CARMEN JONES By Oscar Hammerstein II Based on the Opera Carmen by Georges Bizet Directed by Thomas-Whit Ellis

AUDITION INFORMATION

WHAT IS THE PLAY ABOUT?

Carmen Jones is an African American musical based on the opera Carmen. It is not the opera Carmen, it does not use operatic, “trained voice” stylized singing, although trained voices are encouraged to audition. It is about the lead character, who through her charm and other attributes, drives men crazy with love for her. She is her own woman and does not let any man dictate her terms of whom or when to love. She’s much like Nola Darling, in the Spike Lee film She’s Got to Have It. The play opens with Joe, a military recruit soon to be a black Air Force pilot, falling for her and quickly ditching his broken hearted, high school sweetheart for Carmen. In the meantime, Carmen soon gets into a brawl and kills another woman who also thinks she’s all that. This promptly lands Carmen in jail. Joe is assigned to escort her into town to stand trial. Along the way, he is overwhelmed by “charms,” sets her free, abandons his life and career to become a co-fugitive with her. She soon grows grows bored with his clinginess and meets the heavy weight champion of the world, who is passing through town with his entourage. He falls for her and invites her to travel with him to his next series of fights. We then trace the set of dramas that take place with Joe still pining after her, his old girlfriend pining after him, along with other murders, misdeeds and problems.

For more information about other versions of the story, there is the 2001 film, Carmen: A Hip Hopera with Beyonce, Mekhi Phifer, and Mos Def. https://vimeo.com/268863309

The 1950’s movie Carmen Jones is very similar to the play version of our production. This movie features Dorothy Dandridge, the first black female to be nominated for Best Actress Oscar for her role in Carmen Jones. Those interested in auditioning should watch this movie. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU40CXngDCs

The Fresno State University Theatre version of the play will take place in the 50’s/60’s, at a HBCU against the backdrop of the Black Greek, (rivalries, step competitions, etc.,) culture on campus.

WHO MAY AUDITION?

Concerning the lead characters, those wishing to audition should be able to sing very well, with an emphasis on African American vocal styles. Those wishing to audition for chorus roles, should have experience singing in school or church choirs. Auditions are open to all Fresno State students, faculty/staff, as well as community members.

WHEN ARE THE AUDITIONS?

GENERAL AUDITIONS FOR SINGERS & DANCERS: Those wishing to audition for lead or chorus singers need to attend one or both days of auditions which will take place Tuesday, January, 22nd from 7:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Woods Theater, and Wednesday, January 23rd 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the John Wright Theater. Both theaters are located on the Fresno State Campus in the Speech Arts Building near the box office.

All those wishing to audition need to prepare a one to two minute song of their choice. You’ll need to find the musical accompaniment to their chosen song, download it or have the YouTube link and be prepared to pair their smart phone or tablet onto our Bluetooth speaker. Audition Songs can also be done Acappella.

Those wishing to audition for the dancer ensemble should be able to attend on the above stated dates and times.

Callbacks may not be applicable, but will take place on the January 24th and January 25th if necessary. Callback materials will be made available during the general auditions if necessary. Those on the callback list will be notified via email or text as well as through an announcement on our department callboard, opposite the Green Room.

SCRIPTS

Scripts are expected to arrive after January 1st, 2019. Those wishing to read the script need to contact the Theatre Arts Department, 559.278.3987 or the director, 559.278.2646. Also, it is recommended that those wishing to audition, view the movie online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU40CXngDCs

HOW WILL I KNOW IF I AM CAST?

The cast list will be available sometime between January 26th and 30th A cast list will be posted on the Green Room call board and on the University Theatre website.

WHEN WILL THE SHOW REHEARSE?

February 24th through March 26th Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

March 26th through April 26th Monday – Friday 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Tech Rehearsals:

Sunday, April 28th 12:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Times Approximate) Please note, this first tech rehearsal may run longer, in which case we will have a dinner break.

Monday, April 29th through Thursday, May 2nd Estimated Call Time(Your Arrival Time): 6:00/6:30 p.m.

• The show will not rehearse Monday, April 15th through Friday, April 19th. • A preview performance for an invited audience may take place Wednesday the May 1st and Thursday May 2nd. Estimated Call time will be 6:30 p.m. for a 7:30 curtain.

Please note, not all cast/singers are required at every rehearsal until we reach April 26th. At this point, all singers, dancers will be called (required) at Monday through Friday rehearsals. It is imperative that students wishing to participate in this production avoid enrolling in evening classes that run past 6:50PM. Also, if you have a job with work hours during rehearsals times, you cannot participate.

WHEN WILL THE SHOW PERFORM?

This play performs May 3 – 4 & May 7 – 11 with a 6:30 p.m. call time and a 7:30 p.m. curtain. We have one, Sunday matinee, May 5th with a 1 p.m. call time for a 2 p.m. curtain.

th There may be a photo shoot following the May 5 matinee. The photo shoot should last about 2 hours. This means you will be needed for about 2 hours after this show ends at approximately 4:00 p.m. This is yet to be determined. It is also possible that the photo shoot will occur during one of the final dress rehearsals which will require no staying past our performance time.

WHO ARE THE CHARACTERS? Descriptions Approximate

Carmen Jones – Female, lead soprano. Approximately 20’s-30’s, stereotypical femme fatale. Joe – Male, lead tenor. 20s-30s. Army/ROTC. Fit, self-assured perhaps bougie. Husky Miller – Male, lead baritone. Same age as above. Boxer. Cindy Lou – Female, supporting soprano. 20s-30s. Attractive, naïve, sheltered, church girl, either country or bougie. Frankie – Female, voice open. A little older, Carmen’s friend. Sergeant Brown – Male. 30s-50s. Mean.

Supporting Female Roles: Sally, Factory Worker, Disgruntled Female, Myrt, Carmen’s friend, First and Second Young Women, Ms. Higgins, Daughter of Mr. Higgins, Ms. Snow, Older female

Ensemble Women: Factory Workers, Socialites, Sorority Sisters, Dancers

Supporting Male Roles: Forman, Corporal Morrel, A Workman, First and Second and Third Soldiers, Gloomy Soldier, Poncho the Panther (Husky’s Opponent) Bullet Head, Husky’s Sparring Partner.

There are a few other characters and extras that are available as well.

ACADEMIC CREDIT

There are a number of ways students can receive academic credit for this show. First, those wishing to receive one to two units for rehearsal and performance, can register for Drama 115 and 179 courses. Students are also eligible to take African American Theatre, Drama 187, for three units in addition to one additional credit for the play, for a total of 4 units. However, students must be able to attend some class meetings Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 1:45.

WHAT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

For more information about any of the above, contact Thomas Ellis, 323-620 0132 or 559- 278-2646, [email protected].