Casting show “Jesus Christ Superstar” – The Encore Musical Theatre Company is pleased to announce auditions for their upcoming production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar directed by Dan Cooney (Broadway’s 9 to 5 The Musical and Les Miserables).
Auditions will take place January 10 from noon to 3pm BY APPOINTMENT ONLY – NON-EQUITY ACTORS ONLY – Casting Singers and performers, please see the casting notice below for more information about this theater audition.
It seems especially fitting that the first rock opera, created as a concept album at the end of the turbulent ’60s, should have at its center a social and political rebel. Jesus’ meteor-like rise in renown provides, as the title suggests, a parallel to contemporary celebrity worship. As his radical teachings are evermore embraced, Judas increasingly questions the enlightened motives of this new prophet, resulting in betrayal. Christ’s final days are dramatized with emotional intensity, thought-provoking edge and explosive theatricality.
Propelled by a stirring score, by turns driving and majestic, satirical and tender, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR illuminates the transcendent power of the human spirit with a passion that goes straight to the heart.
Auditions will take place January 10 from noon to 3pm BY APPOINTMENT ONLY in 5 minute time slots.
Appointments may be made by calling the box office at (734)268-6200 or by emailing steve@theencoretheatre.org. Callbacks TBD.
Please prepare 16 bars from two contrasting musical theatre pieces and bring sheet music in the correct key. Please supply your headshot and resume stapled together as well as a list of ALL CONFLICTS. Conflicts will be a deciding factor in casting.
Rehearsals will begin on March 1. Rehearsals take place Monday through Friday from 6 to 10pm and Saturdays from noon to 6pm. There will be one tech rehearsal on Saturday, March 27 from noon to midnight with one two hour dinner break.
Performances run from April 1st to April 18th with a possible extension through April 25. Performances take place Thursdays at 7, Fridays at 8, Saturdays at 3 and 8, and Sundays at 3. Call time is 45 minutes before the show. There will be NO performance on Easter Sunday, and one Thursday matinee on April 8 at 3pm.
Roles available: Mary Magdalene – female, mezzo, 18 – 30, Mary is a former prostitute who has joined the band of apostles and serves Jesus. In fact, her attraction to him is more than platonic; it is also the same kind of physical attraction with which she is very familiar, and yet, the combination of these attractions, along with her awe of this holy man, make her afraid of her own feelings.
MUST BE A SOULFUL SINGER, SEEKING AN ACTRESS OF ETHNIC DECENT (ASIAN, LATINA, OR AFRICAN AMERICAN). Pontius Pilate – male, baritone, 35 – 65, Pilate is the Roman Governor to whom Jesus is first brought for punishment by the Jews, and who refuses to appease the crowd, due at least in part to a dream he has had portending his own incrimination if he does. He defers by sending Jesus on to King Herod instead, on the grounds that only Herod, as King of Galilee, has the authority to condemn a Galilean to death. When the Pharisees’ guards bring Jesus to Pilate for the second time, Pilate reluctantly has the young zealot flogged, as a measure to appease a crowd that could easily turn against him. King Herod – male, tenor, 25 – 65, Herod is a self-indulgent, half-Jewish despot who rules all of Galilee, including its captive Jews. His court consists of a corrupt band of sycophants who serves Herod’s lavish tastes. Herod makes a joke of Christ, as he probably does with any serious aspect of his kingship. Peter – male, tenor, 21 – 35, Peter is a loyal apostle who considers ridiculous Christ’s prediction that he will betray him three times. But he does exactly as Jesus predicts. Some movement required. Simon Zealotes – male, tenor, 21 – 35, Simon’s surname Zealotes comes from the Greek word “zeal,” meaning enthusiastic devotion. It is Simon’s “zealous” goal to urge the Jesus cult to revolt against Rome. Seeking a singer/dancer or singer/mover. Apostles, Priests, wives, lepers, tormentors, merchants and reporters – male and female, all voice types, all ages, to play Jesus’ apostles and priests as well as various other roles. Dancing a plus. Soul Girls – female, all voice types, 20 – 40, to play “Angels” in the title number of the show. Dancing a plus. Non-equity actors are un-paid at this time. The Encore is a new theatre company entering it’s second season.
The Encore features Equity actors from Michigan and New York, often Broadway credited, with local non-Equity talent together on the same stage.
