Auditions
General Audition Information
Interested in performing on stage with Way Way Off-Broadway? Auditions are held prior to each show that WWOB produces, and is open for anyone to try out. Previous performing experience is not required, all we ask is that you are willing to dedicate the considerable time and effort it takes for rehearsals and performances, so that we can put on the very best show that we can. At your audition, you may sing a song of your choosing (please bring a CD or USB accompaniment track), or sing music that we will provide. Either way, make sure you bring your great personality and energy! DISCLAIMER: With so many talented people auditioning for our shows, our Production Teams are faced with the difficult task of casting a show with the right people. Regardless of any previous conversations with, or comments from, members of the Production Team, everyone must participate in the audition process, and no one is assigned a role until auditions are complete. Occasionally, certain roles or productions will be assigned prior to or without holding open auditions; however, this will not occur unless specifically announced by WWOB.
Upcoming Auditions for
CHICAGO
August 19 – 20, 2019
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
ENMU-Roswell Performing Arts Center
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Roxie Hart, (Female. Vocal Part: Mezzo. Age Range: 20-30) – As pretty as she is self-centered, Roxie Hart’s unrelenting search of fame and glory forms the spine of “Chicago”. Not very bright and never thinking about the consequences of her actions, Roxie makes bad decisions throughout the show – all in the name of public recognition. Her wannabe vaudeville mindset lasts throughout the entire show. Despite being a generally dislikable character, Roxie remains strangely sympathetic to the audience because we understand that her selfishness isn’t malevolent. Rather it is immaturity that propels Roxie’s fall from integrity. Above all, Roxie Hart is a character that embodies the corruption that fame can bestow upon a person. Note: Roxie is a very strong Fosse dancer.
Velma Kelly, (Female. Vocal Part: Alto. Age Range: 25-40) – Tough, sexy, and sarcastic, Velma Kelly is a vaudeville performer who resides in Cook County Jail after she murdered her cheating husband and sister. Used to being the “main attraction”, Velma fiercely competes with up and coming rival superstar Roxie for the attention of the press and to preserve her celebrity status. In Brechtian style, Velma often breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience directly to explain certain events within the show and express herself in the style of Fosse.
Billy Flynn, (Male. Vocal Part: Baritone. Age Range: 35-50) – Suave, educated, and very manipulative, Billy Flynn is a lawyer who makes celebrities of his clients in order to gain them sympathy from the media and sway the public’s opinion – a perk that Roxie tries to take advantage of. Both Velma and Roxie hire Flynn to represent their cases and use him as their claim to fame. With a perfect track record under his belt and good looks and charm to boot, Billy will take on any case as long as it means putting money in his pocket.
Matron “Mama” Morton, (Female. Vocal Part: Alto. Age Range: 30-50) The tough, sassy warden of the Cook County Jail, “Mama” treats the inmates under her watch like family and would do anything for them – so long as she gets something else in return. “Reciprocity” is her motto. “Mama’s” philosophy represents much of what is wrong with the justice system.
Amos Hart, (Male. Vocal Part: Baritone. Age Range: 30-50) – An auto mechanic and the hapless husband of Roxie, Amos, though not very good looking and not very smart, is a lovable and good natured man. He is the only character in the show whose motives are pure of heart and never selfish. Despite this, he’s also the only character who really loses out in the end. A victim of his own innocence, Amos represents the average man who pushes hard to do the right thing, but never gets any recognition for it.
Mary Sunshine, (Male or Female. Vocal Part: Soprano. Age Range: 25-55) – A sappy, soppy tabloid columnist who relies more on emotion than thought when it comes to writing her stories, Mary Sunshine is a person who believes that no matter what horrible atrocities a person has committed, somehow there must be a little bit of good in them. This character is usually played by a man in drag.
Chorus, (Male and Female. All Vocal Parts, Age Range: 14+) – We need both male and female chorus members. We are looking for both singers and dancers – especially dancers. Some chorus members may have lines. Roles in the chorus include news reporters, policemen, inmates, tailors, shoe shiners, and other citizens of Chicago in the roaring twenties.
