Audition information is now available for our 2018 Summer Musical…Big Fish!
All Actors must be 17 years or older to audition at the time of auditions. Please note that there is a child’s part in the production.
To register, please fill out an audition form by clicking on the following link…REGISTER HERE FOR BIG FISH!
Audition Dates:
Sunday, April 15th, 2018 at 7pm
Tuesday, April 17th, 2018 at 7pm
Callbacks, Wednesday, April 18th, 2018 7pm if necessary
Location: Maple Shade Municipal Building
200 Stiles Avenue, Maple Shade NJ
Please be prepared to sing 32 measures of a musical theatre piece in the style of the show or a song from the show. Please have the full song prepared as you may be asked to sing more than 32 bars. Singing a Capella is not allowed for auditions. Please have sheet music for your audition. You may use an accompaniment track for your audition. We will have a cd player and blue-tooth speakers. Please note that we are not responsible if your technology is not compatible with our equipment. There will be cold readings from the script and a small dance audition. Please wear comfortable clothing for the dance audition. Please note that tap dancers will be needed for our production.
Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest… and then some! Edward Bloom has lived a full and fantastical life, populated by witches, giants, and mermaids, marked by true love that stops time in its tracks, and framed by heroics that push the limits of believability. His adult son, Will, is no longer amused by his father’s fantastical tales, insisting on a rational rather than a fantastical account of one’s life. When Edward’s health declines, and Will learns that he and his wife, Josephine, will have a son of their own, Will decides to find out his father’s “true” life story, once and for all. Big Fish is a heartfelt, powerful, and truly magical musical about fathers, sons, and the stories that we use to define our identities. With spine-tinglingly beautiful music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, and a funny, heartwarming book by John August, Big Fish is a magnificent “big fish” of a tale, itself — spectacular, fantastical, and overflowing with love.
There is a mandatory $25 production fee upon acceptance of role. You will be able to keep your script/libretto for the production.
Rehearsals and performances will take place at the Maple Shade Municipal Building, 200 Stiles Avenue, Maple Shade, NJ. Rehearsals could occur on any combination of Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays starting at 7PM. The production will occur in the 500 seat auditorium of Maple Shade High School. Our production will feature a full, live music from our stellar orchestra.
Show Information
July 12th at 7:30PM Preview
July 13th at 7:30PM
July 14th at 7:30PM
July 15th at 2:00PM
July 19th at 7:30PM
July 20th at 7:30PM
July 21st at 7:30PM
Director – Michael Melvin
Choreographer – Erica Paolucci
Role Descriptions
Edward Bloom – originally play by Norbert Leo Butz, a loving husband and father who leads a complex imaginary life with many fantasy friends; requires a singer, dancer who ages from 18 to 60+; a huge heart, a great sense of humor and a vivid imagination (bari-tenor, G2 to G4).
Will Bloom – Edward’s son, a realist and a pragmatist; and the polar opposite of Edward. His journey of reconciliation with his father is the story of the musical. This is the second male lead and requires a strong actor who sings beautifully. (tenor, C#3 to G4)
Young Will Bloom – ages 10-13 years old, strong acting ability, must be able to sing. Although he loves his father, he is becoming weary of his father’s tales. (B3 to C5).
Sandra Bloom – Edward’s wife, a loving wife who completely understands her husband and who seeks and believes in the possibility of reconciliation between her husband and son. This is the leading female role that requires an actor who ages from 18 to 60+ and who is both a strong actress and singer – and very good mover. (soprano with mix/belt, G3 to E5)
Josephine Bloom – Will’s wife, a lovely young woman who provides balance for Will’s pragmatism. With Sandra, she supports and helps guide Will’s journey toward reconciliation with his father. This supporting female role requires a strong actor-singer. (mix/belt to C#5)
Karl – a giant, one of Edward’s fantasy friends. This supporting role requires an actor who is preferably over 6 feet tall. Through Edward’s friendship, he grows from being a ‘beastly’ outcast to a highly successful businessman. This supporting role requires an actor who acts, sings, has an appreciation for comic irony, stilt walks, and dances. We will work with actor for stilt walking. (bass, A3 to D4)
Amos Callaway – a werewolf, another of Edward’s fantasy friends. Masquerading as a ringmaster of a brokendown circus, he begins as Edward’s tormentor but then, through Edward’s acceptance, he accepts himself and becomes highly successful. This supporting role requires an actor-comic who acts, sings, and moves well. (baritone, C3 to F5, touches a G5)
The Witch – the earliest and most fantastic of Edward’s “imaginary” acquaintances who shows him how he’ll die. This supporting role requires a strong, singer-dancer with commanding acting skills. (mezzo with high belt, useable F3 to F5)
Jenny Hill – the other woman, one of Edward’s early childhood friends who he forgets but then who later becomes the recipient of his kindness. This supporting role also requires a good actress, singer, and mover who ages from 18 to 60+. (mix/belt to E5)
Don Price – Edward’s childhood frenemy, an early buddy, bully and rival for Sandra’s hand. This is a supporting roles requires a strong actor with a comic sensibility, a good singer and has movement skills. (baritone, C3 to F#4)
Dr. Bennett – Edward’s physician, the experienced and wise country doctor, Edward’s contemporary.
Ensemble – A large ensemble full of singers and dancers is crucial for this production. Smaller parts with acting, singing, and dancing solos are available throughout the script. Actors capable of “circus tricks” and gymnastics is appreciated. We will be looking for tap dancers for specific numbers.