Auditions at Renaissance Theatre

Auditions for Mansfield Youth (MY) Theatre performance of Godspell

Dates: Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, from 4:00-6:00 PM; and Monday, Jan. 16 from 6:00-8:00 PM
Locations: Sunday, 1/15, on the main stage at the Ren; Monday, 1/16, in the ballroom at the Ren (signs will be posted)
Who: Those auditioning should be between the ages of 11 and 18 (older actors may be cast if still attending high school during the 2022-23 school year) at the time of auditions.

Audition Requirements:

• Appointments are not required for auditions.
• Anyone auditioning should be prepared to sing a 16-32 measure excerpt from a song of their choice and bring sheet music in the proper key. An accompanist will be provided.
• Some actors may be asked to read a short scene from the script. Those auditioning may also be asked to participate in an improvised scene.
• Those auditioning should bring a list of schedule conflicts between the dates of auditions and the performances of Godspell. (Performance dates are March 31, April 1, and April 2.)

Synopsis of the show:

Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from 3-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children Of Eden); and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, "Day By Day," Godspell features a parade of beloved songs including "Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," and "All For The Best."

Using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing, a small group of people come together to help Jesus Christ tell the parables from the book of Matthew. 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.

Boasting a score with chart-topping songs, a book by a visionary playwright (John-Michael Tebelak), and a feature film, Godspell is a sensation that continues to touch audiences. Hailed by critics as “an exhilarating musical fun house,” and “a family-friendly show that deserves to run forever,” “Godspell turns the theatre into a joyous palace.”

Godspell will be directed by Dauphne Maloney, with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors.

For additional information regarding auditions, contact Dauphne Maloney at: [email protected], or by calling 419-522-2726, ext. 212

Virtual Auditions for the remainder of the 2022–2023 Season

The Renaissance Theatre, 138 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Ohio, is accepting video audition submissions for the remainder of their 2022-2023 season, Monday, October 24^th through Sunday, November 6^th, 2022. Casting for: Something Rotten (Performances March 4^th-12^th, 2023), Stephen Sondheim’s Follies, (Performances April 14^th-23^rd, 2023), Sweeney Todd: In Concert with the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, (Performance May 6^th, 2023), title of show, (Performances May 27^th-June 4^th, 2023), and The Emerging Artists Festival, (Performances January 2023.) Actors are asked to submit their audition via the Renaissance Theatre Audition Form and include an unlisted YouTube link with the subject heading “[Your Name] – Ren Season Audition Submission.” Please do not include a video file as an attachment in your email. Auditions are open to performers ages 15 and up. All diversities are encouraged to submit as the Renaissance maintains a policy of equal opportunity casting.

The deadline to submit your audition is November 6^th, 2022. Please prepare 32 bars of a musical theatre song. If you are auditioning for Something Rotten and/or Follies, you will be asked to learn the dance combination found here. If you are auditioning for the Emerging Artists Festival, please submit a short (1-2 minute) monologue with your audition materials.

The Renaissance is a performing arts presenter and historic theater located at 138 Park Avenue West, Mansfield, Ohio. Looking for Things to Do in Mansfield? Visit the Ren’s website at rentickets.org to check out their other great events or contact [email protected] for events, tours, arts, culture and more.

Something Rotten

A Musical Comedy by John O’Farrell, Karey Kilpatrick and Wayne Kilpatrick
Rehearsals begin January 30^th, 2023
Performances March 4^th and 11^th at 8PM, March 5^th and 12^th at 2:30PM

Available Roles

• Nick Bottom, 20s-40s, Vocal range: A2/G4
• Nigel Bottom, 20s-40s, Vocal range: D#3/A4
• Shakespeare, 20s-40s, Vocal range: G# 2/G#4
• Bea, 20s-40s, Vocal range: D3/D5
• Portia, 20-35, Vocal range: G3/F#5
• Nostradamus, 40s-60s, Vocal range: A2/E4
• Brother Jeremiah, 40s-60s, Vocal Range: G3/G4
• Lord Clapham, 30s-60s
• Shylock, 30s-60s
• Minstrel, 20s-50s, C#3/A4
• Ensemble/Townspeople, Troupe, Servants, Crowd, Chorus, etc: Must be good dancers/movers/tap

Follies

By Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman
Rehearsals begin March 16^th, 2023
Performances April 14^th, 15^th, 21^st, 22^nd at 8PM, April 16^th and 23^rd at 2:30 PM

Available Roles

All must have some dance skills/tap

• Young Phyllis, 20s-30s, Vocal range: C4/G5
• Young Ben, 20s-30s, Vocal range: C3/F4
• Young Buddy, 20s-30s, Vocal range: C/G4
• Young Sally, 20s-30s, Vocal range: C4/G5
• Sally Durant Plummer, 30s-50s, Vocal range: F3/G5
• Buddy Plummer, 30s-50s, Vocal range: C3/F4
• Benjamin Stone, 30s-60s, Vocal range A2/F4
• Carlotta Campion, 40s+, Vocal range: E3/B4
• Stella Deems, 40s+, Vocal range: E3/F5
• Max Deems, 40s+
• Emily Whitman, 40s+, Vocal range:B3/D5
• Theodore Whitman, 40s+, Vocal range: B2/D4
• Hattie Walker, 40s+ Vocal range: G3/B4
• Solange La Fitte, 40s+, Vocal range A3/G5
• Heidi Schiller, 40s+, D4/G5
• Young Heidi, 20s-30s, Vocal range: E4/A5
• Dimitri Weissman, 50s+
• Roscoe, 40s+, Vocal range: D3/A4
• Ensemble: old showgirls, showgirl ghosts, staff, musicians

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street In Concert with the Mansfield Symphony

By Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler
Rehearsals begin April 24^th, 2023
Performance: May 6^th, 2023, at 8PM

Available Roles

• Sweeney Todd, vocal range: F2/F#4
• Mrs. Lovett, vocal range: G3/E5
• Anthony Hope, vocal range:A#3/F4
• Johanna, vocal range: A#3/A5
• Tobias Ragg, vocal range: A#2/G#4
• Judge Turpin, vocal range: E2/F4
• The Beadle, vocal range: D3/D5
• Beggar Woman, vocal range: A3/F5
• Adolpho Pirelli, vocal range: B2/C5
• Jonas Fogg
• Ensemble (townspeople, policemen, lunatics)

title of show

By Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell
Rehearsals begin May 8, 2023
Performances: May 27, June 3, 2023, at 8PM and May 28, June 4, 2023

A one-act musical that chronicles its own creation as an entry in the New York Musical Theatre Festival, and follows the struggles of the author and composer/lyricist and their two actress friends during the initial brief (three-week) creative period, along with subsequent events leading up to the show's production.

Available Roles

• Jeff – a composer/lyricist
• Hunter – a book writer
• Susan – their actor friend
• Heidi – their actor friend

Emerging Artists Festival

The Emerging Artists Festival consists of five rehearsed staged readings of new works written by playwrights from all over the United States. Each reading has 4 rehearsals with the director and playwright, and two public readings. Actors may commit to one, several, or all of the readings.

Trollop: The Trials and Tribulations of the Infamous Moll Flanders by Shley Snider

Daniel Defoe's ribald novel, published in 1722, has been turned into a "baroque/rock musical" with book and lyrics by Ohio playwright Shley Snider and music by Disney's Darryl Pickett. Moll Flanders has two dreams: to be rich and important. But in 17th-century England, that’s easier said than done if you’re a woman.

Rehearsals: January 2-12 6-10PM
Performances: January 13–14, 2023 at 8:00 PM

Available Roles

• TUDLEY LOVEALL, his brother, 20s- also plays multiple small roles
• SPENCER LAVISCH, the gentleman draper, 50s+- also plays multiple small roles
• RICHARD “DICKIE” SIBLEY, the Virginian sea captain, 20s/40s- also plays multiple small roles
• JAMES “JEMMY” SEAGRAVE, 30s/40s- also plays multiple small roles
• HORACE DULLMAN, the banker, 40s+- also plays The Critic, multiple small roles
• PRUDENCE RIORDAN, the landlady, 40s+- also plays multiple small roles

Gloria Mundi by Pamela Morgan

When Gloria is visited by an angel of God with news of the second Messiah, she’s convinced she has a second chance at motherhood. But Jody thinks she’s using again. As the truth slowly unravels, Gloria must wrestle with the demons of her past, Jody must reconcile the specters of his future, and both must confront the very real threat of Harold, Gloria’s recovery counselor.

Rehearsals: January 16-19 6-10PM
Performances: January 20–21, 2023 at 8:00 PM

Available Roles

• GLORIA - cis female, any ethnicity, 20s, a recovering drug addict who was recently released from a year in prison and is living alone in a sober living community.
• JODY - trans male, any ethnicity, 20s, Gloria’s friend, he has not talked to her since she went to jail.
• HAROLD - cis male, any ethnicity, 30s to 40s, an angel of God or a recovery counselor.

Funnie: Or, the Most Lamentable Comedie of Jane the Foole by Jessica Moss 

A hilarious and thought-provoking new play by Julliard-trained playwright Jessica Moss. Set in the court of King Henry the VIII, it tells the story of Jane the Foole, the first and only recorded female jester ever to serve the royalty. Is it possible to succeed when you live in a world where you’re not seen as a person?

Rehearsals: January 23-26 6-10PM
Performances: January 27–28, 2023 at 8:00 PM

Available Roles

• JANE: Wannabe fool in the court of King Henry VIII. Her humour is observational, not joke-based, and distinctly female. Anxious, loyal, orderly, ambitious, shy, not shy. She is made of invisible steel but she struggles to believe this. She has an ‘inner voice’ that she lapses into, which is her not- brave self.
• ANNE BOLEYN: Her motto is ‘the most fun’. Air to Jane’s earth. Breathless, messy and proud, very fun and very smart. Ambitious, bold, kind, confident, loving, sarcastic. She is made of invisible steel and knows it.
• KING HENRY VIII: An all-powerful king. I think of Henry like a toddler who is completely vulnerable to his emotions – so he can be really jovial but then a mood strikes him and carries him away; and it can end just as quickly.
• CARL THE FUNNY ONE: The most popular fool in the court of King Henry VIII. Comedy wise, you can probably guess who he’s like: but maybe even a touch of Jeremy Hotz/Mitch Hedberg/ Jim Gaffigan? In performance, a weird balance between asshole and nebbish. The confidence of a bigwig at an improv school.
• LUCY THE ANDMAIDEN: Cockney. Broad cockney. Eliza pre-Higgins. Unrelentingly cheerful and optimistic. You know when the best actress in high school has to play the nurse instead of Juliet and so she fucking DOES IT? Like that.
• BESSIE THE ANDMAIDEN: Cockney. Broad cockney. Eliza pre-Higgins. Unrelentingly cheerful and optimistic. ...until she’s not. You know when the best actress in high school has to play the nurse instead of Juliet and so she fucking DOES IT? Like that.
• WALLACE THE EXECUTIONER: Former ratcatcher. ‘Aw gee’. Humble and unquestioning worker, in the vein of Sam Sheepdog and Ralph Wolf from Looney Tunes.
• GORLOCK the WARLOCK –A wizard. Hannibal Lecter meets Jafar meets David Blaine meets Grima Wormtongue. Truly evil, truly delighting in their evil. If the actor can do small, kind of unimpressive magic tricks, all the better, but I must stress the ‘unimpressive’ part

Women Most Wicked by Alan Kilpatrick 

Alan Kilpatrick wrote this dark comedy set in London’s Madame Tussaud’s Chamber of Horrors in 2016. When the exhibit is scheduled to close, Kate Webster and Amelia Dryer, now wax figures of notorious 19th century murderesses, recount their lives and speculate about their futures before they are consigned to the junk heap.

Rehearsals: January 30-February 2 6-10PM
Performances: February 3–4, 2023 at 8:00 PM

Available Roles

• KATE WEBSTER, 30, a pugnacious and fiery Irish woman.
• AMELIA DYER, 60ish, an overweight, staid specimen with bad teeth.
• ACTRESS #1: JEANNE WEBER,a proud French Murderess of the early Twentieth Century, ALSO: MISS EMILY IVES, MARTHA THOMAS’ inquisitive middle-aged landlady, AND A SISTER OF COMPASSION, a nun.
• ACTRESS #2: THE MUSEUM CURATOR, ALSO: MRS. MARTHA THOMAS, 50s, a prime and pretentious soul.
• ACTOR #1: plays FIRST MUSEUM WORKER; JOHN CHURCH, a pub owner; WARNER SLEIGH, KATE’S defense barrister; JUSTICE DENMAN, Chief Magistrate of the Central Criminal Court, and MR. MARWOOD, the public hangman.
• ACTOR #2: plays THE SECOND MUSEUM WORKER; HENRY PORTER, KATE’S former neighbor; MR. O’BRIEN, KATE’S solicitor; SIR GIFFARD, Solicitor General for the Crown; as well as a BBC JOURNALIST, and the VOICE of a NEWSPAPER BOY.

The Sweet Everlasting by Frances Limoncelli

Based upon the prize-winning novel by Georgia poet laureate, this adaptation by Frances Limoncelli tells the story of sharecropper’s son, mill worker, and ex-convict, Ellis Burt. For a brief and cherished time there was a woman, and then a child, too, who had been a kind of salvation to him. Then they were gone, leaving Ellis to carry on with the burden of what he had done to them, and of the ruin he brought down upon them all. 

Rehearsals: May 1-4 6-10PM
Performances: May 5–6, 2023 at 8:00 PM

Available Roles

• Ellis Burt - White man. 11 years old to 74 years old.
• Susan / Miss Pruitt - Must read as a white but also believable as a mixed race woman, black hair. 19 years old to 69 years old.
• W.D. - 5 year old white male child.
• Prison Guard / Uncle Mack / Waycross 2 / Brother Oakley - Late 30s, early 40s white man.
• Mr. Stillwell / Graveside Preacher / Shift Boss / Pete - 60s white man.
• Daddy / Sheriff / Waycross 1 - 30s white man.
• Mama / Cecilia - 30s white woman.
• Isaiah Cutts / Jimmy - 20s black man.
• Otis Cutts - Late 30s, early 40s black man.
• Ezra Cutts - Teens-20s black man.
• Ruth Cutts / Miss Roundtree - 20s black woman.