Audition Notice: Billy Elliot

COCA announces open auditions for the adult professional and student apprentice ensembles for Billy Elliot, directed by Nancy Bell. Creative team includes Kirven Douthit-Boyd as choreographer and Colin Healy as Musical Director. Rehearsals begin June 29, and performances are July 24-26, in the brand new Berges Theatre at COCA.

Separate auditions for the Youth Company ensemble (ages 10-18) will be held on March 13 & 14. Youth Company participants (ages 10-18) engage in a boot-camp style rehearsal intensive with the creative team beginning June 1. Please see separate notice for more details.

WHO: AEA and NON-AEA adult (ages 19+). This is a Guest Artist II Contract (housing is not provided with this contract.), pending Equity Approval. We are especially interested in casting adult actors that have worked as teaching artists and that are committed to supporting the artistic growth of young people throughout the rehearsal and performance process.

AUDITION DATES AND LOCATIONS:

Saturday, February 22 Dance Call: 11 AM-1:00 PM, Washington University, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis (Annelise Mertz Dance Studio in the Mallinckrodt Center) All actors must attend dance call prior to appointments. Audition Appointments: 3:00-6:00 PM, COCA-Center of Creative Arts, 524 Trinity Ave St. Louis

Sunday, February 23 Callbacks: 11:30 AM-1:30 PM, COCA-Center of Creative Arts

PREPARE: Please prepare a side and 32 bars of a song for your audition. Please request a side according to the breakdown below when you schedule your audition.

TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION: Please email COCA registrar at [email protected] to schedule your appointment. All actors must attend the dance call prior to their appointment. Sides will be available upon request.

ABOUT THE PLAY: Set in a village in northeast England during the miners’ strike of 1984/5, 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 lm and garnering Tony, Drama Desk and Oliver Awards—Billy Elliot is a heartwarming and triumphant tale.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

PRINCIPALS:

Mrs. Wilkinson (30-59-years-old) Good comedic skills. Good mover, tap experience an advantage. Must be a strong singer & . Not only music theatre performers but dramatic actors are encouraged to apply.

Dad (40-49-years-old) Must be a good actor with solid comic timing. Must sing. Dance not essential but must have some movement skills.

Grandma (50-79-years-old) Needs to be able to sing. Good dance or movement skills an advantage. Tap if possible. Good comedic skills required.

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.

George (35-59-years-old) Some singing is required for this role. Qualities of a pub entertainer needed. Must have great comic ability/ timing. George is often, but not always required, to be a Dad cover. This is really an acting role. Dance not essential but must have some movement skills.

Dead Mum (30-39-years-old) Strong singer - soprano. Some tap dance an advantage but not essential. This performer is also part of the ensemble. Dead Mum is usually a Mrs. Wilkinson cover.

Mr. Braithwait (30-49-years-old) Piano; Tap and dance skills essential. Ideally an ex-dancer with good flexibility. Splits an advantage.

Older Billy (20-30-years-old) It is essential this character be an excellent ballet dancer and have a strong physique. Some tap dance ability an advantage. Singing is also required for this track. He is also part of the ensemble, plays other roles such as a miner and policeman etc.

Ensemble Miners/Apprentice & Adult Ensemble (18-65-years-old) Excellent singing voices and ability to dance or move well. Good tap skills essential. Character actors of all ages. All shapes and sizes welcomed, but must have great stamina. Miners, policeman, officials, parents and etc. All ensemble cast must be able to sing. Good minor / cameo roles to come from this ensemble.