PRE-AUDITION WORKSHOP:
Sunday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. (optional)
CALLBACKS: December 6
REHEARSALS: December 8 – February 7
PERFORMANCES: February 8-25
DIRECTOR: Greg Thompson
MUSIC DIRECTOR: Jason Bartosic
Just out of jail, young Percy Talbott is looking for a new beginning in the little town of Gilead, Wisconsin. The sheriff finds her a job as a waitress at the Spitfire Grill, much to the displeasure of crotchety old Hannah who owns it. Before long, the mysterious new girl is dishing out redemption for everybody in town – though trouble may be brewing. And there’s a bigger mystery simmering on the back burner… Order up: a folk-flavored musical with a warm and generous heart.
Percy Talbott: Early 20s. Pretty, if a bit rough-edged, her face declares the strength of her youth and sadness beyond her years. Her accent has a southern Appalachian cadence (but please don’t use one for auditions). Strong folk/country belt to D, some head voice required.
Hannah Ferguson: About 70. A tough-skinned and flinty old bird with a short, no-nonsense manner bordering on the bitter. Mezzo/alto chest range.
Shelby Thorpe: Mid-30s. A plain, soft-faced creature with a shy, almost ethereal manner. Shimmering folk soprano with strong high belt to D.
Caleb Thorpe: Early 40s. Out-of-work foreman of the stone quarry. Frustrated working man clinging to the past. Solid folk/rock voice with an edge (top G).
Sheriff Joe Sutter: Mid-late 20s. A young small-town policeman with an appealing intensity and a restless nature. Strong folk tenor to a G (touches an A).
Effy Krayneck: 50s. Postmaster and busybody, a woman with narrow eyes and a sour tongue. Solid singer in mezzo/alto chest range. Carries close harmony.
The Visitor: Mid-40s. A mysterious figure who never speaks. An actor with powerful eyes and a very strong sense of his body.
There will be a free, optional, pre-audition workshop on Sunday, December 3 at 6:30 p.m. Led by director Greg Thompson and music director Jason Bartosic, this practical workshop is ideal for both newcomers and experienced performers to meet the show’s creative team, learn about the audition process, and practice your audition piece. Bring your sheet music so you can rehearse your audition song. RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/r/UBhtyShzx6
Please prepare a song from musical theater in the style of the show (folk, country, bluegrass, character) that best showcases your acting and vocal abilities and reflects the qualities of the character(s) you are interested in. Dialects are not needed or encouraged for auditions. Sides will be provided at the audition.
Auditions will be held on Monday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. It is only necessary to attend one night of auditions. Please reserve an audition slot here: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/[email protected]/bookings/
An accompanist will be provided. No recorded accompaniment or a cappella auditions will be allowed. You must bring printed, legible sheet music. For those who are called back, callbacks will be held on Wednesday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m.
You may check out a copy of the script from the box office for one week with a $10 refundable deposit. Please call ahead to make sure a script is in stock. Scripts checked out the week before auditions must be returned by 2 p.m. on Friday, December 1.
No experience is necessary. Newcomers and theatre veterans alike are welcome and encouraged to audition. If you are unable to attend the scheduled auditions, please contact the Theatre at (352) 236-2274 about making a separate appointment. Be prepared at auditions to list any conflicts with the rehearsal schedule.
If you need any specific accommodations to audition, please contact Craig James, Director of Guest Services and Operations, at (352) 236-2851, ext. 102, or [email protected] to make your request. Examples of accommodations made in the past are a wheelchair-accessible audition space, large-print materials, prompters in the audition room, volunteers to help fill out forms, and auditions by appointment.
Rehearsals will begin with a table read of the script on Friday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m. Beginning Sunday, December 10, rehearsals will be held Sunday through Thursday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tech rehearsals are January 31 through February 3, with an all-day tech rehearsal on Saturday, February 3. Dress rehearsals are February 5-7. There will be 15 public performances, Thursdays through Sundays, February 8-25 at Ocala Civic Theatre.
Greg Thompson is the Executive & Artistic Director of Ocala Civic Theatre. Over the past 33 years of his involvement with OCT, he has served as guest director, choreographer, and instructor many times. Greg created OCT’s popular Arts For All summer youth program in 1991 and has taught numerous workshops. Past OCT shows he has directed and/or choreographed include The Music Man, For Love Or Money, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Pirates of Penzance, The Sugar Bean Sisters, Annie, The Mikado, Enchanted April, Cats, My Favorite Year; A Day In Hollywood, A Night On Broadway; The Baker’s Wife, The King and I, Fiddler On the Roof, Guys and Dolls, Night and Day, Macabaret, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Hands On a Hardbody, Outside Mullingar, Newsies, Sweeney Todd, and Witch.
As we strive to make choices that reflect the best of our community, showcasing the incredible talent and rich diversity, there is always more to learn and more to do. As members of this community, we prioritize our continuous education, reflection, and action. Ocala Civic Theatre is committed to casting diverse artists who reflect the demographics of our city and our society.
We encourage you to audition for the role(s) you are attracted to. Please read the character descriptions and requirements and choose the role(s) you are best suited for – roles that best reflect your talents and your natural vocal range. We want you to have the strongest audition and the best experience possible!
All cast and crew ages 16+ will be subject to a background check. This is required for shows with anyone age 15 or younger in the cast.
We need crew for The Spitfire Grill! This may include assistant stage managers; sound, light board, spotlight, rigging, and flying operators; costume dressers, deck crew, and more. No prior experience is necessary.
Crew will begin attending rehearsals on January 31. The show runs for 15 performances, from February 8-25th. All crew members must be 16 or olders and are required to work all performances.
Interested? Please contact Craig James, Director of Guest Services & Operations, at 352-236-2851, ext. 102, or [email protected]