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"Perfect Arrangement"

By Topher Payne
Directed by Caitlin Kane

Audition Information

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It’s 1950, and new colors are being added to the Red Scare. Two U.S. State Department employees, Bob and Norma, have been tasked with identifying sexual deviants within their ranks. There’s just one problem: Both Bob and Norma are gay and have married each other’s partners as a carefully constructed cover. Inspired by the true story of the earliest stirrings of the American gay rights movement, madcap classic sitcom-style laughs give way to provocative drama as two 'All-American' couples are forced to stare down the closet door.

When: August 25 – 6:30-10 p.m. & August 26 – 6-10 p.m.

Where: Kent Center for the Performing Arts (CPA), D-205

Signing Up

Fill out and submit this by Monday, August 24 at 5 p.m.. Please be prepared to upload a headshot (required) and performance resume (if you have one) through this form. At the end of the form there will be a link to sign up for a four-minute time slot. 

What to Prepare

1. Auditions are open to all �Ը������� students.
2. For the initial audition, all fall shows will be holding combined auditions. 
3. For "Perfect Arrangement," prepare one 30-60 second monologue from the 20th or 21st century. 

Callbacks

When: August 27 – beginning at 6 p.m.

Where: Kent Center for the Performing Arts – Wright-Curtis Theatre

For callbacks, actors will be given excerpts from scenes of the play to prepare and perform with several scene partners. Sides do NOT need to be memorized, but we encourage you to be familiar enough with the material to make strong acting choices, be responsive to your acting partners and be prepared to take direction if/when offered. 

Once you have completed the form, a link at the end will navigate you to the sign-up page. Please be sure to have a headshot and resume (if you have them digitally) ready to upload. 

Auditions will be held in conjunction with auditions for the other fall production, "Bright Star." Directors and stage managers from all production teams will be present for your audition – you may audition for all productions (presenting a monologue and song) or choose to *only audition for the play or musical (presenting either a monologue or a song accordingly). *Please refer to the audition requirements for B.F.A. musical theatre students below. 

Casting Notes

From the Director: Actors are encouraged to audition for any role they feel comfortable portraying, regardless of gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity and/or disability. 

Content Notes: Homophobia, derogatory language and profanity.

Suggested Character Action Disclosures: 

Notes: 

1. All intimacy and stage combat will be choreographed. 

2. While the actions described here are included in the script, we are open to adjusting these actions to work within the actors’ boundaries, as long as the choreography still conveys the story of the scene as written. 

3. Additional moments of physical contact/choreographed physical intimacy may be added to the staging, if the director and actors agree that it supports the story. 

Rehearsals

General Rehearsal Start Date: Sunday, August 30th

We rehearse (generally) Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 6-10 p.m., and Sunday from 2-6 p.m.. There will be no rehearsals for Labor Day, Sept. 4-7, and Fall Break, Oct. 8-11. 

Tech/Dress Rehearsal Start Date: Friday, Oct. 16 

Tech Day: Saturday, Oct. 17

Performances

• Thursday, Oct. 22 – Sunday, Oct. 25
• Wednesday, Oct. 28 – Sunday, Nov. 1
• One student matinee performance Wednesday Oct. 28 at 10 a.m.
• Two matinee performances on Sunday, Oct. 25 & Nov. 1 at 2 p.m.
• All other show times are at 7:30 p.m.

Questions or Accessibility Needs

Please email the director Caitlin Kane (ckane18@kent.edu) and production stage manager Becca Rentfrow (rrentfro@kent.edu) with any questions or requests for accommodations. 

Roles

These are descriptions of the characters as identified in the script and in collaboration with the creative team. We will cast the play expansively and intentionally, using identity-conscious casting to attend to the impact of casting across race, gender and disability. We acknowledge the history of systemic exclusionary practices and are working to dismantle barriers to theatre-making and auditioning for all performers. Although the characters in this play are written on the binary, and it is implied that they are all white and able-bodied, we encourage actors of all genders, races, ethnicities, and disabilities to submit for the roles they most identify with. 

Character List

Bob Martindale, 30s-40s – A WWII veteran, reserved. A bit bookish, but a solid man's man. Good-humored and well-mannered. In a romantic partnership with Jim Baxter and a lavender marriage with Millie Martindale. Possible choreographed physical intimacy, partial nudity (removal of shirt) and simulated act of violence. 

Millie Martindale, late 20s-30s – Bob's wife (in a lavender marriage). Plays "the ditzy wife" when people are in the house, but is actually very quick-witted and observant. Smart enough to maintain the act. In a romantic partnership with Norma. Possible choreographed physical intimacy and partial nudity (wearing a robe). 

Norma Baxter, 30s – The knowing, efficient and classy dame. A secretary at the State Department who could just as easily be Secretary of State. A wise woman who's great with a wisecrack and level-headed in a bind. In a romantic partnership with Millie and a lavender marriage with Jim. Possible choreographed physical intimacy, partial nudity (wearing a robe) and simulated act of violence. 

Jim Baxter, 20s-30s – Norma's husband (in a lavender marriage). A prankster type, always ready with a comeback. A high school teacher with lots of energy. A little wired, good with a plan. In a romantic relationship with Bob. Possible choreographed physical intimacy, partial nudity (removal of shirt) and simulated act of violence. 

Theodore Sunderson, 40s-50s – The boss. Bombastic, loud and a bit overbearing. A patriotic windbag. 

Kitty Sunderson, 40s – Ted's wife. Legitimately ditzy. Her brain seems to work on a totally different wavelength than the rest of the world. Very sweet and very genuine. Just doesn't quite "get it." 

Barbara Grant, 40s – A formidable opponent. No-nonsense, beautiful, brilliant and a little scary. Millie’s former lover/former professor. Possible simulated act of violence. 

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS FOR B.F.A. MUSICAL THEATRE STUDENTS

“B.F.A. Musical Theatre candidates are required to audition for all theatre division main stage productions and accept roles if cast. Exemptions to the audition requirement may be granted under certain circumstances. Circumstances include but are not limited to: religious beliefs, moral objection, psychological triggers with the play, and physical concerns. In order to be exempted from the audition requirement, students must submit a written petition to the performance faculty prior to the beginning of the casting process for the production in question. The performance faculty will make a good faith effort to deliberate and come to a decision on the petition at the first performance area meeting after the receipt of the petition. At no point will a student be asked to disclose sensitive personal information.”

For information on all the B.F.A. Musical Theatre requirements, please go to the following. B.F.A. Musical Theatre

"Bright Star"

Music, book and story by Steve Martin
Music, lyrics and story by Edie Brickell
Directed by Amy Fritsche 
Choreographed by Brian Philip Boland 
Music Directed by Jennifer Korecki 

Audition Information

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"Bright Star" follows Alice Murphy, a literary editor whose life is upended when she meets Billy Cane, a young soldier returning home from World War II. Their encounter unlocks the buried secret of her lost child. 

When: August 25 – 6:30-10:30 p.m. & August 26 – 6-10 p.m. 

Where: Kent Center for the Performing Arts (CPA), D-205

Signing Up

Fill out and submit this by Monday August 24 at 5 p.m.. Please be prepared to upload a headshot (required) and performance resume (if you have one) through this form. At the end of the form there will be a link to sign up for a four-minute time slot. 

What to Prepare

1. Auditions are open to all �Ը������� students.
2. For the initial audition, all fall shows will be holding combined auditions. 
3. For "Bright Star," prepare a cut of a song that is 60 seconds or less in the style of the show. Bring sheet music in the correct key, accompanist provided. 

Callbacks

When: August 28 – beginning at 6 p.m.

Where: Kent Center for the Performing Arts – Dance Studio TBD

Callbacks will consist of a dance call and sides and songs from the show. This information will be circulated when the callback list is announced; please review them in advance of the callback.

Rehearsals

Music Rehearsal: Sept. 19, time TBD 
Staging and Choreography Rehearsals: Monday – Friday, 6-10 p.m., Saturday or Sunday, 10-6 p.m., Sept. 22 – Nov. 4
Sitzprobe/Wandelprobe: Nov. 5
Technical Rehearsals Begin: (tentative) Friday, Nov. 6-12

Performances

Friday, Nov. 13 – Sunday, Nov. 15
Wednesday, Nov. 18 – Nov. 22. 

Casting Statement

"Bright Star" will be cast, according to the representation of �Ը������� University. 

Preliminary Auditions

Open to ALL �Ը������� University students. Auditions will be held in conjunction with auditions for "Perfect Arrangement." Directors and stage managers for these production teams will be in present for your audition – you may audition for all productions (presenting a monologue and song) or choose to only audition for the play or musical (presenting either a monologue or a song accordingly).

Character Breakdown

"BRIGHT STAR" CAST OF CHARACTERS 

In Order of Appearance 

Alice Murphy (F) 

Alice at age 36-37 is an editor of a southern literary magazine; intelligent and aloof with an air of melancholy. 

Young Alice Murphy 

Alice at age 16-17 is rebellious, high-spirited and adventurous. 

Jimmy Ray Dobbs (M) 

Jimmy Ray at age 18-20 is charming and intelligent. He comes from a family of wealth and lives under the thumb of his power-hungry father. The events of the show shape him into a man that has a sense of personal responsibility and morality as well as a deep reserve of passion and emotion at age 38-40. 

Billy Cane (M) 

A young soldier returning home from WWII; an aspiring young writer; optimistic, charming and idealistic. 

Margo Crawford (F) 

Margo is Billy’s childhood friend who has grown to love him romantically. She has a keen intellect and a big heart. She owns a small-town bookstore, and edits Billy’s stories for him. 

Mayor Josiah Dobbs (M) 

The Mayor of Zebulon; a political and financial powerbroker – distinguished, an imposing and controlling presence; has a genuine interest in protecting his son’s future and his family name, but in doing so, is ultimately pushed to a point of extreme and irrevocable cruelty. 

Daryl Ames (M) 

Daryl is an assistant at a literary magazine. He’s funny, with a dry sense of humor. He’s also insecure, and perhaps a bit socially awkward, but endearing and innately likeable. 

Lucy Grant (F) 

Lucy is a junior editor at a literary magazine. She is an ambitious, professional young career woman with a sharp sense of humor, but not without warmth and sincerity. 

Daddy Cane 

Daddy Cane is Billy’s father. He is a recent widower - kindhearted, and a bit lonely. 

Mama Murphy (F) 

Mamy Murphy is Alice’s mother. She is a hardworking caretaker to her family and her rural community. A warm, loving and sensible woman. 

Daddy Murphy (M) 

Daddy Murphy is Alice’s father; an authoritative and a stern disciplinarian; devoutly religious, hard-working and a poor but proud farmer. 

Stanford 

Stanford is a loyal assistant to Mayor Josiah Dobbs 

Ensemble: 

To play various roles. 

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS FOR B.F.A. MUSICAL THEATRE AND M.F.A. STUDENTS

“B.F.A. Musical Theatre candidates are required to audition for all theatre division main stage productions and accept roles if cast. Exemptions to the audition requirement may be granted under certain circumstances. Circumstances include but are not limited to: religious beliefs, moral objection, psychological triggers with the play, and physical concerns. In order to be exempted from the audition requirement, students must submit a written petition to the performance faculty prior to the beginning of the casting process for the production in question. The performance faculty will make a good faith effort to deliberate and come to a decision on the petition at the first performance area meeting after the receipt of the petition. At no point will a student be asked to disclose sensitive personal information.”

For information on all the B.F.A. Musical Theatre requirements please go to the following. /theatredance/revised-requirements-bfa-musical-theatre-program

"Side Show In Concert"

THEA 42999-001 – The Porthouse Experience

Book by Bill Russell 
Music by Henry Kriger 
Additional book material by Bill Condon
Directed by Terri Kent
Music Directed by TBD

AUDITION INFORMATION

�Ը������� (from Concord Theatricals)

Based on the true story of conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton, who became stars during the Depression, "Side Show" is a moving portrait of two women joined at the hip whose extraordinary bondage brings them fame but denies them love. Told almost entirely in song, the show follows Violet and Daisy's progression from England to America, around the vaudeville circuit and to Hollywood on the eve of their appearance in the 1932 movie "Freaks."

With a completely reworked plot and new songs like "Very Well Connected," "All in the Mind" and "The Great Wedding Show," the 2014 revival delves deeper into the backstory of the Hilton twins. With the implementation of the twins' relationship with Harry Houdini and of a proposed separation surgery, the new book fleshes out characters and situations that endow the songs with more sophistication and truth.

When: November 10 & 12 – 6-10 p.m.

Where: Kent Center for the Performing Arts (CPA), D-205

Signing Up

1. Fill out and submit by Sunday, November 9 at 5 p.m.. Please be prepared to upload a headshot and performance resume (if you have one) through this form. Please indicate on your audition form which musical and/or play ("Something Rotten" and/or "Side Show" and/or "Book of Will" you’d like to be considered for). At the end of the form, there will be a link to sign up for the timeslot(s).
2. If you are auditioning for the musical(s) and "Book of Will," sign up for two timeslots (one for "Something Rotten" and/or "Side Show," and one for "Book of Will") in the appropriate areas of the sign-up sheet.
3.  Please note that if there is no audition form completed and you’ve signed up for a timeslot(s), you may be removed from your timeslot(s) until a form is submitted.

What to Prepare:

1. Auditions are open to all �Ը������� students
2. Auditions for "Something Rotten" and/or "Side Show" will be held together. "Book of Will" will be auditioning separately in Wright-Curtis Theatre.
3. Prepare two contrasting musical selections (e.g., uptempo and ballad, or classical and contemporary). These selections should serve both "Something Rotten" and "Side Show." Each cut should be 16–32 bars, with sheet music in the performer’s key. No a cappella singing will be permitted.

Callbacks

When: Callbacks: November 15, times TBD 

Callbacks will consist of songs from the show. This information will be circulated when the callback list is announced; please review it in advance of the callback.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals: Spring Semester M/W 3:20-5:00 p.m.

Brush-up Rehearsal at Porthouse: Week of June 29

Technical Rehearsals Begin: (tentative) Week of June 29

Performances

Tuesday, July 7 – Saturday, July 18

Casting Statement 

"Side Show" will be cast, according to the representation of �Ը������� University.

Casting Note (from Concord Theatricals):

“Side Show" is set in 1930s America during the Great Depression and the start of the Civil Rights movement and as such tackles themes of discrimination and racism. Certain characters should be cast accordingly to reflect the politics of the time including Buddy who should be of White European heritage and Jake who should be of Black African heritage. The use of make-up or prosthetics to alter an actor’s ethnicity is prohibited.

Preliminary Auditions

Open to ALL �Ը������� University students. Auditions will be held for both "Something Rotten" and "Side Show In Concert" for the Porthouse Experience. Your audition will consist of two contrasting musical selections (e.g., uptempo and ballad, or classical and contemporary). These selections should serve both "Something Rotten" and "Side Show." Each cut should be 16–32 bars, with sheet music in the performer’s key. No a cappella singing will be permitted.

Character Breakdown (from MTI)

VIOLET HILTON

DAISY HILTON

TERRY CONNER

BUDDY FOSTER

JAKE

SIR

3-LEGGED MAN

GEEK

FORTUNE TELLER

VENUS DE MILO

DOG BOY

HOUDINI

FEMALE COSSACK

HALF-MAN HALF-WOMAN

HUMAN PIN CUSHION

JUDGE

RAY

LIZARD MAN

SIR'S LAWYER

CAMERAMAN

TOD BROWNING

BEARDED LADY

AUNTIE

TATTOO GIRL

MALE COSSACK

DOCTORS

SUITORS

ROUSTABOUTS

ENSEMBLE

More �Ը������� Porthouse Theatre