Auditions – Pippin
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Directed by Kipp Simmons
Music Direction by Alyson Golladay
Choreography by Valerie Martin
June 14 – 30, 2024
Produced by special arrangement with Music Theatre International
AUDITIONS
Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, 1 pm to 6 pm
Auditions will be an open call and we will see people in the order that they sign in. Please prepare a 32 bar selection of a musical theatre song in the style of the show. Please provide sheet music – NO CDs & NO ACAPPELLA auditions allowed. Please bring your audition form, a headshot and resume (if you have them).
VIDEO AUDITIONS:
You may submit a video audition to kippbot@gmail.com Be sure to include your audition form, a headshot and resume (if you have them) with the email. Video submissions must be received by 6p on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
If you have worked with anyone on this directing team before, you do not need to come to the open call. Please email your interest to the director at kippbot@gmail.com by 6p on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
Download the audition form here.
CALLBACKS: by director invitation only – Sunday, February 4th, 2024, 1 pm to 5 pm
If you are auditioning, please make sure to clear your schedule for Sunday the 4th, as callbacks are critical to putting together the strongest ensemble for this ensemble piece. You will be notified by email if you are invited to callbacks.
PRODUCTION DATES
June 14-30, 2024
Fri/Sat at 8pm; Sun at 2pm
REHEARSAL
Rehearsals will begin around May 5, 2024. Typical weekly rehearsal schedule will be Sunday afternoons 1:00p to 5:00p and Monday through Thursday nights from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Tech rehearsal on Sunday, June 9, 2024 will be 1:00p to 6:00p. Conflicts with the rehearsal schedule must be kept to an absolute minimum during the rehearsal process. No conflicts will be accepted during dress / tech week without prior approval from the director.
ABOUT THE SHOW
Pippin is the story of one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day. Pippin’s message is universal and will connect with audiences across the age spectrum.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Leading Player – Age: 30s to 50s – The ultimate ‘ringleader.’ Masterfully charming and manipulative, the Leading Player is a chameleon of sorts. Guides Pippin through his own story and tries to intervene at the end. Excellent mover. Obsessed with putting on a great show for the audience.
Pippin – Age: late teens to early 20s – Our story’s young and confused protagonist. He is longing to find his purpose in life. Naive, innocent, and discontented. Eventually finds love, and meaning in life, with Catherine and Theo.
Charlemagne – Age: 40s to 50s – Pippin’s demanding father. As the King of the Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne is more comfortable wielding a sword than breaking bread. He wears his years with great pride.
Lewis – Age: late teens to early 20s – Charlemagne and Fastrada’s son. Strong and not bright. Pippin’s half-brother and after Pippin, heir to the throne. Addicted to the physical, Lewis loves weightlifting, Lewis loves wrestling, but most of all, Lewis loves Lewis.
Fastrada – Age: 30s to 50s – Pippin’s conniving stepmother, she is both beautiful and smart. Devious, crafty, cunning, untrustworthy. Dedicated to gaining the throne for her darling son, Lewis.
Berthe – Age: 60s – 70s – Pippin’s saucy grandmother. A brassy woman full of wisdom, grace, and sass. She tries to help Pippin and encourages him to live his life to the fullest.
Catherine – Age: 20s to early 30s – A widow and mother. She is beautiful and a hopeless romantic, who possesses graceful elegance. Encounters Pippin at his lowest point and eventually falls in love with him.
Theo – Age: 7 to pre-teen – Catherine’s son. (Parents of any young actor auditioning for this role must acknowledge that they have read the script due to some adult situations.)
Band of Players – Age: 16 and older – Heavily featured throughout, the Band of Players play many roles; they represent the influences and voices in Pippin’s head. Seeking all ages, genders and types.
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.
QUESTIONS
Please direct questions to director Kipp Simmons at kippbot@gmail.com
ABOUT US
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.
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.