“Jesus Christ Superstar”
Audition Dates, Details
3rd Audition Announced

UPDATE, OCTOBER 11, 2007 - Portal Players Dramatic Society has scheduled a third audition date for their production of the rock opera musical "Jesus Christ Superstar", written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.  This musical rocked the world, prompted boycotts, picketing, bomb threats, and letter writing campaigns all over America. This production dared to recount the Greatest Story Ever Told in the earthiest, most democratic, most populist language of all -- rock and roll.

An unprecedented turnout of actors and singers has resulted in this third audition date being scheduled, along with the need to see more men who can sing. Anyone is welcome to try out, but specifically, the production team is asking for men aged 18 and up who can sing tenor, with notes ranging from low D to high E, to attend this audition.

The production team includes Director Cindy Solda, Choral Director Dave Price, Music Director Jen Price and Choreographer Alison Cowan from Pat Cummings School of Dance. Peter Wienold and Mary Ann Naesgaard are the show producers.

This extra audition will be held on Monday, October 15th at 8:00 pm at the Capitol Theatre. No acting experience is necessary. If you don't know your musical range, we will help you determine it.

We are also looking for crew for this production, so if you want to be involved please attend. Audition/crew forms can be downloaded, and are required to be filled out and submitted at the start of the audition.

Performances of “Jesus Christ Superstar” are on February 8, 9, 15 & 16, 2008 in the evenings; two afternoon matinees will be performed on Sundays, February 10 & 17, 2008, all at The Capitol Theatre in Port Alberni. Rehearsal dates will be determined by the individual directors and actors. There will be no hold over for this production.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” requires Community Involvement to be a complete success, so please consider becoming involved at any level.

For more information, please call show director Cindy Solda at (250) 723-7139.
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ORIGINAL RELEASE: Portal Players Dramatic Society will soon commence an ambitious production, the rock opera musical "Jesus Christ Superstar", written by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.  This musical rocked the world, prompted boycotts, picketing, bomb threats, and letter writing campaigns all over America. This production dared to recount the Greatest Story Ever Told in the earthiest, most democratic, most populist language of all -- rock and roll.

The production team includes Director Cindy Solda, Choral Director Dave Price, Music Director Jen Price and Choreographer Alison Cowan from Pat Cummings School of Dance. Peter Wienold and Mary Ann Naesgaard are the show producers.

Auditions will be held on Sunday, October 7th at 2pm, and Wednesday, October 10th at 7pm at The Capitol Theatre. No acting experience is necessary. If you don't know your musical range, we will help you determine it.

We are also looking for crew for this production, so if you want to be involved please come on the dates listed above. Audition/crew forms are required to be filled out and submitted at the start of auditions.

Performances of “Jesus Christ Superstar” are on February 8, 9, 15 & 16, 2008 in the evenings; two afternoon matinees will be performed on Sundays, February 10 & 17, 2008, all at The Capitol Theatre in Port Alberni. Rehearsal dates will be determined by the individual directors and actors. There will be no hold over for this production.

“Jesus Christ Superstar” requires Community Involvement to be a complete success, so please consider becoming involved at any level.

CHARACTER LIST
(Numbers following letters in the vocal ranges refer to octaves above middle C, denoted as C1)
 
Jesus of Nazareth
Age:  20 +
Style:  Rock
Voice:  Tenor
Range:  Low D to high E
The mild-mannered yet powerful leader of the poor and downtrodden yet he is strong willed, a Superstar.   He has a lot of movement but no dancing.  .  .

Judas Iscariot
Age:  20 +
Style:  Rock
Voice:  Tenor
Range:  Low D to high E
A tortured soul, angry, bitter, and widly emotional.  He is tortured by his role in this drama, disappointed in Jesus.  Judas sings with a raw emotionally charged passion.  This is a major singing role for a male or female.

Mary Magdalene
Age:  20 - 35
Style:  Rock/Pop/Broadway
Voice:  Mezzo/Soprano
Range:  G - ?
Mary is the leading lady of the piece. She is very attached to Jesus and very much in love with him. She is His protector, caretaker and soother, quite nurturing and very grateful for His attention

Pontius Pilate
Age:  25 +
Style:  Broadway/Rock
Voice:  Baritone
Range:  A - B1
Historically, Roman puppet Governor of Judea.  Pilate is given the case of Jesus and is eager to pass it on to someone else yet he is given the decision back. He is stern and puzzled at the same time. He plays his role but is reluctant to put Jesus to death himself.

King Herod
Age:  35 +
Style:  Cabaret
Voice:  Tenor/Baritone
Range:  B - G1
Historically, Jewish king. The eccentric to whom Jesus is presented. Herod is unimpressed yet quite impressive in his own way

Caiaphas
Age:  30 - +
Style:  Broadway
Voice:  Bass
Range:  F - D1
Historically, the high priest of the Jews. Present day, he represents the head of a motorcycle gang.  He  or she is devious, covert, stern and slimy.   Needs to be very menacing and have a strong bass voice.

Simon Zealotes
Age:  18 +
Style:  Rock
Voice:  Tenor
Range:  B flat - G
Leader of the militant faction of the apostles.  Used to be a member of the Zealots, a group that supported an independent State of Israel.

Annas
Age:  25 +
Style:  Broadway
Voice:  Baritone/Tenor
Range:  B flat - F1
One of the minions working for Caiaphas.  He or she is devious, covert and slimy.

Peter
Age:  25 - 50
Style:  Broadway/Rock
Voice:  Tenor/Baritone
Range:  B flat - G1
Leader of the 12, the apostle who denies knowing Jesus, brother of another apostle (Andrew), fisherman by trade.

Other Apostles (9 needed)
Nine other apostles are needed in addition to the three listed above.  Vocal ranges vary.  Age range is 17 and above.

Priests / Soldiers (3 needed) male or female
Three additional priests are needed (in addition to Caiaphas and Annas).  These roles will also act as the Soldiers who arrest Jesus and are present with him during the Pilot and Herod scenes.  Vocal ranges vary.  Age range 18 and up.

Ensemble
A variety of women and men are needed for the ensemble.  Vocal ranges vary.  Age range is 8 and above.   Women are need to be soul sister/angels during the song "Superstar".

 
What to Prepare:

Song of your choosing, approximately 2 - 3 minutes in length
Similar in style to the role(s) you're auditioning for.
A song from the show is OK, but not required.
Song must be performed with accompaniment ... no cappella renditions.
Preferably memorized, but a "cheat sheet" is allowed.
A pianist will be provided or CD player.
Bring your sheet music with you or a CD!!!

Dancers
Should come with a short piece to perform. Ballet or Jazz style. Limit time to no more that one minute.

Dramatic Evaluation Criteria
This is rock musical/operetta -- there will be no acting audition per-se.
Your audition song has to highlight your acting ability as well as your vocal ability.
You will need to "act the song" and make it real.
Vocal inflection, facial expressions, and body language are key.
Please wear comfortable and loose clothing.

For more information, please call Cindy Solda, (250) 723-7139, Port Alberni, BC.