet class and develops a passion for dance. To him, dance is a way to feel whole and free himself from the problems of life. He finds himself stuck between appeasing family and chasing his newfound love. Strong ballet and tap skills are essential. Male, age 10 to 13, range: E3 – C5

Dad - Billy’s stoic father. A widowed miner struggling with maintaining a household in lieu of a work strike, he is still deeply scarred by the death of his wife. Billy’s dancing initially sends him into a rage but he learns to support his son. Male, age 35 to 45, range A2 – Eb4

Debbie Wilkinson - The ballet teacher’s daughter. A bit stand-offish and argumentative, her childhood crush on Billy leads her to constantly discourage him. Female, age 9 – 12

Grandma - Billy’s eccentric grandmother. She is forgetful and a little aloof. Despite her inattention, she harbors a bitter resentment towards her dead abusive husband but has found solace through dance. Female, age 60 to 75, range F#3 – F#4

Michael - Billy’s careless and fun-loving best friend. He lives in the realm of expressing oneself, going so far as to commonly dress in women’s clothing. Male, age 10 – 13, range A#3 – B4

Mrs. Wilkinson - The local ballet teacher who eventually becomes Billy’s mentor. Hardened and mouthy, she actually has capacity for caring when she sees promise in Billy. Believes in the power of personal expression through dance. Female, age 40 – 50, range Gb3 – Bb5

Tony - Billy’s brother. A lazy but passionate miner. Hotheaded and scrappy with seemingly no regard of respect for his father, although he shares his disapproval of dance. Male, age 18 – 25, range D3 – F4

Ensemble - Miners (Big Davey, George, Lesley); Ballet Girls (Angela Robson, Tracey Atkinson, Keeley Gibson, Tina Harmer); Police Officers; Royal Ballet School Members (Clipboard Woman, Posh Boy, Posh Son, Dancer)

For more information about auditions, please call the box office at 781-871-2787 or email Sally at Sally@companytheatre.com. For more information about The Company Theatre, please visit www.companytheatre.com, or follow The Company Theatre Centre for the Arts on Facebook.