[Capdist-auditions] Auditions for PIPPIN

[Kara DiCaterino]

Not So Common Players announces auditions for the musical Pippin, by
Stephen Schwartz.

Free musical theater sponsored by the Town of Clifton Park

Producer: Kara A. DiCaterino
Director: Tim Orcutt
Music Director: Patricia Leighton
Choreographer: Edmund Metzold

WHEN:
Sunday, December 11 and Monday, December 12
Sign In at 6:30 P.M.
Auditions will begin at 7:00 P.M.

WHERE:
Shenendehowa Adult Community Center
6 Clifton Common Court
Clifton Park, NY 12065

Auditioners should be prepared to sing 16-32 bars of a Broadway song.
Usually the bridge to the final refrain should be sufficient. Please steer
clear of Sondheim - our accompanist will be most grateful! Since an
accompanist will be provided, no a capella auditions permitted.

Following that there will be a movement audition (so please dress
comfortably and accordingly).

After a break, Auditioners will then read sides from the script.

If callbacks are needed they will be held on Thursday, December 15
(location and time TBA).

PERFORMANCE DATES: April 20-22 and 26-29

Rehearsals to begin early February. Generally, rehearsals will be in the
evenings - Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Not all actors will be
called to every rehearsal. Rehearsals will start and end promptly, but may
run late during tech week.

Pippin is a Tony-award winning musical that opened on Broadway in 1972. It
received rave reviews for director and choreographer Bob Fosse, leading
player Ben Vereen, and composer Stephen Schwartz (author of Wicked). An
eclectic acting troupe invites the audience to see their story of Pippin,
the son of Charlemagne, one of the great medieval rulers. Pippin believes
he is destined for an extraordinary life if he can only discover what he is
meant to do. Pippin becomes a soldier, a politician, an artist, and has a
romantic relationship with a young widow named Catherine – but nothing
makes him happy. Pippin’s search leads him (and the member of the acting
troupe who portrays him) to the grand finale of the show and a choice that
only he can make.

This show is a comedy that relies on great comic timing. Please keep this
in mind when auditioning.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Note: While principals will need superb acting and singing skills, they
will also need to be able to move well. Their choreography will not be as
complex as it is for the ensemble. Ages shown are a guideline and indicate
the age the actor can portray, not necessarily what appears on the birth
certificate.

Lead Player - male or female (tenor/soprano) is the narrator of the show
who is featured in nearly every scene. The Leading Player has a malevolent
intensity and sparkling charisma. He (or she) leads Pippin through the
story and controls the action. He/she also controls the finale. His/her
goal is to make a theatrical spectacle that will not disappoint the
audience. He/she is a performer, observing and controlling the action but
does not participate in the story. Excellent singer, dancer, actor – triple
threat. Able to hold the audience’s attention. Should appear experienced
(late 30s - 40s)

Pippin (tenor) is an idealistic and inexperienced youth in his early
twenties, searching for meaning in his life. He believes that he is an
extraordinary person who is bound for an uncommon life, if he can only find
something worth dedicating his life to. Actor / Singer most important,
dancer second. Performs a dance number with the Lead Player.

Charles (baritone), Pippin's father, is also known as King Charlemagne. He
is the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. He is a powerful ruler, unafraid of
waging war and demanding of his subjects. He is uninterested in helping
Pippin to find happiness. Actor / Singer (late 40s - 50s)

Fastrada (mezzo) is Pippin's somewhat evil stepmother, who is plotting to
make sure that her son Lewis becomes king. She is sly, devious, charming
and tough. Actor / Singer, dancing a plus. (mid 30s - 40s)

Lewis is Pippin's half-brother who is self-obsessed and a good warrior, but
not particularly smart. He kisses mirrors a lot. Actor / Dancer (early 20s)

Berthe (alto) is Pippin's grandmother (Charles' mother), an older woman
with a flirtatious taste for young men. She advises Pippin to relax and
enjoy his life before it is too late. She is crusty and pragmatic but warm
and fun-loving. Actor / Singer (50s and up)

Catherine (mezzo) is a young widow who lives with her son, Theo. She is
interested in finding a husband to guide her young son and to help her with
the work on her estate. She is Pippin's love interest and shows him the
simple joys of home and hearth. (late 20s - 40s)

Theo is a boy who is 6-10 years old. Unhappy and sassy at first, then grows
to care for Pippin as a father figure. Actor/Singer

Ensemble/ Featured Dancers (3-4 male, 3-4 female, 20s-30s): All will have
at least one line of dialogue, and will be required to sing, but these
roles are primarily for dancers. Expect the choreography to be demanding.

Please contact Producer, Kara A. DiCaterino at kara.dicaterino at gmail.com or
928-6353 for more information.
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