Auditions for GODSPELL, Saturday February 28, 2015 at OLD ACADEMY PLAYERS

For the first time in seven years Old Academy Players is presenting a book musical, the evergreen internationally famous Godspell. Based on the Gospels of Saint Matthew and Saint Luke, it speaks and sings a litany of love and hope. In simple, stylistic enactments of some of the most beloved of the parables including the prodigal son; the good Samaritan; the Pharisee and the tax collector and the woman taken in adultery, it leads the ragtag group of disciples further and further into a realization of the nature of the man they are following. There is a mixture of the modern and the enduring in the re-telling for contemporary audiences of the ageless story. The music is eclectic including the standard “Day By Day”. A strength of this show is its fluidity and flexibility, every production presents its essence but in its own manner and style.

Here is your opportunity to audition!

On Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 11 am, auditions for the original 1973 version of Godspell, by Stephen Schwartz and John Michael Tebelak, will be held at Old Academy Players [3544 Indian Queen Lane, Philadelphia (East Falls), PA]. Please prepare 32 bars of a Broadway solo in the style of the show. Singing from the show is permitted. There will be cold readings from the script.

Director Annie Hnatko (MusicalsAtOldAcademy@gmail.com) seeks 10 Adults, with recent musical theater experience, for this June 2015 production. All roles require strong vocal skills and some dance skills. Please keep in mind when auditioning that all characters are on stage the entire show. Performance dates are June 12 through June 28. (Please note: there may be additional performances during the run.) Rehearsals will be held at the Old Academy Players on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, beginning in mid-March.

Old Academy is a non-profit theater organization and all actors and staff are volunteer. Join us in celebrating 92+ years of performances at Old Academy Players where Grace Kelly and Robert Prosky made their acting debuts!

Old Academy Players welcomes new talent! Please bring a headshot and/or resume if you are new to Old Academy. For more information or directions, and to download our audition sheet in advance of the audition, visit our website www.oldacademyplayers.org. Forms will be available at the theater also.

All roles can be tailored to fit either gender, except: Jesus, John the Baptist/Judas, and Sonia which will be cast traditionally. Please contact Director Annie Hnatko (MusicalsAtOldAcademy@gmail.com) with questions or for more information.

Character Descriptions:
Traditional Roles
Jesus: Bari-tenor, charismatic, intelligent, young leading man-type, has a gentility mixed with natural strength. Needs to be a very funny creative actor, and a strong mover.

Judas/John the Baptist: Baritone, charismatic and has something mysterious about him, the rebel of the bunch, incredibly charming, seductive, and a little dangerous. Also needs to be a strong mover.

Sonia (working character name): Alto, should be sexy but not slutty, urban, cynical, sophisticated, not trashy, certainly likes being the center of attention, and uses everything she’s got to stay there. Sings “Turn Back, O Man”.

All other roles will be listed by the song title, and referred to as males for description purposes.
“All Good Gifts”: Tenor or Soprano, has a warmth and innocence about him, childlike, the last one of the bunch to come aboard, wide open, innocent without being dumb.

“Light of the World”: Any vocal range, an extremely funny creative character actor, the kind of individual who can keep a room entertained with stories and imitations.

“We Beseech Thee”: Tenor or Alto, impish in spirit and mischievous, highly intelligent and energetic, playful, bursting with energy.

“Day by Day”: Any Vocal Range, somewhat simple in his thinking, but incredibly open emotionally, the first to join the group in full, a bit of a leader, smart and creative, with a purity of spirit that can break your heart.

“Learn Your Lessons Well”: Any Vocal Range, a bit shy at first, but comes out of his shell, should be goofy and silly without really trying, slightly awkward physically.

“Bless the Lord”: Soprano or Tenor, incredibly confident, and game for anything, always the first in line, just wants to experience life to its fullest, extremely funny.

“By My Side”: Alto or baritone, shyer than the others, has an earthy warmth, should be vulnerable, easily hurt, uses humor as his defense against the world.

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