The Wimberley Players announce open auditions for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999 revised version) September 7 at the Austin Waldorf School , 8702 S View Rd (click for map; click 'Read more' below for additional driving directions) and September 8 at the Wimberley Players' theatre , 450 Old Kyle Rd, Wimberley(click for map).
Based on the comic strip "Peanuts" by Charles M. Schulz with book, music, and lyrics by Clark Gessner, the show will be directed and choreographed by Jim Lindsay with music directed and conducted by Peter Stopschinski.
We seek to cast 4 men and 2 women for various leading roles, plus 2 ensemble female roles. All will be 18 or older. All roles are open and ethnic diversity is encouraged. All performers will need to act and sing well, have strong harmonizing skills, and dance in musical theatre style with some beginning tap/soft shoe skills. No pay or honoraria is offered. Named roles are those of Charlie Brown, Sally Brown, Linus Van Pelt, Lucy Van Pelt, Snoopy and Shroeder (click 'Read more' for character descriptions and vocal requirements). Candidates can access any number of scenes from the show on www.youtube.com, some from the most recent Broadway production and many meritable university and local revivals.
For preliminary auditions all actors should prepare one up-tempo song and one ballad to showcase range, vocal strength and, preferably, the joy, fun, and childlike spirit that the show exhibits. You may be asked to sing both songs in their entirety or a cut. Please prepare for both scenarios. An accompanist will be provided. Bring a recent headshot and resume or be prepared to have a photo taken upon your arrival if you do not have a headshot. Actors may choose to sing a song from the show but this is not a requirement.
Auditions will also consist of a 1-2 minute monologue from a play or musical of the actor's choosing. Monologues in the style of the show encouraged --i.e., humor, childlike sentiment, and simple joy may be themes illustrated in the actor's monologue. You may access various pieces from the show as audition material. You may perform your audition segments in any order you desire. Please come to auditions prepared to provide your most transparent understanding of your rehearsal conflicts for the following dates: September 22 (initial reading); October 6-November 13 (rehearsals); November 14-December 8 (Friday, Saturday performances at 7:30; Sundays at 2:30)
Call backs All actors who are called back will complete the following (in this order):
- one dance combination, which will be taught at the time of call backs, in groups
- one harmonizing exercise which will be taught at the time of call backs
- one monologue or scene, and/ or song, indicated below. Actors can prepare if they so choose, though it is recommended.
Call backs (vocal cuts available at auditions)
- All actors for Charlie Brown will prepare "The Kite" if called back.
- All actors for Sally will be asked to sing "My Philosophy" cut if called back for this role.
-All actors for Snoopy will be asked to sing "Suppertime" cut if called back.
- If auditioning for Schroeder, please prepare vocal cut from "Beethoven Day."
- If called back for Linus, please prepare vocal cut from "My Blanket and Me."
- Actors called back for Lucy will prepare vocal cut from "Schroeder."
- All actors auditioning for roles may also be asked to prepare a cold reading of a selection from the script, TBD.
- Actresses auditioning for the 2 female ensemble roles will not need to prepare a separate cut. Your call back will determine your eligibility and will be based on harmonizing, dance, general acting, conflicts, and look.
All performers will be expected to dance in musical theatre style including some soft shoe as "My Blanket and Me" will include an all cast dance break. If you have tap experience, you will be asked to indicate that on your audition form.
Audition and Callback Dates: venue for the September 7 auditions has changed: these will take place at the performing arts center of the Austin Waldorf School, 8700 South View Rd., 78737 (click for map) from 10 AM- 1 PM. September 8 auditions will take place at Wimberley Playhouse Theatre, 450 Old Kyle Road, Wimberley, TX from 7-9 PM. Call backs will take place together at the theatre on September 8 from 9-10:30 PM. We will do our best to complete the entire call back by this time. That said, we may extend, but this is not expected.
After a first read- and sing-through, actors will have 3 weeks off to learn parts, music, and harmonies, which will be accessible via drop box. The production team has a goal of conducting 50% of rehearsals in an Austin location (TBD), 50% at Wimberley playhouse, depending upon how we cast, manage conflicts, etc.
To schedule an audition appointment, please call the theatre at 512.632.7638 or email your request at adam@adamwitko.com. Do not send head shots and resumes via email. This contact information is for audition requests only. All scheduled appointments will be accommodated as closely to their scheduled time as possible. Walk-ins will be accommodated as we are able.
As fresh as the ink of the morning paper on a bright fall day, the Wimberley Players' staging of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown is big, bold and beautiful. And so is the cast; director Jim Lindsay has handpicked some of the most attractive talent from the region.
