Announcing auditions for Cabrillo Music Theatre’s THE KING AND I. East meets West as two cultures learn to accept each other in 18th Century Siam. This timeless Rodgers & Hammerstein treasure features the musical classics SHALL WE DANCE, GETTING TO KNOW YOU, I WHISTLE A HAPPY TUNE, HELLO, YOUNG LOVERS, and many more. The SMALL HOUSE OF UNCLE THOMAS Ballet, featuring Jerome Robbins’ original choreography, will be recreated by Irene Cho (THE KING AND I/Broadway, JEROME ROBBINS’ BROADWAY). Cabrillo Music Theatre’s Artistic Director Lewis Wilkenfeld will direct, and Darryl Archibald will serve as Musical Director and Conductor, with Heather Castillo handling the musical staging. THE KING AND I begins rehearsal for children and ballet performers on September 8th, 2008, and for AEA and all others on September 22nd, 2008. Performances run October 17-26, 2008, at the Kavli Theatre, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, Countrywide Performing Arts Center. Currently seeking Equity Talent and non-Equity Talent.
All roles are open, and all roles open to Non-Equity talent. Three Equity Guest Artist Contracts (Tier III) available, to be used among the following roles: ANNA, THE KING, LUN THA, LADY THIANG.
For singing auditions: Bring sheet music in the proper key, accompanist provided. Musical theatre only; no pop. No recorded music or a capella, please. Non-union please limit song to one minute. DIVERSITY IS ENCOURAGED. All ethnic types WELCOME.
Bring sheet music in the proper key, accompanist provided. Musical theatre or pop okay. No recorded music or a capella, please. Non-union please limit song to one minute.
For dance auditions: Please be warmed up and ready to dance barefoot. Knee pads are strongly suggested.
For children’s roles: LOUIS and PRINCE CHULULONGKORN will audition as adults in the show, with an appointment for a singing audition. All other children will be auditioned as a group, and will be taught music and movement from the show.
NOTE ABOUT ETHNICITY: Efforts will be made to cast all of the Asian roles in THE KING AND I within a broad cross-section of ethnicity. While the production will remain faithful to the story and characters, casting of many roles will be as diverse as possible, while maintaining believability in time and place. Roles identified below as “Asian” should be looked at in the broadest possible context, as the staff is open to a wide range of possibilities.
Some of those cast as Asians must be willing to darken their hair or wear wigs as required by the artistic staff, and wear body makeup as required by the artistic staff. Children will likely NOT be wigged, so willingness to dye or darken hair is a must.
Audition schedule is as follows:
Non-Equity Auditions:
Hillcrest Center for the Arts, 403 W. Hillcrest, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Saturday, August 9th – 10AM-7PM
Sunday, August 10th – 12PM-9PM
Tuesday, August 12th – 5PM-10PM
Ballet Call: Sunday, August 10th – 1:00PM
Children’s Call: Sunday, August 10th – 4:00PM
A.E.A. Auditions:
Madilyn Clark Studios, 10852 Burbank Blvd., N. Hollywood, CA 91601
Monday, August 11th – 10:30AM-6:00PM
Ballet Call (Non-AEA) – 10:30AM
All auditions are by appointment only. To schedule an audition, please call (805) 497-8615 ON OR AFTER JULY 21st. When leaving a message, please include your name, role(s) for which you’d like to be considered, telephone number, day and approximate time you’d like to audition, and whether or not you’re a member of Actors’ Equity Assn. Callbacks will take place August 18-21, and are by invitation only.
ROLES:
ANNA LEONOWENS (Age 30-45) – A young English widow, compassionate but completely undaunted by the King. Stubborn, yet entirely sympathetic. Very much a maternal presence to her son, she is also quite the passionate woman. Soprano with strong chest mix. Convincing British accent a must.
THE KING (Age 35-50) – Commanding presence. He is at times a powerful, adult male, at other times a playful child. A man of serious thought, and of great humor as well. Any ethnicity, but must be able to convincingly play Asian. Must sing or speak-sing in authoritative tones. Excellent physical condition, as he appears bare-chested at times.
THE KRALAHOME (Age 40-60) – The Prime Minister of Siam, hard and narrow-minded, less capable of change than his leader. Excellent actor, any vocal type. Must convince as Asian.
LADY THIANG (Age 35-45) – Mother of the Crown Prince and first wife to King. Wise, composed and understanding. Must sing very well (Legit Mezzo) and convince as Asian.
TUPTIM (To play age 18-22) – Attractive young woman, with a thirst for learning, and a desperate need to escape her circumstances with her love, Lun Tha. Must sing well (Legit Soprano) and convince as Asian.
LUN THA (To play age 18-25) – Handsome young man, secretly in love with Tuptim. Must sing well (Legit Lyric Baritone/2nd Tenor) and convince as Asian.
SIR EDWARD RAMSAY (Age 30-45) – Distinguished British diplomat visiting Siam. Handsome, with a light sense of humor. Convincing British accent. Non-singing role, who might double as offstage singer.
CAPTAIN ORTON (Age 35+) – Sea captain, he’s warm and compassionate. Convincing British accent. Non-singing role, who might double as offstage singer.
THE INTERPRETER (Any age) – Male, interprets for the Kralahome. Must convince as Asian. Sings with ensemble. May also be a dancer in ballet sequence.
PHRA ALACK (Any age) – Male, court servant to the Crown Prince. Must convince aqs Asian. Sings with ensemble. May also be a dancer in ballet sequence.
LOUIS LEONOWENS (To play ages 10-13) – Anna’s son, fond and defensive of his mother, curious and helpful. Must sing (Boy soprano). British accent a must.
PRINCE CHULULONGKORN (To play ages 12-15) – Heir to the throne, he shares his father’s curiosity and his stubbornness. Must sing (Young Tenor/Boy Soprano). Must convince as Asian.
THE ROYAL PRINCES and PRINCESSES (Ages 5-14), all progeny of the King and his many wives. Must sing and move well.
TEN WIVES OF THE KING (Ages 15-40). Some may double as dancers in ballet sequence. All vocal types. Must sing well and convince as Asian.
TWO AMAZON WOMEN (Ages 18-35). Tall, strong. Must sing and convince as Asian.
MEN (Ages 18-45), to play PRIESTS and GUARDS. Some may double as dancers or propmen in ballet sequence. All vocal types. Must sing well and convince as Asian. Skills with percussion instruments a plus.
SMALL HOUSE OF UNCLE THOMAS BALLET:
Seeking strong contemporary ballet and modern-trained male and female dancers for all ensemble and principal roles in ballet. Roles include: ELIZA, ANGEL, SIMON, THOMAS, EVA, TOPSY, MALE and FEMALE ENSEMBLE DANCERS, and PROPMEN. Some male roles may be played by women. Some performers may double in other parts of the show; others will appear in the ballet only. Performers of all ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to attend.
