AUDITIONS
The 5 & Dime announces an OPEN CASTING CALL for its upcoming production of…
ASSASSINS
Book by John Weidman • Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim • Based on an idea by Charles Gilbert, Jr.
Directed by Bradley Akers
Music Direction by Anthony Felton
Assistant Direction by Daniel Starling
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IN-PERSON AUDITIONS:
DAY 1: Saturday, August 12 from 1:00pm - 4:30pm
• Registration will begin at 12:30pm
• Audition begins promptly at 1:00p
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DAY 2: Wednesday, August 16 from 6:30pm - 8:30pm
• Registration will begin at 6:00pm
• Audition begins promptly at 6:30pm
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*Day 2 will also serve as an invited callback from Day 1 of auditions.*
PLEASE NOTE — If you have scheduling conflicts OR if you are unable to attend the audition but would like to be considered, please contact casting@the5anddime.org.
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WHERE: The Florida Ballet (10131 Atlantic Blvd., Jax, FL 32225)
PRODUCTION DATES:
Friday, December 8 at 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 9 at 8:00 pm
Sunday, December 10 at 2:00 pm
Monday, December 11 at 8:00pm
Thursday, December 14 at 8:00 pm
Friday, December 15 at 8:00 pm
Saturday, December 16 at 8:00 pm
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PRODUCTION & REHEARSAL LOCATION: The Florida Ballet (10131 Atlantic Blvd., Jax, FL 32225)
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ABOUT THE MUSICAL:
“The most controversial musical ever written.”
A journey through the dark side of the American dream, Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Tony-winning musical Assassins explores the lives of nine men and women who either killed (or tried to kill) one of the Presidents of the United States. From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald and beyond, the stories of our country’s most successful and would-be assassins intersect in unexpected ways, creating a powerful, yet unnervingly funny look at some of the most shocking moments in US history.
NOTES ON CASTING/THE PROCESS:
• Occasionally, Assassins is performed with an Ensemble. The Directing team will determine if an Ensemble will be used based on the audition OR if the principal roles will double/triple in other roles.
• Full cast availability is expected the two weeks prior to opening night.
• Rehearsals occur primarily on weeknights, with occasional weekend dates as needed based on availability. Holiday time (Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving) is factored into the rehearsal schedule.
AVAILABLE ROLES:
JOHN WILKES BOOTH: Age: 25 to 40 • Vocal Range: F2 to G4.
Assassinated President Abraham Lincoln during a performance at Ford’s Theater in Washington D.C. on April14, 1865. A charismatic and passionate man who believes he is doing the right thing for the South & for his own legacy. Foreman and inspirational celebrity to the other assassins. Speaks with a southern drawl.
CHARLES GUITEAU: Age: 35 to 50 • Vocal Range: A2 to Ab4.
Assassinated President James Garfield in the waiting room of the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station, Washington, D.C., on July 2, 1881. A delusional and narcissistic individual who sees himself as a hero and a martyr.
LEON CZOLOGOSZ: Age: 25 to 40 • Vocal Range: G#2 to G4.
Assassinated President William McKinley at the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo, N.Y. on September 6,1901. Polish-American, quiet and introspective who becomes radicalized by the inequality & corruption he sees in society.
GIUSEPPE ZANGARA: Age: 30 to 40 • Vocal Range: B2 to A4.
Attempted to assassinate President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt as he greeted well-wishers in Bayfront Park, Miami, FL on February 15, 1933. A bitter & desperate man who blames his troubles on the government & the wealthy. He speaks English with a heavy Italian accent and speaks Italian.
SAMUEL BYCK: Age: 40 to 60 • Vocal Range: D3 to G4.
Attempted to assassinate President Richard Nixon by hijacking a commercial jetliner. A disillusioned and angry man who feels betrayed by the American dream.
LYNETTE “SQUEAKY” FROMME: Age: 25 to 35 • Vocal Range: A3 to G5
Attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford at the Capitol Park in Sacramento, CA on September 5, 1975. A devoted follower of Charles Manson who sees herself as part of a revolutionary movement.
SARA JANE MOORE: Age: 40 to 55 • Vocal Range: F3 to Eb5
Attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, CA, on September 22, 1975. A middle-aged housewife, bored and aimless, who becomes caught up in a misguided attempt to make a statement.
JOHN HINCKLEY: Age: 25 to 35 • Vocal Range: G4 to A2
Attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan as he left the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. on March 30, 1981 in order to impress actress Jodie Foster. A deeply troubled college student who becomes obsessed with celebrity. Ability to play the guitar a plus.
LEE HARVEY OSWALD: Age: 20 to 35 • Vocal Range: G3 to C4
Assassinated President John F. Kennedy from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas, TX on November 22, 1963. A suicidal, dejected shipping clerk. May also be portrayed by THE BALLADEER.
THE BALLADEER: Age: 20 to 40 • Vocal Range: G3 to G4
A folk singer and the narrator of the show. He is the conscience of America and the champion of the American dream, the foil against the assassins. Ability to play the guitar a plus. May also play LEE HARVEY OSWALD.
THE PROPRIETOR: Age: 30 to 60 • Vocal Range: Gb2 to F4
A mysterious figure who runs the shooting gallery at a carnival, handing out weapons and overseeing the demise of presidents and assassins alike.
EMMA GOLDMAN: Age 30 to 50
Turn-of-the-century Anarchist agitator and feminist. Terse and stubborn. An inspiration to Czolgosz.
ENSEMBLE: Ages 20s to 60s • All Vocal Ranges
Bystanders, tourists, reporters, photographers and featured roles (see below)
ENSEMBLE FEATURED ROLES: Emma Goldman, David Herold, Billy, James Garfield, James Blaine, Gerald Ford
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PREPARATIONS:
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​​• Please prepare 16-32 bars of a song from one of Stephen Sondheim’s musicals. An accompanist will be provided. No tracks and no acapella. Please do not sing a song from Assassins.
• You may be asked to participate in cold readings from the script.
• There will be NO dance call for this production.
• Please bring a headshot and resume. (A selfie is okay in lieu of a professional headshot!)
• ​​Please bring ALL known conflicts from AUGUST 12 - DECEMBER 16. The rehearsal schedule will be based on conflicts submitted by cast members.
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QUESTIONS?
Contact Managing Artistic Director Bradley Akers at bradley@the5anddime.org. To peruse a copy of the script, please email casting@the5anddime.org.