Upcoming Auditions DatesTHE ADDAMS FAMILY - MARCH 27TH & 28TH
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AuditionsAuditions for Backdoor’s Summer Youth Musical “The Addams Family" will take place on Sunday, March 27th at 4 PM and Monday, March 28th at 6 PM. Tuesday will be reserved for callbacks as needed. Please note that dance auditions will be on Monday. Although it is not required to attend both nights, it will be beneficial.
LOCATION: Auditions will take place at The Space, our theatre school/rehearsal space located next to 6th Street Winery (600 6th Street). Our Main Stage currently has 34,000 pounds of scaffolding as we prepare for our sprinkler system installation. |
Director's NotesThe Addams Family will be directed by Nicholas Mariotti with Music Direction by Jennifer Walker, and Choreography by Hannah Smith.
SYM auditions are open to those currently in 6th - 12th grade. |
Performance DatesBackdoor’s Main Stage - July 15th - 30th
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings Performances begin at 7:30 PM Outreach and marketing performances will also be scheduled |
Audition MaterialsAuditions will consist of cold reading scenes, music, and dance.
Please review the music cuts here - "When Your An Addams" - addams_male_cut.pdf Track with melody - when_youre_an_addams_am_melody.mp3 Track without melody - when_youre_an_addams_am_piano.mp3 "One Normal Night" - addams_female_cut.pdf Track with melody - one_normal_night__f_melody.mp3 Track without melody - one_normal_night_[concert_version]__the_addams_family___f__pno.mp3 |
Synopsis
This comical feast embraces the wackiness in every family! The Addams Family features an original story, and it's every father's nightmare - Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met.
If that wasn't upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he hasn't done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family as they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents.
A more detailed synopsis can be found here.
If that wasn't upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he hasn't done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family as they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents.
A more detailed synopsis can be found here.
Character Descriptions
*** Please note we encourage ALL to audition no matter how you identify!***
GOMEZ ADDAMS
Tenor/baritone vocals
Smart, comedic actor
A suave, yet comical man who takes great pride in his family and revels in all it means to be an Addams. He struggles keeping his daughter’s secret from his wife, whom he adores more than death. Husband to Morticia.
UNCLE FESTER
Tenor/baritone vocals
Vaudeville-style Comedian, That one awkward family member who serves as the musical’s narrator. He’s larger than life, an energetic, joyous, child-like presence. Uncle Fester is incorrigible and, except for the good nature of the family and the ignorance of the police, would ordinarily be under lock and key.
LUCAS BEINEKE
Tenor Vocals
Attractive male. Fell in love with Wednesday Addams and plans to marry her. Experiences the youthful pain and drama of young love and struggles with the differences between his family and the Addams family. Lucas is a ‘normal guy’ who's a little dorky. Wednesday absolutely intrigues him.
MAL BEINEKE
High baritone/tenor vocals
Stuffy father of Lucas and exasperated husband to his rhyming Stepford wife, Alice. At one time was a follower of a grungy, dark band, but has lost that side of himself and has become a stereotypical businessman. Always looking out for his family’s future and how they might look to his colleagues and the rest of the world.
LURCH
Most Likely a Zombie Butler
The Addams butler who knows all, but says less. He speaks in moans and groans.
PUGSLEY ADDAMS
Alto vocals
Troublesome Younger Brother
A funny and sometimes annoying young boy who loves being tortured by his sister. He wants to ensure he won’t lose his sister to her new boyfriend so he takes matters into his own hands. Strong, high vocals.
MORTICIA ADDAMS
Alto/mezzo vocals
Strong Matriarch
Strong willed woman – the strength of the family. An easy comedic actress with a dry wit. Feels her husband is hiding something from her and will use any tactic to lure the secret out. She is the real head of the family and fears her daughter and her aren’t as close as they used to be.
WEDNESDAY ADDAMS
Pop Soprano/Mezzo vocals
Adventurous daughter
Wednesday is a girl who has the same dry wit and sensibility of her mother. Finds love with a “normal” boy (Lucas) and wants to introduce his family to hers. She experiences the lovesick drama that comes with first love and when two very different families meet. She longs for the approval of her parents but isn't afraid to show her rebellious side.
ALICE BEINEKE
Soprano vocals
Charming housewife comedic actress
Mother of Lucas, devoted to her family so she puts aside her own desires. Alice is a quirky female who often speaks in rhymes and falls prey to the latest fads or quick fixes to her family or personal life. While at the Addams family dinner party, she drinks a potion that causes her to let her hair down and speak the truth rather than always appearing as “perfect”.
GRANDMA
Character vocals
Comedic actress
She’s one feisty old woman. Fun and quirky, but don’t mess with her. Grandma often schemes with Pugsley and offers advice when needed. She’s more of an oddball than a typical, comforting grandmother figure.
ADDAMS ANCESTORS
All vocal ranges
Ancestors of the Addams family now live on ‘the other side’, but are summoned once a year to come celebrate with the family. They help tell the story, offer advice and interact with the characters throughout the play.
GOMEZ ADDAMS
Tenor/baritone vocals
Smart, comedic actor
A suave, yet comical man who takes great pride in his family and revels in all it means to be an Addams. He struggles keeping his daughter’s secret from his wife, whom he adores more than death. Husband to Morticia.
UNCLE FESTER
Tenor/baritone vocals
Vaudeville-style Comedian, That one awkward family member who serves as the musical’s narrator. He’s larger than life, an energetic, joyous, child-like presence. Uncle Fester is incorrigible and, except for the good nature of the family and the ignorance of the police, would ordinarily be under lock and key.
LUCAS BEINEKE
Tenor Vocals
Attractive male. Fell in love with Wednesday Addams and plans to marry her. Experiences the youthful pain and drama of young love and struggles with the differences between his family and the Addams family. Lucas is a ‘normal guy’ who's a little dorky. Wednesday absolutely intrigues him.
MAL BEINEKE
High baritone/tenor vocals
Stuffy father of Lucas and exasperated husband to his rhyming Stepford wife, Alice. At one time was a follower of a grungy, dark band, but has lost that side of himself and has become a stereotypical businessman. Always looking out for his family’s future and how they might look to his colleagues and the rest of the world.
LURCH
Most Likely a Zombie Butler
The Addams butler who knows all, but says less. He speaks in moans and groans.
PUGSLEY ADDAMS
Alto vocals
Troublesome Younger Brother
A funny and sometimes annoying young boy who loves being tortured by his sister. He wants to ensure he won’t lose his sister to her new boyfriend so he takes matters into his own hands. Strong, high vocals.
MORTICIA ADDAMS
Alto/mezzo vocals
Strong Matriarch
Strong willed woman – the strength of the family. An easy comedic actress with a dry wit. Feels her husband is hiding something from her and will use any tactic to lure the secret out. She is the real head of the family and fears her daughter and her aren’t as close as they used to be.
WEDNESDAY ADDAMS
Pop Soprano/Mezzo vocals
Adventurous daughter
Wednesday is a girl who has the same dry wit and sensibility of her mother. Finds love with a “normal” boy (Lucas) and wants to introduce his family to hers. She experiences the lovesick drama that comes with first love and when two very different families meet. She longs for the approval of her parents but isn't afraid to show her rebellious side.
ALICE BEINEKE
Soprano vocals
Charming housewife comedic actress
Mother of Lucas, devoted to her family so she puts aside her own desires. Alice is a quirky female who often speaks in rhymes and falls prey to the latest fads or quick fixes to her family or personal life. While at the Addams family dinner party, she drinks a potion that causes her to let her hair down and speak the truth rather than always appearing as “perfect”.
GRANDMA
Character vocals
Comedic actress
She’s one feisty old woman. Fun and quirky, but don’t mess with her. Grandma often schemes with Pugsley and offers advice when needed. She’s more of an oddball than a typical, comforting grandmother figure.
ADDAMS ANCESTORS
All vocal ranges
Ancestors of the Addams family now live on ‘the other side’, but are summoned once a year to come celebrate with the family. They help tell the story, offer advice and interact with the characters throughout the play.
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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
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.