Rhinebeck Theatre Society presents auditions for Godspell
Saturday, February 1st at 1:00 p.m
Sunday, February 2nd at 7:00 p.m.
Callbacks: Tuesday, February 4th at 7:30 p.m. (Invitation only!)
Based on the New Testament gospels, mostly St. Matthew, GODSPELL uses the parables and passion story of Jesus for an inventively theatrical and inter-active show about the formation of a community.
Godspell spreads the fundamental message: help each other. A message everyone can relate to and stand to learn from. A reminder to be kind, be compassionate, be HUMAN, our production will be bringing the audiences back to being “home” in the theatre. So, come back home and join our story!
Important information
Audition Dates: Saturday, February 1st at 1:00 p.m. & Sunday, February 2nd at 7:00 p.m.
Callbacks: Tuesday, February 4th at 7:30 p.m. (Invitation only!)
Performance Dates: May 9th-18th. Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m.
Location: The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck (661 Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572)
**ATTENTION**
There is a possibility of RTS adding an additional weekend of performances on May 23rd- May 25th Time and location TBD. Confirmation will be provided at auditions.
Virtual Submissions: Email a YouTube or Google Drive link of your singing audition to rhinebecktheatersociety@gmail.com by Sunday, February 2nd at 9:00 p.m.
Please Prepare…
A 16-32 bar cut (~30 seconds to 1 minute) of a song from the show (preferred) or a song in the style of the show. Audition cuts of songs from the show are linked HERE.
If you’d like, you may also peruse the callback material which will be linked here in January!
To bring either a backing track or sheet music for the accompanist.
If using a backing track, please download or save the file locally (wifi may not be available for your audition)
If you will be using any of the provided audition cuts in the link above, our accompanist will have the sheet music.
To do some light movement exercises and ice breaker activities
To bring a headshot or recent photo of yourself that the production team can keep (easier for us to remember who you are!)
To list your recent theatrical experience on the audition forms provided
To list all of your scheduling conflicts for the rehearsal calendar provided on your audition sheet.
To relax and have fun! :)
Who will be in the Room?
Director- Kelsey Wertheim
Assistant Director- Mike Clark
Stage Manager- Christine McCarthy
Music Directors- Paul and JoAnne Schubert
Choreographer- Brooke Wallace
Producer- Joe Eriole
Character Breakdown
We are seeking storytellers of any age, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity and backgrounds for ALL characters. We highly encourage people who love to be silly, have fun, and have a keen ear for music/ singing. We would also love to know if you play a musical instrument!
Please note: All characters will be on stage for all or most of the production, and likely for some or all of intermission
Jesus
Vocal Range: Tenor; A2 to G4
A gentle, kind, and charismatic leader. Represents Purity of heart and seeks to spread their teachings to everyone. Is betrayed at the end of the tale, and gracefully accepts their fate for the good of humanity.
Solos include: "God Save the People", "All for the Best" (duet with Judas), "Beautiful City", "Alas for You", "Turn Back, O Man" (small part), "Finale".
Judas/John the Baptist
Vocal range: Baritone; A2 to E4
A charismatic, and physically humorous person with an “edge” to them. They start the show as the “John the Baptist” character acting as the Herder of Jesus’ disciples (characters listed below) and later develop into the “Judas” character who shows moments of doubt and skepticism. Eventually, they betray Jesus and are the instrument of their demise.
Solos include:" Prepare Ye", "All for the Best" (duet with Jesus), "Beautiful City"
The Disciples
Robin
"Day by Day" featured Soloist
Vocal Range: Alto/Mezzo; A4 to C4 (middle C)
Brief Description: Down to earth with a sunny disposition, They are the first of the group to join Jesus’ teachings. Often portrayed as a parental figure of the group (other than Jesus, of course!).
Gilmer
"Learn your Lessons Well" featured soloist
Vocal Range: Mezzo; A3 to C5
Brief Description: A playful, scrappy comedic person and a great storyteller. They have a “youthful exuberance”.
Joanne
"Bless the Lord" featured soloist
Vocal Range: Soprano; A4- C6*
Brief Description: Confident, and enthusiastic; loves the spotlight. They will take every opportunity to show off their high notes!
*note can be altered if needed
Lamar
"All Good Gifts" featured soloist
Vocal Range: Tenor; B3 to A4
Brief Description: Clumsy, a bit quiet, and unintentionally funny. Not the smartest of the group, but has a big heart.
Herb
"On the Willows" featured soloist
Vocal Range: Baritone; C#4 to A5
Brief Description: Goofy and entertaining. Usually the comic relief, but will have an opportunity to show a more serious side in this production.
Sonia
"Turn Back, O Man" featured soloist
Vocal Range: High Tenor-Alto; D4-F5
Brief Description: Dramatic and demure with a put-on sensuality; They may be a bit “campy”
Peggy
"By My Side" featured soloist
Vocal Range: Alto; C4 (middle C) to A4
Brief Description: Shy, Loyal and very sweet. They are surprisingly brave, and are the first to turn toward hope in the "Finale" (in this production)
*a very strong vocalist with the ability to confidently find their note without accompaniment is preferred for this role.
Jeffrey
"We Beseech Thee" featured soloist
Vocal Range: Tenor; A3 to D5
Brief Description: Happy, playful and excited; with a bit of a Western-American attitude
The Philosophers
8 wacky and enthusiastic vocalists who will be the Philosophers in the Prologue: “Tower of Babble” and will aid the above list of actors in telling the story for the rest of the show. (may also have some solo opportunities in “On the Willows” and “Day by Day Reprise”)
Rhinebeck Theatre Society is committed to providing community-minded, safe theatre experiences. We seek to present stories in a way that reflects a richly diverse world.
Feel free to email the director, Kelsey Wertheim, with any questions at kelseywertheim@gmail.com. Please contact us at rhinebecktheatersociety@gmail.com about accessibility and accommodations.