Studio East and Kirkland Performance Center are seeking actors, singers, and dancers for our 2023 community production of The Sound of Music. We are seeking actors of all ages, ethnicities, size, shape, ability, gender identity, and orientation to audition for Principal & Supporting Roles. We are casting up to 35 actors, ages 8 and up.
Audition Dates and Information:
Friday, January 6, 5:00-9:00pm & Saturday, January 7, 11:00am-3:00pm at Kirkland Performance Center.
Please sign up for an audition slot via signupgenius:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4BA9AC2DA4F9CE9-eastside
Callbacks: Saturday, January 14, 1:00-6:00pm at Kirkland Performance Center- by invitation only.
All callback and casting notifications will be sent via email.
If you are unavailable for auditions or have questions please contact Cassie Fitzgerald, Production Manager, at cassiefitzgerald@studio-east.org.
Please prepare:
- Verse and chorus, about a minute in length, of a musical theater standard that best showcases voice and range.
Please bring:
- Completed audition form found online, including conflict calendar filled out with all rehearsal conflicts.
- Resume, if available, and headshot or photo.
- An accompanist is provided. No recorded accompaniment, please.
- Bring APPROPRIATE sheet music in the appropriate key; lead sheets are not helpful to the accompanist.
There is no pay or cost for being cast in this production. Adults must be able to pass WSP background check.
Rehearsal and Show dates:
Rehearsals begin January 23 and take place in the evenings Monday-Thursday at Kirkland Performance Center, Kirkland Community Center, and Kirkland Teen Union Building (Studio East). Performances are March 3-12 at Kirkland Performance Center. Please see the calendar on the audition form for full rehearsal times and dates.
Show Description:
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.
Directed and Choreographed by Samuel Pettit
Musically Directed by Justin Beal
Character Breakdown:
The creative team of The Sound of Music acknowledges the gender binary of the roles as written and invite transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary actors to indicate interest in any roles they most identify with on the audition form. Age ranges are approximate and not intended to exclude actors from consideration.
Maria Rainer (musical theatre mix/soprano, dance, 20-35) A postulant at Nonnberg Abbey – young, free spirited, warm, gentle, and kind with much determination.
Captain Georg von Trapp (baritone, moves well, 35-45) A retired Austrian naval captain. Polished, yet very military in the way he runs his life to repress his sadness over the death of his wife; underneath, he is warm, understanding, and determined.
Max Detweiller (tenor/baritone, moves well, 30+) Charming and vital; a man of sophistication who enjoys the good life; true and loyal friend to the von Trapp family.
Elsa Schrader (mezzo soprano, moves well, 35-45) A baroness of taste and elegance, sophisticated, dignified, and mature.
Mother Abbess (legit soprano, wide vocal range, 40+, very strong actress) Motherly, understanding, strong, and authoritative, but kind.
FEATURED CHARACTERS:
Sister Berthe (alto, moves well) Mistress of Novices, prudish, straight laced with a quick tongue, she is less tolerant than other nuns.
Sister Margaretta (mezzo, moves well) Mistress of Postulants, very kind, understanding and concerned.
Sister Sophia (soprano, moves well) Neither demanding nor critical, sticks with the rules.
Franz (non-singing, 30+) The von Trapp butler, rather formal but not without spirit, he is very German and loyal to the Fascist cause.
Frau Schmidt (non-singing, 30+) The housekeeper, stoic, very little personality; she does her job efficiently but without affection. Strong and somewhat dominating.
Herr Zeller (non-singing, 40+) Stern and unsmiling, a typical Nazi official whose primary concern is to see that everyone toes the line.
Rolf Gruber (low tenor, dance, 17) Suitor to Liesl, telegram delivery boy, later Nazi soldier. A very pleasant young man, somewhat aggressive but in a gentle way.
CHORUS:
5-10 male chorus members (16-60+ years) – Nazi soldiers, neighbors, Salzburg citizens, and Georg’s friends (of naval background).
5-10 female chorus members (16-60+ years) – Salzburg citizens, new postulant, nuns, novices, postulants, and contestants in the Festival Concert.
LEAD CHILDREN’S ROLES: All children, apart from their character description must be able to be conservative with their emotions and “serious.”
Liesl von Trapp (mezzo, dance, 16) The oldest child, blossoming into a young lady with an interest in boys. She has a maternal edge to her and cares very deeply for her younger siblings.
Friedrich von Trapp (age 14) Tough exterior, very much trying to be “the man” of the family.
Louisa von Trapp (age 13) Rebellious attitude.
Kurt von Trapp (age 10, falsetto) Gentle and mischievous.
Brigitta von Trapp (age 9) Smart, reads a lot.
Marta von Trapp (age 7) Very sweet and gentle.
Gretl von Trapp (age 6) Must have the cute factor.
