Auditions for THE PRODUCERS - A Mel BROOKS MUSICAL

Director
SHARON W. HOUK

Music Director
JIM LUURTSEMA

Choreographer
DONNA BONASERA

Assistant Director
JOHN OZERHOSKI

PERFORMANCES
Sat, May 2, 2020 | 8PM
Sun, May 3, 2020 | 2PM
Fri, May 8, 2020 | 8PM
Sat, May 9, 2020 | 8PM
Sun, May 10, 2020 | 2PM

Monday, February 3, 2020 at 7:00pm (by appointment)
Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 7:00pm (by appointment)
 
All roles are open to audition. Casting for THE PRODUCERS includes roles for 6 principal characters, and 16-20 chorus members, men and women over the age of 18 (see character breakdown by clicking on "Read More"). This musical is based on Mel Brooks’ 1968 film of the same name.
 
Those auditioning will be asked to sing up to one minute of a fully memorized show tune (not from THE PRODUCERS).  The song should showcase the style and vocal range of the character for which you are auditioning.  This should be something that you are very comfortable with, not something you just learned the day before! It is important that you perform your song, not just stand and deliver.
 
Auditioners should mark their selection with a highlighter. An accompanist will be provided. A cappella singing or recorded accompaniments will not be allowed.  Additional vocalizing may also be a part of the audition to determine vocal range and harmonizing skills.
 
Please bring/wear appropriate clothing and footwear for choreography.  A tap dance audition will also be held during auditions for roles where this skill is preferred.  This is a tap heavy show although not all dancers will be required to tap.
 
Some auditioners may be asked to do a reading from the script – sides will be provided.
 
Auditioners without an appointment will be seen as time allows. Video auditions are accepted for those unable to attend on the scheduled dates.
 
CALLBACKS          
Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at 7:00pm (if needed)
 
Rehearsals will be held three nights per week on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00-10:00pm beginning Sunday, February 16, 2020.  There will be one Wednesday evening rehearsal on April 15, 2020 because of the Easter holiday.
 
Tech week rehearsals will be Sunday through Thursday, April 26 through 30, 2020.  We do ask that Friday, May 1, 2020 be held in case an additional tech week rehearsal is needed.  The pickup rehearsal will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2020.
 
Please have all conflicts for the rehearsal period available, and please note on Audition Form.  If you are unable to make the mandatory tech week rehearsals and/or pickup rehearsal, we will be unable to cast you in this production.
 
The Warner Stage Company is a regional community theatre company and does not offer compensation or housing for performers.

REMEMBER:
Casting is subjective and completely based on someone else’s opinion. Sometimes casting decisions are based on looks, height, or how you look next to other cast members. You will not get cast in every role you want and sometimes you won’t get cast at all. If you are not cast in this show, you should still celebrate the fact that you gave it your best shot and we hope to see you at future auditions!

Click on "Read More" (below the audition appointment request form) for information about the show as well as full character descriptions.

ABOUT THE SHOW
The plot is simple: a down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all “little old ladies”) out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit! The antics of Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom as they maneuver their way fecklessly through finding a show (the gloriously offensive “Springtime for Hitler”), hiring a director, raising the money and finally going to prison for their misdeeds is a lesson in broad comic construction. The plot develops as the duo enlists the help of ridiculous and often farcical characters on the way such as former Nazi and on-going Third Reich enthusiast Franz Liebkind, Ulla the blonde bombshell secretary/receptionist and the flamboyant homosexual director Roger De Bris.  At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends.
 
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
All ages are just a suggestion and will be adjusted to fit the needs of our casting.
 
MAX BIALYSTOCK - Gender: Male    Age: 40 to 55    Vocal range top: F#4
The consummate con man. Naturally animated and bombastic, he is never at a loss for charm and manners. Typically conspires with Leo.  A loveable rogue who is desperate to return to his former glory days, has a persuasive charm and a devilish mind, although he is often angry, short-tempered and unwilling to cooperate nicely. Max requires a comic actor with impeccable timing, high energy and agility, not great deal of dancing required but his frantic disposition will call for a a lot of movement, while some flamboyance and extravagance is required for Max we are not looking for a Nathan Lane replica.
 
LEO BLOOM - Gender: Male    Age: 35 to 45    Vocal range top: F4
A timid unassuming, naïve, meek to the point of neurotic accountant yearning to become a Broadway producer and live life to the fullest but intimidated by Max Bialystock's vivacity and aggression, will also require an actor with great comic timing and an ability to demonstrate a journey in growth of confidence throughout the course of the show, tap dancing a big plus.
 
FRANZ LIEBKIND - Gender: Male    Age: 35 to 55    Vocal range top: G4
German loyalist playwright of “Springtime for Hitler” who has never left WWII behind.  From his lederhosen to his pigeon, Adolph, his love for the motherland is unmistakable. He is imposing yet tender. Role demands an actor with absolute presence, and he must believe everything he is saying.  When Franz is on-stage the audience must be slightly unsure of what he might end up doing –either breaking into song and dance or throwing someone through a wall, aggression and unpredictability are essential.  Good German accent and the ability to play big comedy seriously are necessary.
 
ROGER DE BRIS - Gender: Male    Age: 50 to 60    Vocal range top: G4
New York's most famous and flamboyant stage director, desperate for the true recognition of his theatrical talent. Surrounds himself with deliciously beautiful clothing, people, and possessions. In a crowd, it would be impossible to miss him. Roger is obviously camp, yet he should be masculine in build, must look good in a dress even if somewhat hairy, definitely the butch one in his relationship with his assistant Carmen. Role calls for flamboyance and over the top comic acting, needs to have one of the best and strongest voices in the show, required to sing beautifully over the chorus at times.
 
CARMEN GHIA - Gender: Male    Age: 25 to 35    Vocal range top: A4
Roger Debris' faithful “common-law assistant.” Carmen is severe in looks and passion for Roger. He may appear younger than he actually is thanks to skilled surgeons; should have the moves of a cat and the soul of Norma Desmond.
 
ULLA INGA HANSEN BENSON YONSEN TALLEN-HALLEN SVADEN-SVANSON –
Gender: Female    Age: 20 to 30    Vocal range top: G5
A young and hopeful actress. Though her beauty might eclipse her talent, Ulla is passionate about life and art. Quite a clueless seductress in some ways.
 
ENSEMBLE (8-10 Men and 8-10 Women) – Gender:  All     Age: 18+    Vocal range: All
Strong singers and/or strong dancers, tap is a plus, but not all need to tap, to play a multitude of roles such as Roger’s Entourage, Mr. Marks, Storm Trooper Tenor Soloist, Usherettes, Bavarian Peasants, Convicts, Girl Prisoners, the Judge, Little Old Ladies, Show Girls, First Nighters, and Accountants, will be in at least 5-6 numbers, plenty of stage time and lots of variety.