NEXT TO NORMAL

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Music by Tom Kitt / Book & Lyrics by Brian Yorkey

Directed and Choreographed by Wes Drummond / Music Direction by Beth Brophy

Duluth Playhouse is committed to inclusive, color-conscious casting. Actors of all ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities are highly encouraged to audition. Seeking a diverse cast of contemporary musical theatre performers who are strong musicians and dynamic performers.

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GENERAL AUDITION INFORMATION

Auditions will be held in person at the NorShor Theatre Rehearsal Studios located at 211 E. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802. Please enter through the “Lights on Duluth” door located next to the Box Office.

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AUDITION DETAILS  

• Auditions will be held Saturday, November 11 from 1pm – 3pm. This timeframe will be expanded if all available slots fill up.
• Actors must sign up for a 5 minute audition time slot HERE
• Actors must fill out the audition form HERE
• Actors will be asked to perform 32 bars of a contemporary musical theatre song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be in the room to play for you.
• Please prepare an additional 32 bars of a contrasting musical theatre song in the style of the show. The production team will ask if they need you to perform the second song.

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WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

• Headshot: or an up to date picture of yourself
• Resume: listing recent performance credits
• Sheet music: printed out sheet music for your songs in the key you will be singing

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VIDEO SUBMISSION

• If you cannot attend auditions, please send in a video submission to auditions@duluthplayhouse.org no later than Friday, November 10 at 12pm.
• Video submissions must include:

• Video Audition: Please sing 32 bars (or 1 minute) of a musical theater song in the style of the show.
• Headshot and Resume: Please email a resume and picture of yourself.
• Audition Form: Please fill out the audition HERE  

• Some examples of how to share video submissions:

• Upload your video to Google Drive or Dropbox. Create a shareable link, copy and paste it to your email message.
• Create a YouTube video with a viewable link
• There are other ways to also share videos, these are just some examples

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CALLBACK DETAILS  

• Callbacks will be held on Saturday, November 18 by email invitation after the audition.
• Callbacks will consist of reading from the script, singing from the show, and a dance combination taught by the choreographer.

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ABOUT NEXT TO NORMAL

This Pulitzer Prize-winning, contemporary musical invites audiences into the minds and hearts of the Goodmans, a suburban family struggling with the effects of mental illness. This brave and breathtaking story features an unforgettable rock score by Tom Kitt and original book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. This truly authentic piece of musical theatre goes where few can with honesty and conviction.

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CHARACTER DESCRIPTION

Diana Goodman

Lead. Female-Presenting. Can play between 35-45.

Your average American suburban mom on the surface who is tormented by the loss of her son inside and trying to heal her unresolved trauma. Diagnosed bipolar depressive with delusional episodes. Bold humor, grief-stricken, and suicidal at times. A dynamite leading lady with exceptional emotional availability and a dynamic pop/rock belt. Mezzo-soprano.

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Dan Goodman

Lead. Male-Presenting. Can play between 35-45.

Diana’s husband. Your average American family man on the surface who is conflicted about his marriage on the inside and struggling to maintain the illusion of a perfect family. Stressed, sex-deprived, and emotionally unavailable. A commanding leading man with a large dramatic range and a strong pop/rock voice. Baritenor.

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Natalie Goodman

Lead. Female-Presenting. Can play 16.

Diana’s daughter. Your typical teenage high school girl on the surface who is struggling to cope with her mom’s mental illness. Chronic overachiever, emotionally neglected, and talented pianist. A girl-next-door full of angst and charm with a powerful pop/rock sound. Mezzo-soprano. Advanced piano skills are a plus.

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Gabe Goodman

Lead. Male-Presenting. Can play 18.

Diana’s son who tragically died at only eight months old. Your typical teen on the surface who exists only as a hallucination inside Diana’s mind. Mysterious, manipulative, and wounded. A dangerous “dark angel” with a seductive stage presence and a stellar pop voice. Tenor.

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Henry

Supporting. Male-Presenting. Can play 17.

Natalie’s new boyfriend. Your typical high school stoner who cares deeply for Natalie and the planet. Charming and sympathetic. An open-hearted actor with strong comedic timing and a strong pop/rock voice. Tenor.

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Dr. Fine/ Dr. Madden

Supporting. Male-Presenting. Can play between 35-50.

Diana’s first psychopharmacologist and Diana’s persuasive and primary psychiatrist. Experienced, personal, and committed to Diana’s treatment through alternative methods like hypnosis and electroshock therapy. Occasionally turns into a rockstar in Diana’s mind. Rock tenor.

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REHEARSAL INFORMATION

Rehearsal Dates & Times:

February 5 – March 8, 2024

Monday – Friday: 6-10pm

Tech Rehearsals:
March 9: 10 out of 12 Tech Day
March 10: OFF
March 11-14: 6-11pm

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Where:

NorShor Theatre and Rehearsal Studios

211 E. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802

PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES

March 15 at 7:30pm - Opening Night

March 16 at 2pm

March 16 at 7:30pm

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March 21 at 7:30pm

March 22 at 7:30pm

March 23 at 7:30pm

March 24 at 2pm

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March 28 at 7:30pm

March 29 at 7:30pm

March 30 at 7:30pm

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March 31 at 2pm

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Questions?

Additional questions should be directed to auditions@duluthplayhouse.org