COCA presents Billy Elliot: The Musical
With Creative Team… Nancy Bell Christopher Page-Sanders, Choreographer Colin Healy Director Music Director
Jennifer Wintzer, Delaney Piggins, Jimmy Bernatowicz, Artistic Director of Theatre Associate Producer Production Stage Manager
About the Play Set in a village in northeast England during the miners’ strike of 1984–1985, Billy Elliot tells the story of a young boy who transcends class and circumstance to become a ballet star.
The show follows Billy’s journey from boxing ring to ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that unites his family, inspires his community and changes his life. The powerful melodies of Elton John’s score take us on the journey of a child’s emotional struggle. Based on the acclaimed film and garnering Tony, Drama Desk and Oliver Awards—Billy Elliot is a heartwarming and triumphant tale.
The show is rated PG-13 due to mature language.
Rehearsal/Show Info Rehearsals: June 7th-July 23rd, Mondays-Thursdays 3:30-8:30pm, Fridays 3:30-6:00pm Tech: July 24th-25th (10am-4pm, 6-10pm), July 26th-29th (5-10pm) Performances: July 30th @ 7pm, July 31st @ 2pm & 7pm, August 1st @ 3pm
When/Where Dance Audition (In-Person) Sunday, January 24th by appointment
Interviews & Callbacks (via Zoom) Monday & Tuesday, January 25th-26th by appointment
How to Audition Follow the steps below in order to audition:
1. Contact COCA’s Registration office at [email protected] to sign up for an interview/callback on January 25 or 26 (virtual) and movement/dance appointment on January 24 (in-person). 2. Create an audition video with the sides provided, reading and singing for all parts you wish to audition for. **Please note: Students auditioning for the role of Billy will be asked to sing the provided cut of “Electricity” along with the following accompaniment: https://youtu.be/DMScL7uXUfE . Students that will not auditioning for Billy do not need to sing “Electricity”, and are asked to submit a 32-bar cut of music along with their audition. No A Capella singing, singing with a track preferred. Many of these tracks can be found on YouTube.** 3. After signing up for your interview/callback, Submit your audition videos on or before January 18 to COCA Production Stage Manager, Jimmy Bernatowicz at [email protected] by one of the following methods: a. Private Youtube Link c. Dropbox Link b. Private Vimeo Link d. Google Drive Link
COCA presents Billy Elliot: The Musical
DESIGN-TECH INTERNS: For students interested in working on design and technical aspects through practical internships, please submit a letter about your interest including your availability for an interview during the audition times. Intern roles may include, but are not limited to: Costume Assistant, Wardrobe Assistant, Light Operator, Sound Operator, Production Assistant, Assistant Stage Manager, Run Crew, Scenic Construction Assistant. For more information about COCA’s Intro to Technical Theatre and Intro to Theatrical Design classes held on Saturdays at COCA and all other COCA classes, visit cocastl.org.
AVAILABLE ROLES Billy Elliot (9-13-years-old) Must have good ballet, tap or street skills. Acro skills a plus. Must be able to sing. This role requires the performer to fly at height (in harness) as part of the performance.
Tony (20-29-years-old) Good singing voice. Out spoken, loud and up for a fight. Dance not essential but must have some movement skills.
Tracy Atkinson (14-18 years-old) This character should have a strong presence and good comic ability. Must have ballet and tap skills (pointe work not required). Good singer.
Susan Parks (14-18-years-old) This character is not the best dancer in the class. Should have a strong presence and good comic ability. Must have ballet and tap skills (pointe work not required). Good singer.
Debbie Wilkinson (9-13-years-old) Mrs. Wilkinson’s daughter. A good actor. Will be required to sing and do some ballet. Tap skills are a benefit but not essential. All shapes & sizes should apply.
Michael (9-13) Billy's friend. A natural comedian. A role that requires singing, dancing, acting, confidence, personality and humor. Tap skills an advantage. Must sing.
YOUTH CHORUS ROLES Teen Female Dancers (14-18-years-old) Must be good ballet dancers with solid pointe technique, and good tappers. Good singers. All shapes and sizes with a youthful appearance, but should have a strong presence and good comedic ability.
Teen Ensemble (14-18-years-old) Excellent singing voices and ability to dance or move well. Good tap skills essential. Character of all shapes and sizes welcomed. Teen ensemble play; miners, policeman, officials and friends etc. All ensemble cast must be able to sing. Good minor / cameo roles to come from this ensemble.
Child/Tween Female Ballet Dancers (10-14 total): Must be good ballet dancers, pointe technique not required. Good singers. All shapes and sizes with a youthful appearance, but should have a strong presence and good comic ability.
Questions? Please contact Production Stage Manager Jimmy Bernatowicz at [email protected] .