Auditions for West Side Story

The CM PERFORMING ARTS CENTER is holding Main Stage auditions for WEST SIDE STORY on Monday, May 13 and Tuesday, May 14 at 7:00PM. Callbacks will be by invitation only.

 

Please prepare a 16 – 32 bar cut of a musical theatre song either from the show or in a similar style. An accompanist will be provided. A dance audition will follow vocal auditions for those asked to stay. Please wear footwear you are comfortable dancing in.

 

Performance dates are below. Please bring possible rehearsal and/or performance conflicts to the auditions. The CM Performing Arts Center is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in the casting and encourages actors of diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups to audition. Video submissions will be accepted if you are unable to make either audition date. Please send a video submission along with headshot and resume to [email protected] by May 12^th.

 

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Director – Martin Aviles

Music Director – Kailey Schnurman

 

 

 

PERFORMANCE DATES:

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17 8:00 PM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 2:00 PM

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21 2:00 PM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 8:00 PM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 8:00 PM

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 2:00 PM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 8:00 PM

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 8:00 PM

 

 

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR:

Martin Aviles returns to once again direct West Side Story after directing our sold out run of West Side Story in 2016 here at CM Performing Arts. Martin has been a part of the European Tour as well as several Regional Theatre Productions of West Side Story as Bernardo.

 

PLOT:

From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Arthur Laurents’ book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim are widely regarded as among the best ever written. The world’s greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre’s finest accomplishments.

 

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

 

 

 

 

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

The Sharks – A Puerto Rican gang

MARIA- A hopeless romantic and innocent young girl. She falls in love with Tony and finds herself at the center of the violent conflict between the two gangs. Bernardo’s younger sister. Strong soprano voice. Range: Bb3 – C6. Some dancing.

ANITA- Feisty and assertive. She dispenses “older sister” advice to Maria and tries to shield her from the dangers of the gangs. Bernardo’s girlfriend and Maria’s friend. Strong Alto (belt).Range: F3 – D5. Strong dance background required.

BERNARDO- A proud, strong, handsome man. Bernardo seeks to carve out territory as a sense of identity for him and his friends. Maria’s brother and Anita’s boyfriend. Leader of the Sharks. Limited solo singing. Range: Bb2 – Eb4. Strong dance background required.

CHINO- An angry and, at times, naive Shark who turns murderous and vengeful. Suitor to Maria and friend of Bernardo’s. Speaking Role. Dancing/Singing required.

SHARK BOYS: PEPE, INDIO, LUIS

SHARK GIRLS: ROSALIA, CONSUELA, FRANSISCA

 

The Jets – A Caucasian gang

TONY- A romantic young man and former leader of the Jets, he has found a new lifestyle now that doesn’t involve gangs. Tony finds himself violently torn between his friendships and love. Falls in love with Maria and meets an unfortunate death. Genuinely sweet and sincere. Strong tenor voice. Range: Bb2 – Bb4. Limited dancing.

RIFF – An athletic, quick-tempered leader of the Jets. He seeks to eliminate the Sharks and establish his own gang’s dominance. Tony’s best friend, he is eventually murdered by Bernardo. Strong singer. Range: Bb2 – G4. Strong dance background required.

ANYBODYS – A spunky tomboy who is desperate to become a member of the Jets. The other Jets mock her for her ambitions, but generally appreciate her company. Full of energy and heart. Speaking Role. Dance role.

DIESEL- Second-in-command of the Jets. Leader after Riff’s death. Baritone/Bass.

ACTION-The most quick-tempered member of the Jets, always ready for a fight. Tenor.

A-RAB- Slightly less quick tempered than Action. Baby John’s best friend. Baritone.

BABY JOHN- The youngest Jet, is beaten up during the opening sequence. Tenor.

JET GIRLS: GRAZIELLA, VELMA, ETC.

 

 

The Adults

OFFICER KRUPKE- The local beat cop. He has no patience for the gangs conflict and tries to keep tensions from erupting between them. A little dorky, he is regularly mocked by the local gangs. Speaking Role. No dance background.

DETECTIVE SCHRANK – A local police detective frustrated by the ongoing violence between the Jets and Sharks. Blunt, brash, racist, and unapologetic. Speaking Role. No dance background required.

DOC- The adult owner of the store where the Jets hang out. He tries to guide the Jets youthful angst and provides a safe haven for Tony. Old fashioned and wise in his ways. Speaking Role. No dance background.

GLAD HAND Nerdy, overly cheerful and ill-equipped social director at the school dance (“Mambo”). Speaking role. No dance background.