Open casting call in Columbus for the musical “Dreamgirls” – Singers and Performers
Imagine Productions in Ohio will be putting on the theatrical production of ‘Dreamgirls’.
The company will be hosting open auditions around mid November for performers and dancers who would like a role in the show. Auditions will be by appointment and you can follow the below instructions to request your slot. The show is looking for performers, singers and dancers.
Dreamgirls, the musical features music by by Henry Krieger. The show is all about show business and the aspirations of R&B superstars such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and others. “Dreamgirls” follows a trio of young, aspiring singers called “The Dreams”, who become sensations. “Dreamgirls” has been nominated for 13 Tony Awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical, and won six of those awards. There was also a feature film that was based on the stage show also called “Dreamgirls“.
CALL BACKS REHEARSALS PERFORMANCES
Saturday, November 15, 2014, 1-4pm OR Sunday, November 16, 2014, 7-10pm
Monday, November 17, 2014, 7-10pm
Performances will be held on:
February 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, March 1, 6, 7, 8, 2015 at 7:30 pm
HOW TO REQUEST AN AUDITION
Complete the form on www.imaginecolumbus.org/auditions to request an audition time. We welcome walk-ins promptly at the beginning of each audition date. More details will be sent the week of your audition.
INDIVIDUAL AUDITION
For each production, your first step is to meet the production staff and perform a vocal selection so they can get to know you better. As a community theatre, we are a welcoming and warm group so we want to encourage you to do your best and learn from the experience. The typical production staff members present in the room are the Director, Assistant Director, Musical Director, and sometimes the Choreographer. Feel free to ask questions prior to the audition at auditions@imaginecolumbus.org.
You will have 2 minutes in front of the production staff. Practice saying your name, what role you are auditioning for, and introducing your song and the process will be easy. Please be sure to warm up on your own. You may be asked to read from the script during your individual audition. No monologue is needed.
Please prepare a vocal selection of 32-bars typically a verse and chorus. You should consider choosing a song that highlights your depth and dynamic as a performer. Please select a song in the style of the show – gospel, Motown, or musical theatre. Please do not choose a song from the show for your audition. An accompanist is provided so please bring sheet music in the correct key.
Tip from our Directors: Don’t prepare a choreographed dance, blocking/staging, or over-act your vocal selection. We want to hear you sing and see emotion in your performance but will be distracted by too much movement or staging. Also, please do not dress in character but do look your best!
GROUP DANCE AUDITION
The full group of auditionees will be taught a brief dance combination by the choreographer in the style of the show. You will have multiple times to practice the combination, and then perform it in front of the production staff in small groups. The production staff is looking for ability to move on stage. Depending on number of auditionees, we reserve the right to make cuts prior to the group dance audition or split the group into multiple dance audition groups. Please wear comfortable clothing and proper footwear.
You can see the full audition information here.
Available Roles:
EFFIE WHITE – African American woman, 20-30. Vibrant young woman who is as oversized in talent as she is
in person. Effie is the true powerhouse in the group, a soaring singer whose voice overpowers and transcends
Deena’s and Lorrell’s. She is smitten with Curtis from the start and is overcome with anger and jealousy when
she senses his growing attraction to Deena. Effie should be full-figured, and her size carries with it a true sense
of sexuality. Must have a huge gospel belt voice. Must move very well.
DEENA JONES – African American woman, 20-30. The young, thin, beautiful member of the dreams. Happy
singing backup to Effie until Curtis puts her in the lead and grooms her as star of the group. Mezzo, big full belt.
Must move very well.
LORRELL ROBINSON – African American woman, 20-30. The third member of The Dreams. Sexy, flirtatious
girl from the projects of Detroit who has been singing with her best friends Effie and Deena for years. Carries on
an affair with Jimmy Early, who refuses to leave his wife for her. Soprano, on top of most triad harmony, big full
belt. Must move very well.
CURTIS TAYLOR, JR. – African American man, 30-40. Handsome, and very sexy. Slick car salesman who
becomes the Dreams’ manager. Has a appreciation of R & B music and a sense of what it sells. Motivated by
dreams, he takes over the management of Jimmy Early’s career and also oversees the rise to stardom of The
Dreams. Initially warm and approachable he becomes hardened by wealth and power and the need to control
everything and everyone. Baritone. Must move well.
JAMES “THUNDER” EARLY – African American man, 30-40. James Brown-like R & B star. The Dreamettes
become his backup singers. Has an affair with Lorrell. Charismatic, sexy, high energy. Rock and R & B tenor.
Must move well.
C.C. WHITE – African American man, 20-30. Effie’s songwriter brother; writes all the dreams hit songs.
Endearing and soft-spoken, he tries to do what’s best but slowly gives up his ideals to Curtis’ controlling vision.
High baritone. Must move well.
MICHELE MORRIS – African American woman, 20s. Effie’s replacement in the dreams. Thin and beautiful, she
sings bottom in the harmonies. Mezzo soprano, big belt. Must move well.
MARTY – African American man, 30-45, street savvy, long-time manager who oversaw Jimmy’s career and rise
to R & B stardom. Represents an earlier age of black entertainment. At odds with Curtis and his ideas and
schemes. Later oversees Effie’s comeback. Baritone. Should move.
CAUCASIAN MAN AND 2 CAUCASIAN WOMEN – Strong singers who move well to play Dave and The
Sweethearts (Pat Boone singer and his backup girls) who sing the all American pop version of “Cadillac Car”.
Will play other ensemble roles such as reporters, press agents, etc.
CAUCASIAN MAN – Strong
