AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED

ABOUT THE SHOW: Stage production is based on the classic 1989 film. Westerberg High is ruled by a shoulder-padded, scrunchie-wearing junta: Heather, Heather and Heather, the hottest and cruelest girls in all of Ohio. But misfit Veronica Sawyer rejects their evil regime for a new boyfriend, the dark and sexy stranger J.D., who plans to put the Heathers in their place - six feet under.

IMPORTANT AUDITION INFORMATION: Show's director is Randy Hansen. Auditions will be held on Tuesday, April 18 (6:30pm-9:00pm), Thursday, April 20 (6:30pm-9:00pm), Saturday, April 22 (1pm-4-pm) and Sunday, April 23 (1pm-4pm). Monday, April 24 will be reserved for callbacks. Auditions will be at Wausau Community Theatre, 136 Summer St, Schofield. For college students who are away at school and would like to audition you may submit a video for consideration to WCTHeathers@gmail.com The video should include you singing either a contemporary song or a song from the show that shows your vocal range. Please include yourself reading the script sides for video submission from two different characters. Also explain any dance experience you may have had.

Send in the audition form indicating any conflicts on the calendar. All video submissions should be submitted no sooner than Tuesday April 18 and no later than 4pm on Sunday April 23.

AGE LIMIT: You must be at least 15 years old at the time of the audition. Most of the characters are high school teenagers. Due to the style of the show, mature content, and vocal demands it is possible older individuals could be cast. Anyone auditioning or cast for the show between the ages of 15-17 will need to submit parental permission form.

AUDITION PANEL: Auditions are with the Director, Randy Hansen, and his production staff. Other helpers will also be at the venue to assist with pre-audition registration.

 

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN: The ages stated below are ‘stage age’, actors older than these ages may be cast.

VERONICA SAWYER – (17) Burns to be both cool and kind, but doesn’t yet know how to be both at the same time. Fierce sense of right and wrong, keen sense of ironic humor. Thinks she’s an old soul, but she’s still innocent enough to be blindsided by love or shocked by cruelty. Voice: high belting required, up to A♭. Must have dynamic and stylistic range.
JASON “J.D.” DEAN – (17) Darkly charismatic, compelling, attractive. Charming on the outside, damaged on the inside. Keen smarts, savage wit. Voice: strong, confident belt to at least an A♭, A preferable; wide emotional range.
HEATHER CHANDLER – (17) The richest, hottest, cruelest girl in town. Relishes power and wields it without fear, patience, or mercy. Voice: strong belt to F or higher preferred. Mezzo for chorus. NOTE: In certain choral songs, CHANDLER can switch parts with the other HEATHERS as needed.
HEATHER MCNAMARA – (17) Beautiful, innocent, stupid. Can be mean on command if Heather Chandler orders it, but actually quite vulnerable and fearful. Voice: strong belt to D♭, D preferred. Soprano for chorus. NOTE: In certain choral songs, MCNAMARA and DUKE can switch vocal parts as needed.
HEATHER DUKE – (17) The whipped beta dog of the three Heathers. Deeply insecure. When she finally becomes Queen Bee, she wields power like a bulldozer. Voice: strong belt to C, D preferred. Alto for chorus. NOTE: In certain choral songs, DUKE and MCNAMARA can switch vocal parts as needed.
MARTHA DUNNSTOCK – (17) Nicknamed “Martha Dumptruck,” the opposite of confident and popular. Huge and beautiful soul, optimistic even in the face of rejection. Voice: strong belt to E or F, wide vocal expression.
RAM SWEENEY – (17) Linebacker. Big, insensitive to the feelings of others, ruled by appetites. Voice: strong baritone, belt to G, some falsetto useful. NOTE: In certain songs, RAM and KURT can switch choral assignments if, say, RAM sings higher than KURT.
KURT KELLY – (17) Quarterback and captain. Chiseled, rude, entitled, cocky. He’s the brains in the friendship with Ram. Voice: tenor, strong belt to A♭ or A, some falsetto. NOTE: In certain songs, KURT and RAM can switch choral assignments if, say, RAM sings higher than KURT.
RAM’S DAD / BIG BUD DEAN / COACH RIPPER – (40-45)
  RAM’S DAD: Former football player turned suburban dad, has never outgrown his high school glory days. Hates weakness, but capable of soul-searching when tragedy strikes.
   BIG BUD DEAN: J.D.’s single dad. Big jolly personality that barely conceals the enormous rage bubbling just below the surface. Quite possibly a serial bomber.
   COACH RIPPER: Stalwart, man’s man; quick to defend his players. 

Voice: baritone/tenor, power Country/Gospel belt to A♭, higher welcome. NOTE: Sometimes this actor has played PRINCIPAL GOWAN instead of BIG BUD / COACH.
MS. FLEMING / VERONICA’S MOM – (45-50)
  MS. FLEMING: Aging hippie teacher, still yearning for the day the Age of Aquarius reaches Ohio. Resentful of today’s entitled youth, protective of the underdogs. Despite a penchant for self-promotion, genuinely cares about the students in her charge.
  VERONICA’S MOM: Easygoing, distant, yet capable of laying down the law.
  Voice: great belt up to C, higher always welcome.
KURT’S DAD / VERONICA’S DAD / PRINCIPAL GOWAN – (30-45)
  KURT’S DAD: Straight-laced, very conservative, also former football player. A simple guy, not book smart, you’d be happy to share a beer with him.
  VERONICA’S DAD: Easygoing and distant.
  PRINCIPAL GOWAN: Rumpled, burned out, hates conflict.
  Voice: strong baritone/tenor, power Country/Gospel belt to G, even higher better. NOTE: Sometimes this actor has played BIG BUD/COACH instead of PRINCIPAL GOWAN.
BOY 1: BELEAGUERED GEEK – (16-18) An embittered social outcast. Voice: baritone (up to F#) or tenor (up to A).
BOY 2: PREPPY STUD – (16-18) Straightlaced, ambitious, blow-dried. Dreams of being even richer than his parents. Voice: bass (up to E) or baritone (up to G#).
BOY 3: HIPSTER DORK – (16-18) Thinks he’s Ducky from Pretty in Pink. Voice: baritone (up to F#) or tenor (up to A).
GIRL 1: NEW WAVE GIRL – (16-18) She wants her MTV and dresses accordingly. Voice: belt to at least C# (a soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).
GIRL 2: STONER CHICK – (16-18) Smokes outside with the freaks in between classes. Her future’s so bright she’s gotta wear shades to hide her bloodshot eyes. Voice: belt to at least C# (a soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).
GIRL 3: YOUNG REPUBLICANETTE – (16-18) A tennis-playing, perky Student Council type. Voice: belt to at least C# (soprano up to high A/B is also a plus).

Additional Parts - The audition panel may decide to cast additional chorus/ ensemble parts and
understudies.

AUDITION FORMAT
Auditions will consist of a song, a short dance and reading of lines. Order of audition is determined by completion of all relevant paperwork. (Audition for and conflicts calendar)
1. Vocal Performance
Come prepared to perform a contemporary song or a song from the show that demonstrates your vocal range and ability. It is preferred that you perform the song memorized, but music will be allowed if needed. A song in the style of the show (e.g. pop/musical theatre) is preferred if not singing a song from the show. If you would like to accompany yourself with an instrument (e.g. piano/guitar) you are welcome to do so. Otherwise, please bring a backing track or your own accompanist. If using a backing track there should be no vocals on the track. Please do not sing unaccompanied. Audition time is limited so you may be asked to stop before finishing your entire song – this has nothing to do with the quality of your audition.
2. Script reading
You may be asked to read a script excerpt from the show. Materials are available for download at the bottom of this post. You will read with other auditionees. This will give you the best chance to demonstrate your acting range and ability. You might be asked to re-perform the scene in a different way or with a different auditioner. This
will give the production staff the opportunity to see how you perform with others if needed.
3. Dance workshop
The dance will consist of a short routine which will be taught to you by our choreographer. The dance will be conducted in small groups with other auditionees. No special dance shoes are required but please dress appropriately. Heathers has quite a lot of dance and movement so all auditionees will be required to complete this
component.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
What are we looking for? Heathers is an exciting, fun and high energy show and it needs a cast to match. We are looking for:
● Variety in look with all shapes and sizes
● Versatility in acting range, with the ability to play more than one character, including characters of contrasting ages
● Strong solo singers who can also blend in an ensemble
● Strong singers who can dance
● Strong dancers who can sing
● Triple threats
● Friendly people who work hard
● Commitment to the show and rehearsal process
● A good attitude

CALL BACKS
After everyone has auditioned, the panel will discuss casting. We may wish to see some auditionees again. This can help us decide between a number of potential options and see how different people look and work together. All auditionees should keep the call back dates available. You will be contacted if you are required for call backs and emailed further music/readings to prepare if required. We suggest familiarizing yourself with the songs from the show before the call backs. If you aren’t called back, it does not mean your audition was unsuccessful. It is important to note that depending on the outcome of the auditions, we reserve the right to conduct an additional audition period.

CASTING ANNOUNCEMENTS
We appreciate the time, effort and courage it takes to audition. Please be assured that we are committed to providing you with a fair chance to show us your best in the audition room in a welcoming and fun environment. Once decisions have made, you will be contacted by telephone if being offered a role. Please ensure that the contact details you provide on your audition form are correct. 

CONTENT WARNING
Heathers is a dark comedy which deals frankly and sometimes comically with subjects such as sexuality, mental health, murder and suicide. We consider these are aspects of real life which should be represented in art however we acknowledge these subjects may be triggering for some people. Please seriously, and honestly, consider your ability and comfort dealing with these issues before committing to your involvement in Heathers. In particular, you should note the following:
● Veronica and JD are required to kiss and there may be a simulated sex scene
● Kurt, Ram, JD and Veronica are required to appear on stage in their underwear
● Martha, Heather McNamara and JD attempt suicide in the show
● Veronica fakes her own suicide
● Veronica, Kurt and Ram are involved in a scene where sexual assault is implied
● Heather Chandler, Kurt and Ram are murdered in the show
● Many characters sing about topics of a sexual nature
● Some scenes depict the use of alcohol and drugs
● Some scenes and songs include coarse language and adult themes
We have included this information not to put you off from auditioning but rather to be honest about what the show includes. To avoid difficulties later, we encourage all auditionees to read a full synopsis of the show and consider watching the movie prior to auditioning. You might also wish to discuss this with your family, friends or healthcare professional prior to making the decision to audition. Please be assured that Heathers will be created in a safe and controlled manner and we will treat the
material with sensitivity. However, if you are auditioning for/offered one of these roles and have concerns about the above please discuss it with the production team before committing to the show.

REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES
General rehearsals are planned to start Monday, May 1st with a meet the cast and script read through. Rehearsals will take place at the Wausau Community Theatre building on Summer Street. Please note the rehearsal schedule is subject to change. The regular rehearsal times are: Monday thru Friday 6:30-9:00pm each night. A schedule will be made and will be available the first night. We value your time, so we will only schedule you for the rehearsals that you need. If you anticipate absences during the rehearsal period be honest about this on the audition form (conflicts calendar). We can work around most conflicts, but it is asked that you consider your availability for rehearsals and the performance dates prior to auditioning to avoid disappointment. We look forward to seeing you. Good Luck

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Sign up for audition date at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B054DA8AB2EA5FB6-heathers