Show Synopsis:
From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Arthur Laurents' book remains as powerful, poignant, and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim are widely regarded as among the best written. The world's greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre's finest accomplishments.
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
Audition Information:
AUDITION DATES/TIMES:
Friday, February 20th - 5:30-8:30 PM
Sunday, February 22nd - 12:00-3:00 PM; Callbacks, IF NEEDED, at 4 PM
**Please note, Frozen auditions will be happening at the same time. if you are also auditioning for Frozen, you will only need to sing one song and learn one piece of choreography for auditions!
***The minimum age for auditioning for West Side Story is 15 years old. *** You must be 15 by the first rehearsal on April 20th***
We ask you to come prepared to sing, dance, and potentially read from the script. For your vocal selection, we ask you to prepare 32 bars that showcase your range and ability to tell a story. We will have an accompanist available, so please be sure to ensure your music is easy to read and marked up for a smooth vocal audition! We will have a speaker for Bluetooth use, as well; we just ask for NO accappela.
If you are auditioning for one of the Jets OR Sharks (boy or girl, no matter the size of the role), you will be asked to learn a dance combination and perform it with a group at auditions. This is a NECESSITY for this show, as it heavily requires triple-threat performers. You will be taught this combination AT auditions! Please dress accordingly.
If you are auditioning for one of the adult roles, you are not required to learn the dance. We will still ask you to sing, as we will have those adult roles double as backstage voices during off-stage scenes.
We ask that you bring a headshot and an UPDATED resume for our directing staff to view. If you can’t bring that, we will be taking headshots during the auditions and will be able to provide audition forms for you. **Please note any possible conflicts during the rehearsal period of this show.
***PLEASE NOTE: We will be accepting video submissions, but we HIGHLY RECOMMEND in-person auditions, so we can see your dancing and vocal ability IN PERSON. If you need to submit an audition, please email
aW5mbyB8IHRoZXNwb3RsaWdodHRoZWF0cmVxYyAhIGNvbQ== for instructions and deadlines!***
Here is a link to the audition dance. Please note, unless you are auditioning for an adult role, you must include a video of performing this dance in addition to your song.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19Q92pdRJogfcYnQkL4_Yb1N065eLhimO
Please fill out this audition form prior to the auditions:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mqoXL7OvBaZ03UIYBvvlcKtL2PRTC3JUu8bzdudTcvQ/edit?usp=drivesdk
REHEARSALS:
Rehearsals run M-TH from 6-8:30, beginning April 20th!!
There WILL be some Saturday choreography rehearsals, so please take note when looking at the Calendar listed below. These are specifically designed for Shark and Jets…. Adults will not be needed for these rehearsals. Those dates are TBD and will be shared BEFORE rehearsals begin!
***Conflicts will be accepted for rehearsal dates; however, an excessive number of conflicts with rehearsal times may impact casting decisions. We request that all known conflicts be shared with us at the time of auditions. Please be aware that conflicts brought to our attention after the casting of the show may result in recasting or being released from the show. If you are involved with another production that will conflict with rehearsals for this production, we ask that you please refrain from auditioning from this show and focus on the original commitment made to the other production. Conflicts with tech rehearsals and performances will not be allowed.
***We will not be accepting conflicts past MAY 29th***
Here is a quick view of what night rehearsals will take place in April through June. This link will take you directly to an outlined view of our production period, with the nights we plan to rehearse.
Calendar:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rBmu4B0kb5gvh-bKhCFucU5_euXWmPuMGl5HUUJK2Dw/edit?usp=drivesdk
TECH WEEK REHEARSALS:
Our first FULL CAST tech rehearsal will be FRIDAY, June 5th. This Full tech rehearsal is mandatory for ALL ACTORS and CREW. Tech week runs June 8th through 11th, Monday-Thursday, starting at 6 pm, leading up to opening night. TECH REHEARSALS AND ALL PERFORMANCES ARE MANDATORY!
Performance dates are:
Friday June 12th; 7:00 PM
Saturday June 13th; 7:00 PM
Sunday June 14th; 2:00 PM
Pick up Rehearsal: Thursday, June 18th; 6:00 PM-TBD
Friday June 19th; 7:00 PM
Saturday June 20th; 7:00 PM
Sunday June 21st; 2:00 PM
Directing Staff:
Director: Adam Sanders
Stage Manager: Aaron Baker-Loo
Assistant Director/ Choreographer: Bethany Sanders
Music Director: Christine Rogers
Costume Designer: Erin Emerle
Props Master: Sarah Tobey Greim
Tech Director: Brent Tubbs
Producers: Brent and Sara Tubbs
***ALL ROLES ARE AVAILABLE***
Please follow the link below:
****We HIGHLY encourage ALL ethnicities and backgrounds, including disabilities, to audition! ALL ARE WELCOME!!!****
Character Breakdown:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HHtyjPMe2UHD9fjYs9SFTtfHCQU0qig6/view?usp=drivesdk
Intimacy & Violence Disclaimer:
West Side Story contains themes of gang violence, racial tension, and romantic intimacy. The production includes simulated violence (such as staged fights and physical confrontations) and stylized intimacy (including romantic physical contact such as hand-holding, embracing, and kissing).
All physical interaction will be fully choreographed, OR Blocked with clear explanation, rehearsal, and the opportunity to give informed consent.
If you have any questions or anything regarding auditions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at
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Happy Auditioning! Break legs!
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