About the Show:
Heathers is based on the cult classic 1980s movie of the same name starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater.
Heathers The Musical is the darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers. But before she can get comfortable atop the high school food chain, Veronica falls in love with the dangerously sexy new kid J.D. When Heather Chandler, the Almighty, kicks her out of the group, Veronica decides to bite the bullet and kiss Heather’s aerobicized ass...but J.D. has another plan for that bullet.
Our show will run March 5 – 7 at the Tom Morrison Theatre.
The show will be directed by Ben Harrison.
Assistant Director will be Bia Cordeiro
Music Direction by Sarah MacLoon-Reid
Choreography by Liz Legacy
Band Conductor by Justin MacLoon-Reid
IMPORTANT AUDITION INFORMATION:
Audition Bookings and Contact Details:
To book your audition, complete the audition form found here:
https://forms.gle/BoeBgiWFvc9vmoW57
Audition Date, Time and Venue:
Auditions are by appointment and will be held on Saturday November 15 at Marshall D’Avery Hall (UNB). There are no alternate dates for auditions.
Auditions are open to ages 18+ at the time of auditioning.
Auditionees may be requested to come to a dance call that afternoon, and potentially callbacks to be scheduled at a later date and time.
The Characters:
NOTE: The ages listed are the “stage age” of the character. Actors older than teenage students will be cast in the student roles. NOTE: There is no added ensemble in this show.
VERONICA SAWYER – 17. She burns to be both cool and kind, but doesn’t know yet how to be both at the same time. Fierce sense of right and wrong, keen sense of ironic humor. Thinks she is an old soul, but she is still innocent enough to be blindsided by love/hormones (or shocked by cruelty).
Voice: High Belting required, up to A. Must have dynamic and stylistic range.
JASON “JD” DEAN – 17. He is darkly charismatic, compelling, attractive, charming on the outside yet very damaged on the inside. Keen smarts, savage wit, and strong inventive comedy.
Voice: Strong, confident belt to at least an Ab. A preferable, wide emotional range.
HEATHER CHANDLER – 17. Richest, hottest, most magnetic, cruelest girl in town. Relishes power and wields it like a scalpel – no fear, no patience, no mercy.
Voice: Strong belt to F or higher preferred. Mezzo for chorus. N
OTE: In certain choral songs, Heather Chandler can switch parts with her other Heathers as needed.
HEATHER MCNAMARA – 17. Beautiful, innocent, stupid, can be mean on command if Heather Chandler orders it, but actually quite vulnerable and fearful.
Voice: Strong belt to Db, D preferred. Soprano for chorus.
NOTE: In certain choral songs, Heather MacNamara and Heather Duke can switch vocal parts as needed.
HEATHER DUKE – 17. Whipping-girl of the 3 Heathers. When she finally becomes Queen Bee, she wields power like a bulldozer.
Voice: Strong belt to C, D preferred. Alto for chorus.
NOTE: In certain choral songs Heather Duke and Heather MacNamara can switch vocal parts as needed.
MARTHA DUNNSTOCK – 17. Nicknamed “Martha Dumptruck”, the opposite of hot, confident, or popular. Huge and beautiful soul, optimistic even in the face of rejection.
Voice: Strong belt to E or F, wide vocal expression.
RAM SWEENEY – 17. Linebacker. Big, insensitive to the feelings of others, ruled by appetites.
Voice: Strong Baritone, belt to G, some falsetto useful.
KURT KELLY – 17. Quarterback and Captain. Big, chiseled, rude, entitled, cocky, mean. Thinks he is the brains in the friendship with Ram.
Voice: Tenor, strong belt to Ab or A, some falsetto.
NOTE: In certain songs, Ram and Kurt can switch choral assignment if, say, Ram sings higher than Kurt.
RAM’S DAD/BIG BUD DEAN/COACH RIPPER – 30 to 50. Ram’s Dad: Former football player turned suburban Dad, has never outgrown his glory days in high school. Hates weakness, but capable of soul-searching when tragedy strikes. Also plays Big Bud Dean: JD’s single Dad. Big jolly personality that barely conceals the enormous rage bubbling just below the surface. Quite possibly a serial bomber. Also plays Coach Ripper: Stalwart, man’s man; quick to defend his players.
Voice: Baritone/Tenor – power Country/Gospel belt to Ab, higher welcome.
NOTE: Depending on the auditions, it is possible these characters may be played by a combination of actors cast in other roles.
MS. FLEMING/VERONICA’S MOM – 30 to 50. Ms. Fleming: Aging hippie teacher, still yearning for the day the Age of Aquarius reaches Ohio. Hungry for the spotlight, resentful of entitled youth. Also plays Veronica’s Mom: easygoing, distant, yet capable of laying down the law.
Voice: Great belt up to C, higher always welcome.
NOTE: Depending on the auditions, it is possible these characters may be played by a combination of actors cast in other roles.
KURT’S DAD/VERONICA’S DAD/PRINCIPAL GOWAN – 30 to 50. Kurt’s Dad: Straightlaced, very conservative, also former football player. A simple guy, not book smart, you’d be happy to share a beer with him. Also plays Veronica’s Dad: Easygoing and distant. Also plays Principal Gowan: Rumpled, burned out, hates conflict.
Voice: Strong Baritone/Tenor -- power Country/Gospel belt to G, even higher better. NOTE: Depending on the auditions, it is possible these characters may be played by a combination of actors cast in other roles.
BOY 1 - Bitter Geek 16-18. An embittered social outcast. Voice: Baritone (up to F#) or Tenor (up to A).
BOY 2 – Preppy Stud 16-18. Straightlaced, ambitious, blow dried. Dreams of being richer than his parents Voice: Bass (up to E) or Baritone (up to G#).
BOY 3 - Hipster Dork 16-18. Thinks he’s Ducky from ‘Pretty In Pink.’ Voice: Bari (up to F#) or Tenor (up to A).
GIRL 1 – New Wave Girl 16-18. She wants her MTV and dresses accordingly. Voice: Belt to at least C# (a Soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).
GIRL 2 - Stoner Chick 16-18. Smokes outside with the freaks in between classes. Her future’s so bright she’s gotta wear shades to hide her bloodshot eyes. Voice: Belt to at least C# (a Soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).
GIRL 3 - Young Republicanette 16-18. A tennis-playing, perky Student Council type. Voice: Belt to at least C# (Soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).
MENTAL HEALTH WARNING AND CONTENT INFORMATION:
Heathers is a dark comedy which deals frankly and sometimes comically with subjects such as sexuality, mental health, murder and suicide. We consider these are aspects of real life which should be represented in art however we acknowledge these subjects may be triggering for some people.
Please seriously, and honestly, consider your ability and comfort dealing with these issues before committing to your involvement in Heathers.
In particular, you should note the following:
• Veronica and JD are required to kiss and there may be a simulated sex scene.
• Kurt, Ram, JD and Veronica are required to appear on stage in their underwear
• Heather Duke simulates bulimia
• Martha, Heather McNamara and JD attempt suicide in the show
• Veronica fakes her own suicide
• Veronica, Kurt and Ram are involved in a scene where attempted sexual assault is implied
• Heather Chandler, Kurt and Ram are murdered in the show
• Many characters sing about topics of a sexual nature
• Some scenes depict the use of alcohol and drugs
• Some scenes and songs include coarse language and adult themes
We have included this information not to put you off from auditioning but rather to be honest about what the show includes.
To avoid difficulties later, we encourage all auditionees to read a full synopsis of the show and consider watching the movie prior to auditioning. You might also wish to discuss this with your family, friends or healthcare professional prior to making the decision to audition.
Please be assured that Heathers will be created in a safe and controlled manner and we will treat the material with sensitivity. Members of the production team are trained in Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Prevention and Intimacy Coordination to help ensure we have a safe space.
However, if you are auditioning for/offered one of these roles and have concerns about the above please discuss it with the production team before committing to the show. You should never sacrifice your own wellness for a role.
AUDITION FORMAT
1. You must sign up for an audition spot at this link :
https://forms.gle/BoeBgiWFvc9vmoW57
2. Prepare one of the Song Selections (Sheet Music here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15vVdHhJ_G7gwjNcGTZ2DIKBsFDVcVdBn?usp=drive_link )
This is to be performed either A capella or with accompaniment track
(Tracks found here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK-rlHvmGLpS7FgicSrY-mIFg_6d0G0rp. )
** If you plan to use a track please bring a device to play the track and have it cued to the correct spot. **
Song selection does not necessarily affect casting.
3. You may be asked to do a cold read from the script at the audition.
4. You may be asked to return for a dance call later that day.
What are we looking for?
Heathers is an exciting, fun and high energy show and it needs a cast to match. We are looking for strong voices, strong characters and people with a great attitude who are willing to work hard.
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