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The Branson Regional Arts Council is thrilled to present “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” based upon the book by Victor Hugo and featuring music from the Disney animated film. This large, ensemble cast, directed by Jordan Alexander-Holt, and has many wonderful opportunities to showcase a variety of types and talents.

Auditions will be January 24th and 25th at 6:00 p.m. with callbacks on the afternoon of the 26th at 2:00. If you are unable to attend a live audition, video submissions will be accepted until midnight on the 25th. Video submissions can be e-mailed to info@bransonarts.com.

Please prepare two songs in contrasting styles (uptempo and ballad) no longer than a minute in length each, showcasing range and interpretation. Please provide an accompaniment track.

Be prepared to dance and bring appropriate dance attire. You may also be asked to read from the script.

Shows run April 16th – April 26th with Thursday – Saturday shows at 7:00 and Sunday matinees at 2:00 with direction and choreography by Jordan Alexander-Holt.

The breakdown of characters is as follows:

Claude Frollo
Archdeacon of Notre Dame Cathedral and the most powerful cleric in Paris, he is the reluctant caretaker of Quasimodo. He will do whatever it takes to rid the city of the gypsy “vermin,” even as he lusts after Esmeralda. Calculating, manipulative, and obsessive.

Gender: Male
Age: 40 to 50
Vocal range top: Bb4
Vocal range bottom: E2

Jehan Frollo
Claude’s reckless younger brother. With the gypsy Florika, he fathers Quasimodo, who he leaves in his brother’s care. Wild, passionate, and strong-willed.

Gender: Male
Age: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: F3

Florika
A gypsy and Quasimodo’s mother.

Gender: Female
Age: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: F#5
Vocal range bottom: E4

Father Dupin
A priest of Notre Dame and Claude and Jehan’s guardian.

Gender: Male
Age: 40 to 60
Vocal range top: A3
Vocal range bottom: C3

Quasimodo
The deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame and Claude Frollo’s charge. Lonely and staunchly obedient to Frollo, he possesses a vivid imagination that brings to life the bells and gargoyles of the cathedral. Despite his shyness and uncertainty, he quickly befriends Esmeralda. Big-hearted, loyal, and brave when need be.

Gender: Male
Age: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: Bb5
Vocal range bottom: Bb2

Clopin Trouillefou
The clever and charismatic King of the Gypsies. An air of mystery surrounds Clopin. As the master of ceremonies for the Feast of Fools, he is witty and playful, but he boasts a darker, serious nature when not performing for the crowd.

Gender: Male
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: F#5
Vocal range bottom: D3

Captain Phoebus de Martin
Returning to Paris after serving in the war, Phoebus takes up his new position as Captain of the Cathedral Guard. Overconfident yet charming, this handsome, strong soldier makes the ladies swoon, yet his moral compass is also strong, and he openly defies the corrupted Frollo.

Gender: Male
Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: Ab4
Vocal range bottom: A2

Lieutenant Frederic Charlus
Lieutenant of the Cathedral Guard and loyal friend to Phoebus.

Gender: Male
Age: 20 to 30

Esmeralda
A beautiful and free-spirited gypsy who possesses the strong sense of justice and morality that Frollo lacks. Compassionate, she frees Quasimodo from the frenzied mob at the Feast of Fools and, against her better judgment, falls for the dashing Phoebus.

Gender: Female
Age: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: E3

King Louis XI
King of France, nicknamed the Prudent.

Gender: Male
Age: 40 to 50

Tribunal
A judicial officer.

Gender: Male
Age: 20 to 50
Vocal range top: E4
Vocal range bottom: G2

Madam
Owner of a brothel and safe haven for gypsies.

Gender: Female
Age: 35 to 50

Saint Aphrodisius
A stained-glass image that comes to life.

Gender: Male
Age: 30 to 50
Vocal range top: E4
Vocal range bottom: B3

Congregation/Choir
Gypsies, gargoyles, soldiers, and citizens of Paris.

Gender: Any
Ages: 16 and up

Come be a part of a literary classic brought to vivid life!

The Branson Regional Arts Council announces open auditions for our comedy play “The Odd Couple” written by Neil Simon and directed by Jody Madaras.

AUDITION BREAKDOWN

-Auditions –
January 18, 2020 6pm-9pm
January 19, 2020 6pm-7pm
At: Historic Owen Theatre, Branson MO

-Callbacks-
January 19, 2020 7pm-9pm
At: Historic Owen Theatre, Branson MO

-Preparation-
Please familiarize yourself with THE ODD COUPLE television series, movie, or stage play, and select a character that interests you. Be prepared to read from the script at the audition. Bring a hard copy of your picture/resume if available.

2005 Broadway Production Clips for reference:

-Rehearsals-
THE ODD COUPLE rehearses Sunday-Thursday evenings beginning February 2, 2020. Times and specifics: TBA. Tech rehearsals are all day March 14 and 15, 2020. Dress Rehearsals: March 16-18, 2020.

-Performances-
March 19, 2020 — 7pm curtain.
March 20, 2020 — 7pm curtain.
March 21, 2020 — 2pm and 7pm curtains.
March 22, 2020 — 2pm curtain.

-Strike-
All company members are called to assist with the stage strike.

SYNOPSIS
Neil Simon’s classic 1965 comedy opens as a group of the guys are in the midst of their weekly poker game in the apartment of divorced sportswriter, Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it’s no wonder that his wife left him. The apartment is smoke-filled, and the only thing Oscar can offer his guests is warm Coke and moldy sandwiches. The last to arrive is Felix Ungar, who has just been thrown out by his wife. Felix is depressed and seems suicidal, leading Oscar to invite Felix to be his roommate. However, as Felix takes on the domestic mantle in the apartment and proves just how difficult he is to live with, Oscar is driven to the edge of madness. Poker nights are no longer evenings of smoke, grubbiness, and blokey behavior; instead, the guys are waited on hand and foot by Felix. The final straw occurs when Felix refuses to follow through with a double-date Oscar has set up with the beautiful Pigeon sisters, who live in the same apartment block. The clean freak and the slob come to blows, and the ultimate ‘Odd Couple’ go their separate ways.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Oscar Madison
(Male, 40’s) Oscar Madison, a carefree, good-natured, divorced sportswriter who lives alone in a messy eight-room New York apartment. He is completely oblivious to dirt, clutter, and the overdue child-support payments about which his wife telephones weekly. He has his male cronies in for a weekly poker game with refreshments that invite food poisoning. Oscar’s lifestyle is abruptly turned around when he takes in one of the members of the group, Felix Ungar, whose wife has thrown him out. Everything is now antiseptically clean, the food served to the poker players is appetizing, and there is money to pay his former wife, Blanche. Felix is so compulsive, however, that Oscar cannot live with him and forcefully requests that he leave. 4 scenes, 456 lines.

Felix Ungar
(Male, 40’s) Felix Ungar, a fussy, neat-freak-type man who knows that he is difficult to live with but cannot—or will not—make any concessions or compromises. His wife, unwilling to continue their marriage, asks him to leave the family despite his suicide threat, and he then moves in with Oscar. Made comical by his exaggerated behavior, Felix is persuaded by the end of the play to live temporarily with the Pigeon sisters, who pity him, but it is probable that they too will find him exasperating. 4 scenes, 386 lines.

Gwendolyn Pigeon
(Female, 20’s-40’s) Oscar and Felix’s giggly upstairs neighbor, one of a pair of English sisters. She is a widow. 2 scenes, 66 lines.

Cecily Pigeon
(Female, 20’s-40’s) Oscar and Felix’s giggly upstairs neighbor, one of a pair of English sisters. She is a divorcée. 2 scenes, 57 lines.

Note: Gwendolyn Pigeon and
Cecily Pigeon are English sisters who live in the apartment building. Attractive, intellectually lightweight, and somewhat flirtatious.

Murray
(Male, 30’s-50’s) Murray, an atypical New York policeman, a good-natured clod who will never become a detective. He is one of the weekly poker players. 3 scenes, 118 lines.

Roy
(Male, 30’s-50’s) Roy, Oscar’s accountant. Somewhat critical of Oscar’s behavior, Roy routinely loans him money to “stay in the game.” He is another of the weekly poker players. Roy has a dry wit but is less acerbic than Speed. 3 scenes, 64 lines.

Vinnie
(Male, 30’s-50’s) Vinnie, a cheapskate who goes to Florida in midsummer to take advantage of low rates and who leaves the poker game when he is ahead. Vinnie is mild-mannered and henpecked, making him an easy target for Speed’s verbal barbs. 3 scenes, 66 lines.

Speed
(Male, 30’s-50’s) Speed, a man of simple tastes who enjoys the male camaraderie of the weekly poker sessions. He is disgusted when Felix turns their poker nights into “tea parties.” Gruff and sarcastic, often picking on Vinnie and Murray. 3 scenes, 64 lines.

The Branson Regional Arts Council announces open cast auditions for all roles for our upcoming musical production of THE WIZARD OF OZ.

Audition Dates/Times:
Sunday, Dec 15th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Wednesday, Dec 18th, 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Location:
Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616

Rehearsal Dates/Times:
Sundays through Thursdays (tentative)
Initial Cast Meeting – January 4, 2020, 6:00pm
January 5, 2020 – February 13, 2020, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (tentative)

Performance Dates/Times:
Feb 14-16, Feb 21-23, Feb 28-Mar 1 (12 performances)
Evening Performances @ 7:00 pm – Matinee Performances @ 2:00 pm

Producers: Kim Hale, Karie Dykeman, Lisa Murphy
Director: Jacob Deck
Assistant Director: Mesa Mitchell
Music Director: Caitlin Secrest

About The Show:
This beloved tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, has been entertaining audiences for 80 years!

This will be the RSC version of THE WIZARD OF OZ, and includes the songs “Over The Rainbow,” “Munchkinland (Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead),” “If I Only Had A Brain/A Heart/The Nerve,” “We’re Off To See The Wizard (Follow The Yellow Brick Road),” “The Jitterbug,” and “The Merry Old Land of Oz,” “Poppies (Optimistic Voices)” and “If I Were King Of The Forest.”

IMPORTANT:
* Please prepare (1) song and bring Karaoke tracks for your musical audition on phone or as an MP3 on a thumb drive. If you are reading for a specific role, please sing that characters song from The Wizard of Oz (not required).

* Please be prepared to run through some simple choreography. Dress in comfortable, loose clothing, no high heels or ruby slippers.

* You may be asked to do a cold read from the script.

Character Breakdown – Principal Roles:

Dorothy Gale – The heroine of our Fairytale, young, full of energy, strength and kindness. Must be strong dancer, singer and actress.

Professor Marvel/The Wizard of OZ – Professor Marvel portrays himself as one who knows many things and has great wisdom in all matters with the help of his crystal ball. Must be a strong actor. Wizard of Oz is a mysterious character that rules over Oz. Must be strong actor with crisp clear voice and commanding presence.

Hunk/The Scarecrow – Hunk is the thinker of the bunch who speaks his mind. Must be a strong actor with good comedic timing. The Scarecrow is made of straw and walks with constant unrestricted movements. He has no brain but often says more intelligent and insightful things than any other person in the musical. Must be a strong singer, actor and dancer.

Zeke/The Cowardly Lion – Zeke is the farmhand Dorothy turns to for encouragement and courage. He is sweet and comforting but easily spooked. Must be a strong actor.
The Cowardly Lion wishes to go home throughout the adventures in Oz but his friends never let him. In the end he finds the courage he thought he was lacking. Must be strong dancer, singer and actor and have great comedic timing.

Hickory/The Tin Man – Hickory is emotionally charged farmhand who desires great things. He is quick witted and lovable. The Tin Man is the most loving and emotional character in the musical. He wants nothing more than to have his heart back. He is strong, protective and encouraging. Must be a strong dancer (tap), singer and actor.

Aunt Em/Glinda the Good Witch – Emily Gale is the Aunt of Dorothy who leads a busy and tiring life on her Kansas farm. Strong actress capable of portraying a strong motherly character. Glinda the Good Witch of the North watches over Dorothy and her friends. She is caring and nurturing and is a great aid to anyone in need. She must portray dignity and grace. Strong actress and good singer for her solos in Munchkinland and Poppy field.

Miss Gulch/The Wicked Witch of the West – Miss Gulch is uptight neighbor who attempts to take Dorothy’s beloved dog Toto away from her. She is harsh, mean and strict spirit but also has a good delivery of sarcastic banter. The Wicked Witch of the West is the villain of our story. She follows our four friends throughout the land of OZ striking fear into them any way she can. While she is a bully with a fantastically creepy cackle she also has a playful fun side. Actress must be able to blend the witch’s wicked ways with her sarcastic wit.

Character Breakdown – Supporting Roles:

Uncle Henry – Uncle Henry is a busy man trying to keep his farm afloat. He is goodhearted and good natured.

Three Crows – Three male crows sing with Scarecrow in “If I only had a brain. Must be good dancers, singers and actors.

Three Trees – Three female trees sing along with Tin Man in “If I only had a heart”. Must have good singing and speaking voices.

Mayor of Munchkinland – Must be a strong speaker and singer.

Coroner of Munchkinland – Should be a good singer with a unique voice.

Lullaby League – 3 Tots – Ballerinas – Must have sweet voices and be able to dance on pointe.

Lollipop Guild – 3 Tough Guys – Must be good singers and dancers.

Winkie General – Head of the Witch’s Army

Nikko – Head of the Flying Monkeys

Flying Monkeys

Poppies & Snowflakes

Emerald City Guard

Jitterbug Lead Dancers, Jitterbugs and Ghosts