Audition Information
All Penn students are welcome and encouraged to audition for Theatre Arts Program productions. You do not need to be a major to audition for an acting role or to participate on the staff of any of our productions. Theatre Arts productions are open to the entire Penn community.
Auditions for Spring 2011 Productions
On The Town
March 14 – 17, 2012
HAROLD PRINCE THEATRE
ANNENBERG CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
PLEASE NOTE:
WHILE SOME ROLES HAVE BEEN CAST, AUDITIONS FOR ON THE TOWN WILL CONTINUE IN JANUARY. PLEASE VISIT THIS PAGE IN THE SECOND WEEK OF DECEMBER FOR UPDATED INFORMATION.
AUDITION INFORMATION FOR ON THE TOWN
On the Town is a classic American musical, composed by Leonard Bernstein, with libretto and lyrics by the famous writing team Betty Comden and Adolph Green. The setting is New York in World War II, when three young sailors hit the town for a day’s leave in the big city (the show’s most famous song is “New York, New York”). Over the course of the day, they encounter three young women, an anthropologist, a taxi driver, and an aspiring performer—and adventures ensue.
The musical is both exuberant and poignant, featuring six vibrant young people, eager to embrace life; their exciting day in New York is set against the backdrop of war—and their own uncertain futures. [Note: Though a film of the same name is based on the musical, many changes were made.]
Penn’s Theatre Arts Program is very pleased to produce this musical, which has not had a revival in Philadelphia for a great many years. The production will be directed by faculty members David Fox and Rose Malague; students who are cast will enroll in Theatre Arts 350: Rehearsal and Performance, a credit-bearing course.
We intend to cast an ensemble of approximately sixteen people—maybe more. The following is a short break-down of many speaking roles:
Audition Format
All those auditioning will be asked to read, sing, and “move.” It is not necessary to be able to do all three equally well: the musical includes roles for dancers, singers, and actors. Do not be dissuaded if you think you are good at one or more of these skills. Try out!
Preparation
Singing: Listen to the MP3 cast recordings linked on this site and prepare to sing a short piece of one of the songs from On the Town. Alternatively, prepare a short selection of a song you know well. Be aware that this is a 1940s musical with a different sound from contemporary pieces. When appropriate, piano accompaniment will be provided at the auditions.
AUDITION PIECE 1: New York! New York!.mp3
AUDITION PIECE 2: Carried Away.mp3
AUDITION PIECE 3: Lonely Town.mp3
AUDITION PIECE 4: I can cook too.mp3
Reading: Review the description of the show and its roles. The entire script is available in four sections through these links:
Movement: No preparation necessary! You may be asked to move to music.
Schedule
On the Town will run four nights: March 14 – 17, 2012
Rehearsals will be held at the following times:
Monday – Thursday nights from 6 – 10 p.m. and
Friday afternoons from 1 – 5 p.m.
IF YOU PLAN TO AUDITION PLEASE READ:
Important Information: Cast and crew of On the Town must return early from spring break—by the night of Friday, March 9th –and be available to rehearse all of that weekend (potentially day into evening).
Students are also welcome to work backstage in any number of production roles--many require no experience. For more information visit tech opportunities.
Staff positions currently open:
Lightboard Operator
Soundboard Operator
Assistant Stage Manager/Running Crew
Please contact Eric Baratta if you are interested.