Upcoming Auditions DatesFreaky Friday (Summer Youth Musical):
April 14 & 15 Kalamazoo: April 14 & 15 Disaster!*: May 2 & 3 Frankenstein*: July 21 & 22 Miracle on South Division Street*: September 22 & 23 *Dates are tentative and could change. Please check back for updates. |
|
About
Auditions for "Kalamazoo" will take place on Sunday, April 14th and Monday, April 15th on Backdoor Theatre's Dinner Stage.
Director's Notes
As with ALL of our auditions, there is no previous acting experience required! At its heart, Backdoor Theatre is a teaching theatre. We are looking for mature actors to play late 60's-70's. We will be asking those auditioning to read selections from the script.
Performance Dates
Backdoor’s Dinner Stage - June 14th - June 29th
Performances begin a 7:30 PM
Performances begin a 7:30 PM
Synopsis
Peg and Irv, two quirky but endearing baby-boomers, bravely venture into the world of modern dating. When these opposites attract, they discover love isn't any easier the second time around. Kalamazoo is a romantic comedy about life's second act and learning you're never too old to be young.
Character Descriptions
*** Please note that these are just guidelines for casting the show.***
PEG - Female, Irish-American. Sweet and naive but not dumb, nor a shrinking violet. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body (especially important to remember when she makes off-color or anti-Semitic remarks), but she isn’t afraid to stand up for herself. She’s innocent in a complicated world.
IRVING - Male, East-Coast Jewish. Irving is a self-made man, and a funny guy, but not a borscht-belt comedian. His veneer can be a little abrupt, but underneath he’s an open, tender-hearted man. He’s an explorer in a new world.
PEG - Female, Irish-American. Sweet and naive but not dumb, nor a shrinking violet. She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body (especially important to remember when she makes off-color or anti-Semitic remarks), but she isn’t afraid to stand up for herself. She’s innocent in a complicated world.
IRVING - Male, East-Coast Jewish. Irving is a self-made man, and a funny guy, but not a borscht-belt comedian. His veneer can be a little abrupt, but underneath he’s an open, tender-hearted man. He’s an explorer in a new world.
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 carter_wallace@sbcglobal.net 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.
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 carter_wallace@sbcglobal.net 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.