AUDITION & CASTING INFORMATION

Godspell

Book by John Michael Tebelak

Music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Conceived and Originally Directed by John Michael Tebelak

Based on The Gospel According to St. Matthew

Director and Choreographer – Amy Parsons

Music Director – M. Shane Hurst

Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden); and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, “Day by Day,” Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All for the Best,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man” and “By My Side.” A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life. 

REHEARSAL AND PRODUCTION DATES/DETAILS:

Rehearsals will begin on or about March 3. Rehearsals will take place weekday evenings and weekends during the day with at least one day off per week. Please be prepared to list any conflicts from February 27-April 19.

The production dates are April 3-19, Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 PM. At this time there is NO performance scheduled Sunday, April 20 (Easter Sunday).

All cast members must be local to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Adult cast members will receive a $200 minimum stipend.

AUDITION INFO:

IN-PERSON: Live auditions will take place at Christ United Methodist Church Farmers Branch (2827 Valwood Parkway Farmers Branch, TX 75234) on Saturday, February 8 from 3:00-7:00PM. We will also be accepting video auditions. Actors should prepare their best 16-32 bars (roughly 1 minute) in the style of, or from, the show. Bring sheet music appropriately marked and in the right key. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring a headshot/resume with you. You may sign up for an appointment time at this link. 

VIDEO: Beginning immediately, please film yourself singing 16-32 bars (roughly 60-90 seconds) in the style of, or from, the show. Please slate your name at the beginning of the video. Video links can be uploaded to this form, along with your headshot and resume. You will also be able to upload additional footage such as a dance reel. Video auditions will be accepted until 12AM on February 6. If you have any issues submitting please email owen@thefirehousetheatre.com. Do not call the box office.

CALLBACKS: Callbacks will take place, as needed, on Sunday, February 9.

AVAILABLE ROLES:

Note: In the script, other than the characters of Jesus and John the Baptist/Judas, the characters are called by the first names of the original cast members. While the original cast was broken down into 5 male and 5 female actors, the production will be open to casting differently than those gendered roles. The descriptions below provide an idea of the differences between the personalities and arcs of each character. Much of each character’s personality is developed by the actor and director and are based around the song each character sings.

All roles available, open to any age, ethnicity, or gender

Jesus (Tenor): Must be the most charismatic individual in the cast. High energy, charming, funny, gentle but with strength. He is the sort of person others instinctively follow.

John the Baptist/Judas (Baritone): He has attributes of both Biblical figures: He is both Jesus’ lieutenant and most ardent disciple and the doubter who begins to question and rebel. Like Jesus, he is also charismatic, but in more of an overt revolutionary way. He is the most “serious” and intellectual of the group, though as with all the actors, he must still possess a good sense of physical comedy. He sings “Prepare Ye,” “All For the Best,” and “On the Willows.” While traditionally a double role, director may choose to split this role.

Anna Maria (Alto): A bit rough around the edges, but basically open and sweet. Perhaps the youngest of the group. She is the first of the group to commit to following Jesus in the song “Day by Day.”

Celisse (Mezzo-Soprano): Goofy and a cut-up. In the 2012 Broadway revival, she played several instruments, including conga, ukulele and guitar. She sings “Learn Your Lessons Well.”

George (Tenor): The comedian, the class clown. The guy who can do a hundred voices and imitations. He sings “Light of the World.”

Lindsay (Soprano): The confident one, the show-off. The first one to volunteer, sometimes she jumps in before she really understands what’s going on. She sings “Bless the Lord.”

Morgan (Alto): Sassy and slightly cynical. The “sexy” one, but her sexiness contains a large element of put-on, in the manner of Mae West or Madonna. She sings “Turn Back, O Man.”

Nick (Tenor): Very high energy. Impish and playful. In the original, he played several musical instruments, including concertina, recorder and guitar. He sings “We Beseech Thee.”

Telly (Tenor): Not the brightest in the bunch, he is a little slow on the uptake. But there is a great sweetness and innocence about him. Because he sings “All Good Gifts” he must be a very good singer.

Uzo (Alto): The shy one. Sometimes a little slow to get things, but when she does, she commits all the way. Has an “earth mother” kind of warmth to her. She sings “By My Side.”

**Ensemble roles may be added at director’s discretion

The Firehouse Theatre is committed to cultivating a creative environment that is inclusive of all peoples, honoring of cultures and communities, diverse across various layers of the organization, equitable in matters of policy and practice, intentional and thoughtful about building cultural competence, demonstrating our values through our actions and behaviors, and supportive of our local community.