Open Auditions for Grey Gardens
The Custom Made Theatre Co is holding an open call for:
Grey Gardens book by Doug Wright, music by Scott Frankel, lyrics by Michael Korie
Directed by Stuart Bousel; Musical Direction by David Brown
At Gough Street Playhouse, 1620 Gough St (at Bush) SF, on Tuesday, July 22, with 30 minute slots available from 6:30pm-10:30pm and Sunday July 27 from 8:30pm-11:0pm. You must make an appointment (see below.)
Save the Date: Callback will be Tuesday July 29 6:30pm-10:30pm.
You can sign up for an appointment here: https://instant-scheduling.com/sch.php?kn=360707&typId=49178&step=2
The Characters and Vocal Ranges
Edith Bouvier Beale/”Little” Edie Beale – One multi-faceted actress plays mother Edith in act one and daughter Edie in act two. She should play about 50 years old. Vocal range: legit soprano or mezzo-soprano to F-sharp 5, mix/belt to D5. It is highly recommended that this actress be familiar with the film, as Little Edie is a unique character with many specific traits that we will want to reference in the second act.
“Big” Edie Beale – Primarily appearing in Act two, Big Edie is an eclectic woman who fondly recalls her days of glory entertaining guests at lavish parties in the heyday of Grey Gardens. She should play in her 70s. Vocal range: character alto E3-C5. It is recommended that this actress also be familiar with the documentary film.
Young “Little” Edie Beale/Sister Marla – This 20-something actress will portray young Edie in act one, and participate in the ensemble in act 2, with a major solo as Sister Marla in the church choir scene. Vocal range: mix/belt to D5, soprano to B-flat 6.
Joseph Kennedy, Jr./Jerry – This 20-something actor plays handsome Joseph Kennedy in act one and handyman Jerry in act two. Vocal range:tenor, C3-G4.
Major Bouvier/Norman Vincent Peale – 70-something actor playing the strict, domineering patriarch of the Bouvier family in act one, and the beloved minister and author of “The Power of Positive Thinking” in act two. Vocal range: baritone, C3-E4.
Brooks Sr./Brooks Jr. – This 30-something African-American actor will portray loyal family servant Brooks Sr. in act one, and landscaper Brooks Jr. as well as a member of the ensemble in act two. Vocal range: baritone, C3-E4.
The role of George Gould Strong has been pre-cast.
The following two child roles will NOT be read at these auditions but young actors are invited to submit a HS/Resume to [email protected] for consideration.
Jacqueline Bouvier/Ensemble – This pre-teen actress (plays 13) plays young Jackie in act one – lovely, poised, and well-mannered, although dearly in love with her wacky Aunt Edith and her performances. In the second act she participates in the ensemble. Vocal range: juvenile mix belt, C4-E5
Lee Bouvier/Ensemble – This child actress (plays 10) is young Lee in act one – tomboyish, energetic, and joyful, sharing her sister Jackie’s love of her Aunt Edith. In the second act she participates in the ensemble. Vocal range: juvenile mix belt, C4-E5.
Please prepare one, 1-2 minute contemporary monologue and 16-32 bars of a song with accompaniment (a cappella songs will not be heard).
Rehearsals will begin around April 01. Performances will be Thurs-Sun evenings starting on May 21 2015 running though June 21 with a possible extension through July 05.
$200 base stipend for all roles + $10/each extended performance.
About Grey Gardens
Based on a true story (and feature length documentary), Grey Gardens is a musical exploration of the American dream gone wrong and what it means to become a social pariah. It’s an exploration of women, the relationship between mothers and daughters and how love can turn into dependency. In a society where women’s roles and options are limited, particularly in the aristocratic class, the very things that make one exceptional could ultimately be what damns them to a life in decay and shadows. Featuring an intimate, musical score that borrows as much from Stephen Sondheim as the eras in which it is set, Grey Gardens is the perfect chamber musical that will use the intimacy of Gough Street Playhouse to haunt as well as delight.
