The Morris Theater Guild will be holding auditions for teens and young adults for their production of the musical “Godspell.”
Established in 1973, Morris Theatre Guild is a non-profit organization dedicated to producing theatrical productions for local communities. Morris Theater Guild’s mission is to foster public interest in the theatrical arts, educate individuals in theater skills, promote artistic expression, and offer opportunities for participation and enjoyment of live theater in our region.
Auditions:
March 23, 2024 from 9:30am to Noon & 1:30pm to 4pm
March 24, 2024 1pm to 4 pm
Be sure to take a look at our theater page to see if other shows are holding auditions in your area.
About the show:
“Godspell” is a timeless musical that has captivated audiences since its debut in 1971. Based on the Gospel of Matthew, the show follows the story of Jesus Christ and his disciples through a series of parables, songs, and moments of reflection. Set in contemporary times, “Godspell” explores themes of love, forgiveness, and the power of community through its vibrant characters and infectious music.
A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.
Roles:
Anna Maria (Alto): A bit of a tomboy, but basically open and sweet. Perhaps the youngest of the group. She is the first of the group to commit to following Jesus in the song “Day by Day.”
Celisse (Mezzo-Soprano): The female equivalent of the class clown. Goofy and a cut-up. In the 2012 Broadway revival, she played several instruments, including conga, ukulele and guitar. She sings “Learn Your Lessons Well.”
George (Tenor): The comedian, the class clown. The guy who can do a hundred voices and imitations. He sings “Light of the World.”
Jesus (Tenor): Must be the most charismatic individual in the cast. High energy, charming, funny, gentle but with strength. He is the sort of person others instinctively follow.
John the Baptist/Judas (Baritone): He has attributes of both Biblical figures: He is both Jesus’ lieutenant and most ardent disciple and the doubter who begins to question and rebel. Like Jesus, he is also charismatic, but in more of an overt revolutionary way. Usually played by someone handsome and masculine, with an undertone of sexuality. He is the most “serious” and intellectual of the group, though as with all the actors, he must still possess a good sense of physical comedy. He sings “Prepare Ye,” “All For the Best,” and “On the Willows.”
Lindsay (Soprano): The confident one, the show-off. The first one to volunteer, sometimes she jumps in before she really understands what’s going on. She sings “Bless the Lord.”
Morgan (Alto): Sassy and slightly cynical, the most urban of the group. Also the “sexy” one, but her sexiness contains a large element of put-on, in the manner of Mae West or Madonna. She sings “Turn Back, O Man.”
Nick (Tenor): Very high energy. Impish and playful. In the original, he played several musical instruments, including concertina, recorder and guitar. He sings “We Beseech Thee.”Telly (Tenor): Not the brightest in the bunch, he is a little slow on the uptake. But there is a great sweetness and innocence about him. Because he sings “All Good Gifts” he must be a very good singer.
Uzo (Alto): The shy one. Sometimes a little slow to get things, but when she does, she commits all the way. Has an “earth mother” kind of warmth to her. She sings “By My Side.”
Ensemble roles may be added at director’s discretion.
The director will consider all ages for the roles to be filled but will also be looking for the appropriate demographic balance in casting to retain integrity and believability.
Rehearsals:
Directors are sensitive of the personal commitments of their actors and production crew and will coordinate their rehearsal schedules to allow for the most beneficial process. Usually, rehearsals will be held on select evenings during the week and on the weekends, commonly during the day.
Things to keep in mind:
Be prepared: Thoroughly research the audition requirements provided and prepare with material to fulfill those requirements. Different shows mean different directors, so study the audition notice to understand the specific requirements for the show for which you intend to audition.
Know your schedule: Please come to the audition with a clear knowledge of your availability. If significant conflicts exist, be prepared to list them for the information of those casting the show.
Know the show: If the materials are available, research the show for which you are auditioning. If it’s a musical, listen to the soundtrack. If it’s a scripted play, research it online so you better understand the characters for which you are auditioning.
Theater located at: 516 W. Illinois Ave. Morris, IL 60450
See: https://morristheatreguild.org/auditions/
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