Audition Opportunities: See Yourself on the Stage
Current Audition Opportunities
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Book by David Ives and Paul Blake
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WHEN: August 15 2pm-5pm OR August 16 2pm-5pm (Must only attend one day)
WHERE: Cain Center for the Arts/ 21458 Catawba Ave, Cornelius
WHAT TO PREPARE:
Please prepare about 16 bars of music to sing. Bring piano sheet music in the appropriate key. An accompanist will be provided. No acapella, please.
You will be asked to read a side from the script. We’ll send this sides to you via email by August 9.
Everyone auditioning for the Ensemble, or a Lead that features dancing, will need to attend the full 90 minute dance audition which will be 3:30pm-5pm. You will be taught a sequence at the audition, so just come dressed to move. If you have dance/character shoes, please bring those.
If you have any questions about the process, or how to prepare, please contact Production Manager Carrie Cranford at carrie@davidsoncommunityplayers.org.
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Performances will run December 3-13 will be held at the Cain Center for the Arts.
Rehearsals will begin September 1st with small groups and full cast calls beginning late September.
This production will be led by Director Sylvia Schnople, Musical Director Vicki Harvell, and Choreographer Gina Duckworth, with Stage Management by Chloe Maloy.
For Ensemble roles, performers ages 15+ are encouraged to audition.
Having the time and resources to participate in community theatre can be straining and we want to make this art as accessible as we possibly can. Once cast, you are able to apply for our Actor Support Fund, which is intended to pay a stipend that reflects travel expenses and other variables.
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December 3 - 13
When Christmas is truly warm and cozy!
Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil's former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Love A Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages.
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Directors will be casting 10 Lead Roles and 10-12 Ensemble. Seeking Adults for leads, Adults and Teens 15+ for Ensemble, and 1 Girl age 9-13.
Bob Wallace (He/Him) Age Range: 35-45. Vocal Range: Baritone (Bb2–F4). Former Army captain turned successful song-and-dance man. Practical, dependable, and reserved, Bob is the quieter half of Wallace & Davis. Strong actor with warm baritone and confident movement.
Phil Davis (He/Him) Age Range: 25–40. Vocal Range: Tenor (B2–G4). Bob's charming performing partner. Funny, energetic, romantic, and an excellent dancer with comic timing.
Betty Haynes (She/Her) Age Range: 25–35. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano (A3–E5). Elegant and intelligent member of the Haynes Sisters. Warm, expressive singer and actress.
Judy Haynes (She/Her) Age Range: 20–30. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano/Belt (G3–E5). Playful, optimistic younger sister with strong dance and comedic skills.
General Henry Waverly (He/Him) Age Range: 55–75. Vocal Range: Non-singing or Baritone (C3–E4). Retired Army General and owner of the Columbia Inn. Warm, dignified paternal figure.
Martha Watson (She/Her) Age Range: 50–75. Vocal Range: Alto/Character (G3–D5). Quick-witted housekeeper with outstanding comic timing and a featured number.
Susan Waverly (She/Her) Age Range: 9–13. Vocal Range: Young Singer (approx. C4–C5). The General's granddaughter. Bright, sincere, and confident.
Ralph Sheldrake (He/Him) Age Range: 35–55. Vocal Range: Speaking Role. Army friend who helps organize the reunion.
Ezekiel Foster (He/Him) Age Range: 40–70. Vocal Range: Speaking Role. Gentle handyman at the Columbia Inn.
Rita (She/Her) Age Range: 20–40. Featured Ensemble. Efficient stage manager with a few comic moments.
Ensemble (Ages 15+) The ensemble portrays soldiers, performers, hotel guests, train passengers, skiers, television crew, and townspeople. Strong singers and dancers are encouraged!
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AUDITION WITH DCP
Join Us On Stage
DCP is a place where you in the audience can also have the chance to be on stage. Acting with DCP is largely volunteer-based, though financial assistance and actor stipends may be available depending on the show’s needs.
About Auditioning
DCP encourages everyone to audition for a show regardless of your acting experience. We want you to feel comfortable at auditions, and we strive to make this a rewarding experience for everyone.
In order to provide you with the best audition experience possible, we have compiled a few helpful hints and bits of information about the audition and rehearsal process.
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Read over the audition notice thoroughly. The audition information will provide details about character description, audition requirements, and general information about the rehearsal schedule.
Read the script and/or research the play. For non-musicals, directors generally ask for cold readings from sides, which are scene selections from the script, so familiarity with the script is certainly beneficial.
If you are auditioning for a musical, you will be asked to perform a song of your choice as well as participating in a group dance audition. You will need to provide sheet music for the accompanist at the audition. Choose a song that showcases your voice. Read the audition notice carefully to see if there is a particular style of song requested by the director. DCP offers musical theatre audition workshops, which are a great way to prepare for auditions!
Update your resume and headshot. Your resume should include your theatre and/or performance experience, if any. If you have special skills or training that is relevant to theatre, please list on the resume. Your headshot does not need to be professional; however, it is suggested that it be a recent photograph.
Pre-register for the audition if instructed to do so.
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Depending on the director, auditions may be run by appointment or as large group blocks.
For a non-musical, you will be asked to do cold readings with others who are auditioning.
For musicals, you will be asked to perform your musical selection and then learn and present a dance sequence. The director may ask you to do a cold reading as well.
If you are auditioning for a Connie Company production, you may be asked to participate in theatre games and improvisations.
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Some directors will schedule a “callback,” or second round of auditions. You will be notified by phone or email if you have been invited to a callback. Being called back does not mean you are cast in the production and likewise NOT being called back doesn’t mean that you are NOT cast in the production.
Casting the show is the responsibility of the director and, in the case of a musical, the music director.
Casting offers will be made by phone or email. After the cast is confirmed, the cast list will be posted publicly. DCP will send out notices to those who are not cast via email.
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Rehearsal schedules are variable, and we try to alternate schedules to provide accessible options to folks with all sorts of work and personal commitments. In general, plays rehearse 6 weeks and musicals 8-10 weeks. The director and stage manager will provide a rehearsal schedule ASAP following casting.
Actors are expected to disclose all conflicts prior to casting. No conflicts will be honored during tech week or performance weeks.
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For both professional and amateur actors, the results of an audition are largely out of your control. Directors must balance countless factors before defining a cast, and the strength of your audition is only one element.
So, do your best, have fun, and if you aren’t cast, don’t be discouraged. Come back next time!
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY:
All roles, unless otherwise announced, are open. DCP encourages anyone who is interested to audition and we are always eager to welcome new faces and fresh talent to our stage. Except as specifically required by the playwright for certain roles, DCP provides equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.