Upcoming Auditions Dates:
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Director & Audition Notes"12 Angry Jurors" will be directed by Mark Dudley. Carrie-Anne Taylor will be the Stage Manager.
Auditions will be on Sunday, February 2nd at 3 PM and Monday, February 3rd at 6 PM. Attending both auditions dates is encouraged, but not required. Tuesday will be held for callbacks if needed. Auditions are open to those 18+. |
Performance Dates
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Show Synopsis & Information
A 19-year-old man has just stood trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. "He doesn't stand a chance," mutters the guard as the 12 jurors are taken into the bleak jury room. It looks like an open-and-shut case—until one of the jurors begins opening the others' eyes to the facts.
With each juror revealing his or her own character as the various testimonies are re-examined, the murder is re-enacted and a new murder threat is born before their eyes! Tempers get short, arguments grow heated, and the men and women become 12 angry jurors.
The jurors' final verdict and how they reach it—in tense scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat—add up to a fine, mature piece of dramatic literature and experience!
With each juror revealing his or her own character as the various testimonies are re-examined, the murder is re-enacted and a new murder threat is born before their eyes! Tempers get short, arguments grow heated, and the men and women become 12 angry jurors.
The jurors' final verdict and how they reach it—in tense scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat—add up to a fine, mature piece of dramatic literature and experience!
Audition Materials
Auditions will be cold reads of scenes from the play. Auditions materials will be available at the auditions.
If you would like to review a copy of the script, please click here. Due to copyright limitations, you will not be able to download or print a copy of the script.
If you would like to review a copy of the script, please click here. Due to copyright limitations, you will not be able to download or print a copy of the script.
Character Descriptions
All are encouraged to audition no matter how you identify! If swings are cast, swings are guaranteed at least one performance.
For this production, there are only two roles that have assigned gender to them - Juror 3 and Juror 8. All other parts will be cast based on individual talents of actors/auditionees. Backdoor Theatre will be using the 12 Angry Men script, and will adjust pronouns in dialogue as needed. The role of the Judge has already been cast.
For this production, there are only two roles that have assigned gender to them - Juror 3 and Juror 8. All other parts will be cast based on individual talents of actors/auditionees. Backdoor Theatre will be using the 12 Angry Men script, and will adjust pronouns in dialogue as needed. The role of the Judge has already been cast.
- Juror One: Foreman of the jury who takes his/her authority seriously but not an overbearing leader.
- Juror Two: A meek hesitant person, who finds it difficult to maintain any opinion of his/her own. He/she is easily swayed and usually adopts the opinion of the last person to who he/she spoke.
- Juror Three: (MALE) He is a very strong, very forceful, extremely opinionated person. He is humorless and is intolerant of opinions other than his own, and accustomed to forcing his/her wishes and views upon others.
- Juror Four: He/She seems to be a person of wealth and position, and a practice speaker who presents herself well at all times. She seems to feel a little bit above the rest of the jurors. Her only concern is with the facts in this case, and she is appalled with the behavior of others.
- Juror Five: She/he is a naïve, very frightened young person who takes her/his obligations in this case very seriously but who finds it difficult to speak up when her/his elders have the floor.
- Juror Six: He/she is an honest but dull-witted person who comes upon his/her decisions slowly and carefully. He/she is a person who finds it difficult to create positive opinions, but who must listen to and digest and accept those opinions offered by others which appeal to him/her most.
- Juror Seven: A loud, flashy, salesperson type who has more important things to do than to sit on a jury. She/he is quick to show temper and equally quick to form opinions on things about which she/he knows nothing. She/he is a bully, and, of course, a coward.
- Juror Eight: (MALE) This is a quiet, thoughtful, gentle person, one who sees all sides of every question and constantly seeks the truth. He is a person of strength tempered with compassion. Above all, she/he is one who wants justice to be done, and will fight to see that it is.
- Juror Nine: This is a mild, gentle older person, long since defeated by life who mourns for the days when it would have been possible to be courageous without shielding him/herself behind his/her many years.
- Juror Ten: He/She is an angry bitter person who antagonizes almost at sight. A bigot who places no values on any human life save her own. Here is person who has been nowhere and knows it.
- Juror Eleven: This is a foreign born juror who speaks with an accent. He/she is almost subservient to the people around him/her. He/she will honestly seek justice, because he/she has suffered through so much injustice. Eastern European accent will be required.
- Juror Twelve: She/he is a slick, bright advertising person who thinks of human beings in terms of percentages, graphs and pools, and has no real understanding of people. She/he is superficial snob, but is trying to be companionable.
- Guard: This is a bit part. He/She can be of any age.
To sign up for auditions, click the button 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.