Auditions | Big Fish
Big Fish
Book by John August | Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Directed by Jessica Franz-Martin | Music Direction by Baker Purdon
Callbacks
Monday, March 2 | 7:00-10:00pm
Callbacks are by director invitation only
Character Callback Items to Prepare
PRODUCTION DATES
May 29 to June 14, 2020
Fri/Sat at 8:00pm | Sun at 2:00 pm
SYNOPSIS
Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest… and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him – most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to become a father himself, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. …an extraordinary musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre.
WHAT TO PREPARE
Bring a 32 bar cut with piano accompaniment (pianist will be provided) of your favorite musical. No singing acapella or with track/cd please. There will NOT be a Dance Call at auditions so dress as you see fit.
WHAT TO BRING
Please fill out the AUDITION FORM and bring it with you to auditions. A headshot and resume will be added to these sheets, but are not necessary.
Big Fish Audition Form
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Edward Bloom: Male, 40-50 – a loving husband and father who leads a complex imaginary life with many fantasy friends; requires a singer, dancer who ages from 18 to 60+; a huge heart, a great sense of humor and a vivid imagination (bari-tenor, G2 to G4).
Will Bloom: Male, 25-35 – Edward’s son, a realist and a pragmatist; and the polar opposite of Edward. His journey of reconciliation with his father is the story of the musical. Requires a strong actor & singer. (tenor, C#3 to G4)
Sandra Bloom: Female: 40-50 – Edward’s wife, a loving woman who completely understands her husband and who seeks and believes in the possibility of reconciliation between her husband and son. Requires an actor who ages from 18 to 60+ and who is both a strong actress and singer. (soprano with mix/belt, G3 to E5)
Josephine Bloom: Female, 25-35 – Will’s wife, a young woman who provides balance for Will’s pragmatism. With Sandra, she supports and helps guide Will’s journey toward reconciliation with his father. (mix/belt to C#5)
Karl: 20-50 – A giant, one of Edward’s fantasy friends. Through Edward’s friendship, he grows from being a ‘beastly’ outcast to a highly successful businessman. Ideally this is a very tall actor, or one that is comfortable on stilts. (bass, A3 to D4)
Amos Callaway: 18+ – A werewolf, another of Edward’s fantasy friends. Masquerading as a ringmaster of a broken down circus, he begins as Edward’s tormentor but then, through Edward’s acceptance, he accepts himself and becomes highly successful. (baritone, C3 to F5, touches a G5)
Don Price: Male, 20-50 – Edward’s childhood frenemy, an early buddy, bully and rival for Sandra’s hand. (baritone, C3 to F#4)
The Witch: Female, 18+ – The earliest and most fantastic of Edward’s “imaginary” acquaintances who shows him how he’ll die. (mezzo with high belt, useable F3 to F5)
Jenny Hill: Female, 20-50 – The other woman, one of Edward’s early childhood friends who he forgets but then who later becomes the recipient of his kindness. This role ages from 18 to 60+. (mix/belt to E5)
Dr Bennett: 35+ – Edward’s physician, the experienced and wise country doctor, Edward’s contemporary.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Set build/strike/costumes
Cast members are required to assist with strike following the final performance, as well as a cast build day, TBD. Cast members may also be asked to assist with costume pieces.
If you aren’t auditioning, but know someone who’d be great in one of these roles, please help us spread the word!
QUESTIONS
Please direct questions to director Jessica Franz-Martin at Sabrynef@yahoo.com
*OCTA celebrates our cultural and intellectual richness and is committed to promoting diversity in all aspects of our organization. Non-traditional and equal-opportunity casting is encouraged.
ABOUT US
OCTA is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization producing theatre in Olathe since 1974. Performing in the Buddy Rogers Family Playhouse, OCTA produces five high-quality, engaging, and thought-provoking theatre productions a year. Through the generosity of volunteers, season ticket holders, donors, the city, and the community, in addition to a dedicated board of directors, OCTA has grown into one of the most progressive community theaters in the entire Kansas City metropolitan area.