Upcoming Auditions Dates
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Director & Audition NotesMad Libs Live! will be directed by Carter Wallace with Music Direction by Ayrian Norman.
Auditions will be Sunday, February 26th at 3:30 PM and Monday, February 27th at 6:30 PM. Callbacks will be Tuesday, February 28th at 6:30 PM if needed. Auditions are open to those 14 years old and up! |
Performance DatesMay 12th - May 27th 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
MAD LIBS LIVE! is the new musical based on the most popular word game of all time!
Our story begins at the finals of Teen Superstars, the live TV show that will determine the most popular singing group at Blankville Central High! Virtuosa, Gogo, Geyser, and Merrily seem to have nothing in common – until just before airtime, when they realize that their songs are missing words!
In the spirit of the "World's Greatest Word Game," our gang fills in the blanks with words from the audience! This truly interactive musical changes at every performance – thanks to you!
Will GoGo get the girl? Will Geyser make new friends? Will Merrily come out of her shell? Will Virtuosa get out of the spotlight? And who will be the next Teen Superstars? There is only one way to find out: Mad Libs Live!
Our story begins at the finals of Teen Superstars, the live TV show that will determine the most popular singing group at Blankville Central High! Virtuosa, Gogo, Geyser, and Merrily seem to have nothing in common – until just before airtime, when they realize that their songs are missing words!
In the spirit of the "World's Greatest Word Game," our gang fills in the blanks with words from the audience! This truly interactive musical changes at every performance – thanks to you!
Will GoGo get the girl? Will Geyser make new friends? Will Merrily come out of her shell? Will Virtuosa get out of the spotlight? And who will be the next Teen Superstars? There is only one way to find out: Mad Libs Live!
Audition Materials
Sides/scenes will be handed out at auditions.
Female Presenting - "How to Be Famous" - music begins at m32 and singing is m35 - m50
how_to_be_famous.pdf
Male Presenting - "The Most Famous Athlete in the World" - music begins a m3 and singing is m6-m22
most_awesome_athlete.pdf
Callbacks - "Doing It Right" harmonies in m38 - m45
doing_it_right.pdf
You can find a cast recording on Spotify.
If you'd like a copy of the script, please e-mail carter@backdortheatre.org
Female Presenting - "How to Be Famous" - music begins at m32 and singing is m35 - m50
how_to_be_famous.pdf
Male Presenting - "The Most Famous Athlete in the World" - music begins a m3 and singing is m6-m22
most_awesome_athlete.pdf
Callbacks - "Doing It Right" harmonies in m38 - m45
doing_it_right.pdf
You can find a cast recording on Spotify.
If you'd like a copy of the script, please e-mail carter@backdortheatre.org
Character Descriptions
All roles have 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.
Please note - actor ages DO NOT have to reflect character ages. This show lends itself to having adults in these roles, much like "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee".
CHARACTERS
RYAN SEABLANK – The M.C. for the evening. Never seen. (This role can either be pre-recorded, or performed live offstage. If performed live, the name of the M.C. may be replaced with another name such as a local DJ, the town Mayor, a teacher, etc.)
MERRILY – 16. Empathic, cheerful, smart, but lacks confidence.
VIRTUOSA – 16. Self-involved, desperate for fame. (Think Rachel from "Glee.") GOGO is her older brother.
GEYSER – 14. The "new kid." Quirky, into video games, sci-fi and outer space. His speech cadence often resembles that of a sci-fi space captain.
GOGO – 17. Active, athletic. Exhibits leadership qualities, but can be overly competitive. VIRTUOSA is his younger sister.
DYLAN – 16. The lead singer of No Direction. Massive ego. He stole away GOGO's girlfriend, Lindsey. (Played by the actor who plays GEYSER)
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.
Please note - actor ages DO NOT have to reflect character ages. This show lends itself to having adults in these roles, much like "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee".
CHARACTERS
RYAN SEABLANK – The M.C. for the evening. Never seen. (This role can either be pre-recorded, or performed live offstage. If performed live, the name of the M.C. may be replaced with another name such as a local DJ, the town Mayor, a teacher, etc.)
MERRILY – 16. Empathic, cheerful, smart, but lacks confidence.
VIRTUOSA – 16. Self-involved, desperate for fame. (Think Rachel from "Glee.") GOGO is her older brother.
GEYSER – 14. The "new kid." Quirky, into video games, sci-fi and outer space. His speech cadence often resembles that of a sci-fi space captain.
GOGO – 17. Active, athletic. Exhibits leadership qualities, but can be overly competitive. VIRTUOSA is his younger sister.
DYLAN – 16. The lead singer of No Direction. Massive ego. He stole away GOGO's girlfriend, Lindsey. (Played by the actor who plays GEYSER)
Ready to register for auditions? Click the red 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 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
Some parts may be precast. This will be listed in character descriptions on this page 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.