Music Theatre at the School of Creative and Performing Arts is proud to present
West Side Story
Book by Arthur Laurents
Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Artistic Director: Colleen Whidden
Director: Patrick Finn
Musical Directors: Colleen Whidden and Wendy J. Freeman
Choreographers: Melissa Monteros & Wojciech Mochniej
Auditions for actors, singers and dancers
West Side Story has many varied roles; we will be looking not only for singing, but acting skills, characterization, memorization and ease of movement when you audition on these pieces.
This year, we are trying a different audition format. We are asking that you book one of the evening audition dates and then plan on being there for the entire listed time. Within that time, you will do your singing, acting, and dance audition as well as potential callbacks. This format will give us a chance to see you, after your individual audition, work with fellow actors and will allow you to meet other cast members, directors, and crew.
Dance
All performers will complete a movement audition that will take place during your audition evening. You will be asked to learn some choreography with a choreographer. Please wear character shoes, jazz shoes or appropriate dance footwear. Please ensure hair is tied back from your face.
Acting
All performers will complete an acting audition. You will be asked to do a cold read of a portion of the West Side Story script. To prepare, be familiar with the story line and characters of West Side Story.
Singing
All performers will complete a singing auditions. A piano accompanist will be available to play for all vocal auditions.
If you are interested in auditioning for the roles of Maria, Tony or Riff, please prepare the specific songs listed below for those characters.
Please note: if you audition for Maria, Tony, or Riff, you will still be considered for all other roles.
If you are interested in auditioning for any other roles or for chorus, please prepare those specific songs for those characters listed below.
Please choose just one of the vocal audition packages!
Audition requirements for role of Maria
#6 Balcony Scene – measures 51-82
#12 I Feel Pretty – measures 188-233 (Maria’s vocal lines only)
Audition requirements for roles of Tony and Riff
#5 Maria – measures 9-29
#2 Jet Song – measures 28-70
Audition requirements for roles of Anita, Consuelo, Shark Girl or Jet Girl
#7 America – measures 50-79 (From 50-59, sing Girls part, from 62-70, sing Rosalia and Anita’s part, on verse one, from 72-79, sing Girls part on top vocal line – Soprano l line – on first verse)
#12 I Feel Pretty – measures 188-233 (Maria’s vocal lines only)
Audition requirements for roles of Bernardo, Action, Shark Boy or Jet Boy
#2 Jet Song – measures 28-70
#8 Cool – measures 9-40
Callback requirements for Tony and Maria
You may be asked for a callback for Tony or Maria if you audition for those roles. If you do, we would like to hear the following piece sung together:
#6 Balcony Scene – measures 86-118 and 144-154
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals will begin September 12 for the entire cast and run until mid-December. Rehearsals will resume January 2 leading into tech-week.
A rehearsal schedule for the entire production will be emailed to you after the cast list is posted. This schedule is subject to change.
Venue: University of Calgary, Craigie Hall (Room TBA)
When: Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.
There will be a few weekend rehearsals with the orchestra – dates are TBA.
Course credit
Participation in this production may be taken for university course credit (MUPF 223/323). Please contact us for more information.
Characters and Plot
Character Breakdown
Anita: Feisty and assertive. Range: F3 – D5
Anybodys: A spunky tomboy who is desperate to become a member of the Jets. Speaking Role
Bernardo: A proud, strong, handsome Puerto Rican man. Range: Bb2 – Eb4
Chino: An angry and, at times, naive Shark who turns murderous and vengeful. Speaking Role
Detective Schrank: A local police detective frustrated by the ongoing violence between the Jets and Sharks. Speaking Role
Doc: The owner of the candy store where the Jets hang out. Speaking Role
Maria: A hopeless romantic and innocent young girl. Range: Bb3 – C6
Officer Krupke: The local beat cop. Speaking Role
Riff: A spritely, quick-tempered leader. Range: Bb2 – G4
Tony: A romantic young man and former leader of the Jets. Range: Bb2 – Bb4
Performances
January 8 – 10, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
January 13 – 15, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
January 14, 2015 at 12 p.m.
University Theatre
EQUITY NOTICE
Equity members, please note that Music Theatre at the School of Creative and Performing Arts produces shows on a volunteer, recreational basis. We do not pay actors under any circumstances.
West Side Story is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
