Skylight Music Theatre: 2021-22 Season Auditions
Skylight Music Theatre is accepting video submissions for AEA and non-AEA actors and resumes for AEA and non-AEA stage managers for their upcoming season, which includes: The Full Monty, Little Shop of Horrors, Ernest Shackleton Loves Me, Raisin and Dennis DeYoung’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Skylight is an Equity, SPT 8+ theatre and encourages people of all races, ages, ethnicities, abilities, and gender identities to apply. Skylight is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunities; to being a positive model of diversity and to the elimination of discrimination in theatre.
Video submissions to be viewed by the following:
Michael Unger – Artistic Director, Skylight Music Theatre
Jason Danieley – Director, The Full Monty
Jill Anna Ponasik – Director, Ernest Shackleton Loves Me
Kenneth L. Roberson – Director, Raisin
Christie Chiles Twillie – Music Director, The Full Monty; Raisin
Eric Svejcar – Music Director, “Hunchback”
Dennis DeYoung – Composer, “Hunchback”
Susan Varela – Director of Artistic Operations, Skylight Music Theatre
Contract minimum: AEA $619 for performers; $802 for stage managers
Skylight intends to have a fully-vaccinated company for the 21-22 season.
Stage manager: Seeking AEA production stage managers for Skylight Music Theatre’s 21-22 season. Transportation and housing provided for individual shows. Applicants local to the Milwaukee area are strongly encouraged to apply. Also seeking local, non-AEA assistant stage managers. See application details below show/character breakdowns.
Skylight 21-22 Season audition - breakdowns
THE FULL MONTY:
Six unemployed Buffalo steelworkers, low on both cash and prospects, decide to present a strip act at a local club after seeing their wives' enthusiasm for a touring company of Chippendales. One of them, Jerry, declares that their show will be better than the Chippendales dancers because they'll go "the full monty” - strip all the way. As they prepare for the show, working through their fears, self-consciousness, and anxieties, they overcome their inner demons and find strength in their camaraderie.
Rehearsal: August 31, 2021
Opens: September 24, 2021
Closes: October 17, 2021
Jerry Lukowski: An unemployed mill worker. 30-40. Jerry has a genuine tenderness for his son – a regular guy. Vocal Range: Rock Tenor, with a strong controlled falsetto. Gender: Male identifying.
Pam Lukowski: Jerry's estranged wife and high school sweetheart. She wants what is best for her son. Gender: Female identifying. Age: 25 to 35 - Vocal range top: A5 - Vocal range bottom: B3
Dave Bukatinsky: Jerry's best friend and fellow unemployed mill worker. More of a follower than leader. The definitive sidekick. Overweight. Gender: Male identifying. Age: 30 to 40 - Vocal range top: E6 - Vocal range bottom: C4
Georgie Bukatinsky: Dave's wife. She loves her husband. Outgoing. Gender: Female identifying Age: 30 to 40 - Vocal range top: A5 - Vocal range bottom: G3
Harold Nichols: An unemployed supervisor at the mill. Thinks his worth comes from providing for his wife, so he hides his unemployment from her. Gender: Male identifying. Age: 35 to 45 - Vocal range top: A5 - Vocal range bottom: B3
Vicki Nichols: Harold's wife. She enjoys the finer things in life. Loves her husband and supports him no matter what. Gender: Female identifying. Age: 30 to 40 - Vocal range top: A5 - Vocal range bottom: G3
Malcolm Macgregor: Security guard at the closed mill. Lives at home with his mother. Depressed, slightly suicidal. Gender: Male identifying. Age: 25 to 35 - Vocal range top: E6 - Vocal range bottom: C
Ethan Girard: An unemployed mill worker. Lonely. Has a blind determination and confidence to succeed. Gender: Male identifying. Age: 25 to 35 - Vocal range top: A5 - Vocal range bottom: D3
Noah "Horse" T. Simmons: A retired mill worker. Has explosive dance moves. Frequently grumpy. Gender: Male identifying. Age: 50 to 60 - Vocal range top: B5 - Vocal range bottom: F2
Jeanette Burmeister: A piano player of indeterminate years and show-business pro. Brassy and quick-witted. Has slowed down a little in recent years. Gender: Female identifying. Age: 65 to 75 - Vocal range top: B5 - Vocal range bottom: F4
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS:
Little Shop of Horrors is a delectable sci-fi horror musical with an electrifying 1960s pop/rock score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman.
NOTE: This show has been postponed from the 20/21 season.
Seymour Krelborn is a meek and dejected assistant at a floral shop who happens upon a strange plant, which he affectionately names “Audrey II” after his crush on a fellow shop worker. Little does he know that this strange and unusual plant will develop a soulful R&B voice, a potty mouth, and an unquenchable thirst for HUMAN BLOOD.
As Audrey II grows bigger and meaner, the carnivorous plant promises limitless fame and fortune to Seymour, as long as he continues providing a fresh supply of blood. Just when it’s too late, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s extra-terrestrial origins and his true drive for world-domination.
Rehearsal: October 26, 2021
Opens: November 19, 2021
Closes: January 2, 2022
Seymour Krelborn: (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST) An insecure, put-upon florist's clerk and eventual hero. He is a genuine, well-meaning man who is taken for granted because of his clumsy ways and poor social skills.
Audrey: (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST) Bleached-blond, Billie-Dawn-like, secret love of Seymour's life. She has poor self-worth and education, but incredibly good looks and a sweet and vulnerable demeanor.
Mr. Mushnik: (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST) The seasoned owner of the failing East Side flower shop and Seymour's nosy boss. He is at first profit-driven, but develops a conscience as he heads towards his demise.
Orin Scrivello/Various Roles: (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST) An egotistical dentist with a passion for leather and sadistic tendencies. Audrey's abusive boyfriend, who is targeted by Seymour.
The Plant (Audrey II): (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST) Puppet. An anthropomorphic cross between a Venus flytrap and an massive avocado, the plant has an appetite for human flesh that is appeased by Seymour. Puppeteer doubles as other sizes of the plant.
Voice Of The Plant: (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST) An actor/vocalist located offstage. The voice is that of a conniving, street-smart 'villain.' A funky Rhythm and Blues voice is best.
Crystal: (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST) Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon are African-American street urchins, acting as the occasional Greek Chorus. Young, hip, and smart, these girls are the only ones who have a grip on reality.
Ronnette: (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST) Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon are African-American street urchins, acting as the occasional Greek Chorus. Young, hip, and smart, these girls are the only ones who have a grip on reality.
Chiffon: (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST) Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon are African-American street urchins, acting as the occasional Greek Chorus. Young, hip, and smart, these girls are the only ones who have a grip on reality.
Ernest Shackleton Loves Me:
This innovative, high-tech adventure tells the story of a sleep-deprived single mom who struggles to work as a video game music composer. Unexpectedly, she is contacted across time by the famous polar explorer, Ernest Shackleton. Inspired by her music, he shares his epic Antarctic journey with her in video and song. Against all odds, they discover that their greatest inspiration lies within each other.
Rehearsal: December 21, 2021
Opens: January 14, 2022
Closes: January 30, 2022
KAT (30-45): Principal role. Female identifying. Eccentric single mom, disillusioned by her absentee boyfriend, she looks for connection on a dating website. Great comedic actress capable of heart and depth. High mix/belt; excellent violinist (electric violin experience preferred). *see below for specific submission requirements/violin.
ERNEST SHACKLETON (35-45): Principal role. Male identifying. The famous explorer; full of bravado, charm and optimism. Baritone/tenor or Baritone with an extension. Some falsetto required. Must play the banjo and guitar. Physical role; jumping,climbing required. (Also plays BRUCE the lovable loser boyfriend.) *see below for specific submission requirements/banjo
RAISIN
“Raisin” takes place in 1950s, Southside Chicago and revolves around a working class black family aspiring to a better life after the death of their father. Hope is sparked by the arrival of a $10,000 life insurance check. However, conflict ensues when mother and son want to spend the money in different ways. Walter Lee Younger, Jr. wants to use the money to open a liquor business. For Mama Lena, however, the windfall means the opportunity to move out of the slums and finance daughter Beneatha's medical school education. With the exception of KARL LINDER, who is white, all characters in the play are Black. All performers must move very well. **monologue and song required for audition - see below.
Rehearsal: January 18, 2022
Opens: February 11, 2022
Closes: February 27, 2022
ROLES:
WALTER LEE YOUNGER: In his middle thirties, he is the husband of Ruth, father of Travis, brother of Beneatha, and son of Lena (Mama) Younger. Walter works as a chauffeur and drinks a bit too much at times. When he discovers that his mother will receive a $10,000 check from his father's insurance, he becomes obsessed with his dreams of a business venture which will give him financial independence and, in his mind, will make him a more valuable human being. Baritone. Male identifying.
LENA YOUNGER (MAMA): The mother of Walter Lee and Beneatha, mother-in-law of Ruth, and grandmother of Travis. Lena's (Mama's) every action is borne out of her abiding love for her family, her deep religious convictions, and her strong will that is surpassed only by her compassion. Mama's selfless spirit is shown in her plans to use her $10,000 insurance check for the good of her family, part of which includes plans to purchase a house in a middle-class white neighborhood. Voice type - strong alto belt. Female identifying.
BENEATHA YOUNGER: The twentyish sister of Walter Lee and the daughter of Lena Younger. She is a college student planning to go to medical school. The only family member privileged to have the opportunity for a higher education, she is sometimes a little overbearing in the pride she takes in being an "intellectual." Voice type - soprano/Mezzo-soprano. Female identifying.
RUTH YOUNGER: The thirtyish wife of Walter Lee Younger and the mother of Travis, their ten-year-old son. Ruth acts as peacemaker in most of the explosive family situations. Very low-key, Ruth reveals her strongest emotions only when she learns of the possibility of their moving to a better neighborhood. Mezzo-soprano with strong belt/mix. Female identifying.
TRAVIS YOUNGER: The ten-year-old son of Walter and Ruth Younger. Living in a household with three generations in conflict, Travis skillfully plays each adult against the other and is, as a result, somewhat "spoiled." In spite of this, he is a likeable child. Sweet vocal sound, some technique required. Male identifying. Note: We will consider performers up to age 14 if they read as younger.
MRS. JOHNSON: Brash and abrasive neighbor of the Youngers, she insensitively points out to the Youngers all the negative repercussions that await them should they decide to move into the white neighborhood. Classic busybody. Voice type - any. Female identifying.
ALTHEA/Ensemble: The proprietress at the local bistro that Walter Lee Younger and his associates frequent. The script refers to her as, “A sizzling, well-turned out soul sister”. Vocal type - A great, show-stopping performer. Must move very well. Voice type - mezzo-soprano. Female identifying.
BOBO JONES/Ensemble: The somewhat dimwitted friend of Walter Lee who, along with another friend, Willie, plans to invest in Walter Lee's business scheme. Voice type - baritone. Male identifying.
WILLIE HARRIS/Ensemble: Dapper and smoothly assured, he cons Walter and his friend Bobo Jones and disappears with their money. Voice type - baritone. Male identifying.
JOSEPH ASAGI/Ensemble: An African college student from Nigeria, Asagai is one of Beneatha's suitors. Mannerly, good looking, and personable, he is well liked by all members of the Younger household. Continental African dialect required. Voice type - baritone with a rich, operatic sound. Male identifying.
PASTOR/Ensemble: Pastor at the church where the Younger family go to worship; a kind, loving man to his wife and parishioners. Voice type - strong, gospel baritone. Male identifying.
PASTOR'S WIFE/Ensemble: Married to the Pastor at the church where the Youngers go to worship; hard on her husband, but very involved with his “flock”. Voice type - any. Female identifying.
KARL LINDER/Ensemble: A weak and ineffectual middle-aged white man, Lindner is the spokesman for the white community into which the Youngers plan to move. He has been sent to persuade the Youngers not to move into the white neighborhood. In fact, he has been authorized by the white community to offer the Youngers a monetary incentive not to move in. Voice type - any. Male identifying.
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME by Dennis DeYoung of the rock group Styx:
A treatment of the famous Hugo novel, with a dark, realistic take on the tragic love story.
Rehearsal: April 26, 2022
Opens: May 20, 2022
Closes: June 5, 2022
CLAUDE FROLLO: (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST - seeking understudy for the ensemble) (40’s-50’s) Catholic priest and Archdeacon of the cathedral of Notre Dame.
A deeply devout, complex man in his mid-forties, who adopts an abandoned child with a visible deformity. He faces a crisis of faith when he becomes obsessed with a beautiful gypsy girl. Pop baritone. Male identifying.
QUASIMODO: (THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST) (20’s-30’s) The bell-ringer of Notre Dame with a severe, visible deformity. His grotesque exterior masks a kind, gentle, spiritual soul. The face of a monster - the heart of an angel. His devotion to FROLLO is unconditional. Male identifying.
ESMERELDA: (18-25) Romani girl with a heart of gold and a dark life; when she dances, the world disappears. Excellent dancer. Soprano with a high mix/belt up to an A. Female identifying.
PHOEBUS: 30’s-40’s. The handsome, brave, confident captain of the “Swords of the King”. His two great loves are women and the glory of battle. Baritone with tenor notes. Think Lancelot or Gaston - sans the silliness. Male identifying.
МАНІЕТТЕ: 30’s-50’s. A sage - Romani fortune teller. She is ESMERELDA’S confidante and protector. Voice type: Alto. Female identifying.
CLOPIN: A thief and beggar of many disguises. He rules the underworld of Paris known as “The court of Miracles”. Looking for a character voice; gruff or something unique, not the standard Broadway sound.
GUDULE: A sergeant of the “Swords of the King”. An evil, mean-spirited man, relentless in his hatred of the Romani. Deep, menacing baritone. Male identifying.
AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please make a video (using landscape mode, if using a phone or tablet) of a song of your choice that shows off your voice, in the style of the show. If you are auditioning for more than one role, please sing an excerpt of a second song that shows contrast. You may use a track of your choosing or use the track below: “If I Loved You” in whichever key suits your voice best.
*If you are auditioning for the role of ERNEST SHACKLETON or KAT, please tell us about your banjo or violin proficiency and include a short selection of you playing that instrument.
** If you are auditioning for RAISIN, please perform a short monologue AND a short (one-minute) excerpt of a song.
Submit the video/s as a YouTube, Google or Vimeo link (DO NOT SEND LARGE FILES - we will NOT view them) to:
auditions@skylightmusictheatre.org
We ask that you use your name as the title of the video – please do not use “Skylight” or “Skylight Music Theatre” in the video title.
Please include your picture and resume with your submission - even if you think we already have them.
Videos must be received by 8PM on Wednesday, June 30th
Stage manager applicants: please send resumes and cover letters by Wednesday, June 30, to Susan Varela, Director of Artistic Operations at: susanv@skylightmusictheatre.org
Please put your name and “Stage Manager Applicant” in the subject line.