ONCE ON THIS ISLAND — WRITTEN BY LYNN AHRENS & STEPHEN FLAHERTY
Directed by Brynn Tyszka
Choreography by Jayme Bermudez
Musical Direction by Andrew Rodriguez

Auditions: Saturday, Jan 7th, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Callbacks: Sunday, Jan 8th, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

THE AUDITION:
Initial auditions will begin with a dance call at 12:00 p.m. SHARP. We will then jump into individual vocal auditions—vocal auditions will be held in order of arrival. Please arrive having read the play, and be familiar with the characters. There are PDFs of the script and score below (consent disclosure form pending). You do not need to register in advance.

THE NITTY-GRITTY:
All auditioners must attend the dance call at 12:00 p.m. unless you have previously contacted us. Please dress to move and wear jazz shoes/sneakers or street sneakers. A DANCE WORKSHOP with choreographer, Jayme Bermudez, will be held in November for those wishing to participate (recommended).

For vocal auditions, please prepare a 32-bar cut (NO LONGER) in the style of the show (please do not sing from the show for initial auditions). Please be prepared with a second selection in a contrasting style in case asked (32 bars). Music must be in the correct key and should be in a binder with cuts clearly marked (no loose sheets, please).

Please bring a headshot/photo, resume, and your calendar to complete the rehearsal conflicts (YOU MUST FILL OUT A COMPLETE CONFLICT CALENDAR AT AUDITIONS). Masks are welcomed at auditions, but not required (we reserve the right to change this policy at any time in accordance with CDC guidelines). Thank you!

THE PROCESS:
Rehearsals: beginning Feb 12th, 2023 at the earliest
Tech: March 19 – 23, 2023
Shows: Mar 24, 25, 26, 30,31; Apr 1, 2, 6, 7, 8

*Mar 26 and Apr 2 are matinee performances; hold dates for possible added shows are Apr 2 @ 7:00 p.m., Apr 5 @ 7:30 p.m., Apr 8 @ 2:00 p.m.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

(casting 11 roles + 3-5 ensemble ) Seeking BIPOC actors of all body types, 18+; seeking a young actor 10-14 to play Little Ti Moune; NEW: we will now be providing “acting internships” for up to TWO students ages 16-18 ONLY—must audition to be considered (internships are unpaid).

Ti Moune: Female, high belt, vocal range G3-E5 — Peasant girl around whom our story revolves. She falls in love with Daniel Beauxhomme, and makes a promise to the gods to save his life.

Daniel Beauxhomme: Male, Tenor, vocal range C#3-F#4 — Wealthy male and romantic lead. He falls in love with Ti Moune after she saves his life, but he’s been promised to Andrea since they were children. Not a bad guy.

Asaka: Female, Mezzo/Soprano, vocal range A3-E5 — The Mother of the Earth. She guides Ti Moune on land to find Daniel – big bawdy presence with an amazing belt and a great sense of humor.

Agwe: Male, Baritone, vocal range B2-E4 — The God of Water, he guides Ti Moune and provides the place where Daniel and Ti Moune meet.

Erzulie: Female, Soprano, vocal range A3-C#5 — The Goddess of Love, she wins the bet with the gods that love is stronger than death. She is the nicest of the gods.

Papa Ge: Male, Tenor, vocal range C3-G4 — A God and the sly demon of death. He plans to take Daniel Beauxhommes’ life to prove to all the gods that death is stronger than love.

Mama Euralie: Female, Alto, vocal range Gb3-B4 — Peasant. The adoptive mother of Ti Moune, with a strong belief in the gods. Wife of Tonton Julian.

Tonton Julian: Male, Baritone, vocal range G3-E4 — Peasant farmer, the adoptive father of Ti Moune. Husband of Mama Euralie.

Andrea Deveraux: Female, Mezzo — A wealthy beauxhomme, she is the well-to-do fiance of Daniel Beauxhomme and a great dancer. She will also play Armand Beauxhomme’s wife.

Armand Beauxhomme: Male, Baritone — A wealthy beauxhomme, he is the careless Frenchman who came to the island. He leaves behind a terrible curse. He also plays Daniel’s father.

Little Ti Moune: Female, to play age 10-14 — Young Ti Moune: much of the play comes to life through her eyes. In the end we find out she’s Ti Moune’s daughter.

Ensemble: Storytellers/Gossips, various Grands Hommes and peasants

There can be no conflicts during tech week. If you are involved in another show that overlaps with any part of this process, please email us the conflicts at [email protected] prior to signing up for auditions. Questions? Please email us at [email protected]. Auditions will take place at Blackfriars Theatre, 795 E Main St, Rochester 14605.

If you cannot make auditions and wish to submit a video audition, please send a video performing TWO 32-bar cuts of contemporary musical theatre selections to [email protected] no later than Jan 12th at 12:00 p.m. (must have an accompaniment—no a cappella). Late submissions will not be considered.