Josh Anderson
Michael Bailey
Anissa Cordova
Sarah Fayson
Janika Ivey
Kelci Johnson
Madison Junod- Neumeister
Kimberly Kelley
Peyton Messer
Katie Reagan
Shay Thames
Casey Johnson as Tom
PLUS a live rock band!
Director – Ryan Abel
Stage Manager – Casey Cryan
Public performance at the Miller Theater, April 23 at 7PM.
Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/School-House-Rock
ARTreach School performances April 23, & 24. Please contact artreach@augustaplayers.org if your school is interested in attending.
The Augusta Players Announce Auditions For the EPIC 80th Anniversary production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Featuring a 42-piece onstage orchestra, Cast of 20, Choir of 20, Children’s Choir of 20.
Music by: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics: Tim Rice
Production Team
Music Director / Co-Director: Scott Seidl
Choreographer / Co-Director: Ashley Chasteen
Associate Director: Shantelle Wheeler
Video Designer: Mike Grigsby
Scenic Designers: Kevin Reynolds, Scott Seidl, Mike Grigsby, Bethany Harwell
Costume Designer: Aaron Kubacak
Asst. Costume Designer: TBD
Lighting Designer: Ben Rawson
Assistant Music Director / Contractor: Paul Barton-Jones
Children’s Choir Director: Lori Van Lenten
Production Stage Manager: Ashley Gambill
Assistant Stage Manager: TBD
Assistant Director: Casey Cryan
Audition Dates
March 23, 2024: Roles of Judas, Jesus, Mary Magdalene
May 18, 2024: Cast, 6 Dancers, Adult Choir, Children’s Choir
Performance Dates:
October 4, 5, 6 – 2024
(See additional dates below)
THERE IS A GREAT DEAL OF INFORMATION HERE
PLEASE READ ALL OF IT
Looking for performers of all types, ethnicities, shapes, genders, sizes. Ages 17 and up for Cast, Dancers and Adult Choir. Ages 9 to 12 for Children’s Choir.
Looking for:
Actors who sing, singers who move well, dancers who sing, singers only, dancers only.
All roles are open except “Herod”
General Open Auditions (Sign up below)
Upload of audition material coming soon.
Saturday, March 23,
1:00PM to 3:30PM : followed by callbacks.
Roles of Judas, Jesus, Mary Magdalene.
SIGN UP for an audition slot here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0845AFAE2DA7FA7-48360385-jesus
Saturday, May 18
10:00 AM : Dancer Only
11:30AM – 5:00PM : Cast and Adult Choir (Signup coming after March 23)
5:00PM : some actors may be asked to stay to move / dance at this time.
Sunday, May 19,
2:00PM – 4:00PM : Children’s Choir (Signup coming after March 23)
Callbacks
TBD if needed
Location:
Jessye Norman School of the Arts, 739 Greene Street, Augusta, GA
Please read this whole notice before calling The Augusta Players.
If you cannot attend the in-person auditions:
Video submissions accepted.
Judas, Jesus & Mary Magdalene until 4pm on March 22
All others until 4PM on May 12
Please email video submissions or YouTube links to: s.seidl@augustaplayers.org
Videos should include:
- Your name, phone number and email address
- A section of a song (See below)
- Using one of the listed songs in the character descriptions is encourage.
PLEASE also attach the completed audition form which you can download HERE
SINGING:
Please prepare a verse and a chorus of a Contemporary Broadway-style song. You may sing from the show. Please sing something that demonstrates your vocal range and abilities. If you are auditioning for a specific character, please see the character breakdown below and prepare a song that character sings in the show. An accompanist will be provided, but you must provide your own sheet music unless you are singing from the show.
No a cappella singing, please.
DANCE / MOVEMENT:
Dancer only and Cast members called back to dance – Dance combinations will be taught.
Please be prepared for movement by bringing jazz, character or tennis shoes and wearing appropriate clothes. A hard soled, closed toe shoe will be acceptable.
Gymnastics also a plus but not required. The characters of Judas, Jesus, Pilate, Caiaphas, Annas and the choirs do not dance and do not have to attend a dance / movement audition.
Please bring personal calendars and be prepared to list all conflicts over the summer and (Mondays-Sundays) beginning with August 11, 2024 – October 6, 2024. Please do not assume that we know when any general holidays are (ie., school breaks, etc) and plan to list those as conflicts if you will be out of town or otherwise engaged. Conflicts must be noted at the audition and will influence casting. Only conflicts noted at the audition will be taken into consideration. NO CONFLICTS ALLOWED FROM September 19 – October 6
MORE:
To learn more about the show explore these links:
https://www.concordtheatricals.com/p/44748/jesus-christ-superstar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ_Superstar
ABOUT TheAP80 PRODUCTION OF JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
This production will open the 80th Anniversary Season: “Finding Home” for The Augusta Players.
Rehearsals will vary depending on the role in which someone is cast.
The full company will be needed on these dates:
September 19, 20, 22 – 25: Rehearsals
September 26: Special Run-through
September 29 – October 2: Technical / Dress Rehearsals
October 3: Special Dress Rehearsal
October 4, 5, 6: Performances.
The production will feature:
- The full symphonic version of the musical score.
- An onstage orchestra of 42 musicians.
- A cast of 20
- An additional adult choir of 20 singers.
- A children’s choir of 20 singers.
- + 6 dancer-only roles.
- Video content projecting onto the walls and ceiling of the theater and onstage.
- Scenic design that is packed with surprises.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Borrowing from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the musical tells the story of Judas through the last seven days of Jesus Christ’s life. As the show opens, apostle Judas Iscariot is growing concerned that Jesus’ followers will be perceived as a threat to the occupying Roman Empire. Indeed, priests Caiaphas, Annas and more gather and agree that Jesus and his movement must be crushed. An exalted Jesus arrives in Jerusalem only to find the temple filled with unsavory merchants and money lenders. Overrun by a flood of people needing his help, he tells them to heal themselves, and his confidante Mary Magdalene has to calm him down.
Judas, fearing the movement is getting out of Jesus’ control, goes to the Romans and tells them Jesus will be in the Garden of Gethsemane the following night. He receives 30 pieces of silver as payment. At the Garden, Judas arrives with Roman soldiers and identifies Jesus. Jesus is then arrested and sent to Caiaphas, then Pontius Pilate and finally King Herod, who condemns him to death.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
JUDAS
Rock/soul tenor; 20s-40s. (E3-D4 (+); this role requires an agile and sensitive voice with access to high registers across a full dynamic range; stylistically drawing a great deal from soul music. He sees himself as the hero of the show. He is concerned that fame is getting in the way of the message of social justice. He is someone who can tell a story through a melody, with exquisite diction and intonation; this role does not dance but must be comfortable moving.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities.
The audition team will want to hear “The Last Supper” Letter “H” / Measures 126 – 137, “Heaven On Their Minds”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”.
JESUS
Rock Tenor; (A2 – G5). Title role. Leader of the twelve disciples, call the “song of God” and the “King of the Jews”/ Jesus has a difficult time accepting his fate without answers on why he must die. This role requires and actor that can show leadership, confusion, strength, vulnerability and optimism, often at the same time.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities.
The audition team will want to hear “Gethsemane”, “Strange Thing Mystifying” and “Simon Zealotes” at callbacks. They can also be sung at the general audition.
MARY MAGADELENE
Belt mezzo; 17s –30s; (G#3-C5); A female follower of Jesus, grappling with her feelings and her faith; seeking singers who can communicate her solo as more than just a simple love song; this role does not dance but must be comfortable moving. A role that requires grace, stability, weakness and compassion. The audition team will want to hear “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” at callbacks. It can also be sung at the general audition.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
PONTIUS PILATE
Baritenor (A2–B♭4): Governor of Judea who foresees the events of Jesus’s crucifixion from beginning to aftermath in a dream and finds himself being presented with that very situation. A complex character that should be able to command authority, compassion, confusion, rage, fragility and fear. The audition team will want to hear “Pilates Dream” and “Trial by Pilate”, Letter C to Letter D, at callbacks. It can also be sung at the general audition.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
CAIAPHAS
Bass (C♯2–F4): One of the main antagonists. A high priest who sees Jesus as a threat to the nation. He is a man in power who fears losing that power to Jesus. And imposing figure of authority. Feels menacing. A role that requires an actor that can show anger, power and angst. He wants Jesus gone at any cost. The audition team will want to hear “This Jesus Must Die” (Caiaphas parts only) at callbacks. It can also be sung at the general audition.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
ANNAS
Countertenor (G2–D5): One of the main antagonists. Fellow high priest at the side of Caiaphas who is persuaded by Caiaphas into seeing Jesus as a threat to the nation. Conniving, intense and a yes man to Caiaphas. A role that can show disgust, displeasure and loathing. The role has a devious sense of humor. Wants Jesus gone at any cost. The audition team will want to hear “This Jesus Must Die” Letter F to Letter H. (switching octaves as needed) at callbacks. It can also be sung at the general audition.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities. All Genders.
PETER SIMON
Baritone (A2–G4): One of Jesus’s twelve apostles; denies Jesus three times upon the night of Jesus’s arrest to save himself. Should move well. Peter has an obsession with impatience. The role requires tenacity, worry, impatience and regret. Auditionees are encouraged to sing from the show. The audition team will want to hear “Could We Start Again Please” at callbacks. It can also be sung at the general audition.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
SIMON ZEALOTES
Tenor (G3–B4): One of Jesus’s twelve apostles; urges Jesus to lead their followers into battle against the Romans. Simon believes that violence can solve their problem. Should move well. There should be a youthfulness and energy about the character. The audition team will want to hear “Simon Zealotes / Poor Jerusalem”, Letter E to Letter G at callbacks. It can also be sung at the general audition.
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
HEROD
This role has been cast.
ENSEMBLE
12 Actors. All voice types/ ranges: Apostles, Galileans, Roman Soldiers, Priests, Followers of Jesus, Mary Mother of Jesus, Soul Singers – Strong singers required. Contemporary dance skills a plus. Auditionees are encouraged to sing #16 “The Last Supper” from letter F. to letter H.
All Ethnicities. All genders.
DANCER ONLY
6 Competition Level Dancers. 17 and older.
From the choreographer:
Ferocious, athletic dancers! Dancers with a passion for storytelling first and foremost – you will be integral to the telling of this story. The choreography is hard hitting, grounded rock jazz, with some hints of contemporary. While technique is always valued, there likely won’t be many pirouettes in the show. Does this sound like a fit for you? Please come help us tell one of the greatest stories ever told!
All Ethnicities. All genders.
A combination will be taught at the audition.
CHOIR
20 singers. (5 sopranos, 5 altos, 5 tenors, 5 basses). Limited rehearsals. Singers with a passion for the story. Good intonation. Music reading skills a plus but not required.
Auditionees are encouraged to sing #16 “The Last Supper” from letter F to letter H.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR
20 young voices. Limited rehearsals. Singers with a passion for the story. Good intonation.
Auditionees are encouraged to sing #7 “Hosanna” from letter A to letter B.
ORCHESTRA of 42
These chairs have all been filled.
If you still have questions please contact The Augusta Players at 706-826-4707, M-F, 10AM-4PM
May 3 @ 8PM
May 4 @ 2PM and 8PM
May 5 @ 3PM
Jamie McAteer – Dewey
Dorothy Pittle – Rosalie
Luke Cornelson – Ned
Elizabeth Hass – Patty
Nichole Kuehl – Ms. Sheinkopf
Kaitlyn Dunaway – Ms. Gordon, Bar Patron, No Vacancy Dancer, Dance Captain
Aaron Shanley – Mr. Sanford, Mr. Noble, Jeff, Biker
Ben Parten – Mr. Hamilton, Mr. Janes, Police Officer
Chris Carter – Mr. Mooneyham, Mr. Green, Biker
Heather Waltman – Mrs. Travis, Ms. Bingham, Biker GF, No Vacancy Dancer
Jacob Allen – Snake, Mr. Sanders, Teen in Bar
Jessica Wilkerson – Mrs. Hathaway, Ms. Smith, Biker GF
Julie Brackett – Mrs. Turner, Ms. Jones, Bar Waitress
Katrina Chandler – Emo 2 (Shonelle) Mrs. Hamiton, Ms. Macapugay, Bar Patron, Security
Paul Barton Jones – Mr. Spencer, Mr. Woodward, Bar Tender
Tif Chatfield – Emo 1. (Sophie), Ms. Wagner, Bar Waitress, Security
Tres Taylor – Mr. Williams, Gabe, Bar Patron
Kenny Reid – Zack
Mia Price – Katie
Mallory Morgan – Freddie
Keaton York – Lawrence
Elizabeth Casella – Marcy
Jacy Martin – Shonelle
Ansley Rhodes – Summer
Ezra Blakeman – Mason
Luke Romagnoli – Billy
Jiwon Lee – Tomika
Chase Hon – James
Ava Robinson – Sophie
Bennet Dallas – Dawson
Evan Larsen – Madison
NO VACANCY, The Band – Featuring Tom Reed!
Director – Scott Seidl
Music Director – Lori Van Lenten
Choreographer – Ashley Chasteen
Associate Director – Rebecca Brune
Production Stage Manager – Ashley Gambill
Assistant Stage Manager – Allison Johnson
Dance Captain – Kaitlyn Dunaway
The Augusta Players is thrilled to announce our brand new “a.r.t.s” Program! Augusta Readers Theatre for Senior Citizens is bringing the experience of theatre to those who may not want to memorize a script and those with limited mobility. Without the need to memorize, and with little to no movement required we open the stage for those aged 55 & up.
This free program meets three times a month for rehearsal and concludes with a public performance. Each short story is about 10 minutes long and each session contains 4 different short stories for rehearsal and performance. All rehearsals and performances will take place at La Chat Noir (304 8th St, Augusta, GA 30901).
Readers Theatre: Session One
Rehearsals: November 4th, November 11th, November 18th 9:00 am-11:00 am
Perfo1mance: December 2nd at 10:30 am
Titles:
The Christmas Trnce by Aaron Shepard
Not the Night Before Christmas by Carol Montgome1y
The Baker’s Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale told by Aaron Shepard
Peddler Polly and the Story Stealer By Aaron Shepard
Readers Theatre: Session Two
Rehearsals: February 17th, February 24th, March 2nd 9:00 am-11 :00 am
Performance: March 9th at 10:30 am
Titles:
The Legend of Lightning Larry by Aaron Shepard
More Than a Match by Aaron Shepard
The Borrower and the Boy by Mary Norton
The Legend of Slappy Hooper An American Tall Tale by Aaron Shepard
Registration for Readers Theatre begins on October 16th at 10:00 a.m. To sign up please call 706-826-4707
to register or by emailing info@augustaplayers.org or c.decarlo@augustaplayers.org.
Please reach out to C.DeCarlo@augustaplayers.org with any questions.
