OPEN AUDITIONS: Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25
PRE-AUDITION WORKSHOP: Sunday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m. (optional)
CALLBACKS: June 26
REHEARSALS: July 18 – September 4
PERFORMANCES: September 5-22
DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER: Steven Flaa
MUSIC DIRECTOR: Jason Bartosic
ABOUT THE SHOW: Poor Ella, overworked and mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. When a royal ball is announced – to find a bride for the prince! – could she ever dream of attending? Nothing’s impossible in a fairytale, especially when you have a magical godmother on your side. As lovely as a glass slipper in the moonlight, this fresh and funny spin on the classic 1957 musical breathes new life into “once upon a time…” You’ll fall in love with this charming romantic fantasy long before the stroke of midnight. This new Broadway adaptation is a contemporary take on the classic tale. It features Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” along with new songs and an up-to-date, hilarious, and romantic libretto by Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane.
ROLES AVAILABLE: Four men, five women, and ensemble. All roles ages 16+.
- Ella: Female, age 18-25. Soprano, B3-Eb5. Opinionated, charismatic, passionate, and funny. Idealistic and hopeful, she courageously challenges Prince Topher to change the policies in his kingdom and helps him discover who he truly is.
- Topher: Male, age 18-25. Baritone, C#3-A4. A lost, misguided prince who longs to do something important with his life. Moral, genuine, and kindhearted, he is at a crossroads and must take control of his kingdom and his future.
- Madame: Female, age 40+. Mezzo-Soprano, C4-D5 (character voice). Ella’s selfish stepmother. A ravenous social climber who values wealth, status, and material possessions above all else.
- Sebastian: Male, age 30+. Baritone, C3-F4. The kingdom’s Lord Chancellor. Though he is Topher’s trusted advisor, he rules without regard for the lower class or anyone other than himself.
- Marie: Female, age 35+. Soprano, A3-Ab5. Actually a fairy godmother in disguise. Wise, warm, otherworldly, and charming.
- Gabrielle: Female, age 18-25. Soprano, C4-G5. Ella’s stepsister. Daughter of Madame. Quietly passionate, empathetic, and witty – and ironically aware that she doesn’t fit in with her sister and mother.
- Charlotte: Female, age 18-25. Mezzo-soprano, B3-F5. Ella’s stepsister. Daughter of Madame. Brash, self-centered, and sassy, she has a ridiculously high but unfounded opinion of herself.
- Jean-Michel: Male, age 18-25. Baritone, C3-G4. A feisty, passionate peasant determined to make a change for the starving class, but lacks authority and isn’t taken seriously as a revolutionary. He has a forbidden crush on Gabrielle.
- Lord Pinkleton: Male, age 40+. Tenor, D3-A4. The Lord Chancellor’s second in command. In charge of royal proclamations.
- Ensemble: Roles for singers and dancers (ages 16+) include a giant, fox, raccoon, footman, coachman, knights, peasants, townspeople, ladies and gentlemen of the court, etc. Ensemble vocal ranges: sopranos C4-Bb5, altos Bb3-F5, tenors D3-Bb4, basses Bb3-F4.
PRE-AUDITION WORKSHOP: There will be a free, optional, pre-audition workshop on Sunday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m. Led by Director/Choreographer Steven Flaa and Resident 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 song. Bring your sheet music so you can rehearse your audition song.
AUDITIONS & CALLBACKS: Auditions will be held on Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25. It is only necessary to attend one night of auditions. Please prepare a Broadway song, ideally one by Rodgers & Hammerstein, that best showcases your acting and vocal abilities and reflects the qualities of the character(s) you are interested in. You may sing a character-specific song from Cinderella and are encouraged to do so if auditioning for Ella, Topher, or Marie. An accompanist will be provided. No recorded accompaniment or a cappella auditions will be allowed. You must bring printed, legible sheet music. Please dress appropriately for the dance/movement portion of the audition (no sandals, flip-flops, or open-toed shoes). Reserve an audition slot here:
https://outlook.office365.com/…/OCTAuditionSp…/bookings/For those who are called back, callbacks will be held on Wednesday, June 26 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, June 21.
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) 236-2274, ext. 102, or cjames@ocalacivictheatre.com 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 & PERFORMANCES: Rehearsals will begin with a table read of the script on Thursday, July 18. Beginning Sunday, July 21, rehearsals will be held Sunday through Thursday. Sunday rehearsals are 5:30-9:30 p.m., while Monday through Thursday rehearsals are 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tech rehearsals are August 28-31, with an all-day tech rehearsal on Saturday, August 31 beginning at 10 a.m. Dress rehearsals are September 2-4. There will be 15 public performances, Thursdays through Sundays, September 5-22 at Ocala Civic Theatre.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN CASTING: 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!
OCT POLICY: 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.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER: Steven Flaa is very happy to be at OCT for the first time – and to be working with Greg Thompson again for the first time in 35 years! Steven has directed shows across Florida, including “The Big Bang,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Souvenir,” “Altar Boyz,” and “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at American Stage in St. Petersburg; “Plaid Tidings,” “A Marvelous Party,” “Beehive,” and “Steppin’ Out With Irving Berlin” at the Winter Park Playhouse; “The King and I,” “Crazy For You,” and “42nd Street” at Venice Theatre; and 18 productions of “Forever Plaid” at theatres including the Hippodrome State Theatre in Gainesville, the Studio Theatre at Tierra Del Sol in The Villages, and the Jaeb Theatre at the Straz Center in Tampa.
