Upcoming Auditions Dates Oliver!
November 17th and 18th @ 6:00pm Please note: Attendance on both nights of auditions is not required, but is encouraged as sometimes the Casting Committee would like you to perform additional material. When referring to callbacks, we may not always need everyone to read or sing again. This does not mean that you are not being considered for a role or not cast. The Casting Committee makes the decision on callbacks for various reason. |
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Auditions for Oliver! will be on
Nov. 17th +18th!
Performance Dates |
Show Synopsis |
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Main Stage - February 21st - March 14th
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM *There may be additional outreach performances scheduled throughout the run. |
The streets of Victorian England comes to life as Oliver, a malnourished orphan in a workhouse, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, Mr. Brownlow takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap him back, threatening Oliver’s chances of discovering the true love of a family.
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Director's Notes
As with ALL of our auditions, there is no previous acting experience required! All of those auditioning will be asked to bring a song of their choice, not longer than one minute, in the style of the show. We will have an accompanist and Bluetooth speaker for audio/karaoke track. We will do singing auditions, movement/dance audition, and followed by scene reading.
Character Descriptions
* Please note that these are only guidelines for casting the show.* Although character descriptions may include age ranges, we will not strictly adhere to that. We are looking for the best person to fill each role. We do not discriminate against race, sex, color, orientation, or experience. We encourage ALL to participate and audition!
Oliver Twist: A workhouse child orphan, singer/actor. This character is majority of the scenes in the show. Parents should note they will possibly be required to attend rehearsal more than others in the show.
Artful Dodger: A street kid, age range 13-18, singer/actor. Very energetic, highly personable, intelligent and savvy beyond his years, Fagin’s right hand “man”.
Fagin: Leader of a children’s band of thieves, singer/actor. Described as devious, a user, sly fox, con man, very personable.
Nancy: When she was younger worked for Fagin, now a “barmaid” at the Three Cripples Bar singer/actress should have decent movement skills. She lives with and loves Bill Sykes, pretty, intelligent, longs for a better life.
Bill Sykes: Worked for Fagin as a youth now a feared master criminal, actor/singer. Good looking in a rough sort of way, a killer who only looks out for himself.
Mr. Bumble: The Master of the Workhouse, singer/actor. A large, pompous and corrupt bureaucrat.
Widow Corney: The Mistress of the Workhouse, singer/ actress. Sharp tongued widow, also corrupt.
Bet: Nancy’s friend, may also have worked for Fagin, singer/actress should move well. She idolizes Nancy.
Mr. Sowerberry: The undertaker, actor/singer. Kind of creepy, “buys” Oliver from Bumble to work in the funeral home as a coffin follower, may be an alcoholic.
Mrs. Sowerberry: The undertaker’s wife, actress/singer. More business savvy than her husband.
Noah Claypole: Undertaker’s apprentice, actor. May have also come from Workhouse. Feels threatened by, dislikes and torments Oliver.
Charlotte: Sowerberry’s daughter, actress. Attracted to Noah, kind of flirty.
Mr. Brownlow: Older gentleman, actor/singer. Kind upper class gentleman, Oliver’s grandfather.
Dr. Grimwig: A doctor, actor. Upper class, friend of Mr. Brownlow.
Mrs. Bedwin: A housekeeper. Works for Mr. Brownlow. Warm personality.
Ensemble: Kids (7 and up) and Adults for various roles.
Oliver Twist: A workhouse child orphan, singer/actor. This character is majority of the scenes in the show. Parents should note they will possibly be required to attend rehearsal more than others in the show.
Artful Dodger: A street kid, age range 13-18, singer/actor. Very energetic, highly personable, intelligent and savvy beyond his years, Fagin’s right hand “man”.
Fagin: Leader of a children’s band of thieves, singer/actor. Described as devious, a user, sly fox, con man, very personable.
Nancy: When she was younger worked for Fagin, now a “barmaid” at the Three Cripples Bar singer/actress should have decent movement skills. She lives with and loves Bill Sykes, pretty, intelligent, longs for a better life.
Bill Sykes: Worked for Fagin as a youth now a feared master criminal, actor/singer. Good looking in a rough sort of way, a killer who only looks out for himself.
Mr. Bumble: The Master of the Workhouse, singer/actor. A large, pompous and corrupt bureaucrat.
Widow Corney: The Mistress of the Workhouse, singer/ actress. Sharp tongued widow, also corrupt.
Bet: Nancy’s friend, may also have worked for Fagin, singer/actress should move well. She idolizes Nancy.
Mr. Sowerberry: The undertaker, actor/singer. Kind of creepy, “buys” Oliver from Bumble to work in the funeral home as a coffin follower, may be an alcoholic.
Mrs. Sowerberry: The undertaker’s wife, actress/singer. More business savvy than her husband.
Noah Claypole: Undertaker’s apprentice, actor. May have also come from Workhouse. Feels threatened by, dislikes and torments Oliver.
Charlotte: Sowerberry’s daughter, actress. Attracted to Noah, kind of flirty.
Mr. Brownlow: Older gentleman, actor/singer. Kind upper class gentleman, Oliver’s grandfather.
Dr. Grimwig: A doctor, actor. Upper class, friend of Mr. Brownlow.
Mrs. Bedwin: A housekeeper. Works for Mr. Brownlow. Warm personality.
Ensemble: Kids (7 and up) and Adults for various roles.
Audition FAQ's
What is the overall audition process like?
The process is different for straight plays versus musicals and is dependent on who is directing the show. All auditions include an introduction to the director and committee members, and all participants fill out an audition form. Audition lengths can vary depending on the number of people who come. Familiarize yourself with the play/musical you are auditioning for before you come to the auditions.
What are Musical auditions like and how do you prepare?
Musical auditions are usually made up of three parts: choreography, vocals, and scene reading (reading from the script of the show). However, some musicals do not contain choreography so this section may be omitted from the audition process.
What are Straight Play auditions like and how do you prepare?
Straight play auditions consist of scene readings. Occasionally, a play can demand a certain type of movement so there may be a portion of the evening in which the director will work with you to see how well you can move and adapt to the needs of the script.
Who casts the show?
A deliberative body called the casting committee. The committee is made up of the director, choreographer (if applicable), and guests who are experienced in theatre arts. The casting committee acts as a sounding board and another set of eyes and ears for the director who makes the final decisions.
How do you make your decisions on who to cast?
How do you find out why you were cast, or not cast, for the part you wanted?
Backdoor Theatre is a teaching theatre. We encourage all participants to reach out and ask this question. We will provide constructive feedback on how you can improve your skills. Please email us by using the form on this page.
Do you need to have experience to try out?
Not at all, we will teach you what you need to know. However, you are expected to be familiar with the show and material. Please email backdoorwf@gmail.com to receive a script for the show. If you are trying out for a musical, familiarize yourself with the songs.
What do I wear?
Whatever your comfortable in and closed toe shoes. If your audition involves dancing, bring appropriate footwear and wear clothing you can move around in.
Do I need to come to both nights of auditions?
It's not required but encouraged.
What do I do if I don't get cast?
There are several reasons you might not get cast. Please reach out and ask for constructive feedback. Come to more auditions, and don't give up! Being a part of a Backdoor production is an experience you will never forget!
Does Backdoor Theatre precast shows?
Some parts may be precast, this will be listed in character descriptions and that part will not be available during auditions.
What about callbacks?
When referring to callbacks, we may not always need everyone to read or sing again. This does not mean that you are not being considered for a role or not cast. The Casting Committee makes the decision on callbacks for various reason.
The process is different for straight plays versus musicals and is dependent on who is directing the show. All auditions include an introduction to the director and committee members, and all participants fill out an audition form. Audition lengths can vary depending on the number of people who come. Familiarize yourself with the play/musical you are auditioning for before you come to the auditions.
What are Musical auditions like and how do you prepare?
Musical auditions are usually made up of three parts: choreography, vocals, and scene reading (reading from the script of the show). However, some musicals do not contain choreography so this section may be omitted from the audition process.
- Choreography: The choreographer will teach the group a routine. You then perform it as a group. You can prepare for this portion by watching videos of other productions of the show ahead of time. This will expose you to the type of choreography you will be taught.
- Vocals: You're encouraged to bring a 16 to 32 bar (30-45 sec.) cut from a song in the style of the show. We provide an accompanist and there is a speaker available if you have tracked music. If you do not bring your own music cut, the musical director or accompanist will teach the group a portion of a song from the show. You will then be called up to perform this song individually or as a group. The best way to prepare for this is to listen to the soundtrack for the show ahead of time.
- Scene Readings: Portions from the script will be distributed to participants, you normally receive lines for the part you are auditioning for, sometimes the director will hand you different part to ascertain your range as an actor. The best way to prepare for this is to read the script ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the character you wish to portray.
What are Straight Play auditions like and how do you prepare?
Straight play auditions consist of scene readings. Occasionally, a play can demand a certain type of movement so there may be a portion of the evening in which the director will work with you to see how well you can move and adapt to the needs of the script.
- Scene Readings: Portions from the script will be distributed to participants, you normally receive lines for the part you are auditioning. Sometimes the director will hand you different part to ascertain your range as an actor. The best way to prepare for this is to read the script ahead of time and familiarize yourself with the character you wish to portray.
Who casts the show?
A deliberative body called the casting committee. The committee is made up of the director, choreographer (if applicable), and guests who are experienced in theatre arts. The casting committee acts as a sounding board and another set of eyes and ears for the director who makes the final decisions.
How do you make your decisions on who to cast?
- Availability- Rehearsal is incredibly important. If your schedule inhibits you from attending rehearsals you may not be cast. This will be clarified at the beginning of auditions, and included on your audition form.
- Talent- Vocal ability and acting.
- Physicality- Some roles require specific looks, accents, age, etc. Some shows require specific dance choreography/movement.
- Chemistry- When casting, the committee is required to look at the cast as a whole and see how and IF you fit into that puzzle. For example, You may be right for Role A & B, but if you are cast as Role A, there may not be someone for Role B. You may be cast as Role B if there is a second option for Role A.
How do you find out why you were cast, or not cast, for the part you wanted?
Backdoor Theatre is a teaching theatre. We encourage all participants to reach out and ask this question. We will provide constructive feedback on how you can improve your skills. Please email us by using the form on this page.
Do you need to have experience to try out?
Not at all, we will teach you what you need to know. However, you are expected to be familiar with the show and material. Please email backdoorwf@gmail.com to receive a script for the show. If you are trying out for a musical, familiarize yourself with the songs.
What do I wear?
Whatever your comfortable in and closed toe shoes. If your audition involves dancing, bring appropriate footwear and wear clothing you can move around in.
Do I need to come to both nights of auditions?
It's not required but encouraged.
What do I do if I don't get cast?
There are several reasons you might not get cast. Please reach out and ask for constructive feedback. Come to more auditions, and don't give up! Being a part of a Backdoor production is an experience you will never forget!
Does Backdoor Theatre precast shows?
Some parts may be precast, this will be listed in character descriptions and that part will not be available during auditions.
What about callbacks?
When referring to callbacks, we may not always need everyone to read or sing again. This does not mean that you are not being considered for a role or not cast. The Casting Committee makes the decision on callbacks for various reason.