TCR announces auditions for TCR’s 2024-2025 productions of Beauty & The Beast (Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, Book by Linda Woolverton), Jersey Boys (Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, Music by Bob Gaudio, Lyrics by Bob Crewe), and Hairspray (Music by Marc Shaiman, Lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Based on John Waters’s 1988 film.
Note: Auditions for Fun Home, Memphis, and our Grandon plays will be announced late summer and fall.
Auditions for Beauty & The Beast will be held Friday, September 6th from 6:30pm to 10:00pm. Video submissions will be accepted through Friday, September 6th at Noon. Callbacks (acting/singing) and a group dance/movement call will be held Sunday, September 8th between 5:00pm – 9:00pm.
Auditions for Jersey Boys and Hairspray will be video submission only. Videos will be accepted through Thursday, October 3rd at Midnight. Callbacks (acting/singing) and a group dance/movement call for both shows will be held Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6th.
You must submit a different video for each show.
Rehearsals for Beauty and The Beast will begin in September. Rehearsals for Jersey Boys will begin in December. Rehearsals for Hairspray will begin in February/March. Rehearsals will typically be held five days a week, including potential weekend days. Not all cast will be called to all rehearsals. Actors can be in all three shows.
ABOUT AUDITIONS
Contact Madi Knaack (madi.knaack@theatrecr.org) with questions about auditions. Video submissions should be emailed to Madi before the cutoff time for each show.
- Audition Dates/Times/Video Deadlines:
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- Beauty & The Beast: Friday, In-person September 6th from 6:30pm – 10:00pm. Video submissions are due by Friday, September 6th at noon. Callbacks (acting/singing) and a group dance/movement call will be held Sunday, September 8th from 5:00pm-9:00pm.
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- Jersey Boys and Hairspray: Auditions are video submission only. Videos will be accepted through Thursday, October 3rd at midnight. Callbacks (acting/singing) will be held Saturday, October 5th and a group dance/movement call will be held Sunday, October 6th.
- Video submissions should be emailed to Madi Knaack at madi.knaack@theatrecr.org. Please include the show you are auditioning for in the email with your video(s).
- Before Auditions:
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- Fill out an AUDITION FORM HERE (REQUIRED FOR ALL SHOWS)
- If auditioning in person for Beauty & The Beast sign up for an AUDITION SLOT HERE (REQUIRED) If slots are full, please send a video.
- On Audition and Callback Days:
- Arrive at the TCR lobby at least 10 minutes before your scheduled audition time and you will be directed to the audition space.
- You can leave after you are finished with your audition or callback slot.
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- What to Prepare:
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- Prepare part of a song. For each show, prepare about one minute of a song in the style of the show. It is permitted to sing a song from the show. Sing something that showcases your personality and your range. Show character and creativity. If you are sending videos, send one for each show you wish to be considered for.
- If auditioning in person for Beauty and the Beast, bring marked sheet music for our accompanist to play or an accompaniment track on your phone to connect to our bluetooth speaker. No acapella auditions, please.
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- Optional read for Jersey Boys: Those actors interested in the principal roles of The Four Seasons may also include a short (under one minute) monologue representative of the narrative text style of the dialogue in the show. Feel free to use this Tommy DeVito monologue from the script, or a selection of your own choosing. Memorization not required.
TOMMY: You wanna begin at the beginning, I’m the guy you wanna talk to, because this whole thing started with me. Tommy DeVito, Belleville, New Jersey. Native son. Of course, certain individuals aren’t crazy about living in a state where you have to drive to a landfill next to a dump next to a turnpike to cheer for a team that’s from New York anyway…so it’s only natural to want something better. If you’re from my neighborhood, you’ve got three ways out: you could join the army. You could get mobbed up. Or–you could become a star. Have your songs played in France. It could happen. It did happen. You ask four guys how it happened, you get four different versions. And this is where all of ‘em start. A thousand years ago. Eisenhower. Rocky Marciano. And a few guys under a streetlamp singing somebody else’s latest hit.
- Casting timeline After callbacks have been completed, we will be in contact with all auditioners about a timeline for the final cast announcements. Beauty and the Beast communications will happen the week following its callbacks and Jersey Boys and Hairspray communications will happen during the week following their respective callbacks.
ABOUT TCR’S PRODUCTION OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Beauty & The Beast will be directed by Angie Toomsen, choreographed by Megan Helmers, with music direction by Janelle Lauer, costumes by Jess Helberg, scenic and lighting design by S. Benjamin Farrar.
NOT a replay of the movie. You know the story, but you don’t know it like this. It’s the classic tale in a fully reimagined, lush gothic fairytale universe. Expect a new take on literally everything you’ve seen (or done) before! It will be darker, more creative, a little edgy, and fully magical and fantastical.
Beauty & The Beast will be presented in the TCR Auditorium, November 15th – December 15th, 2024. Performances take place Thu – Sat at 7:30 p.m., and Sat – Sun at 2:30 p.m. with potential added dates between November 20th and December 11th.
BEAUTY & THE BEAST ROLES AVAILABLE
The creative team seeks a diverse company of actors. Actors of all ethnicities and body shapes will be equally considered for all roles.
BELLE: (vocal range: mezzo-soprano) an intelligent and insightful young woman, longs for a life of adventure and belonging. Willing to sacrifice herself to save her father, she exhibits heroic altruism and selfless love. While kind-hearted and gentle, Belle proves her strength when she stands up to the brutish Gaston. Belle should have a strong mezzo voice.
MAURICE: (vocal range: baritone) an inventor, is Belle’s loving and supportive father. A bit of an eccentric who often gets lost in his own world while tinkering on his contraptions, the villagers incorrectly label him a “crazy old man.”
GASTON: (vocal range: baritone) the village celebrity, is in love with one person: himself. The epitome of toxic masculinity, Gaston earnestly and unabashedly harasses Belle, whom he values only for her beauty. Charming and manipulative, Gaston is the village’s de facto leader whose lack of understanding and compassion ultimately leads to his own downfall. Gaston is a high baritone with a large vocal range.
LEFOU: (vocal range: tenor/baritone) Gaston’s bumbling sidekick is always there to boost his pal’s spirits. Lefou loyally and energetically serves Gaston, but lacking in good judgment, rarely thinks things through. Lefou should have good physical comedy skills.
MONSIEUR D’ARQUE: (vocal range: tenor) the scheming proprietor of the local asylum, is a dark and sinister force behind Gaston’s scheme to win Belle.
LES FILLES DE LA VILLE (3): (vocal range: mezzo-soprano) French for “village girls,” are a group of Gaston’s fanatical followers who energetically pursue him in the hopes of winning his affections.
BEAST: (vocal range: baritone) a spoiled prince turned into a terrifying beast, struggles to maintain his humanity as the Enchantress’s spell grows stronger. His hot temper can frighten and push people away, but a loving heart is buried beneath his gruff exterior.
COGSWORTH: (vocal range: baritone) tightly-wound and enchanted mantle clock, serves as the head of the Beast’s household. Never one to disobey the Beast, he spends most of his time trying to talk Lumiere out of whatever convoluted plan he’s devising. Despite his tendency to appear uptight and strict, Cogsworth proves hardworking and loyal.
LUMIERE: (vocal range: tenor/baritone) a suave and debonair enchanted candelabra, finds the light even in the darkest of places. He loyally serves the Beast and counters his gloomy disposition with an optimistic flare.
BABETTE: (vocal range: alto) an enchanted feather duster, is fun-loving and flirtatious. Bold and brazen, Babette is the embodiment of the vain and enticing French maid.
MRS. POTTS: (vocal range: mezzo-soprano) a warm-hearted enchanted teapot, is the comforting caretaker among the castle staff. A wise and patient maternal figure, she is quick to offer a spot of tea and a dash of advice to anyone in need.
CHIP: (youth role – any gender) Mrs. Potts’s darling child, is a playful and bright eyed enchanted teacup. Chip’s innocence and cheer make sipping tea a delightful experience, winning over even the grumpiest of hearts.
MADAME DE LA GRANDE BOUCHE: (vocal range: soprano) a former opera diva turned enchanted wardrobe, is a larger-than-life personality who helps lift Belle’s spirits when she first arrives at the castle. Without her elaborate and theatrical costuming, Madame finds life difficult, but always manages to retain an air of elegance and refinement.
ENSEMBLE: (all voice parts) including Narrator, Old Beggar Woman, Villagers, Wolves, Castle Staff, etc. Many featured dance moments! Will double up roles to ensure the most robust and fun tracks for all.
ABOUT TCR’S PRODUCTION OF JERSEY BOYS
Jersey Boys will be directed by Matt Hagmeier Curtis, choreographed by Justin McDermott, with music direction by Janelle Lauer, scenic and lighting design by S. Benjamin Farrar, and costumes by Joni Sackett.
With phenomenal music, memorable characters, and great storytelling, Jersey Boys follows the fascinating evolution of the greatest successes in pop music history. Winner of Best Musical at both the Tony Awards® and Olivier Awards®, Jersey Boys takes you behind the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons to discover the secret of a 40-year friendship as the foursome work their way from the streets of New Jersey to the heights of stardom.
Jersey Boys will be presented in the TCR Auditorium, February 7th – March 2nd, 2025. Performances take place Thu – Sat at 7:30 p.m., and Sat – Sun at 2:30 p.m. with potential added dates between February 12th and February 27th.
JERSEY BOYS ROLES AVAILABLE
The creative team seeks a diverse company of actors. Actors, 18+
FRANKIE VALLI: (vocal range: strong tenor plus strong falsetto up to G5, male-identifying, 20-35) Any ethnicity. Ideally 5’9” or shorter; has a strong tenor with sweet and strong falsetto and must be able to sing in the style of Frankie Valli. Comfortable with traditional four-part harmonies. Lead vocalist of The Four Seasons. Charismatic and charming; comfortable with narrative text. Has a gritty side as well as a polished veneer.
TOMMY DEVITO: (vocal range: C3 to C5, male-identifying, 30-40) Any ethnicity. Strong tenor/bari-tenor voice. Comfortable with traditional four-part harmonies. Comfortable with narrative text. Ability to play guitar (or make us believe he can) is a very strong plus. A natural-born leader with an appealing, bad-boy quality. Eventually leaves the group when he racks up a debt with a loan shark.
NICK MASSI: (vocal range: E2 to E4, male-identifying, 30-40) Any ethnicity. Strong bass/baritone voice. Comfortable with traditional four-part harmonies. Comfortable with narrative text. A quiet dreamer who longs for life after The Four Seasons. Has a good ear for vocals and helps train Frankie with his singing.
BOB GAUDIO: (vocal range: Bb2 to Db2, male-identifying, 20-35) Any ethnicity. Strong tenor/bari-tenor voice. Comfortable with traditional four-part harmonies. Comfortable with narrative text. An intelligent, sensitive, and introspective musical prodigy. The youngest and last member to join the group.
GYP DECARLO & OTHERS: (vocal range: C3 to G#4, male identifying, 45-55) Any ethnicity. Tough, mafioso type; a strong baritone. A mob boss that has ties to The Four Seasons via Tommy DeVito. He helps the group when Tommy racks up a significant amount of debt, mediating their negotiations with the loan shark as a third party.
BOB CREWE & OTHERS: (vocal range: Bb2 to Db5, male-identifying, 30-40) Any ethnicity. Intelligent and flamboyant; genius music producer and lyricist; an integral part of creating the magic of The Four Seasons. Helps them record and release their music.
JOE PESCI & OTHERS/ENSEMBLE: (vocal range: C3 to E5, male-identifying, 20-35) Any ethnicity. Ideally 5’9” or shorter; young, energetic; a strong singer; Referred to as Joey, he is a friend of Tommy, Frankie, and Nick, and helps introduce Bob Gaudio to them. Eventually becomes an actor. Possibly understudies role of Frankie Valli.
BARRY BELSON & OTHERS/ENSEMBLE: (male-identifying, 20-49) Ethnicity: Asian, Black/African Descent, Ethnically Ambiguous/Multiracial, Indigenous Peoples, Latino/Hispanic, Middle Eastern, South Asian/Indian, Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander. Strong singer to play various roles (friends, producers, etc.) with the ability to riff in rhythm-and-blues style. vocal range: Bb2 to G5; strong tenor to high C with a strong falsetto to G5
NORM WAXMAN, NICK DEVITO & OTHERS/ENSEMBLE: (vocal range: B2 to Bb4, male-identifying, 20-35) Any ethnicity. Strong actor and vocalist. Owner of a private money lending agency, brother of Tommy, and various other roles.
MARY DELGADO & OTHERS/ENSEMBLE: (vocal range: Bb3 to G5, female-identifying, 20-39) Any ethnicity. Strong singer, actor, and dancer. Frankie’s wife. Tough, seen-it-all, Italian Jersey girl. She’s got a killer sense of humor. Doubles as a variety of other roles, including member of a 60s-style girl group (think: Shangri-las). Strong belt useful; high straight-tone soprano also useful but not required.
LORRAINE & OTHERS/ENSEMBLE: (vocal range: Bb3 to F5, female-identifying, 20-35) Any ethnicity. Fabulous, versatile singer, and dancer with flexible vocal registers. Doubles as a variety of roles (the many girlfriends of The Four Seasons, etc.), including member of a 60s-style girl group (think: Shangri-las). Believable as a tough-as-nails Jersey girl. Comfortable with traditional four-part harmonies. Must have a strong belt.
FRANCINE & OTHERS/ENSEMBLE: (vocal range: Bb3 to G5, female-identifying, 20-37) Any ethnicity. Fabulous, versatile singer/dancer with flexible vocal register. Frankie’s daughter; doubles as a variety of roles (the many girlfriends of The Four Seasons, etc.), including member of a 60s-style girl group (think: Shangri-las). Francine is a vulnerable Jersey girl who misbehaves due to a lack of attention from her dad. Comfortable with traditional four-part harmonies and should have a very strong high belt.
ENSEMBLE: (male and female-identifying, 20-40) Any ethnicities. Seeking strong actors and singers to play various roles (French rap stars, detectives, church lady, Frankie Nolan, party girl, waitresses, club groupies, Stanley, Hank, Joe Long, publishers). vocal ranges: Various. One male-identifying track requires a baritone or baritenor voice down to a strong low G (low E a big plus). One female-identifying track belts up to F natural and two tracks require high soprano.
ABOUT TCR’S PRODUCTION OF HAIRSPRAY
Hairspray will be directed by Matt Hagmeier Curtis, choreographed by Megan Helmers, with music direction by Janelle Lauer, scenic and lighting design by S. Benjamin Farrar, costumes by Jess Helberg.
The 1950s are out, and change is in the air! Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, is piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance, and deliriously tuneful songs. It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network… all without denting her ‘do!
Hairspray will be presented in the TCR Auditorium, April 25th – May 18th, 2025. Performances take place Thu – Sat at 7:30 p.m., and Sat – Sun at 2:30 p.m. with potential added dates between April 30th and March 14th.
HAIRSPRAY ROLES AVAILABLE
The creative team seeks a diverse company of actors. Actors, 16+
TRACY TURNBLAD: (vocal range: G3 to G5, female-identifying, caucasian, reads 16-17) Our story’s unsuspecting protagonist, she is confident, talented, and incredibly determined. A romantic with a good heart and desire to cut up the dance floor. Always on top of the latest trends. She is bigger in size than the other girls, but she isn’t shy about it – and she can still dance with the best of them! Seeking an outstanding singer, dancer, and actor, but most importantly, a young woman who has a glowing stage presence that can easily capture the audience’s hearts.
CORNY COLLINS (vocal range: D3 to A4, male-identifying, caucasian, reads 25-40) The charismatic host of The Corny Collins Show; a Baltimore celebrity. Good looking and smooth talking, he is a genuinely nice guy both on and off camera. Seeking an experienced singer and actor with great energy who moves well and is comfortable in the spotlight.
PENNY PINGLETON (vocal range: A3 to G5, female-identifying, caucasian, reads 16-17) Tracy’s best friend and dorky, yet fun sidekick. Not the brightest girl, but she has good intentions. She is a young lady caught between her mother’s strict rules and her longing to experience the world. She falls for Seaweed with childlike curiosity. Seeking an excellent singer/actor with great comedic instincts. Strong dance skills a plus but not required.
EDNA TURNBLAD (vocal range: F3 to G5, female-identifying, portrayed by a male actor in drag, reads 40-55) Tracy’s big, blonde, loving mother who doesn’t spend much time outside the house. She is a working housewife who has lost her confidence and dream to be a plus-size clothing designer. Boisterous and commanding, despite being a bundle of nerves. Seeking an outstanding actor and proficient singer who can sell anything with strong character choices.
PRUDY PINGLETON, GYM TEACHER & MATRON (vocal range: D4 to B4 , female-identifying, caucasian, reads 40-55) Penny’s strict mother who is very conservative, controlling, and closed-minded. Also doubles as an insensitive gym teacher who leads the students into a perilous game of scatter dodgeball and the hard-as-nails matron of the Baltimore Women’s Correctional Facility. Seeking a hilarious character actor who isn’t afraid to take a risk bringing to life three distinct roles.
AMBER VON TUSSLE (vocal range: A3 to F5, female-identifying, caucasian, reads 16-17) Link’s girlfriend and Tracy’s nemesis. She is pretty, shallow, snobby, and racist; a prom queen nightmare. “Can’t dance” but doesn’t know it and is a Corny Collins Show favorite. Always feels the need to be the center of attention, she is competitive with a bad attitude. Seeking an excellent actor/singer with the ability to dance well.
LINK LARKIN (vocal range: G3 to A5, male-identifying, caucasian, reads 16-17) The biggest heartthrob on The Corny Collins Show. Extremely dreamy and very talented. Hoping to get his big break with a recording contract, he unexpectedly falls for Tracy, who brings out the best in him. Seeking a triple threat actor/singer/dancer with plenty of charisma and sparkle.
WILBUR TURNBLAD (vocal range: A3 to A5, male-identifying, caucasian, 40-60) Edna’s simpleminded and loving husband; Tracy’s supportive, kind father. He owns a joke shop and only wants the best for his girls. Seeking a confident character actor who complements Edna and is a consummate singer.
VELMA VON TUSSLE (vocal range: G3 to E5, female-identifying, caucasian, 40-55) Amber’s mother and the director of The Corny Collins Show. A carbon copy of Amber – just twenty years older and meaner – she is a devious taskmaster and snobby racist. The former Miss Baltimore Crabs will go to any length to ensure her daughter is the next big thing. Seeking a strong singer and actor who is unafraid of playing the villain in pearls.
HARRIMAN F. SPRITZER, MR. PINKY & OTHERS (Male-identifying, caucasian, 40-55) Spritzer is the conservative owner of Ultra Clutch Hairspray, a major sponsor of The Corny Collins Show, while Mr. Pinky owns an integrated women’s plus-size clothing boutique. Two characters at opposing ends of the show’s central conflict embodied in one performer, we’re seeking a consummate actor who can create memorable characters with bold choices. Also plays the school principal and a guard at the Baltimore Women’s Correctional Facility.
THE DYNAMITES (JUDINE, KAMILAH, SHAYNA)/ENSEMBLE (vocal range: E4 to A5, female-identifying, African-American, 25-35) A dynamic musical trio, they are the Baltimore version of a classic Motown-era girl group of the 60s (think: the Supremes). They magically appear to usher Tracy and her friends into a brand-new decade. Seeking singers and dancers who are comfortable with 3-part harmonies and who can move and perform together synchronously.
SEAWEED J. STUBBS (vocal range: F3 to D5, male-identifying, African-American, reads 16-17) Tracy’s classmate and friend who is discriminated against due to his skin color. He is cocky, but surprisingly lovable. Talented in song and dance, he falls for Penny and together they defy the segregation laws of the 1960s. Seeking an energetic singer/dancer/actor who can command the stage.
LITTLE INEZ (vocal range: E4 to E5, female-identifying, African-American, reads 12-14) Seaweed’s little sister who longs to follow in her brother’s footsteps as a Corny Collins council member. Wise beyond her years, she is no stranger to institutional racism and connects with Tracy, who, to Inez, represents change. Seeking a great singer/dancer unafraid to take her moment in the spotlight and who can deliver a deadpan one-liner with ease.
MOTORMOUTH MAYBELLE (vocal range: Bb3 to G5, female-identifying, African-American, reads 40-55) Seaweed and Little Inez’s mother, she also appears as a guest DJ once a month on the all-black broadcast of The Corny Collins Show. Big, blonde, beautiful and proud of it, she is sassy and confident and has a penchant for speaking in rhyming couplets. Seeking a soulful performer who is an excellent singer/actor that can bring an Aretha Franklin or Gladys Knight vibe to the stage.
ENSEMBLE (Male and female-identifying, all ethnicities, 16-30) Council members on The Corny Collins Show, Brad, Tammy, Fender, Brenda, Sketch, Shelly, IQ, and Lou Ann are famed teenage performers in Baltimore. Lorraine, Gilbert, Thad, Duane, and Cindy perform on the show when Motormouth Maybelle hosts once a month and are ready to make big changes in Baltimore. The ensemble also populates the stage as the denizens of Baltimore. Seeking outstanding and energetic singers and dancers with stamina and charm, representative of the mixed population of Baltimore