Upcoming Auditions Dates
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Director & Audition NotesThis show will be directed by Chance Harmon and music directed by Melanie Coons. For questions regarding auditions or the show, please email [email protected].
Auditions will be on Sunday, October 20th at 3 PM and Monday, October 21st at 6 PM. Attending both auditions dates is encouraged, but not required. Tuesday will be held for callbacks if needed. |
Performance Dates
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Show Synopsis & Information
Here is Rydell High’s senior class of 1959: duck-tailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys" and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical.
Head greaser Danny Zuko and new good girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night” and “Alone at the Drive-In Movie,” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation. An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions, place Grease among the world’s most popular musicals!
Head greaser Danny Zuko and new good girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night” and “Alone at the Drive-In Movie,” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation. An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions, place Grease among the world’s most popular musicals!
Audition Materials
Female Roles:
Prepare a portion of "Freddy My Love" that has been provided. You’ll find the cut sheet music, backing track, and the original song for reference.
Male Roles:
Prepare a portion of "Beauty School Dropout" that has been provided. The cut sheet music, backing track, and the original song are provided for reference.
Important: You don’t need to memorize the song! You can use the sheet music during auditions—just be familiar with your selection. We’ll also be reading scenes from the script, so come ready to dive into the role and enjoy yourself!
Prepare a portion of "Freddy My Love" that has been provided. You’ll find the cut sheet music, backing track, and the original song for reference.
- Click here for the sheet music.
- Click here for the original song.
- Click here for the track you'll be singing with at auditions.
Male Roles:
Prepare a portion of "Beauty School Dropout" that has been provided. The cut sheet music, backing track, and the original song are provided for reference.
- Click here for the sheet music.
- Click here for the original song.
- Click here for the track you'll be singing with at auditions.
Important: You don’t need to memorize the song! You can use the sheet music during auditions—just be familiar with your selection. We’ll also be reading scenes from the script, so come ready to dive into the role and enjoy yourself!
Character Descriptions
All are encouraged to audition no matter how you identify, but you must be 50+ by auditions! If swings are cast, swings are guaranteed at least one performance.
- DANNY ZUKO (Range: tenor, D4–B5) The leader of the Burger Palace Boys; good-looking, strong and confident, with an air of easy-going charm.
- SANDY DUMBROWSKI(Range: Soprano, A3–F#5) New girl in town; sweet, wholesome, naive, cute, and innocent.
- BETTY RIZZO (Range:Alto A3–C5) Leader of the Pink Ladies; tough, sarcastic, and outspoken but vulnerable.
- FRENCHY (Range: Alto, A3–D5) A dreamer; good-natured but not too smart, she is heavily made up, fussy about her appearance, particularly her hair. She can't wait to finish high school so she can be a beautician.
- MARTY (Range Alto, C4–C5) The 'beauty' of the Pink Ladies; pretty and looks older than the other girls, but betrays her real age when she opens her mouth. She tries to act sophisticated.
- JAN (Range: Alto, A3-C5) Funny, loud, compulsive eater, and awkward member of the Pink Ladies. Loud and pushy with the girls, but shy with boys.
- DOODY (Range: Tenor, D4-A5) The youngest of the guys; small, boyish, and open, with a disarming smile and a hero-worshipping attitude towards the other guys. He also plays the guitar (not a requirement, but a plus).
- KENICKIE (Range: Tenor, C4–F5) The second in command of the Burger Palace Boys; tough-looking, tattooed, surly, and avoids any show of softness. He has an offbeat sense of humor.
- SONNY LATIERRI (Range: baritone, G3–A5) A member of the Burger Palace Boys; funny Italian-American, he is a braggart and wheeler-dealer who thinks he's a real lady-killer
- ROGER (Range: Tenor, D4-A5) The anything-for-a-laugh stocky type of boy; a clown who enjoys winding people up, he is full of mischief and is always dreaming up half-baked schemes and ideas.
- VINCE FONTAINE/RADIO VOICE (Range: Tenor, A3–C5)) A typical 'teen audience' disc jockey; slick, egotistical and fast-talking. He is also a veteran 'Greaser.'
- CHA-CHA, aka CHARLENE DIGREGORIO (Range: Alto, C4–C5) The best dancer at St. Bernadette's; a loud mouth, she wins the dancing competition with Danny.
- EUGENE FLORCZYK (Range: Tenor, A3–E5) The class valedictorian; physically awkward, with weak eyes and a high-pitched voice. He's a typical 'apple-polisher' - both smug and pompous, but gullible.
- JOHNNY CASINO (Range: Tenor, G4-E5) All-American, rock-star “greaser” student at Rydell High, whose real name is Clarence.
- MISS LYNCH (Range: Ensemble) A no-nonsense, serious, loud English teacher.
- PATTY SIMCOX(Range: Alto, D4-A4) A typical cheerleader; attractive, athletic, sure-of-herself, but can be given to bursts of disconcerting enthusiasm. She's a bit of a pain and unpopular with the Pink Ladies, and can twirl a baton.
- TEEN ANGEL(Range: Tenor, E4–F5) Frenchy's suave and slick guardian angel, who encourages her to stay in school.
- ENSEMBLE (SATB)
Ready to sign up for auditions? Click the box below!
Audition FAQ's
What is the overall audition process like
The process is different for straight plays versus musicals, and may also depend 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. We recommend keeping an eye on this page and our Facebook page for more information on each aduition session!
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 [email protected] to receive a script for the show. If you are trying out for a musical, familiarize yourself with the songs.
What do I wear to auditions?
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. If you don't get cast, we also suggest asking the director about being apart of the Tech Crew!
Does Backdoor Theatre precast shows
On a rare occasion, some parts may be precast. This will be listed in character descriptions on this page and all audition announcements.
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.