Presents
Next to Normal
Music by Tom Kitt Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey
Director: Cory Doran Music Director: Miguel Malaco Movement Guest Artist: Melanie Mastronardi Stage Manager: Andrea Wicken Producers: Shannon Cottrell and Sheri Kowalski
ABOUT THE SHOW: Dad's an architect, Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal, their daughter and son are bright, wise- cracking teens, appearing to be a typical North American family. And yet their lives are anything but normal because the mother has been battling manic depression for 16 years. Next to Normal takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family's story with love, sympathy, and heart.
This multi-Tony Award and 2010 Pulitzer Prize winner is a deeply moving piece of theatre that provides a wonderful opportunity for performers to explore dramatic material and showcases vocal talents with an energetic pop/rock score. Next to Normal is an emotional powerhouse that addresses such issues as grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry, and how to cope as a family with mental illness.
INFORMATION NIGHT: Tuesday, October 2, 2018 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
AUDITION DATES: Sunday, November 4, 2018 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday, November 5, 2018 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM Tuesday, November 6, 2018 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM
CALLBACKS: Monday, November 12, 2018 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM
AUDITION/REHEARSAL LOCATION: SMT’s Unit, 51 Estate Drive, Scarborough, ON (Progress and Markham)
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PERFORMANCE DATES: February 7-10, 14-17, and 21-23, 2019 The two Sunday performances (February 10 and 17) and the final Saturday performance (February 23) are matinees at 2:00 PM; all other performances are at 8:00 PM. Additional performances may be scheduled on February 13 (evening) or February 20 (evening) and will be confirmed a month from opening.
VENUE: Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Road (NE corner of Kingston and Markham)
YOU MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR ALL PERFORMANCES AND DRESS REHEARSALS.
REHEARSALS: Rehearsals begin Sunday, November 18 or Monday, November 19 and then continue:
Mondays 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM Wednesdays 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM Sundays 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Some additional or longer rehearsals will be held once the production has moved to the theatre. Rehearsals are as follows:
Sunday, January 27, 2019 (Move In Day) – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday, February 3, 2019 (Q2Q Technical Rehearsal) – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday, February 4, 2019 (Technical Dress Rehearsal) – 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM Tuesday, February 5, 2019 (Dress Rehearsal) – 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM Wednesday, February 6, 2019 (Final Dress Rehearsal) – 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
1. Please prepare two songs (32 bars each) -This is approximately one verse and one chorus -You may choose one upbeat rock/pop piece and one rock/pop ballad -You may be cut off if the songs are longer than the required bars - Refer to the vocal ranges and requirements for individual characters before choosing a song (see last page) -No Disney or songs from Next to Normal
The song should: a) Be from a Broadway show (any time period) b) Show off your vocal range c) Show character (especially if you are auditioning for a specific role)
Please make sure the music is: a) In the proper key for the pianist b) Hole punched and placed in a binder c) Preferable double sided
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d) Clearly marked for the accompanist e) DO NOT tape together sheets of music or bring single sheets of music 2. Everyone auditioning should prepare for a redirect of their song(s). This will replace any monologues. 3. There will be no group movement/dance call during initial auditions.
CALLBACKS: Monday, November 12, 2018 from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM Sides, music, and instructions on the dance portion of callbacks will be emailed to all performers who are called back. Each performer will receive a schedule specific to the character(s) for which they are being considered.
ROLES AVAILABLE: Please note that age ranges given in the descriptions indicate perceived appearance on stage as opposed to actor’s chronological age. These are just a guideline. All roles are open to consideration regardless of background, ethnicity or sexual/gender orientation. Best suited for the role will be offered based on callbacks. Please see the last page for vocal ranges. All cast are required to dance (stylized movement), but each character has different levels of physicality and physical intimacy required, as indicated by the symbols below.
Physicality requirements Legend
C = basic physical contact like shaking hands, arm-in-arm and partner dancing K = kissing L = weight bearing, lifting, or being lifted D = a dance role F = Fight Choreography W = uses a weapon
Diana – (♀ age 34-58) Mezzo-Soprano. The lead character of the play. Diana’s struggle to find some sort of sense of normalcy while battling delusions and drugs that have serious side effects has left her a shell of her former self. She desperately tries to find a way to feel whole again and become the mother, wife and person she wants to be. Her struggle is the main through line of the play. This role requires great acting and singing as well as the emotional maturity to handle a piece of this emotional depth. An absolute showcase role. CK
Dan – (♂ age 36-60) Tenor. Has kept his family together through all the trials and hardships for the last 18 years. He is a caring father and husband who has been the sole provider and responsible parent since Diana’s mental illness first manifested. He is a rock, but also is running out of ideas on how to care for his sick wife while raising a teenage daughter. Great lead actor role with plenty of great scene work and vocal numbers. Strong Singer and Actor skills required. CK Natalie – (♀ age 16-24) Mezzo-Soprano. A near-child prodigy who has grown up in the shadow of a brother whom she will never be able to top, and a mother who suffers from extreme mental illness. Natalie struggles with addiction as way to forget about her feelings of inadequacy and abandonment. Great Ingénue role with amazing songs and dramatic scene work. Strong Actor and Singer required. CK Dr. Madden, Dr. Fine, Anesthesiologist – (♂ age 28-50) Tenor. The amalgamation of all the Psychiatrists that have had Diana in their care. They are driven to cure her through the means of pharmaceuticals and electro-shock therapy. One actor will be asked to play all Doctor roles to achieve the faceless relationship between them and Diana. The acting range required is robust and has many opportunities for showcase. Strong Singer and Actor required. C
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Gabe – (♂ age 18-26) Tenor. The cocky can’t-do-wrong older brother. He is the manifestation of his mother’s mental illness. He is driven by his need for Diana to stay delusional so he can continue to exist, as the real Gabe died as a child. He is the devil on her shoulder as well as the representation of her lost youth. Great Actor and Singer role. Strong Vocal and Acting skill required. C Henry – (♂ age 18-26) Tenor. A high schooler with a real sense of the world. He is in love with Natalie and wants to be a part of her life for more than just the moment. He is a strong and supportive boyfriend who understands the imperfection of normalcy. Strong Vocal and Acting skill required. CK
BOOKING AN AUDITION: To book an audition, contact [email protected]. Please indicate your preference of audition date/time and any role(s) you are interested in auditioning for.
NON-PAYING / NON-EQUITY
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