Monty Python’s Spamalot

Auditions: February 15th 12:30pm-2:30pm; February 16th 12:00pm-1:00pm; February 22 12:30 pm-2:30pm

Staff
Director – Mike Turczynski
Assistant Director – Anthony Natarelli
Stage Manager – Marni Turczynski
Music Director – Callen Sederquist
Assistant Music Director – Chad Schmertmann
Choreographer – Sara Laufer
Set Designer – Matt Holmes
Costume Designer – Heather Blair
Lighting Designer – Steve Parmley
Sound Designer – TBD
Props – TBD
Makeup – Sue Cates
Producer – Jen Sondgeroth

Monty Python’s Spamalot – Casting Information

Show Description

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” “SPAMALOT” retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, and features a bevy of showgirls — not to mention cows, killer rabbits, and French people. The Tony Award-winning Best Musical, “Monty Python’s SPAMALOT” has been hailed as “a no-holds-barred smash hit.” (The New Yorker).

Audition Dates
Saturday, February 15, 12:30pm-2:30pm
Sunday, February 16, 12:00pm-1:30pm
Saturday, February 22, 12:30pm-2:30pm
Callbacks to follow on Sunday February 23 as needed.

Rehearsal Dates
Rehearsals will begin on April 27^th, 2020.  Rehearsals will run Monday through Friday, 6:30-9:00pm leading up to performances.  A further breakdown of the schedule will be made after casting.

Performance Dates
June 12-13-14 & 18-19-20-21, 2020

Director’s Notes

Please come prepared with 16-32 bars of a song from a musical, preferably comedic, that best showcases your voice.  An accompanist will be provided, so please have your music clearly marked for any cuts, tempos, changes, etc.  No recorded music will be accepted.  There will also be a small dance combination taught that you will be asked to perform for the directing staff.  You may also be asked to perform a cold reading from the script, and/or do some comedy/improv exercises with the directing staff

We ask that all those who come through for auditions be 16 years old by the time of rehearsals starting, which will begin on April 27^th, 2020.  We also ask that all conflicts please be outlined clearly on the audition sheet so that scheduling can be made quickly and we can work as efficiently as possible.

Please note that the ages listed just serve as a guide. All roles are available and casting is open, and newcomers to Quad City Music Guild are welcome and encouraged. Also, character doublings are only suggested here and may be changed based on audition results and production needs. In tribute to the film — where six actors played the majority of all male parts (and a few female ones) — several actors play multiple roles; the only major characters not doubling are King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake.

Character Descriptions

KING ARTHUR (Male, Baritone, 30s-60s). The King of England, who sets out on a quest to form the Knights of the Round Table and find the Holy Grail. Great humor. Good singer.

THE LADY OF THE LAKE (Female, Alto with large range [Low E3 — High B6], 20s-40s). A Diva. Strong, beautiful, possesses mystical powers. The leading lady of the show. Great singing voice is essential, as she must be able to sing effortlessly in many styles and vocal registers. Sings everything from opera to pop to scatting. Gets angry easily.

SIR ROBIN (Male, Tenor/Baritone, 20s-40s). A Knight of the Round Table. Ironically called “Sir Robin the Brave,” though he couldn’t be more cowardly. Joins the Knights for the singing and dancing. Also plays GUARD 1 and BROTHER MAYNARD, a long-winded monk. A good mover.

SIR LANCELOT (Male, Tenor/Baritone, 20s-40s). A Knight of the Round Table. He is fearless to a bloody fault but through a twist of fate discovers his “softer side.” This actor MUST be great with character voices and accents, as he also plays THE FRENCH TAUNTER, an arrogant, condescending, over-the-top Frenchman; the KNIGHT OF NI, an absurd, cartoonish leader of a peculiar group of Knights; and TIM THE ENCHANTER, a ghostly being with a Scottish accent.

PATSY (Male or Female, Tenor/Baritone or Soprano/Alto, 20s-40s). King Arthur’s horse and servant. Under-appreciated but always longing for Arthur’s approval. Good, funny, physical mover with some tap dancing. Also plays MAYOR, a jolly red-faced man who advertises the merits of his hometown; and the drunken, useless GUARD 2. Very good mover.

SIR GALAHAD (Male, Tenor, 20s-40s). A Knight of the Round Table. Begins as Dennis, a lower class “mud gatherer” who becomes knighted and transforms into the dashing Sir Galahad. Also plays PRINCE HERBERT’S FATHER, a wealthy, brutish Yorkshireman at odds with his sensitive son; and THE BLACK KNIGHT, who is always ready to duel despite multiple injuries. Strong bari-tenor singing required.

SIR BEDEVERE (Male or Female, Tenor/Baritone with falsetto or Soprano/Alto, 20s-40s). A Knight of the Round Table. An inept scholar. Also plays DENNIS GALAHAD’S MOTHER, a shrill peasant woman; and CONCORDE, Sir Lancelot’s horse.

HISTORIAN/NOT DEAD FRED/ PRINCE HERBERT/ MINSTREL/ FRENCH GUARD (Male, Tenor, 20s-30s).  A tweedy academic. Also plays NOT DEAD FRED, a sickly little fellow who — despite others’ beliefs — claims he is “not yet dead”; a FRENCH GUARD, the condemnatory sidekick to the French Taunter; a MINSTREL in Sir Robin’s band; and PRINCE HERBERT, the hopeful and frilly prince who loves to sing and pines for his love atop a tower. Tenor singing required. Very good mover.

EVERY “Ensemble” member plays at least SIX roles.

MALE ENSEMBLE (6 males, varying vocal ranges). Seeking strong dancers and singers to play many roles including the other Knights of the Round Table, Sir Not Appearing, Sir Bohrs, Bodies in “Not Yet Dead,” the Dancing Monk, the Dancing Nun, French Citizens, Finland Citizens, a French Guard, Robin’s Minstrel, and more! Strong dance skills preferred.

FEMALE ENSEMBLE (6 females, varying vocal ranges). Seeking strong dancers and singers to play many roles including the Camelot Girls, the Laker Girls, a French Guard, Knights of Ni, two of Robin’s Minstrels, French Citizens, Finland Citizens, and more! Strong dance skills preferred.

Mamma Mia!

Auditions: February 15th 3:00pm-5:00pm; February 16th 2:00pm-3:30pm; February 22 3:00 pm-5:00pm

Staff
Director – Colleen Houlihan
Assistant Director – Sue Woodard
Music Director – Bob Manasco
Assistant Music Director – Deb Swift
Choreographer – Beth Marsoun
Set Designer – Valerie Moore
Costume Designer – Connie McGinn
Lighting Designer – Robert and Brittney Crist
Sound Designer – Sean McGinn
Props – Matt Stoefen
Makeup – TBD
Producer – Harold Truitt

Mamma Mia! – Casting Information

Show Description

Mamma Mia!, the jukebox musical based on ABBA’s music, has been performed in 40 different countries across five continents and has grossed $2 billion worldwide. It’s a high energy, comedic romp that is on this earth solely to make people happy.

The plot is ripe for hijinks: Sophie Sheridan finds her mother’s diary and discovers there are three men who could possibly be her father. Sophie invites all three to her impending nuptials (without her mother’s knowledge) in order to determine who her real father is.

Audition Dates
Saturday, February 15, 3:00pm-5:00pm
Sunday, February 16, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Saturday, February 22, 3:00pm-5:00pm
Callbacks to follow on Sunday February 23 as needed.

Rehearsal Dates
We will begin rehearsals approx. May 13^th. Typical rehearsal schedule is Monday thru Friday 6:30-9:00 pm. If you have any known conflicts, please list them on your audition sheet.

Performance Dates
July 10-11-12 & 16-17-18-19, 2020

Director’s Notes

We are looking to cast high energy actors with comedic chops.

The goal for your audition should be to make us smile and/or laugh. Please choose 16 bars to sing of a song that shows off the best qualities of your voice and stage persona. Please remember that this show is based on pop music and choose an audition song accordingly. (“Johanna” from Sweeney Todd, for example, would not be the best choice.)

When you arrive at the theater, you will be taught 32 bars of a dance, which you will be asked to perform as part of your audition. Please arrive early to learn the steps prior to your audition. Formal dance training is NOT necessary, but welcomed. We are looking for high energy folks, who can move with a reasonable amount of rhythm. Everyone who auditions must participate in the dance audition.

We may ask you to sing a selection from the show or read an excerpt of dialogue after your audition. This is not necessarily an indication of who will be cast in the show. It is a tool we use to get to know a performer, and his/her capabilities, better in order to make a more informed casting decision.

Everyone in this show must sing harmony.

With 16+ production numbers and oodles of music to learn, this is a complicated show that requires focused preparation and rehearsal. We will structure rehearsals to honor the usage of your time, and expect a commitment on your behalf to arrive to all rehearsals on-time, prepared, and energized.

We ask that you be at least 16-years-old in order to audition. And, please bring your funny, your silly, and your joy of performing! Oh – and, your HIGH ENERGY.

Character Descriptions

SOPHIE SHERIDAN – (F#3 – E5) age 20 ish – Strong-willed and independent, Sophie longs to know where she belongs in life. She hopes discovering her true father will strengthen her sense of identity and purpose. Sophie is the glue that holds this show together. She sings several solos, but also needs a developed acting range: from charming and sympathetic to goofy or even enraged when necessary.

DONNA SHERIDAN – (E3 – A5) age 40-60 ish – Sophie’s mother and founding member of Donna and the Dynamos. Donna is a single mom and self-made small business owner. She suspended her own life in order to raise her daughter, who is about to leave the nest. When her three former paramours return on the eve of her daughter’s wedding, Donna must confront what the next chapter of her life will be. Donna sings several solos that require a wide range of vocal talents from belting to ballad.

TANYA– (E3 – E5) age 40-60 ish – One of Donna’s best friends and fellow Dynamo. We affectionately refer to her either as “the sexy one” or “the drunk one.” Tanya is a man-eater and professional divorcee. Must also be goofy as required. Her big number is “Does Your Mother Know.”

ROSIE – (E3 – D5) age 40-60 ish – One of Donna’s best friends and fellow Dynamo. We affectionately refer to her as “the funny one.” Think of her as the wacky sidekick. Her big number is “Take a Chance on Me.”

SAM CARMICHEL – (D3 – Ab4) age 40-60 ish – May be Sophie’s father. Sam is Donna’s love interest in the show. He sings several solos. (Pierce Brosnan need not audition. BURN!) The core of Sam is his passion/his ego. Please choose an audition song that would highlight those qualities. If you’re interested in this role, please be familiar with the song “S.O.S.” prior to auditions/callbacks.

HARRY BRIGHT – (C#3 – F#4) age 40-60 ish – May be Sophie’s father. Traditionally British. He came out of the closet after dating Donna. Pretty singing voice. He sings “Thank You for the Music” and “Our Last Summer.” Experience playing guitar NOT necessary, but welcomed.

BILL AUSTIN – (Bb2 – F#4) age 40-60 ish – May be Sophie’s father. Australian adventurer by trade. Bring your accents to auditions! Sings the least of all the possible dads (mostly speak-sings). Strong comedic actor needed in this role.

SKY – (Eb3 – D5) age 20 ish – Sophie’s fiancé. Works at the taverna. Sings solo in “Lay All Your Love on Me.”

ALI – (G3 – D5) age 20 ish – One of Sophie’s best friends. Wants to grow up to be Tanya. Featured in “Honey, Honey.”

LISA – (G3 – Db5) age 20 ish – One of Sophie’s best friends. Wants to grow up to be Rosie. Featured in “Honey, Honey.”

PEPPER – (A4 – F5) age 20 ish – One of Sky’s best friends. Works at the taverna. Fancies himself a ladies’ man.  Featured in “Does Your Mother Know.”

EDDIE – (no specified vocal range) age 20 ish – One of Sky’s best friends. Works at the taverna. Lives to mock Pepper. Featured in “Does Your Mother Know.”

ENSEMBLE – In addition, we are looking for 10-14 HIGH ENERGY ensemble members (various ages) who are game for comedy. If you love ABBA’s music, you want to be in the ensemble of this show. The ensemble sings in every number of the show, whether on-stage of off-stage. Ensemble will be featured in “Money, Money, Money”, “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme”, “Voulez-Vous”, “Under Attack”, “Say, I Do”, among other numbers. We have BIG plans for the beloved swim flipper dance in “Lay All Your Love on Me.”

Matilda: The Musical

Auditions:
Friday, February 14 – Kids only auditions (ages 8-16)** – 5:00pm-8:00pm
**kids are welcome to audition at any other dates as well
Saturday, February 15; 10:00am -12:00pm
Sunday, February 16   4:00pm-5:30pm
Saturday, February 22   10:00am to 12:00pm

Staff
Director – Heather Beck
Assistant Director – Kevin Pieper
Music Director – Adam Beck
Assistant Music Director – Randin Letendre
Choreographer – Hillary Erb
Set Designer – Kevin Pieper
Costume Designer – Peggy Freeman
Lighting Designer – John Weigandt
Sound Designer – Steve Parmley
Props – Jaci Weigandt
Makeup – TBD
Producer – Anthony Greer

Matilda: The Musical – Casting Information

Show Description

Throughout life we sometimes encounter situations we feel we are “stuck in,” having to accept the outcome.  Based off Roald Dahl’s book, Matilda is about a little girl who uses stories to escape the torments and struggles of her young life.  During this musical, filled with catchy songs and dance numbers, we take a trip through Matilda’s life and imagination. She shows us that no one needs to settle for what we are given, however, the only one who can change the outcome is ourselves.

Audition Dates

Friday, February 14 – Kids only auditions (ages 8-16)** – 5:00pm-8:00pm
**kids are welcome to audition at any other dates as well
Saturday, February 15; 10:00am -12:00pm
Sunday, February 16   4:00pm-5:30pm
Saturday, February 22   10:00am to 12:00pm
Callbacks to follow on Sunday February 23 as needed.

Rehearsal Dates
Rehearsals will begin in late June.

Performance Dates
August 7-8-9 & 13-14-15-16, 2020

Director’s Notes

AGE – The minimum age at the time of auditions will be 8 years old. We have chosen not to list specific ages for adult roles, focusing on characterization.

MUSIC – Please prepare a maximum of 32 bars of any song that you feel best shows off your talents and range. We would love to hear songs from the show, especially if you have a specific role in mind. Please keep in mind that our accompanist will be sight-reading you music.

DANCE – You will be taught a simple dance at auditions. Dress comfortably so you can freely move about.

Any questions about auditions, please don’t hesitate to contact Heather Beck at qcmgmatilda@gmail.com

Don’t be nervous and have fun with your audition! We are as excited as you are to bring this wonderful show to life on stage!

 

Character Descriptions

MATILDA WORMWOOD: An imaginative girl who is clever and wise far beyond her years. She has a thirst for learning that cannot be quenched.
Age: Appears to be 8 to 12. Vocal range bottom-top: A3-D5

MISS AGATHA TRUNCHBULL: The tyrannical headmistress at Matilda’s school who despises children. Can be played by any gender. Vocal range bottom-top: A2-G4

MISS HONEY: Matilda’s kindhearted teacher. She is tired of living in fear under Miss Trunchbull. Vocal range bottom-top: F3-D5

MR. WORMWOOD: (non-dancing role) Matilda’s uncaring father. A slimy, greedy used-car salesman.Vocal range bottom-top: D3-A4

MRS. WORMWOOD Matilda’s self-absorbed, negligent mother and an amateur ballroom dancer. Strong dance skills a plus. Vocal range bottom-top: A3-F5

MICHAEL WORMWOOD: (non-singing part/could double in ensemble) Matilda’s older brother. He is not very bright and favored by their parents.

BRUCE: Matilda’s classmate. He is subject to extreme punishment by Miss Trunchbull. Vocal range bottom-top: C4-E5

LAVENDER: Matilda’s classmate and friend.

MRS. PHELPS: (non-singing role/could double in ensemble) A nice librarian.

THE ESCAPOLOGIST: (possibly double in ensemble) A character in a story Matilda tells Mrs. Phelps, who comes to life in their imagination. Vocal range bottom-top: C3-E4

THE ACROBAT: (possibly double in ensemble, flexibility/ability to move a plus) A character in a story Matilda tells Mrs. Phelps, who comes to life in their imagination. Vocal range bottom-top: D4-A4

RUDOLPHO: Mrs. Wormwood’s ballroom dance partner. Strong dance skills a plus. Vocal range bottom-top: D#3-A4

DOCTOR: Mrs. Wormwood’s Doctor when she goes into labor with Matilda. Vocal range top: C3-A4

CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINER: A party entertainer at the start of the show. Vocal range top: F#3-Eb4

ENSEMBLE: We will be casting 10-20 active, moving ensemble members. These will include: Cook, Henchman 1-3, Kids (Amanda, Nigel, Eric, Alice, Hortensia, Tommy), Parents, and featured parts mentioned previously. They will be involved throughout the show.