AUDITIONS - Godspell JR

Godspell Jr. Audition Packet

Performed at the NorShor Theatre 

August 9 - 11, 2024

Conceived and Originally Directed by John-Michael Tebelak

Music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Directed by Paulina Jurzec

Choreographed by Kaitlyn Callahan

Music Directed by Lussi Pearl Salmela

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Duluth Playhouse is committed to inclusive casting. Actors (entering grades 3-8) of all ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities are highly encouraged to audition.

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GENERAL AUDITION INFORMATION

Auditions will be held in person on the first day of the Junior Intensive at the NorShor Theatre Rehearsal Studios located at 211 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN, 55802.

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AUDITION DETAILS

• Auditions will be held Monday, July 15th.
• Actors must be registered for the Junior Intensive to audition.  Registration is open HERE.
• Actors must fill out the audition form HERE.
• Actors must prepare 16-32 bars of a song in the style of the show. (They must bring sheet music for the accompanist.)
• Actors must prepare a one-minute monologue of their choosing. (It is preferred if the monologue is memorized, but it is not necessary.
• Dress to move and bring a water bottle, there will be a dance audition led by the choreographer.

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WHAT TO BRING

• Headshot or recent photo - if you did not email one to auditions@duluthplayhouse.org
• Resume - if you did not list your prior theatre experience on the audition form
• Sheet music - for the pianist
• Water bottle - to keep hydrated
• Clothes to move in - you will be dancing

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CALLBACK DETAILS

Callbacks will be held the same day (July 15).  Actors asked to attend callbacks should be prepared to read from the script and sing songs from the show.

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ABOUT GODSPELL JR.

We encourage you to read the script and listen to the soundtrack in preparation for your audition. You can find a digital version of the script HERE and the piano/conductor score HERE, and you can find the soundtrack on Spotify or HERE on YouTube.

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DESCRIPTION

Godspell, the beloved classic from Stephen Schwartz, the Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer of Wicked, retells the greatest story ever told. Enjoy one of the most enduring shows of all time with an eclectic blend of songs ranging in style from pop to vaudeville. This timeless tale has touched the hearts of countless theatergoers all over the world. Join the celebration of kindness, tolerance, and friendship.

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AVAILABLE ROLES AND DESCRIPTIONS 

Jesus

Jesus is a natural-born teacher. This performer is a good singer and is comfortable taking on a leadership position without being bossy or judgmental. Jesus experiences a full array of emotions during the show, so this performer must convincingly perform this range.

Judas/John the Baptist

One performer plays both of these roles, which is quite a challenge. This actor must be charismatic in the opening, headstrong and comical in the middle of the show, and eventually turn on Jesus at the end. All of this while being a great singer, too. This performer must be both a strong singer and actor.

“Day By Day” Soloist

This song doesn't have a large vocal range, but it has great power and weight at the start and then livens up to a great celebratory number. This performer must have the vocal control to lead the song from beginning to end.

“Learn Your Lessons Well” Soloist 1 & 2

The key to patter songs is to have singers who are great enunciators and engaging storytellers. It is less about the melody and more about the lyrics. 

“O, Bless The Lord, My Soul” Soloist

Pull out your big guns for this song. This performer must be a great musician with both vocal control and power.

“All Good Gifts” Soloist

This heartfelt ballad sounds best when sung by someone who not only has a beautiful voice, but also can express honest, simple emotions while they are singing.

“We Beseech Thee” Soloist

This high-energy number is the perfect song for the fun-loving class clown who enjoys performing.  This number could also be spoken instead of sung.

“Light Of The World” Soloist

Here's another song that can be spoken in rhythm. This performer is fearless and not afraid to interact with the audience.

“Beautiful City” Soloist 

This singer of this number brings everyone together and delivers the message of the show in this beautiful, sincere song.

Narrators

There are a whole multitude of Narrators throughout the show. Performers must have loud, clear voices and be comfortable being in front of an audience and telling a story.

Ensemble

These cast members are the heart of Godspell JR. They will enact all of the parables and eventually become a community led by Jesus. These performers must be  willing to try anything and enjoy playing.

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REHEARSAL INFORMATION

Rehearsal Dates and Times:

Mon-Fri, July 15 - August 9, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Where:

NorShor Theatre Studios and Main Stage

211 E Superior Street, Duluth, MN

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PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Thursday, August 8

Sponsor Night - Call 5:30 pm, Show 7:00 pm

Friday, August 9

Opening Night - Call 5:30 pm, Show 7:00 pm

Saturday, August 10

Matinee - Call 12:30 pm, Show 2:00 pm

(Meal provided)

Evening - Call 3:30 pm, Show 5:00pm

Sunday, August 11

Matinee - Call 12:30 pm, Show 2:00 pm

(Meal provided)

Evening - Call 3:30 pm, Show 5:00pm

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If you have any questions about the audition process, please contact the Director of Education Denise Ruemping: education@duluthplayhouse.org. 

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