Upcoming Auditions Dates
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Director & Audition NotesKen Lugwig's Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood will be directed by Cassie Toft.
Auditions will be Sunday, June 4th at 5:30 PM and Monday, June 5th at 6 PM. Callbacks will be Tuesday, June 6th at 6 PM, if needed. Auditions are open to those 17+. |
Performance DatesAugust 18th - September 2nd on Backdoor Theatre's
Dinner Stage. Shows begin at 7:30 PM These dates do not include any potential marketing or promotional events. |
Show Synopsis & Information
Packed with thrills, romance, laughter, and immortal characters like Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian, Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood tells the enduring story of a hero of the people who takes on the ruthless powers that be. So get ready to duck a quarterstaff or two – you won’t want to miss a moment of the swashbuckling fun!
Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood is a story about fighting for what your conscience requires. The story begins with a young man who believes in nothing but a good time, then comes face to face with the kind of greed and inhumanity that won't let him sleep at night. Suddenly, he's an outlaw hiding in Sherwood Forest where he joins up with a band of followers including Little John, Friar Tuck, and a fiesty adventuress, Maid Marian, who steals his hears and won't give it back.
This classic story of courage is based on the English ballads of the 14th & 15th centuries and is filled, like its hero, with thrills, romance, and a deep belief in social justice.
Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood is a story about fighting for what your conscience requires. The story begins with a young man who believes in nothing but a good time, then comes face to face with the kind of greed and inhumanity that won't let him sleep at night. Suddenly, he's an outlaw hiding in Sherwood Forest where he joins up with a band of followers including Little John, Friar Tuck, and a fiesty adventuress, Maid Marian, who steals his hears and won't give it back.
This classic story of courage is based on the English ballads of the 14th & 15th centuries and is filled, like its hero, with thrills, romance, and a deep belief in social justice.
Audition Materials
These auditions will be cold reads. Scenes will be handed out at auditions.
If you'd like a copy of the script, please e-mail carter@backdortheatre.org or toftcassie@gmail.com
If you'd like a copy of the script, please e-mail carter@backdortheatre.org or toftcassie@gmail.com
Character Descriptions
Although some roles have set genders, casting will have gender, race, and age flexibility . All are encouraged to audition no matter how you identify!
In addition to the roles below, we will also be casting one female-presenting swing and one male-presenting swing. Swings will be guaranteed at least one performance.
CHARACTERS
ROBIN HOOD - Displaced son of the Saxon lord Robert, Earl of Huntingdon, Robin is an unlikely hero for the common folk, but his Merry Men consist mostly of Saxon yeomen, even if his love interest is a Norman lady.
MAID MARIAN - As a Norman noblewoman, Marian’s choices should have been limited, but she sacrifices a life of comfort and duty for a life in the greenwood. In most versions of the story, she is the king’s ward, which makes her near-royalty. Her love for a Saxon outlaw would be even more an outrage if he wasn’t the son of an earl.
FRIAR TUCK - Franciscan friars took an oath of voluntary poverty and dedicated their lives to preaching the gospel. Since they were the opposite of most churchmen, whose wealth and power were conspicuous, friars were often the most well-liked of the church’s representatives.
LITTLE JOHN - Little John is the ultimate Saxon yeoman and is one of the oldest characters in the Robin Hood stories, being present as one of Robin’s men from the very beginning. Like any good sidekick, Little John’s honest heart and intelligence mark him as a match for Robin. In most versions of the story, Little John is with Robin to the very end.
DOERWYNN - She’s part of a long line of feisty ladies-in-waiting who help Maid Marian negotiate her difficult position between the Sheriff of Nottingham and Robin Hood.
SIR GUY OF GISBOURNE - Gisbourne is a mercenary, hired to hunt down and kill Robin. Over time, he has evolved into a low-level knight who serves as a henchman to the Sheriff of Nottingham.
THE SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM - The medieval “shire reeve” was responsible for managing an estate on behalf of an aristocratic landholder. As such, he was often the least popular figure in the shire, hated by the lord’s tenants, who paid their rents and taxes directly to the reeve, and distrusted by the lord, since a savvy reeve could easily fleece the peasantry and enrich himself by skimming off the top.
PRINCE JOHN - Son of the late King Henry II and younger brother of the current King Richard I. His is the highest-ranking and almost the most powerful character. Though if he could get his brother out of the way...
In addition to the roles below, we will also be casting one female-presenting swing and one male-presenting swing. Swings will be guaranteed at least one performance.
CHARACTERS
ROBIN HOOD - Displaced son of the Saxon lord Robert, Earl of Huntingdon, Robin is an unlikely hero for the common folk, but his Merry Men consist mostly of Saxon yeomen, even if his love interest is a Norman lady.
MAID MARIAN - As a Norman noblewoman, Marian’s choices should have been limited, but she sacrifices a life of comfort and duty for a life in the greenwood. In most versions of the story, she is the king’s ward, which makes her near-royalty. Her love for a Saxon outlaw would be even more an outrage if he wasn’t the son of an earl.
FRIAR TUCK - Franciscan friars took an oath of voluntary poverty and dedicated their lives to preaching the gospel. Since they were the opposite of most churchmen, whose wealth and power were conspicuous, friars were often the most well-liked of the church’s representatives.
LITTLE JOHN - Little John is the ultimate Saxon yeoman and is one of the oldest characters in the Robin Hood stories, being present as one of Robin’s men from the very beginning. Like any good sidekick, Little John’s honest heart and intelligence mark him as a match for Robin. In most versions of the story, Little John is with Robin to the very end.
DOERWYNN - She’s part of a long line of feisty ladies-in-waiting who help Maid Marian negotiate her difficult position between the Sheriff of Nottingham and Robin Hood.
SIR GUY OF GISBOURNE - Gisbourne is a mercenary, hired to hunt down and kill Robin. Over time, he has evolved into a low-level knight who serves as a henchman to the Sheriff of Nottingham.
THE SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM - The medieval “shire reeve” was responsible for managing an estate on behalf of an aristocratic landholder. As such, he was often the least popular figure in the shire, hated by the lord’s tenants, who paid their rents and taxes directly to the reeve, and distrusted by the lord, since a savvy reeve could easily fleece the peasantry and enrich himself by skimming off the top.
PRINCE JOHN - Son of the late King Henry II and younger brother of the current King Richard I. His is the highest-ranking and almost the most powerful character. Though if he could get his brother out of the way...
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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 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 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.