AUDITION PROCESS

• For anyone but Man in the Chair, please bring:

  • A prepared 32 bar cut (not from the show or Sondheim)

• For Man in the Chair, please bring:

  • A 1-2 min Monologue

• If you are interested in auditioning for both the Man in the chair and other characters, please prepare both the song cut and monologue.

• Please bring a current headshot/theatrical resume.

• Please pick your time slot and fill out the online audition form above BEFORE auditions.

AUDITION / PERFORMANCE LOCATION

Aurora Community Theatre
115 E. Pioneer Trail
Aurora, Ohio 44202
(Auditions are in the downstairs gallery)

SYNOPSIS

With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and The Drowsy Chaperone begins as the man in the chair looks on. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and an intoxicated chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight. Hailed by New York Magazine as “The Perfect Broadway Musical,” you won’t want to miss it!

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

CASTING NOTE: A handful of the characters below will be considered with open casting, not fitting within the original casting outline of gender or age. These characters are distinguished with an asterisk (**) next to their name.

The Man in the Chair**: A musical theatre aficionado and, during the show, they narrate The Drowsy Chaperone with infectious passion. Introverted, melancholy, and slightly agoraphobic, they find solace from their "blues" by listening to their favorite 1928 jazz-era record in his apartment, which magically springs to life for the audience.

Janet Van de Graaff: The star of Feldzieg’s Follies who is conflicted about giving up her life on the stage to marry Robert Martin. Attractive, vivacious, outgoing personality. A triple threat, strong with dance and special skills (acrobatics, etc.)

Robert Martin: The groom-to-be who is deeply in love with Janet. He is the token 1920s leading man – debonair, dashing, and a matinee idol. He is cheesy, cheerful, and optimistic. Must be able to tap dance and roller skate.

The Drowsy Chaperone: Janet’s alcoholic confidante. Care-free, often because she is drunk. An experienced “woman of the world” who couldn’t care less what the world thinks. A melodramatic diva to be reckoned with who gleefully chews the scenery and steals just about every scene she is in.

Aldolpho: Latin lothario. A womanizing cad who is very impressed with himself. He is confident, vigorous, and a buffoon. Vaudeville-style acting and fake Spanish/Italian accent required.

Mrs. Tottendale: A wealthy widow and host of the wedding. She is flighty, eccentric, oftentimes forgetful, and funny. She is absolutely charming, bubbly and oblivious to the confusion her behavior generates in other people.

Underling**: Mrs. Tottendale’s unflappable butler and servant. They are stoic, dry-humored and sarcastic.

Mr. Feldzieg: Harried producer who will do anything to stop the wedding in order to keep Janet in the Follies. He is nervous, sarcastic, impatient, overbearing, and insensitive.

Kitty**: Mr. Feldzieg’s companion and will do anything to be the star of the show.

George: Robert’s anxious best man. He is loyal, sincere, and nervous. Makes looking out for Robert’s interests his top priority so that the wedding will come off without a hitch. Must be able to tap.

Gangsters**: Two jovial gangsters who are posing as pastry chefs. Typical 1920s Broadway gangsters full of word play and stylized movements. Good comic timing and dancing skills required.

Trix the Aviatrix**: The brave and brash aviator. They are sassy, sleek and a take charge kind of pilot.

OTHER DETAILS

Aurora Community Theatre is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization. All actors cast are strictly volunteers. No AEA Contract(s) available.

If you have any questions or would like to audition for this production, but are unable to attend regular auditions, please contact the director at bhamie729@gmail.com. Also feel free to reach out with any questions you may have regarding the production.