Drowsy Chaperone Auditions
Theatre Charlotte is thrilled to announce auditions for The Drowsy Chaperone directed by Billy Ensley, with choreography by Lisa Blanton and music direction by Matt Primm. The Drowsy Chaperone will be presented from September 6 - 22, 2024 at Theatre Charlotte.
AUDITION AND SIGN UP DETAILS
Auditions will be held in person on Monday, July 22nd and Tuesday, July 23rd from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207. Callbacks may be scheduled for Wednesday, July 24th at 6:30pm.
We are seeking performers of all body types, skin colors and gender expression ages 16 and older, who can sing, dance and bring this hilarious musical to life.
Please sign up for an audition time and fill out an audition form here.
During your audition time, you must be prepared to sing 16 bars of music that best reflects your range and character(s) you are auditioning for. An accompanist will be available and you must bring sheet music with you; no digital sheet music will be permitted. In addition to singing, you may be asked to learn a small piece of choreography and/or read from the script so please dress appropriately.
Video auditions are also being accepted through the audition form and should include a vocal selection and choreography sample. Deadline for video auditions is July 21st.
Rehearsals are typically Sunday through Thursday evenings starting at 6pm. There may be an occasional Saturday choreography rehearsal.
Theatre Charlotte is a volunteer-based organization and all positions are unpaid.
ABOUT THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
Winner of five Tony Awards, including Best Book and Best Original Score, The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving tribute to the Golden Age of musicals. To chase his blues away, a musical theatre addict drops the needle on his favorite LP and the 1928 musical comedy magically bursts to life! Hailed by New York Magazine as "The Perfect Broadway Musical," this masterful meta-musical pokes fun at all the tropes that characterize the musical theatre genre. Before Something Rotten, there was The Drowsy Chaperone.
AVAILABLE ROLES FOR THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
Theatre Charlotte is looking for a cast that reflects the diverse population of the Charlotte region. Unless specifically stated, roles are open to all ethnicities and ages listed are ages of the characters to be played.
Man in Chair - The Man In Chair is the narrator and host for the show. He is a neurotic shut-in but is happy listening to his collection of soundtracks from classic Broadway shows. This is the only principal character that is not a stock character from 1920's musicals, and his mannerisms should be funny and charming but also realistic.
Gender: Male presenting
Vocal range: Tenor/Baritone
Age range: 40-60
Janet Van de Graaff - Star of Feldzieg’s Follies who is conflicted about giving up her life on the stage to marry Robert Martin. Attractive, vivacious, outgoing personality. She loves being the center of attention and is the consummate 1920s starlet. Strong movement and special skills (acrobatics, juggling, etc.) a plus.
Gender: Female presenting
Vocal range: Alto with big belt (G3-E5)
Age Range: mid 20s to 30s
Robert Martin - The groom-to-be who is deeply in love with Janet. He is the token 1920s leading man – debonair, dashing, and a matinee idol. He is cheesy, cheerful, and optimistic. Must be able to tap dance and roller skate.
Gender: Male presenting
Vocal range: Tenor (C3 – Ab4)
Age Range: 30s-40s
The Drowsy Chaperone - Janet’s alcoholic confidante. Care-free, often because she is drunk. An experienced “woman of the world” who couldn’t care less what the world thinks. A melodramatic diva to be reckoned with who gleefully chews the scenery and steals just about every scene she is in. Great comedic role. Think Liza Minnelli meets Tallulah Bankhead.
Gender: Female Presenting
Vocal range: Alto with strong belt (F3-D5)
Age Range: 40s-50s
Aldolpho - A Latin Lothario and womanizer who is very impressed with himself. He is confident and vigorous, although a buffoon. Vaudeville-style acting and fake Spanish/Italian accent required. Should have great comic timing.
Gender: Male Presenting
Vocal range: Bass/Baritone + great falsetto (A#2-G4)
Age Range: 40s
Mrs. Tottendale - A wealthy widow and host of the wedding. She is flighty, eccentric, often times forgetful, and funny. She is absolutely charming, bubbly and oblivious to the confusion her behavior generates in other people.
Gender: Female Presenting
Vocal range: Alto character voice (G3-Db5)
Age Range: mid 40s to 60
Underling - Mrs. Tottendale’s unflappable butler and manservant. He is stoic, dry-humored and sarcastic. A cross between Arthur Treacher and Niles the Butler from The Nanny.
Gender: Male Presenting
Vocal range: Tenor character voice (Ab2-G4)
Age Range: 50s to 60s
Mr. Feldzieg - Harried producer who will do anything to stop the wedding in order to keep Janet in the Follies. He is nervous, sarcastic, impatient, overbearing, and insensitive.
Gender: Male Presenting
Vocal range: Baritone (Db3-Db4)
Age Range: 40s to 50s
Kitty - 1920s dumb blonde chorus girl. She is Mr. Feldzieg’s companion and will do anything to be a leading lady. A cross between Norma Cassady from Victor Victoria and Lena Lamont from Singin’ in the Rain.
Gender: Female Presenting
Vocal range: Soprano comedic belt (Bb3-F5)
Age Range: 30s
George - Robert’s anxious best man. He is loyal, sincere, and nervous. Makes looking out for Robert’s interests his top priority so that the wedding will come off without a hitch. Must be able to tap.
Gender: Male Presenting
Vocal range: Tenor (F3-Bb4)
Age Range: 30s to 40s
Gangsters 1 & 2 - Two jovial gangsters who are posing as pastry chefs. Typical 1920s Broadway gangsters full of word play and stylized movements. Good comic timing and dancing skills required.
Gender: Male Presenting
Vocal range: Tenor (Db3-Gb4)
Age Range: 30s to 40s
Trix the Aviatrix - The brave and brash female aviator. She is sassy, sleek and a take charge kind of gal. May double in the ensemble.
Gender: Female Presenting
Vocal range: Alto (Ab3-Eb5)
Age Range: late 20s to 50
Ethnicity: Black/Brown
Ensemble - A strong, dancing/singing ensemble consisting of 2 men and 2 women.
Gender: Any identity
Vocal range: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass
Age Range: 20s to 40s
Ethnicity: Any
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Theatre is full of magic that vibrates throughout the essence of art, imagination, culture, and history. We strive to provide theatre to our community and our city that is saturated in excellence, community, experience, inclusion, and influence. Our goal is to mount productions that reflect the growth and beauty of the diversity of Charlotte and we sincerely hope that our friends in the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities will strongly consider joining us for auditions for The Drowsy Chaperone.