Singin’ in the Rain Auditions

Audition Information

The “Greatest Movie Musical of All Time,” explodes onto the Quad City Music Guild stage with a new production this Summer! Singin ‘ in the Rain has all the makings of a Tinseltown tabloid headline — the Starlet, the Leading Man, and a love affair that could make or break careers! During the waning days of the Silent Movie era, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a hottest item on screen and in the tabloids, but behind the scenes, things aren’t always as they appear.

The emergence of “talking pictures,” with the premiere of The Jazz Singer forces many

Hollywood studios begin to scramble to follow suit. When Monumental Studios turns silent The Dueling Cavalier into The Dancing Cavalier, a musical picture, to stay relevant, they are faced with the problem of their star, Lina who can’t sing, or even really talk. Enter Kathy Selden, an aspiring actress whose dulcet tones are well suited to cover Lina Lamont’s — calling into question what it means to act, how credit is distributed, and what it means to get a fair shake in the movie business. Faithfully and lovingly adapted by Broadway legends, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green, from their original away winning screenplay. Each unforgettable, scene, song and dance are accounted for, including the show-stopping title number Singin ‘ in the Rain! Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards make Singin ‘ in the Rain is the perfect entertainment for any fan of the golden age of Movie Musicals.

Quad City Music Guild’s production of Singin ‘ in the Rain is seeking a diverse ensemble cast who are proficient actors, dancers, and singers to tell this truly remarkable story. We hope you will join us for auditions.

CASTING

Please prepare 16-32 bars of music from a musical of your choice. We prefer a piece that is up tempo, shows off your vocal range, and will demonstrate the type of performer you are that makes you appropriate for the character you are interested in portraying. You may choose a song from Singin ‘ in the Rain if desired. Please bring sheet music that is well marked and organized in a binder. An accompanist will be provided. No prerecorded music will be allowed. We encourage you to dress comfortably and wear shoes that will allow you to learn a short dance routine.

• Cast Size: Flexible
• Cast Type: All races, genders and backgrounds will be considered.
• Age: 16+
• Dance Requirements: Strong dance is preferred if you would like to be considered for Don, Cosmo, Kathy, or the Ensemble. There are a few characters in the show that require minimal dance.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION

• Don Lockwood – Hollywood’s leading man in silent film. Charming and charismatic, Don has no shortage of female admirers. Don is smart and levelheaded; he likes being a famous Hollywood actor, but he doesn’t let the celebrity hype go to his head. Strong singer, actor & dancer.
  • Gender: Male
  • Vocal range: Eb4 to Bb2
• Cosmo Brown – Often saves as the comic relief in the show. Quick-witted and sure-footed, Cosmo is fast with a one-liner to lighten the mood. Cosmo is Don’s right-hand man, and it’s great to cast someone who physically contrasts with Don. Strong comedic chops, musical sense & dancing ability.
  • Gender: Male
  • Vocal range: Db5 to Bb2
• Kathy Seldon — Honest, likable, but with a tough exterior. Aspires to become an actress. She takes her career as an artist seriously and is embarrassed that she must take jobs like singing and popping out of a cake just to get by. Strong, singer, actor & dancer.
  • Gender: Female
  • Vocal range: Eb5 to
• Lina Lamont – A glamorous star of Hollywood’s silent films. She believes everything amazing she reads about herself in the gossip magazines, including that she and Don Lockwood are madly in love. The candidate will have to work to accomplish the right amount of exasperating ditz, while keeping Lina’s nasal, grating voice consistent throughout the performance.
  • Gender: Female
  • Vocal range: Db5 to Bb3
• Roz – Always by Lina’s side or trailing after her. As Lina’s manager, Roz works hard to make sure nothing upsets her. A non-singing character is a great supporting role for a promising young actor.
  • Gender: Female
• Dora Bailey – Always first on the scene for any major film opening, and she has the Hollywood scoop. This is a perfect non-singing role for a candidate with a great speaking voice who isn’t quite ready for a lead.
  • Gender: Female
• R.F. Simpson – The studio producer in charge of “Lockwood-Lamont” films. R.F. ‘s first and foremost goal is to make money, and if that means doing a talkie film that’s fine with him. Cast a character actor who can show off R.F.’s anxious boss persona. This is a great non- singing role for a mature actor with a big voice.
  • Gender: Male
• Roscoe Dexter – The studio’s director for Lamont and Lockwood films. He’s loud and blustery, and he’s easily frustrated with his assistants and Lina. This is a perfect non-singing role for an actor with a big voice who can show his frustration as he works to complete his first talkie.
  • Gender: Male
• Miss Dinsmore & Male Vocal Teacher The vocal coaches hired to tum Lina’s voice into cultured perfection and to work with all the other actors in the show. Tough, proper, and slightly overworked, these characters are great non-solo singing features.
  • Gender: Female & Male
• Zelda Zanders – Lina’s right-hand gal, who informs her that Kathy’s voice is being dubbed over hers. Zelda can be dramatic and over-the-top like Lina, but at her core, she cares about her friend. This is a fantastic, featured role for a confident performer who is unafraid to make bold choices.
  • Gender: Female
• Sam (Sound Engineer) – A sound engineer, should be all business. A young actor who is comfortable taking charge onstage.
  • Gender: Any
• Ensemble – The Ensemble roles are comprised of the Crowd, Pedestrians, Stars, Fans, Policeman, Party Guests, Chorus Girls, Broadway Chorus, Guests, Stagehands, Sound Crew, Screening Guests, a Passerby, the Butler, Orchestra Leader, and Audience Members. They really make the 1920s Golden Age of Hollywood come alive and are essential to this romantic light-hearted comedy. These ensemble groups are filled with named characters who have lines, so many of them will have featured moments. Must move well!
  • Gender: Any