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AUDITIONS
AUDITION DATES
THURSDAY, JUNE 1st from 6:00-10:00 PM
FRIDAY, JUNE 2nd from 6:00-10:00 PM
Auditions are by appointment only.
See the audition form down below.
LEARN YOUR LESSONS WELL.
CALLBACK DATE
SUNDAY, JUNE 4th from 7:00-10:00 PM
Callbacks are by invitation only.
AUDITION LOCATION
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
(132 Argyle St. North. Cambridge, ON.)
SHOW SYNOPSIS
A masterful retelling of the original sensation, injected with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements, GODSPELL tells of a small group of people helping 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.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
GODSPELL is open for young singers, actors and dancers ages 14-30.
Penny & Pound Theatre Productions is a safe and inclusive youth and young adult production company with a mission to offer the best in community arts and youth theatre education in the Region. We encourage full participation from performers identifying as members of the BIPOC community and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, as well as performers with disAbilities and those of all gender identities, social and economic backgrounds and beliefs. We are looking for enthusiastic performers with a keen knack for singing, acting, dancing or all three! No previous experience is necessary. All we ask is that all auditionees enjoy creative challenges, are hardworking and have a love of the theatrical arts!
WHAT TO PREPARE
We ask that all auditionees prepare the following:
- A Broadway song less than 4 minutes in length.
- A short monologue, under 2 minutes in length.
IMPORTANT DATES
REHEARSALS | Mondays, Tuesdays from 6:00-9:00 PM; Saturdays from 2:00-6:00 PM
FIRST REHEARSAL | Saturday, July 15th, 2023
PERFORMANCE DATES | Thursday, October 12th- Sunday, October 15th, 2023
SCHOOL PERFORMANCE | Thursday, October 12th at 11:00 AM
CUE TO CUE | Monday, October 9th
TECH REHEARSAL | Tuesday, October 10th
DRESS REHEARSAL | Wednesday, October 11th
WHAT TO EXPECT
At Penny & Pound, it is our goal to make all performers feel as comfortable and confident as possible during the audition process. Below is a detailed account of what your audition will look like.
-
Please arrive at the venue 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled audition slot. You will be greeted by a volunteer who will ask that you fill in an audition form and/or a photo release form. They will be welcome to answer any questions you might have about the company or show process.
-
When your audition time comes, you will be asked to enter the audition room where you will be greeted by THE CREATIVE TEAM. This team will consist of THE DIRECTOR, STAGE MANAGER, CHOREOGRAPHER, MUSICAL DIRECTOR and PRODUCER.
-
You will be asked to present your chosen song and monologue. In addition, you may be asked to complete a short movement routine provided by the CHOREOGRAPHER. Do not worry if you're not a dancer! These routines are designed to test a performer's comfort-level when it comes to choreography.
-
After the audition, you will be welcome to ask THE CREATIVE TEAM any questions you might have about the company, vision or process.
-
In total, all auditions should take less than 10 minutes to complete.
PROGRAM FEE
Those cast in GODSPELL are asked to pay a program fee of $150.
As a not-for-profit, education-based company, Penny & Pound Theatre Productions rely on the support of grants and donors in order to operate. Program fees are used to cover the costs associated with producing a full-scale production, including (but not limited to): licensing rights, venue rental, sound and lighting rental, costuming, marketing and set construction. Program fees do not pay THE CREATIVE TEAM or STAFF.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
For this production of GODSPELL, we will be gender-blind casting. Actors of all gender identities are eligible for all roles.
JESUS (THE TEACHER) | High energy, charming, funny, gentle but with strength. He is the sort of person others instinctively follow.
JOHN THE BAPTIST (THE TEACHER'S PET) | Jesus' lieutenant and most ardent disciple. Headstrong; a natural leader.
JUDAS (THE SLACKER) | The doubter who begins to question and rebel. They are the most "serious" and intellectual of the group, though as with all the actors, they must still possess a good sense of physical comedy.
THE JOCK | Very high energy. Impish and playful. Sings "We Beseech Thee."
THE GEEK | Not the brightest in the bunch, they are a little slow on the uptake. But there is a great sweetness and innocence about them. Sings "All Good Gifts."
THE CLASS CLOWN | The comedian. The one who can do a hundred voices and imitations. Sings "Light of the World."
THE EARTH CHILD | A bit of a tomboy, but basically open and sweet. Perhaps the youngest of the group. They are the first of the group to commit to following Jesus in the song "Day By Day."
THE CHEERLEADER | The confident one; a show-off. The first one to volunteer, sometimes they jump in before they really understand what's going on. Sings "Bless the Lord."
THE WALLFLOWER | The shy one. Sometimes a little slow to get things, but when they do, they commit all the way. Has a kind of warmth. Sings "By My Side."
THE REBEL | Sassy and slightly cynical, the most urban of the group. Sings "Turn Back O Man."
THE THEATRE KID | Goofy and a cut-up. Sings "Learn Your Lessons Well."
STUDENTS | Additional students in the World Religion Class. Jocks, geeks, popular kids and more!
READY TO AUDITION?
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WELCOME TO OUR VILLAGE.
AUDITION DATES
THURSDAY, JUNE 15th from 6:00-10:00 PM
FRIDAY, JUNE 16th from 6:00-10:00 PM
Auditions are by appointment only.
See the audition form down below.
CALLBACK DATE
SUNDAY, JUNE 18th from 7:00-10:00 PM
Callbacks are by invitation only.
AUDITION LOCATION
KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
(132 Argyle St. North. Cambridge, ON.)
SHOW SYNOPSIS
It's 1947- two years since the war that shook Europe to its core and changed the very course of history. In a sleepy Polish village, several stories become intertwined as the residents of Mael Niebo- an apartment complex for the impoverished and displaced- grapple with the horrors of the past and look towards the hope of the future.
Junior Meier is a newspaper editor from Berlin whose overriding guilt for the small part he played in perpetuating the Reich's hateful message has hindered his relationship with his young and impressionable daughter. Maestro Covali- a Romani violin virtuoso- seeks to start his life anew after the devastating deaths of his wife and young children. Catholic siblings Katherine and Joseph Worcheka discover what it means to be forgiving while embracing a new life free from the bonds of tradition. Willie Jenkins valiantly fights to change society's opinion of the downtrodden.
Told from the perspective of The Peddler- a charismatic storyteller who knows everything about everybody- LITTLE HEAVEN is a tale of hope, survival and the power of community.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
LITTLE HEAVEN is open to performers ages 18+.
The roles of MIRIAM and SASHA are open to young performers, ages 12-16.
Penny & Pound Theatre Productions is a safe and inclusive youth and young adult production company with a mission to offer the best in community arts and youth theatre education in the Region. We encourage full participation from performers identifying as members of the BIPOC community and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, as well as performers with disAbilities and those of all gender identities, social and economic backgrounds and beliefs. We are looking for enthusiastic performers with a keen knack for singing, acting, dancing or all three! No previous experience is necessary. All we ask is that all auditionees enjoy creative challenges, are hardworking and have a love of the theatrical arts!
WHAT TO PREPARE
We ask that all auditionees prepare the following:
- A Broadway song (preferably predating 1980) that is less than 4 minutes in length.
- A short dramatic monologue, under 2 minutes in length.
IMPORTANT DATES
REHEARSALS | Sundays from 2:00-5:00 PM (once a week) beginning in early August. Mondays, Tuesdays from 7:00-10:00 pm and Sundays from 2:00-5:00 PM (three times a week) beginning in November.
FIRST REHEARSAL | Sunday, August 4th, 2023
PERFORMANCE DATES | Thursday, February 29th- Sunday, March 3rd, 2024
STAGED WORKSHOP | Saturday, December 9th, 2023
CUE TO CUE | Monday, February 26th
TECH REHEARSAL | Tuesday, February 27th
DRESS REHEARSAL | Wednesday, February 28th
WODL FESTIVAL | Monday, March 11th- Friday, March 15th, 2024
WHAT TO EXPECT
At Penny & Pound, it is our goal to make all performers feel as comfortable and confident as possible during the audition process. Below is a detailed account of what your audition will look like.
-
Please arrive at the venue 10-15 minutes prior to your scheduled audition slot. You will be greeted by a volunteer who will ask that you fill in an audition form and/or a photo release form. They will be welcome to answer any questions you might have about the company or show process.
-
When your audition time comes, you will be asked to enter the audition room where you will be greeted by THE CREATIVE TEAM. This team will consist of THE DIRECTOR, STAGE MANAGER, CHOREOGRAPHER, MUSICAL DIRECTOR and PRODUCER.
-
You will be asked to present your chosen song and monologue. In addition, you may be asked to complete a short movement routine provided by the CHOREOGRAPHER. Do not worry if you're not a dancer! These routines are designed to test a performer's comfort-level when it comes to choreography.
-
After the audition, you will be welcome to ask THE CREATIVE TEAM any questions you might have about the company, vision or process.
-
In total, all auditions should take less than 10 minutes to complete.
WHAT IS WODL?
The Western Ontario Drama League was established by D. Park Jamieson in 1932 to unite community theatre groups in Western Ontario. It covers an area from Burlington west to Sarnia and Welland, and north to Tobermory and has over two dozen member groups.
The Western Ontario Drama League exists to:
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Encourage, assist and promote Community Theatre
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Convene an annual Theatre Festival
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To provide education in Theatre Arts
LITTLE HEAVEN is Penny & Pound's Festival submission. 2024's WODL Theatre Festival will be held in Leamington, Ontario.
SHOW FEE
Those cast in LITTLE HEAVEN are asked to pay a show fee of $80.
As a not-for-profit, education-based company, Penny & Pound Theatre Productions rely on the support of grants and donors in order to operate. Program fees are used to cover the costs associated with producing a full-scale production, including (but not limited to): licensing rights, venue rental, sound and lighting rental, costuming, marketing and set construction. Program fees do not pay THE CREATIVE TEAM or STAFF.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
THE PEDDLER (Masc. | 25+ | Tenor)
The charismatic and enigmatic narrator of the story. A man who knows everything about everyone... even if they don't care to notice him. The Peddler speaks the truth and often offers his own wisdom.
MAESTRO COVALI (Masc. | 30-40 | Tenor Belt)
A half-Romani violin virtuoso who was incarcerated due to his family lineage. Originally from Hungary, Covali was an up-and-coming classical sensation when he and his young daughters were arrested. The only survivor, Covali turns to music tutoring to make ends meet. He is sensible, kind-hearted. A man of few words.
* Although all performers will be considered for the role of MAESTRO COVALI, we are most interested in performers of Romani or Sinti heritage.
JUNIOR MEIER (Masc. | 30-40 | Baritone)
A newspaper editor from a prestigious German family. Junior and his family are forced to flee to Poland due to father, Senior's, harmful involvement in the war. Although not directly affiliated with The Reich, Junior's guilt about publishing fascist propaganda in his newspaper has inhibited his relationship with his young daughters as well as his patriotic father and brother-in-law. Junior is a lost soul: absent, cynical.
RACHEL HOFFSON (Femme. | 18-25 | Mezzo-Soprano)
The only surviving child of Solomon and Tovah Hoffson, Rachel is an intelligent and astute young woman looking to start her life anew. Her longtime romantic inclinations toward neighbour Joseph Worcheka fuel her optimism and vigor.
* Although all performers will be considered for the role of RACHEL HOFFSON, we are most interested in performers who identify as ethnically or religiously Jewish.
SOLOMON HOFFSON (Masc. | 50-65 | Baritone)
The patriarch of the Hoffson family. A traditionalist who is mourning the loss of both his son and his old life. Solomon harbours a secret that threatens to tear his family apart. Hardened and embittered.
* Although all performers will be considered for the role of SOLOMON HOFFSON, we are most interested in performers who identify as ethnically or religiously Jewish.
TOVAH HOFFSON (Femme. | 50-65 | Alto)
The matriarch of the Hoffson family. A strong-willed woman who has a chip on her shoulder. Faithful and materal, Tovah is the glue that holds her family together. She acts as a peacekeeper between Solomon and Rachel.
* Although all performers will be considered for the role of TOVAH HOFFSON, we are most interested in performers who identify as ethnically or religiously Jewish.
JOSEPH WORCHEKA (Masc. | 20-25 | Tenor)
A fiery, rebellious Polish Catholic. Joseph is good-humoured and often takes the hardships of life at face-value. His hate of injustice and admiration towards childhood sweetheart, Rachel Hoffson, fuel his story.
WILLIE JENKINS (Femme. | 20-25 | Alto Belt)
A college student hailing from Chicago who has traveled to Poland in order to spread her message of peace through rallies and public displays. Willie is bright and confident; although she has the best intentions of all at heart, she does not truly understand the hardships which the people of Mael Niebo have faced.
ROSA MEIER (Femme. | 55-65 | Soprano)
The wife of a German military man who has been sheltered from the hardships beyond her upper-crust Berlin life. Rosa is a peacekeeper, but her friendship with Maestro Covali opens her eyes and leads her to overcome generational bias. Intelligent and well-bred. Motherly.
SENIOR MEIER (Masc. | 55-65 | Non-Singing)
A wealthy German militant who has fled to Poland along with his family in order to escape persecution due to his war crimes. Senior is stern; a man who will not waver on his problematic beliefs.
BRAHM MEIER (Masc. | 20-25 | Baritone)
The new husband of Junior's sister. An outspoken, crass student who blindly follows the Reich's beliefs. A fascist. Overall horrible person.
MIRIAM MEIER (Femme. | 12-14 | Mezzo-Soprano)
Junior's eldest daughter who has begun to question her father and grandfather's involvement in the war. Soft-spoken, analytical.
SASHA MEIER (Femme. | 10-12 | Mezzo-Soprano)
Junior's younger daughter. A bit daft and horribly spoiled.
MONSIEUR (Masc. | 40-55 | Non-Singing)
The owner of 'The Tavern' on Krotka Street. Intimidating; a bully.
MRS KOWALSKI (Masc. | 45-65 | Non-Singing)
The landlady of Mael Niebo. An ill-tempered war widow.
ENSEMBLE (3 Femme., 3 Masc. | 18+ | Varying Ranges)
The citizens of Mael Niebo.
DANCE ENSEMBLE (3 Femme., 3 Masc. | 18+ | Varying Ranges.)