Auditions for Wizard of Oz
Posted on May 23, 2019 in General News, Member News
Jimmy Tait
Shuswap Theatre is thrilled to be presenting The Wizard of Oz in November-December 2019, with professional director James Fagan Tait. Jimmy is a wonderful teacher and director and is known for bringing out the best in everyone. This will be a fantastic learning and performing opportunity for Salmon Arm’s creative community!
This beloved tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, has been entertaining audiences for generations.
Casting Breakdown
The production will have a cast of approximately 22 and offers both lead and ensemble roles. Although indicated, some roles may not be double cast. Some roles can be played by any gender (e.g. the Tin Man).
Lead singing roles:
Dorothy – young woman
Farmhand Hickory/Tin Man – adult
Farmhand Hunk/Scarecrow – adult
Farmhand Zeke/Lion – adult
Main non-singing roles: When not playing these roles, actors may also be part of the Ensemble.
Auntie Em/Glenda the Good Witch – adult female
Uncle Henry/Emerald City Guard – adult male
Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West – adult female
Professor Chester Marvel/The Wizard – adult male
Ensemble Roles: We are looking for an intergenerational ensemble of 10: five people aged 6-18 yrs, and five people aged 18 and up, all genders.
The ensemble members play the roles of Munchkins, Ozians, Crows, Monkeys, and more.
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals start the week of Sept 30th 2019 and will likely be 3 evenings during the week (usually Tue-Thur) and 1 daytime rehearsal on the weekend (usually Sunday), for a total of 8 weeks. Although we do our best to accommodate people’s personal schedules, the truth is that you must be able to make the production your priority, especially as we move into November. If you cannot commit to the rehearsal schedule, please do not audition.
Tech weekend (you must attend, no exceptions) is November 16/17. Set aside the whole day.
Performance dates (you must attend all 11 of them) : Nov 22, 23, 24 / Nov 28, 29, 30, Dec 1 (matinee) / Dec 05, 06, 07, and 08 (matinee)
Audition Details
Optional Pre-Audition Workshop Tuesday June 4th 7–9 pm, Drama Room, Jackson Campus, Salmon Arm Secondary School.
In this optional workshop you will have a chance to meet Jimmy and get to know his style, and his vision for the play. Together we will spend two hours playing a range of drama ensemble games. This should make you feel ready and comfortable for the auditions!
Audition Day One: Thursday June 6th, 6.30 -9.30 pm, Drama Room, Jackson School
You only need to attend one of the audition dates. When you arrive at 6:30 you will sign in and indicate which role you would like to read for. You can choose to read for more than one role. You will be assigned a five-minute time slot. During your time slot, you will read from a scene (you will have a chance to read these as soon as you arrive) AND sing one minute of song. You can be accompanied by a pianist (bring your music) or you can sing a cappela.
Audition Day Two: Friday June 7th, 6.30 – 9.30 pm, Drama Room, Jackson School
You only need to attend one of the audition dates. When you arrive at 6.30 you will sign in and indicate which role you would like to read for. You can choose to read for more than one role. You will be assigned a five-minute time slot. During your time slot, you will read from a scene (you will have a chance to read these as soon as you arrive) AND sing one minute of song. You can be accompanied by a pianist (bring your music) or you can sing a cappella.
Callbacks: Saturday June 8th 1-5 pm (you will be given a specific time within this), Drama Room, Jackson School
Call backs will be in a similar format to the audition. If you are unable to audition on Thursday or Friday we may be able to accommodate you on Saturday. Please let Astrid know at the email below.
Questions? Contact assistant director Astrid Varnes by email.
Stage band musicians also needed. Email Astrid.