Elmwood Playhouse: Audition Information for “Fun Home”
Auditions for Fun Home
Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack, NY will be holding auditions for its upcoming production of “Fun Home“, book and lyrics by Lisa Kron, music by Jeanine Tesori, and directed by Claudia Stefany. Adapted from Alison Bechdel’s groundbreaking graphic novel, “Fun Home” is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.
AUDITIONS: Monday, November 6 at 7 pm and Tuesday, November 7 at 7 pm
CALLBACKS: Thursday, November 9 at 7 pm(by invitation only)
PERFORMANCES: Friday, March 15, 2024 thru Saturday, April 13, 2024 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with possible Wednesdays and Thursdays)
SHOW DESCRIPTION:
When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison tells the story of her father, a volatile, brilliant man whose hidden secrets and desires define her family and her growing understanding of her own sexuality. Moving between past and present, Alison shares her unique childhood.
CAST REQUIREMENTS: (4 Male presenting roles, 5 Female presenting roles including 3 Children’s roles)
ALISON: (early 40s.) MEZZO SOPRANO
Adult Alison Bechdel and the narrator of this story. Now a self-aware adult, she is able to reflect insightfully on her own life and her relationship with her father before his tragic death.
MEDIUM ALISON: (age 19) MEZZO SOPRANO
Alison Bechdel as a freshman at Oberlin college, discovering her sexuality. For an incredibly well-read, hyper-intelligent teenager, her uncertainty about who she is makes her socially awkward at times. Should be comfortable being on stage in underwear and with kissing and physical contact with character Joan.
SMALL ALISON: (around 8 years old) ALTO
Alison Bechdel as a child, when we first meet her. Precocious and opinionated. On the cusp of finding herself and forming her own views on how a girl her age should behave and dress.
BRUCE: (early 40’s) BARITONE
Alison’s father. A high-school English teacher and funeral home director, who spends his spare time on the historic restoration of his home. A complex man with a hot temper as a result of years of repression. He can be caring and attentive to his children but is also quick to anger.
HELEN: (early 40’s) MEZZO SOPRANO
Alison’s mother. Frustrated and exhausted by her tumultuous marriage. She has spent her life trying to be a good mother and wife while turning a blind eye to the irreverent activities of her husband.
JOAN: (college-aged) ALTO
A student at Oberlin. She exudes a confident, sexual energy, with a dry sense of humor. Unlike Alison, Joan is very comfortable in her skin and openly identifies as a lesbian. Should be comfortable being on stage in underwear and with kissing and physical contact with the character Medium Alison.
CHRISTIAN BECHDEL: (around 10 years old) TREBLE/SOPRANO
Alison’s older brother, when we meet him. As the oldest of the three Bechdel children, Christian strives to be the leader but is sometimes overshadowed by Alison’s strong personality.
JOHN BECHDEL: (around 6 years old)
Alison’s younger brother, when we meet him. Like most boys his age, he is full of energy with a quirky imagination. Looks up to his siblings.
ROY / PETE/ MARK / BOBBY JEREMY: (20ish) TENOR
Roy, a young man Bruce hires to do yard work; Pete, a mourner who visits the funeral home; Mark, a high school junior; Bobby Jeremy, the lead singer of a band in Alison’s imagination.
Please prepare 32 bars of a song ‘in the style of ‘Fun Home’/Contemporary Musical. Do NOT sing a song from ‘Fun Home’. There will be an accompanist. Please bring sheet music in the correct key and a headshot and resume if possible and known rehearsal conflicts.
Sides from the script will be made available at the audition. All roles available. Casting is open to all ethnicities and races. Newcomers are especially welcome. Crew and other volunteers are also needed for the production. Visit https://www.elmwoodplayhouse.com/covid19 to read the theater’s current COVID policies and safety measures. For more information or directions, call 845-353-1313 or visit https://www.elmwoodplayhouse.com/auditions
