AUDITIONS

Villagers Theatre Call to Audition: GODSPELL

July 31, 2022 7:00pm-10:00pm
August 2, 2022 7:00pm-10:00pm

Villagers Theatre, 475 Demott Ln, Somerset, NJ 08873

Villagers Theatre is holding open auditions for its Main Stage production of GODSPELL!

GODSPELL (2012 Revised Version)
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by John-Michael Tebelak

PERFORMANCE DATES

November 4-6, 2022
November 11-13, 2022
(Fri & Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2pm)

AUDITION DATES & LOCATION

Sunday, July 31, 2022: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Tuesday, August 2, 2022: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Callbacks, by invitation only: evening of Thursday, August 4, 2022 (time TBD)

Auditions will be held BY APPOINTMENT and those interested should visit the link below to schedule a time slot (walk-ins will be seen as time permits):

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49A4A72EA7FAC07-godspell

Auditions will be held at Villagers Theatre (475 Demott Ln, Somerset, NJ 08873).

If you are unable to attend the audition dates, please reach out to the Godspell production staff at [email protected].

AUDITION INFORMATION / WHAT TO BRING

ALL auditionees should prepare the following three (3) items:
16-32 measures of an uptempo musical theatre song in the style of the show
16-32 measures of a musical theatre ballad in the style of the show
The following monologue: http://tiny.cc/riatuz

We ask that you do not sing anything from the show itself. If you wish to be accompanied, please bring sheet music in the correct key; a piano accompanist will be provided. The monologue does not need to be memorized. A resume is helpful but is not required.

Please be ready to provide your schedule/list of conflicts through November 13.

Callbacks, by invitation only, will take place during the evening of Thursday, August 4 and will consist of scenes and songs from the musical, as well as a dance combination. Timing of callbacks will be provided with callback invitations.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden) and it took the world by storm. Featuring a parade of beloved songs, including the international hit "Day by Day," as well as a book by visionary playwright John-Michael Tebelak, Godspell is a sensation that continues to touch audiences.

A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.

PRODUCTION STAFF

Producers: Crystal Huau & Christian Confalone
Director: Ajit J. Mathews
Music Director: Kyle Buchanan
Choreographer: Alex Mandalakis
Stage Manager: Melissa Noble

REHEARSAL DATE RANGE

Rehearsals will begin immediately following casting (with a read-through tentatively planned for sometime between August 6 and August 8). Rehearsals will take place on weekday evenings and on weekends. Tech will be October 30 through November 3.

ABOUT THE ROLES

Seeking 10 performers (ages 18 and up) of all genders, ethnicities, and body types for all roles. All performers must be strong comedic actors and vocalists (solo and ensemble). Ability to move well, improvisational experience, physical comedy skills, other special skills, and knowledge of music theory a plus.

All character descriptions below are intended ONLY as a general suggestion; the production staff is primarily looking for charismatic actors to create an ensemble of characters with unique personalities. Actors will be playing exaggerated versions of themselves and not a true, scripted character. In addition to each individual being able to stand out, it is important that all be able to function as an ensemble, without the feeling that any one (other than Jesus) stands out above the others.

For ease of reference only, characters are referred to by the first names of the original 2012 Broadway cast (aside from Jesus and John the Baptist/Judas).

JESUS – Extremely charismatic individual. High energy, charming, funny, gentle but with strength. The sort of person others instinctively follow. (“Save the People”, “All for the Best”, “Alas for You”, “Beautiful City”)

JOHN THE BAPTIST / JUDAS – A single individual that combines attributes of both Biblical figures: both Jesus’ lieutenant and most ardent disciple and the doubter who begins to question and rebel. Like Jesus, also charismatic, but in more of an overt revolutionary way. Usually played with an undertone of sexuality. The most “serious” and intellectual of the group, though as with all the actors, must still possess a good sense of physical comedy. (“Prepare Ye”, “All for the Best”, “On the Willows”)

ANNA MARIA – A bit precocious, but basically open and sweet. Perhaps the youngest of the group. The first of the group to commit to following Jesus. (“Day by Day”)

CELISSE – The class clown. Goofy and a cut-up. (“Learn Your Lessons Well”)

LINDSAY – The confident one, the show-off. The first one to volunteer, sometimes jumps in before really understanding what’s going on. (“Bless the Lord”)

TELLY – Not the brightest in the bunch, is a little slow on the uptake, but there is a great sweetness and innocence about him. (“All Good Gifts”)

GEORGE – The comedian, the class clown. The guy who can do a hundred voices and imitations. (“Light of the World”)

MORGAN – Sassy and slightly cynical, the most urban of the group. Also the “sexy” one, but their sexiness contains a large element of put-on, in the manner of Mae West or Madonna. (“Turn Back, O Man”)

UZO – The shy one. Sometimes a little slow to get things, but when they do, they commit all the way. Has a warmth to them. (“By My Side”)

NICK – Very high energy. Impish and playful. (“We Beseech Thee”)