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Page down for answers to frequently asked questions and information on other volunteer opportunities!
AUDITION DATES
WCP/BHCT is committed to a policy of open auditions. Our success depends on the full participation of talented and committed people, regardless of their race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Please contact Anita at anita.ross@wcpbhct.org if you would like to read this play.
WATERLOO COMMUNITY PLAYHOUSE
AUDITIONS FOR - ELF, THE MUSICAL
Sunday, September 19 at 4:00 pm
Wednesday, September 22 at 6:00 pm
Prepare a song to sing (at least 16 bars) and bring sheet music in the correct key for the accompanist.
You will also learn a short dance routine, so dress comfortably.
Character Breakdown (ages and gender based on original production)
Buddy
Born a human but raised at the North Pole as a Christmas Elf, Buddy is eager to find his place in the world. He is a child at heart and that child-like curiosity makes him both endearing and gets him into trouble.
Gender: Male Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: C5 Vocal range bottom: Ab2
Jovie
Buddy's girlfriend. She works at Macy's and has a bit of a cynical outlook on life and love because of the men she's dated. She is caught off guard by Buddy's genuinely big heart.
Gender: Female Age: 25 to 30
Vocal range top: D5 Vocal range bottom: G3
Walter
Buddy's workaholic father. He is a Children's book writer, but lacks any of the childlike spirit that Buddy has. He is selfish, tense, and generally angry with life.
Gender: Male Age: 55 to 65
Vocal range top: G4 Vocal range bottom: A2
Emily
Walter's wife. Though she is sweet and willing to take him in, she thinks Buddy is crazy at first. Wishes her husband would spend more time with the family.
Gender: Female Age: 40 to 50
Vocal range top: Eb5 Vocal range bottom: F3
Michael
Buddy's stepbrother who is excited to have a new friend and brother. Unlike his mother, he doesn't take much convincing to have Christmas spirit, but like his mother, he wishes his father would spend more time with the family.
Gender: Male Age: 12 to 16
Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: F3
Deb
Walter's secretary. Takes an instant liking to Buddy simply for the novelty of it. Though she aims to please and is a bit of a suck-up, she feels under appreciated.
Gender: Female Age: 25 to 55
Vocal range top: Eb5 Vocal range bottom: D4
Manager
A heavy-set manager at Macy's. He is a good, friendly guy just trying to do his job and get by.
Gender: Male Age: 35 to 40
Vocal range top: F#4 Vocal range bottom: B2
Greenway
Walter's boss. He is what Walter will become if he continues down the path he is on. A tyrannical, workaholic who cares nothing about the people around him or who work for him.
Gender: Male Age: 55 to 65
Santa
Just another workingman. Loves his job and Christmas, but also likes to kick-back and watch the game when a rare opportunity arises. A natural storyteller.
Gender: Male Age: 65 to 80
Vocal range top: E4 Vocal range bottom: A2
Chadwick
One of Walter's right-hand men. He is desperate to keep his job, and perhaps the dumber of the two.
Gender: Male Age: 40 to 50
Matthews
One of Walter's right-hand men. He is desperate to keep his job and is the schemer of the two.
Gender: Male Age: 35 to 40
Ensemble (all vocal ranges)
Mrs. Claus, Elves, Charlie, Tiara, Mr. Narwhal, Teenager, Employees, Security Guard 1&2, Customer 1&2, Saleswoman, Store Elf 1&2, Fake Santa 1&2&3, Boy, Mother, Policeman 1&2, Sarah, Jim, Vendor, Waitress, Charlotte, Man, Woman
You will be asked to sing 16 bars of a prepared song and should bring your sheet music in the correct key. All roles require some singing. You will also have a short dance routine to learn. Scripts will be available to check out for one week with a $10 refundable deposit. Call (319) 235-0367 for additional information.
If you are interested but cannot make it to either audition please let us know.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
IS BLACK HAWK CHILDREN’S THEATRE AUDITIONING ONLY KIDS?
No. We try to cast actors age appropriate and there are often several roles for adults.
The distinction has more to do with audience than with cast.
WHERE ARE AUDITIONS HELD?
Auditions will be held in the WCP/BHCT Walker Building at 224 Commercial Street in Waterloo, unless otherwise noted.
THERE ARE TWO DAYS LISTED FOR EACH SHOW - DO I NEED TO ATTEND BOTH?
No, please attend only one of the two optional dates. For adults, it is preferable for you to attend the first of the two dates if you can, but you may choose either. There will usually be a callback audition and that date and time will be discussed at the main auditions.
WHAT EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED?
Neither experience nor membership is required to audition. WCP/BHCT is committed to a policy of open auditions. Our success depends on the full participation of talented people, regardless of their race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
WHAT HAPPENS AT THE AUDITION?
Be prepared to fill out an information sheet and conflict schedule before the auditions begin. The audition process usually includes cold readings from the script and, for a musical, vocals and dance. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear for movement. For a musical you should prepare at least 16 bars of a song and provide sheet music; an accompanist will be available.
IF I GET A PART WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
The rehearsal process may last 6 - 8 weeks. The number of days per week will depend on the role you are playing. The first few weeks are lighter, then plan on seven days a week for the last two weeks of rehearsal. Rehearsals are usually 3 hours in length. We strive to accommodate your conflicts throughout but please note - if you are not available for all performances you should not audition.
CAN I GET A SCRIPT IN ADVANCE?
Scripts will be available for a week-long perusal with a $10 fully refundable deposit. ($25 for some musicals) Please stop by the WCP/BHCT Walker Building during normal business hours (Tues-Fri, 10am-6pm)
WHAT IF I AM OFFERED A PART I DON’T WANT?
You have the chance to note any preference in roles on your information sheet. We ask that you be honest if only want a certain role. You may always decline the offer, but encourage you to consider it carefully. The director wants to put you in the right part that suits not only your talents but the production as a whole. They may see you differently than you see yourself.
If you have any other questions please give us a call at (319) 235-0367.
The audition is not a test - we want you to succeed and are happy to help you.
We are always interested in new participants! For those under 16
please attend the next BHCT audition to sign up. For those over
16, click on the link below to sign up and we will contact you.
FRONT OF HOUSE
Ushers and House Managers - Help seat patrons for performances
TECHNICAL / BACK STAGE
LOOKING FOR FOLKS TO HELP CREATE THE MAGIC OF LIVE THEATRE!
Costumes
Construction: help with the measuring, patterning, alteration and/or construction of costumes under the supervision of the show Designer.
Costume Crew: Help actors with quick changes and providing care and repair to production costumes.
Light & Sound
Lighting Assistant: Hanging, gelling, focusing and plugging lighting instruments. Locating and preparation of appropriate sound effects under the supervision of the Designer.
Crew Member: Operate of the master light board, sound board, follow spots and/or special effects.
Makeup - Crew Member
Apply and assist in the application of makeup under the supervision of the Designer. Style hair for each performance. Set up and restock makeup.
Props
Find and transport properties (items handled by actors) to the Playhouse.
Crew Member: Arrange, repair and replenish props for each performance.
Set Construction
Aid in the construction of scenery under the supervision of the Technical Director. Variable time commitment.
Set Painting
Aid in the painting of scenery under the supervision of the Technical Director. Variable time commitment.
Stage Manager
Run performances and call cues for a production. Must also attend most rehearsals to prompt actors.
Assistant Stage Manager
Assists in running the performances calling some cues. Must attend most rehearsals and all performances.
Shift Crew
Move scenery during some rehearsals and performances.
Call the Business Office at (319) 235-0367 for more details OR to get started right away.
OR Click Below to sign up and we will contact you!
SIGN ME UP! (This link is volunteers aged 16 and up)