Actors Conservatory Theatre
Auditions for Violet
DESCRIPTION:
The Actors Conservatory Theatre is a Westchester based non-profit organization which was founded in 1975. ACT has staged over 100 mainstage productions since then including comedies and dramas as well as musicals. We have conducted numerous acting workshops since 1977 for children, beginner actors and scene study workshops for experienced performers and have been the recipient of Best Local Theater by Westchester Magazine, 2 years in a row.
Other Dates:
1st Rehearsal: Week of September 12
Tech week: November 2-Novemeber 6
Show Dates: Nov 7-10 & Nov 15-17 (7 performances)
Venue: Actor’s Conservatory Theatre at 20 Buckingham Road in Yonkers NY (just 20 min outside NYC) accessible by Metro north as well!
Rehearsals are at ACT Monday & Thursdays 7-10, Sundays 3-6 and/or 7-10. Not all performers are called to every rehearsal.
Personelle:
Music By: Jeanine Tesori
Book/Lyrics by: Brian Crawley
Director: Armand Paganelli
Music Director:Stephen Ferri
Choreographer: Janice Paganelli
Plot Summary:
Winner of the Drama Critics' Circle Award and Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical when it premiered Off-Broadway in 1997, and then on to a Tony-nominated Broadway debut in 2014 with a revised version, Violet is a moving musical featuring show-stopping anthems, ranging from American-roots to folk to gospel. With a score from Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, or Change; Thoroughly Modern Millie; Shrek; Fun Home) and book and lyrics by the acclaimed Brian Crawley (A Little Princess), Violet is inspired by the short story, The Ugliest Pilgrim by Doris Betts, astounding critics and audiences alike in two separate decades.
As a girl, Violet was struck by a wayward axe blade when her father was chopping wood, leaving her with a visible scar across her face. With enough money finally saved she's traveling across the Deep South in 1964 towards a miracle – the healing touch of a TV evangelist who will make her beautiful. Although she may not succeed in having the scar on her face healed, Violet is able to repair those scars that are lying deeper than her skin. On the way, she meets a young, African-American soldier whose love for her reaches far past her physical imperfections.
Character Breakdown
Seeking non union performers with excellent singing and acting abilities for all roles.
Violet (Female, 20-30)
The title character, a young North Carolina woman whose face was scarred in a childhood accident. She is stubborn and prickly, but filled with equal parts hope and obsession that she may heal and be made beautiful.
Vocal range: G3- F5
Flick (Male, 20-30)
An African-American soldier; a dreamer and go-getter. He doesn't enjoy the army, but enjoys the respect it garners him. There is something gentle, good about him, not to be interpreted or confused with weakness or lack of authority.
Vocal range: C4-E6
Monty (Male, 20-30)
A paratrooper and Flick's friend from basic training. Rough around the edges. Self-consumed, but not necessarily purposefully so. Fighting his own demons.
Vocal range: A3- G5
Young Vi (Female, 10-13)
Not quite as guarded or prickly as her older self, but still tough and stubborn. She has a keen curiosity and the rough edges of being brought up solely by her father.
Vocal range: A3- E5
Father (Male, 35-40)
A simple, widowed man who lovingly raises his daughter alone doing the best he can with the little knowledge and resources he has to do so. Stern but friendly, smart but uneducated. Accidentally scars Violet's face while he is chopping wood.
Vocal range: A3-F5
Old Lady (Female 50-65)
A former beauty in her heyday. Staunch, tired and frustrated with life.
Vocal range: F3-E5
Preacher (Male, 30-40)
An impassioned, theatrical man who preaches with all the bravado he can muster. Once had a true healing touch but has lost it in his quest to become a showman. Dismissive and egotistical. Actor doublings include: Radio Singer, Bus Driver 1, Bus Driver 4.
Vocal range: B3-G5
Virgil (Male, 20-25)
The Preacher's assistant. Knows the smoke & mirrors of the Preacher's show and must begrudgingly deal with anyone who might derail it.
Vocal range: B3-B5
Music Hall Singer (Female, 35-45)
The singer at the dance hall in Memphis. African American
Vocal range: A3-G5
Lulu Buffington (Female, 40-65)
A member of the volunteer choir that sings for the Preacher's telecast. Sings for God with passion and power. African-American. Must be a powerhouse vocalist comfrotabel with gospel solo, improve vocals.
Vocal range top: F3-G5
Leroy Evans (Male, 50-70)
A citizen of Spruce Pine with a dog named Roscoe. Not very bright. Gender: Male
Vocal range top: B3- F5
Ensemble (Male/Female, 20-50)
Choir Singers, Radio Singers, Bus Drivers, Landlady, Hotel Hooker, Bus Passengers, etc. many featured roles.
*Especially seeking African American singers who are comfortable with gospel style singing, harmony and gospel choir experience.
Submission Instructions:
Auditions
Wednesday and Thursday Sept 4th and 5th from 7pm-10pm
*walk-ins welcomed, appointments preferred
Callbacks
September 9 7-10pm
All auditions and callbacks are at ACT 20 Buckingham Road Yonkers NY.
*Please note we will accept video submission from actors who can not attend the audition dates above. You must be available by the first week of rehearsal. Those who attend in person will be given priority for roles.
What To Prepare:
Please prepare 32 bars of a song from the show (preferred) or in the style of the show. Please have your music clearly labeled and in the correct key. Sheet music from the show will be available at the audition if needed, but if you have a specific cut please bring sheet music in the correct key and marked. A piano accompanist will be provided but will not transpose. Charts are NOT acceptable, NO cd’s and NO unaccompanied singing.
-Please bring a headshot/resume stapled together
SEND TO:
Please email
apag7153@aol.com to make an appointment. Please be sure to include your name, date of preferred audition and time slot you would like.
Videos
