Auditions for TownSquare’s The Mystery of Edwin Drood Aug. 30-31

From press release

WOODSTOCK, Ill.—TownSquare Players (TSP), the oldest resident community theater company of the Woodstock Opera House, has announced details on open auditions for its next musical, The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

Artistic/vocal director Geoffrey King and choreographer Maggie McCord are seeking 13 men and nine women for the November 2010 production of the Tony Award-winning musical by Rupert Holmes that’s based on an unfinished novel by Charles Dickens. At each of the Woodstock Opera House performances, a maximum audience of 200 will interact with the cast and determine the ending of this fun-filled, musical whodunit.

Auditioners will be seen between 7 and 9:30 p.m., Monday or Tuesday, Aug. 30-31, at the Woodstock Opera House in downtown Woodstock. Callbacks will be at the same time and location Thursday, Sept. 2. No appointment is needed. No parts have been pre-cast. Auditioners are asked to use the Calhoun Street entrance.

King asks that each auditioner be prepared to sing a song that shows his/her vocal range and acting abilities. Singing a song from the show is a “plus,” but not necessary. An accompanist will be provided, so each person trying out should bring sheet music for her. A convincing British accent will be required.

McCord will teach a dance from the show to all auditioners, so she asks that each auditioner wear clothing he/she can move in. Dance shoes are not required.

Rehearsals for successful auditioners will begin after Labor Day. The musical will be presented at the Woodstock Opera House the first three weekends in November. Rehearsals will typically be on Sunday afternoons, as well as Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights. Those involved with key solos, especially the various endings to the show, will also rehearse on occasional Wednesday evenings.

Desired stage ages range from 20s to 70s for male characters, and 20s to 50s for female characters. However, director notes about the show, and desired age ranges and vocal ranges/other character traits for each of the 22 roles, can be found at the TSP website (tspinc.org).

For any additional questions, contact co-producer Char Ulanowski by phone (815-790-7883), or co-producer Paul Lockwood by e-mail (paul@tspinc.org) or phone (815-529-7123).