Audition Information

Interested in being on stage or working backstage?

You do not need to audition for a BA in Theatre. You do need to audition for the Musical Theatre concentration.

Auditions

Audition information for our Fall 2023 productions:

Wednesday, August 30 6:30-10 PM Bach Theatre Auditions for James and the Giant Peach

Thursday, August 31 7:00-10:00 PM Bach Theatre Auditions for These Shining Lives

Friday, September 1 7:00-10:00 PM Callbacks for both shows

James & the Giant Peach Audition Information

AUDITIONS on Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Bach Theatre, Martin Center for the Arts

6:30pm – 7:00pm CHECK-IN with Stage Management in the Bach Green Room, complete the audition form, and receive an audition number.

7:00pm – 8:30pm DANCE/MOVEMENT AUDITION

The entire group will warm-up together and learn a short dance combination. The dance combination will be run repeatedly in smaller groups. Additionally, time will be allotted for movement improvisation and optional demonstrations of special skills (such as tumbling, juggling, balances, etc.).

What to wear to the dance/movement portion of the audition: Please wear clothing that you feel comfortable in while moving and dancing, such as dancewear (leotard/tights), leggings, sweatpants, fitted shirt, etc. Please avoid wearing oversized shirts and denim jeans. If you have jazz shoes, please bring them. Also, please bring socks.

8:45 – 10:00pm MUSIC AUDITION

Please prepare a song (or two shorter songs) no more than 4 minutes in length combined. Please bring sheet music accompaniment of your song for the pianist to play.

Callback list will be emailed to all on Thursday, August 31. Please be sure to clearly write your ETSU email address on your audition form.

CALLBACKS on Friday, September 1

Mini-Dome Dance Studio (room 104E)

Click here for directions: Mini-Dome Dance Studio

7:00pm – 10:00pm CALLBACKS for James & the Giant Peach will consist of cold readings from the script by various combinations of actors. Sides will be provided at the callbacks.

These Shining Lives Audition Information

BY MELANIE MARNICH and DIRECTED BY BOBBY FUNK

Audition: August 31: 7:00 – 10:00 PM Bert C. Bach Theatre
Callback: September 1: 7:00 – 10:00 PM Bert C. Bach Theatre

CHARACTERS:

Catherine Donohue *Has a 1920’s Bobbed Hair Style like Louise Brooks
Frances O’Connoll Sings but off key.
Charlotte Purcell Described as a Mae West type. Sings okay.
Pearl Payne Tells bad “Dad” jokes, does a happy “Success Dance.”
Sings well.
Woman Reporter #1, Jingle Singer, Dr. Roundtree
Woman Reporter #2, Jingle Singer
Daughter, Jingle Singer, Judge
Tom Donohue Construction worker, loving husband to Catherine
Mr. Rufus Reed Boss at The Radium Dial Company
Dr. Dalitsch, Radio Announcer
Leonard Grossman, Company Doctor, Son

Partial Song Sung by Pearl, Francis, and Charlotte at different times: By the Beautiful Sea (1914) written by Harry Carroll and lyrics written by Harold R. Atteridge. Example Video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhofvbHkz2Y
Jingle Singers are a trio, singing in harmony as part of a radio commercial.

TIME PERIOD OF THIS PLAY: 1922 – 1938
At the Audition, women will be asked to sing and may be asked to improvise a “Success Dance.” I highly suggest you be very familiar with By the Beautiful Sea.

Scenes to Be Read at The Audition
Much of the audition will be readings of the following scenes from the play.

Charlotte’s Monologue on Page 14
Catherine’s Monologue on Page 9-10
Tom and Catherine’s argument scene page 23-24
Radio Announcer with 3 Jingle Girls page 26
Catherine, Frances, Charlotte and Pearl, Scene 8, page 28-33
Tom’s Monologue page 35
Tom and Catherine scene page 34-35
Catherine and Company Doctor page 36-37
Dr. Dalitsch, Catherine, Frances, Pearl, Charlotte page 46-48
Charlotte and Catherine page 48
Catherine, Daughter Son, Tom Page 49-50
Leonard Grossman, Catherine, Charlotte, Pearl Frances Page 54
Tom’s Monologue page 64
Catherine’s Monologue with Frances, Charlotte and Pearl Page 66

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT BOBBY FUNK FUNK@ETSU.EDU

Production Technician, Assistant, or Designer

If you are interested in working as a production technician, assistant, designer, or any aspect of management, contact Zach Olsen (olsenz@etsu.edu) or Beth Skinner (skinnerb@etsu.edu) for more information!