Auditions

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 7PM and Tuesday, November 7 at 7PM

CALLBACKS: Thursday, November 9 at 7PM (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 event. 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

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Elmwood Casting Policy

Elmwood Community Playhouse is committed to providing equal opportunity to all and we strive for nondiscrimination in all areas of our organization. We are a non-Equity playhouse and therefore cannot cast members of the Actors Equity Association.

Elmwood Playhouse has an open auditions policy for every role in every show. Any member of the community is invited to audition, regardless of race, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or identity, age, or special need. In accordance with our Code of Conduct policy, Elmwood Community Playhouse is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all our functions.

Actors do not need previous experience on the Elmwood stage to be offered a role. Many actors have been offered a role after the first time they audition. Further, Elmwood maintains a no pre-casting policy. All roles are available during the initial audition.

Dates for upcoming auditions are listed on our website, on social media, and announced in the members’ newsletter. If, in the opinion of the director, a suitable role cannot be cast from those who have auditioned, auditions may be extended beyond the original schedule, or specific individuals may be invited to audition to meet the needs of the production.

Upon arriving at the audition space, all actors will be asked to fill out an audition form. While not required, actors are encouraged to bring a headshot and/or suitable resume. If there is a specific role in a show that is of interest, please identify it on the audition form so the director is aware. Please be prepared to list all schedule conflicts from the day of audition through the closing performance of the show.

All casting decisions are made on the basis of the actor’s skill and ability demonstrated during the audition(s), as well as upon the actor’s appropriateness and suitability (physical, vocal, mental, and/or emotional) for the available roles. Certain circumstances, such as in plays where race, gender, or age are core to the show, may influence casting choices, however, casting is solely decided based on skill and ability.

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to audition. All performers cast in a show must become a member of Elmwood Playhouse.

Acting Opportunities

Elmwood Playhouse produces: Six “main stage” shows a year. Involvement in these generally requires an average of 2-3 nights a week rehearsal for approx 8 weeks, and 12 to 20 performances over a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Actual schedules will vary by show. A variety of “one performance” workshops for the monthly membership meetings, generally the first Monday of the month and open to the public. Special event performances throughout the year. This gives a broad range of opportunities for actors of varied skills and backgrounds to get on stage, whether you’re looking for a leading role or a small part to “get your feet wet”. Our shows run four to five weekends, occasionally with benefit performances during the week.

If you are cast…

All cast and crew personnel are required to become members of Elmwood Community Playhouse and are required to attend strike, which is held the Sunday after the final performance. By taking part in a production, you also allow that images of yourself captured by Elmwood Community Playhouse during their activities (including but not limited to rehearsals, productions and special events) through video, photo and/or digital camera, to be used solely for the purposes of Elmwood Community Playhouse promotional materials/publications and web site, and waive any right of compensation or ownership thereto. As is true in the professional world of theatre and dance, if the director or choreographer believes that a cast member’s participation in a production is unsatisfactory, it is his/her right to replace the person. A professional attitude and commitment to productions are expected at all times.