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Auditions open for ‘Kiss Me Kate’

From Staff Reports

The Peoples Bank Theatre in Marietta is planning a production of Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me Kate” in October.

If COVID vaccinations proceed as planned, and audiences are allowed, the rehearsals would start on Sept, 13 and the performances would take place are between Oct. 8 and 16. Continued COVID safety procedures will be in place for the cast and crew.

There will be an expectation that all cast members. orchestra and technical crew members will be fully vaccinated by the beginning of the rehearsal period.

The production is licensed for 500 audience members per performance therefore if needed, social distancing in the theater could be maintained.

The production, although a concert version, will be fully staged, choreographed and costumed. Auditions and callbacks will take place during the summer with a cast in place no later than Aug. 1.

The rehearsal period will be three weeks with two weekends of performances.

With a short rehearsal period, lead actors will be expected to be available every day and evening of the rehearsal period. Lead actors will be compensated $250 a week for five weeks plus accommodation and limited out-of-town expenses if needed.

The supporting cast members will receive gratuity commensurate with their time commitment, amounts are still being determined.

Nearly every actor in the show plays two characters: a 1950s actor in a traveling theater group, and a Shakespearean character in a musical production of “The Taming of the Shrew”.

The casting call is looking for the following lead actors:

¯ Fred/Petruchio.

¯ Lilli/Kate.

¯ Lois Lane/Bianca.

¯ Bill Calhoun/Lucentio/lead dancer.

¯ Flynt/Gremio/lead dancer.

¯ Riley/Hortensio/lead dancer.

¯ Dance Captain/Gregory (primary dancer).

¯ Paul/lead (primary dancer).

Male dancers should also be able to sing.

The following supporting actors/ensemble are also required:

¯ Pops (stage doorkeeper)

¯ Ralph (stage manager)

¯ Harry Trevor/Baptista

¯ Harrison Howell

¯ Hattie

¯ First man (Gangster who needs to be character singers in one show-stopping song).

¯ Second man (Gangster who needs to be character singers in one show-stopping song).

¯ Five female dancers who can sing well.

¯ Three female ensemble singers.

¯ Three male ensemble actors/singers.

The style of this musical requires that Fred and Lilli have 1950s operatic/operetta signing voices and for the other roles to have strong musical theater voices and a wide repertoire in dance.

Bill Calhoun/Lucentio needs to be an exceptional dancer.

Anyone interested in auditioning for this production can send an email to gcoward@peoplesbanktheatre.com identifying the role(s) for which you wish to be considered. As COVID is still very much present, auditions, callbacks and early show prep will take place remotely in some cases between July 1 and 29.

Lead actors will be expected to arrive already knowing their part. David Tadlock, the musical director for the show, and Jill Ruff, the show’s choreographer, will send musical accompaniments and instructions for you to prepare an audition video.

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