AUDITIONS
Take the stage with us
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping into the spotlight for the first time, the Bastrop Opera House welcomes actors of all experience levels to audition. We produce a wide variety of shows throughout the year and are always excited to discover new local talent.
Upcoming auditions
Auditions are open, inclusive, and community-driven — just like our productions. We encourage you to join us and be part of the storytelling magic.
Rent
RENT by Jonathan Larson
Directed by Lisa Holcomb
Music Director: Marc Lionetti
Choreographer: Melissa Ford
Performance Dates: April 4 – May 3
About RENT
Rent is a rock musical by Jonathan Larson, loosely based on the opera La bohème. It tells the story of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in Lower Manhattan's East Village, NYC , under the shadow of HIV/AIDS in the early 1990s.
This Pulitzer Prize and Tony-winning show features a moving score and powerful story that made Rent an instant classic.
Audition Information
Must be 18 to audition. Rent contains explicit sexual language and references to drug use, suicide and trauma experience by people who were houseless and had HIV/Aids in the 80's and 90's in NY city.
Come prepared with up to 32 bars of a song and an accompaniment track on your phone or laptop. Sing a song that you think shows your singing voice the best, preferably in the rock style. No acapella will be accepted. A bluetooth speaker will be provided.
Dance call/call backs will be held by invitation only Sunday, January 25th from 3:00-5:00.
Character Breakdown
Roger Davis
A struggling musician and former drug addict. He is reminiscent of Kurt Cobain. Roommates with Mark in the loft and battles with being HIV-positive.
Gender: Male
Age to play: 20 to 25
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: F2
Mark Cohen
Filmmaker and video artist. Knee deep in his own soul-searching, Mark is the typical young artist. He and Roger are roommates in the loft. A bit of a nerd.
Gender: Male
Age to play: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: G4
Vocal range bottom: A2
Tom Collins
A computer genius and liberal professor. He is a nurturer with a smooth and relaxed disposition. Used to be a roommate in the loft and is HIV-positive.
Gender: Male
Age to play: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: F#2
Benjamin Coffin III
The landlord of Mark and Roger's apartment building. A former roommate in the loft, Benny traded in his personal morals for power and wealth.
Gender: Male
Age to play: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Joanne Jefferson
A public interest lawyer and headstrong lesbian. She is smart and purposeful in all her decisions. Carries on a tumultuous relationship with Maureen.
Gender: Female
Age to play: 25 to 40
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Angel Dumott Schunard
The eccentric HIV-positive street drummer. A drag queen with an incredible gift of dance and a magnetic personality. He becomes Tom's lover.
Gender: Male
Age to play: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: C3
Mimi Marquez
An HIV-positive stripper with drug addictions. Slender and sickly, she conceals it all at her job in the local strip club. She lives in the same building as the loft.
Gender: Female
Age to play: 18 to 21
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: Eb3
Maureen Johnson
An unpredictably zany performance artist. Maureen oozes sexuality and used to live in the loft. She has recently dumped Mark for Joanne.
Gender: Female
Age to play: 20 to 25
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Ensemble
Homeless Men & Women; Junkies, Parents (Mrs. Cohen, Mr. & Mrs. Jefferson); Support Group (Steve, Gordon)
Puffs
About Puffs orSeven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic
Directed by Kelsey Layton
Performance Dates: May 22 – June 7
Bastrop Opera House is holding auditions for PUFFS, the original two-act, adult version of Matt Cox’s fast-paced, hilarious, and heartfelt parody comedy.
For seven years, a certain boy wizard went to a certain wizard school and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story.
This is the story of the Puffs — the loyal, overlooked underdogs who just happened to be there too.
This production is an ensemble comedy that requires strong comic instincts, physical storytelling, quick character shifts and a collaborative spirit.
Audition Format
Auditions will be held by appointment only in individual 10-minute time slots.
Actors will:
Participate in cold readings from the script (sides are provided in advance)
Choose two sides to read in completely different ways
Additional side(s) may be given to you to read
Accents, physical comedy and bold choices are welcome
What to Prepare
Be prepared to cold read from selected scenes
Accents, physical comedy and bold choices are encouraged
This show rewards actors who commit fully, take risks and aren’t afraid to look ridiculous.
Who Should Audition
Ages 18 and up due to language and adult themes
All genders, races, body types and identities are encouraged to audition
Many actors will play multiple roles, often with rapid transitions. Versatility, strong ensemble awareness and comedic timing are essential.
Roles
WAYNE HOPKINS
American accent
The heart of the show. Totally uncool, endlessly loyal, earnest and lovable. Wayne is an everyman who stumbles into a magical world he barely understands, but faces it with optimism and sincerity. Strong emotional grounding with excellent comedic instincts required.
OLIVER RIVERS
American accent
Brilliant, cerebral and socially awkward. A math prodigy who struggles with no longer being the smartest person in the room. Oliver’s arc includes confidence, friendship and romance. Excellent comic timing and emotional range needed.
MEGAN JONES
American accent
Sharp, defiant and tough on the outside, with a vulnerable core. Obsessed with distancing herself from her family’s “Puff” legacy. Over the course of the show, her defenses soften. Requires strong presence, emotional depth and comedy.
NARRATOR
British accent
Our guide through the entire story. The Narrator keeps the audience oriented, energized and engaged. Must be an excellent storyteller with impeccable comedic timing. A sense of authority mixed with humor is key.
CEDRIC / MR. VOLDY
British accent
A major dual role requiring range and stage presence. Cedric is charming, athletic, kind and beloved. Mr. Voldy is flamboyantly evil — terrifying and hilarious. Strong comedic authority required.
ENSEMBLE TRACKS (MULTI-ROLE CASTING)
Each of the following tracks includes multiple characters, often played back-to-back. Actors should demonstrate versatility, strong physicality, accent work and comfort with quick changes.
ERNIE MAC / A VERY TALL MAN / SEAMUS / A CERTAIN POTIONS TEACHER / PROFESSOR TURBAN / GHOST HISTORY TEACHER / PROFESSOR LOCKY / MR. NICK / SAL / SECOND HEADMASTER / REAL MR. MOODY
Various European dialects
Requires bold character work and strong impressions. Ernie Mac is loud, proud and competitive. The professors and adults are heightened parodies and should be played fearlessly. Excellent comic instincts essential. (Impressions: Rickman/ Branagh/etc.)
HANNAH / FIRST HEADMASTER / PROFESSOR McG / PROFESSOR SPROUTTY / XAVIA JONES / PROFESSOR LANNY / RUNES TEACHER / MS. BABBLE
Various European dialects
Hannah begins painfully shy and grows over time. The adult characters are distinct, heightened and fast-moving. Ability to switch energy, posture and voice quickly is crucial. (Maggie Smith impression for McG.)
J. FINCH FLETCHLEY / UNCLE DAVE / GOYLE / A FAT FRIAR / CLUMSY LONGBOTTOM / HERMEOONE #3 / VIKTOR / MR. BAGMAN / ZACH SMITH
Various dialects
A wide-ranging comedic track. J. Finch is sweet and earnest; Zach Smith is an over-the-top, toxic sports bro. Strong physical comedy and improv instincts encouraged.
LEANNE / GINNY / HELGA / FRENCHY
Various European dialects
Eccentric, unpredictable and strangely heartfelt. Leanne is bubbly and optimistic to the point of absurdity. Requires commitment, energy and comedic confidence.
SALLY PERKS / HERMEOONE / BLONDO MALFOY / ROWENA / RITA SCOOTER / BIPPY / DRAGON
Various dialects
Sally begins sweet and naïve, later undergoing a noticeable transformation. Bippy (a house elf) is devoted, annoying and lovable. Actors must fully commit to heightened comedy and physicality.
SUSIE BONES / HARRY / COLIN / HERMEOONE #2 / RIC GRYFF / MYRTLE
Various dialects
Susie is perpetually gloomy and fearful. Harry is confident, famous and oblivious. Myrtle is melodramatic and comic. Strong emotional contrast and comic clarity required.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals begin Monday, March 30
Monday through Thursday evenings and some Saturdays if needed
Attendance at all tech week rehearsals and performances is required
Performances
Performance dates: May 22 - June 7 (Fri/Sat/Sun)
All cast members must be available for the full performance run.
Anything Goes
About Anything Goes
Directed by Jonathan Young
Music Director: Marc Lionetti
Choreographer: Melissa Ford
Performance Dates: July 17 – Aug 2
Anything Goes, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, is a classic musical comedy with an original book by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse, later revised by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. Set on a transatlantic ocean liner, it follows stowaway Billy Crocker's attempts to win the heart of heiress Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to the stuffy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, with the help of nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy #13, "Moonface" Martin.
Audition Preparation
Monologue
Please prepare a one-minute comedic monologue, memorized.
If you do not have a prepared comedic monologue, sides from the show will be available for you to read.
Song
Please prepare 32 bars (approximately 30 seconds) of a song in the style of the show. For song style, we’re looking for material rooted in jazz—think upbeat standards, witty lyrics, and a playful sense of musicality that fits the world of Anything Goes. Songs should feel stylistically similar to Cole Porter’s score (even if they are not written by Cole Porter). Please bring your accompaniment track on your phone or personal device (no a cappella and no sheet music). A Bluetooth speaker will be available for you to connect to.
Movement & Dance Call
Saturday, February 28th at 4:30 PM
Callbacks
If you are invited to callbacks, they will be held on Tuesday, March 10th at 7:00 PM.
Please note: This production utilizes the 2022 revised script, in which the race of the characters is not pivotal to the plot. Actors of all races, ethnicities, shapes, sizes, ages, abilities, and genders are encouraged to audition.
Character Breakdown
Lead Roles
RENO SWEENEY - A charismatic nightclub singer and former evangelist. Leading Lady type. RENO is clever, funny, and confident. Strong singing and dancing (tap) required. Vocal range: Alto/Belt.
BILLY CROCKER – A young businessman who is in love with Hope. BILLY is charismatic and charming; the Leading Man Type. Strong singing required and should be able to dance well. Tapper preferred. Vocal range: Baritenor/Tenor.
HOPE HARCOURT - A beautiful American heiress and object of Billy’s affection but engaged to Lord Evelyn. Ingenue type. Strong singing and dancing required. Vocal range: Soprano.
LORD EVELYN OAKLEIGH - Hope’s energetic, quirky, and good-natured aristocratic fiancé. English accent, strong singing and the ability to move well also required. Vocal range: Baritenor/Tenor.
MOONFACE MARTIN - A loveable gangster; “Public Enemy Number 13”. Character type. Requires strong comic timing, plus the ability to sing and move well. Tapper preferred. Vocal range: Baritenor/Tenor.
Supporting Roles
ERMA LATOUR - A playful, independent, impulsive, and loveably clueless “dame” – a typical 20’s “gun moll” with a ‘Joisey’ accent. Character type. Strong singing and dancing required. Tapper preferred. Vocal range: Mezzo/Belt.
EVANGELINE HARCOURT – 50s-60s. Hope’s overbearing mother concerned with money and social status. Vocal range: Any.
ELISHA WHITNEY – 50s-60s. A successful Wall Street banker who is nearsighted. Billy’s boss. Vocal range: Baritone
Featured Roles
REGINALD STRONG – Captain of the S. S. American. Ability to dance well is a plus. Tapper preferred. Vocal range: Baritone.
PURSER – The captain’s right hand, in and out throughout the entire show. Ability to dance well is a plus. Tapper preferred. Vocal range: Any.
SPIT – Rascally New York street tough. Loves gambling and nonsense. Ability to dance well is a plus. Tapper preferred. Vocal range: Any.
DIPPY – Another Rascally New York street tough. Also loves gambling and nonsense. Ability to dance well is a plus. Tapper preferred. Vocal range: Any
Ensemble Roles
Seeking strong dancers/tappers to play Sailors, Reno’s Angels, male quartet, passengers, reporters, bartender, FBI agents, and others.
Lost In Yonkers
“Lost In Yonkers” by Neil Simon
Directed by Jeff Jeffers
Performance Dates – March 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22.
In Person Audition Date – Saturday, January 10
Video Submission Deadline – Thursday, January 8
Pulitzer Prize winning Dramatic Comedy set in the early 1940’s, Yonkers, New York. All characters, with the exception of Grandma Kurnitz will be expected to employ the appropriate dialect (1940’s Yonkers, New York) and showing that ability in the audition would be helpful. Although there is no singing, dynamic vocal projection and articulation skills are highly preferred, as microphones will not be utilized. In-person auditions will take place between 2pm and 8pm on Saturday, January 10, and prepared sides will be used. To sign up for an audition slot, click HERE. You can find the sides for each character HERE. If not able to attend in person, video submissions will be accepted with a deadline of Thursday, January 8. For video submissions, please choose the side(s) for the role(s) you are interested in, and include a headshot and performance resume in the email. Unlisted or private Youtube links are preferable, but videos from phones or cameras are acceptable, if they are not “too large” for email. Please email video submissions to plays@bastropoperahouse.org by the deadline.
Casting will be announced no later than Thursday, January 16. Rehearsals will “officially” begin on February 2 and generally be weeknights but depending on availability, some weekend sessions might be necessary. This show is heavy with dialogue and actors will be strongly encouraged to utilize various “line-learning” apps and be “off book” as quickly as possible. While conflicts can be worked around, all actors will be expected to attend every rehearsal during “Tech Week” and obviously all performances.
**ALL ROLES ARE AVAILABLE**
Bella - Plays mid to late 30s. Pretty and amiable, but cognitively challenged, often forgetful and child-like. However, she is capable and even astute in some areas. Emotionally and viscerally vulnerable. Vocally dynamic. Emotionally challenging but extremely rewarding role.
Jay - Plays early to mid-teens. Artie’s older brother (by 2 years) so a bit more mature, but still a teenager. Typical kid dealing with non-typical situations and family. Quick-witted and a bit defiant. Dialogue delivery, comedic timing and projection are key.
Artie - Plays early teens. Jay’s younger brother - slightly less mature but also quick witted and a bit defiant. Typical young teen in a non-typical environment. Strong dialogue delivery (projection) and comedic timing are necessary.
Grandma Kurnitz - Plays 60 to 80. No-nonsense, hard as steel German lady. Mother of six and grandmother to Jay and Artie. Calloused by a difficult life, she is very much in the “tough love” camp when raising children/grandchildren. Will require a German accent (a little Jewish a plus but not as important). Vocally dynamic, walks with a cane and knows how to use it.
Eddie - Plays 35-50. Jay and Artie’s father. Widower. Has to go on the road for work for a year and needs the boys to live with Grandma while away. A hard-worker and a loving father, but can be quite sensitive and emotional.
Louie - Plays 35-50. Brother to Eddie, Bella, and Gert, “Uncle Louie” is a “bagman” for the mob. He is in some sort of trouble and stays with the family for a week. A bit “larger than life,” he has a great sense of humor but also a dangerous dark side. The more stereotypical “old-school gangster” the better. James Cagney/Humphrey Bogart persona.
Gertrude - Plays 35-50. “Aunt Gert” has a condition in which, when nervous or excited, breathes-in while finishing sentences (or at least “seems” that way to the audience, as it is more important to understand the words she is saying than to actually be “breathing-in.”) She acts as a referee between family members. Due to her limited role in the play, the rehearsal commitment for this actor will be substantially less and will not be “called” as often as the others.
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Sign Up To Audition: Please fill out and submit our online audition form on TheaterForms and make an appointment for your audition. Have your calendar handy and be prepared to enter rehearsal conflicts. You will be asked to upload a headshot (a JPEG file) and a theatrical résumé (a PDF file) if you have one. If you don’t have either of these files you can still submit the form.
What we are looking for:
We are looking to build a strong ensemble cast of 9 actors. Each actor will have 1 main character (as listed in the character descriptions) but several actors will also play smaller characters in addition to their main character. Though 6 of the characters are children, all actors cast will be 18+.
Please prepare 1 minute of a song that highlights your range and comedic ability. We encourage you to pick a song that is similar to the style of the show. Your song can be from a musical but it is not required to be from a musical. Most importantly: we want to see you have fun and make bold choices!
Auditioners must bring a track to sing with (no accompanist will be available, and a cappella singing will not be allowed). The music director will be checking vocal ranges.
All actors are required to attend the dance call to be considered for casting. You do not need to prepare anything for the dance call: we will teach you a brief section of choreography on site. We encourage “actors who move” to audition. Dance calls will be held during the time slot you register for. Please be prepared to attend.
Call back will be by invitation only on Tuesday, October 21 from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
Roles:
Chip Tolentino (Male presenting, 12, played by actor 18+)
An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment. Chip might be the kid who grows up to be similar to Troy Bolton – likeable and charming but not overly confident.
Leaf Coneybear (Male presenting, 12, played by actor 18+)
The second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. He has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and spells words correctly while in a trance. Leaf might share similar energy to Jacob Collier – someone who is clearly very smart but admittedly also very weird.
William Barfee (Male presenting, 12, played by actor 18+)
A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous “Magic Foot” method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. He develops a crush on Olive. William might remind us a bit of Carl from Jimmy Neutron – awkward, a bit of a know-it-all, but ultimately a great friend to have on your side.
Logainne Schwartzandgrubeniere (Female presenting, 12, played by actor 18+)
Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. She is somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year. Schwartzy likely grows up into someone like Enid Hoops – she is not afraid to be a leader and to walk to the beat of her own drum.
Marcy Park (Female presenting, 12, played by actor 18+)
The ultimate over-achiever, Marcy has never been given another option. She comes from a family where excellence is expected and so simply produced. A parochial school student, she assumes God, too, expects perfection. She sees herself as a mass of problems but she keeps them to herself. Having moved often because of her parents’ work, she knows she can beat the local competition. Her many talents include piano, dance, martial arts, baton twirling, and/or whatever special gifts our actor playing marcy may offer. Marcy may grow up into someone like Temperance Bones – she is radically independent, loves diving deep into special interests, and is way smarter than everyone else in the room (though socially she might be a little behind…). Please notate any special skills you have in the special skills section of this form that might be relevant to include in her number “I Speak 6 Languages” (i.e. juggling, tumbling, martial arts, can play an instrument etc.).
Olive Ostrovsky (Female presenting, 12, played by actor 18+)
A young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy, and shyly blossoms. Olive might grow up into someone like Pam Beesly. She is not one to “rock the boat,” has a vast capacity for kindness and love, can crack a solid
joke, and finds beauty in the little things.
Rona Lisa Peretti (Female presenting, Stage age 30+)
The number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children, but she can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward. Rona likely finds counterparts in Leslie Knope and Effie Trinket – she exudes assertive passion, loves a reason to celebrate, and deeply yearns to leave a legacy. If you have improv or stand-up experience, please notate it in the special skills section of this form as it will likely be helpful experience for this role!
Douglas Panch (Male presenting, Stage age 30+)
The Vice Principal. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years’ absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an “incident” at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in “a better place” now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affections. Panch might exist in the same realm as Saul Goodman – he might not have his life fully together but he really is trying to do good, he probably makes bad “dad” jokes and at the end of the day, we are all still rooting for him. If you have improv or stand-up experience, please notate it in the special skills section of this form as it will likely be helpful experience for this role!
Mitch Mahoney (Male presenting, Stage age 30+.)
The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex-convict, Mitch is performing his community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better. Mitch is someone who may “front” a very tough demeanor but will come to surprise us in a big -diva moment- way.
