Four County Players invites you to attend…
AUDITIONS for
SWEENEY TODD:
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Hugh Wheeler
From an Adaptation by Christopher Bond
Originally directed on Broadway by Harold Prince
Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick
Directed by Edward Warwick White
Music Direction by Paulius Sinkora
Vocal Direction by Kate Lambert
AUDITIONS: Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9 at Village School in Downtown Charlottesville – BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. See details below for how to sign up, or to inquire about video auditions.
CALLBACKS: Tuesday, November 11 at 7PM in the Cellar at Four County Players, by invitation only.
REHEARSALS: Mon - Thurs evenings and Sun afternoons OR evenings. Initial read-thru(s) and potentially some vocal rehearsals will be scheduled in late November and/or December, and regular rehearsals will begin in January. Exact schedule based on cast availability.
PERFORMANCES: March 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 at 8PM and March 8, 15, 22, 29 at 2:30PM on the Mainstage at Four County Players
ABOUT THE SHOW:
In this infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up… and the carnage has only just begun! Stephen Sondheim’s and Hugh Wheeler’s thrilling theatrical masterpiece – winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Book, Best Original Score, and Best Musical – has simultaneously shocked, awed, and delighted audiences across the world for decades…and now it comes to Barboursville!
A NOTE FROM DIRECTOR EDWARD WARWICK WHITE:
Attend the tale! I am beyond thrilled to be directing Sweeney Todd at Four County Players! As a lifelong fan of Stephen Sondheim’s genius, it is truly a dream come true to bring one of his most intricate and powerful works to life in a theater that means so much to me. The opportunity to explore Sweeney Todd -- with its perfect blend of dark humor, haunting melodies, and complex characters -- feels like such a gift, not to mention a significant departure from the bright, happy musicals I’ve most recently directed. Sweeney Todd has always fascinated me as a story that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of revenge, justice, greed, love, and the consequences of unchecked obsession. Having never been produced at Four County, I’m excited for audiences to experience Sweeney in our intimate space. I’m grateful to be working alongside such a talented, dedicated team who shares my passion for storytelling, and for the unique thrill that comes with bringing a masterpiece like Sweeney Todd to life. Together, we aim to create an experience that is both chilling and beautiful. Music, murder, meat pies—God, that’s good!
ABOUT AUDITIONS:
Director Edward Warwick White, music director Paulius Sinkora, and vocal director Kate Lambert are seeking strong actor-singers – AGES 18 AND UP* – to play the roles described at this link:
https://rb.gy/ea5z2r Actors of all races, gender identities, and (dis)abilities will be considered for all roles. Four County Players does not engage in pre-casting. All roles are available.
*Actors ages 12 - 18 will be considered for the role of TOBIAS RAGG. This will be the only young actor in the show; there will be no ensemble members under 18.
Initial auditions will consist of 1.5 hour time blocks. Each time block will begin with a brief group movement audition, followed by a brief group choral vocal audition – you will be sent the music about a week ahead of time. Following the group work, you will be called in individually to sing your audition song. After you have sung, you are free to leave.
MOVEMENT AUDITION: This is not a dance show, but Edward will be leading everyone through some physical exercises, improvisation, and movement timed to music. There is no dance audition to prepare ahead of time.
INDIVIDUAL VOCAL AUDITIONS: Please prepare a song around 32 bars (or approximately 1 minute) that shows us how amazing you are! Musical theater songs in the style of the show are preferred; songs from the show are fine. We will have a live accompanist and prefer to hear you sing with the piano. Those who have signed up will receive an email about a week beforehand with instructions to email us a PDF of your audition sheet music – in your key, clearly marked with start/stop points. Sending us your music ahead of time is STRONGLY preferred, but you may also bring your music hole-punched and in a three-ring binder if absolutely necessary. Set yourself up for success! AS A BACKUP OPTION, instead of sheet music, you may use an accompaniment track that you provide on a bluetooth-enabled device (there cannot be vocals on your track; it must be instrumental). Feel free to email
YXVkaXRpb25zIHwgZm91cmNwICEgb3Jn with any questions.
Scene readings will be at callbacks, so you don’t need to worry about that at initial auditions, but Edward recommends you familiarize yourself with the story and the script if possible. Copies of the script are available upon request (email
YXVkaXRpb25zIHwgZm91cmNwICEgb3Jn).
TO AUDITION:
Please complete the RSVP form at this link to sign up for your audition slot:
https://forms.gle/wjjVowZi8K9Kx25y9
Keep an eye on your email for more information, including the audition form and conflict calendar, to be sent to you about a week ahead of time.
Questions? Email
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