Where: The Annex, 710 Figueroa St, Folsom

When: Sunday, April 15th, 7:00 pm

Book by Rachel Sheinkin

Music and Lyrics by William Finn

SYNOPSIS: An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

WHAT TO BRING: A resume and headshot if you have them and be prepared to sing a short song or excerpt from a song. Bring piano sheet music, a CD or a bluetooth device. No a cappella please! There will also be a dancing audition so dress appropriately.

CHARACTERS:  We are looking for older teens and adults.

CHIP TOLENTINO: An athletic, social, boy scout and champion of the Twenty-Fourth Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, he returns to defend his title, but he finds puberty hitting at an inopportune moment.

LOGAINNE SCHWARTZANDGRUNENIERRE (Schwartzy): Logainne is the youngest and most politically aware speller, often making comments about current political figures. She is driven by internal and external pressure, but above all by a desire to win to make her two fathers proud. She is somewhat of a neat freak, speaks with a lisp, and will be back next year.

LEAF CONEYBEAR: The second runner-up in his district, Leaf gets into the competition on a lark and finds everything about the bee incredibly amusing. He is home-schooled and comes from a large family of former hippies. He has severe Attention Deficit Disorder and spells words correctly while in a trance.

WILLIAM BARFEE: A Putnam County Spelling Bee finalist last year, he was eliminated because of an allergic reaction to peanuts and is back for vindication. His famous “Magic Foot” method of spelling has boosted him to spelling glory, even though he only has one working nostril and a touchy, bullying personality. He develops a crush on Olive.

MARCY PARK: The ultimate over-achiever, Marcy has never been given another option. She comes from a family where excellence is expected and so simply produced. A parochial school student, she assumes God, too, expects perfection. She sees herself as a mass of problems but she keeps them to herself. Having moved often because of her parents’ work, she knows she can beat the local competition. Her many talents include piano, dance, martial arts, baton twirling, etc.

OLIVE OSTROVSKY: A young newcomer to competitive spelling. Her mother is in an ashram in India, and her father is working late, as usual, but he is trying to come sometime during the bee. Having found comfort in its words and vastness, Olive made friends with her dictionary at a very young age, helping her to make it to the competition. She starts enormously shy, and slowly blossoms.

RONA LISA PERETTI: The number-one realtor in Putnam County, a former Putnam County Spelling Bee Champion herself, and the returning moderator. She is a sweet woman who loves children, but she can be very stern when it comes to dealing with Vice Principal Panch and his feelings for her. Her interest in the competition is unflagging and drives it forward.

DOUGLAS PANCH: The Vice Principle. Frustrated with his life, he finds the drive of the young spellers alien to him. After five years’ absence from the Bee, Panch returns as judge. There was an “incident” at the Twentieth Annual Bee, but he claims to be in “a better place” now, thanks to a high-fiber diet and Jungian analysis. He is infatuated with Rona Lisa Peretti, but she does not return his affections.

MITCH MAHONEY: The Official Comfort Counselor. An ex-convict, Mitch is performing his community service with the Bee, and hands out juice boxes to losing students. He has no idea how to offer comfort, but does find himself wishing he could find a way to make the kids feel better.

CARL DAD: Schwarzy’s main trainer, the more intense and competitive of Schwarzy’s fathers.

DAN DAD: the more laid back and ineffectual of Schwarzy’s fathers.

JESUS CHRIST: Deity invoked by a speller in need.

LEAF’S MOM, DAD, and SIBLINGS: All more academically gifted than Leaf, they are even more surprised than he is by his success.

OLIVE’S DAD: A fantasy version of Olive’s dad coming to the bee from work.

OLIVE’S MOM: A fantasy version of Olive’s mom at her Ashram in India.

PERFORMANCE DATES: June 9 – July 15, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00, Sundays at 4:00

Rehearsal dates to be announced.

Where: Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St, Folsom

When: Sunday, March 25, 7:00PM

Who: Directed by Allen Schmeltz

Humpty Dumpty is Missing! or The Mysterious Case of the Fallen Egg

by Joseph Robinette

When: Sunday, February 18th at 7:00pm

Where: The Annex, 710 Figueroa St, Folsom

by Agatha Christie

Directed by Allen Schmeltz

It’s the 1940s. Kay Ridgeway is cruising on the River Nile on the paddle steamer Lotus.  Kay has led a charmed life. Blessed with beauty, enormous wealth, and a new husband, she embarks on a honeymoon voyage down the Nile. Fatal circumstances await when the idyllic surroundings are shattered by a shocking and brutal murder. Under scrutiny is a multitude of memorable passengers, all with a reason to kill. The tension and claustrophobia builds, as a shocking and audacious conspiracy is laid bare.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
All characters have a reason to be the murder victim, as well as a motive to be the murderer.  Please note that the ages mentioned are suggested CHARACTER AGES and not necessarily the actual age of the actor. Most roles have an accent indicated but don’t let that stop you from auditioning. We may or may not use accents or they may just be indications of an accent.

MALE ROLES
SIMON MOSTYN (MALE) (AGE 25-35)
Kay’s new husband; good looking, good tempered with a simple hearty manner, from humble beginnings, determined no to use Kay for her money. Those auditioning for Simon must be confident performers and be comfortable with a lot of dialogue as this is a major role. British accent.
CANON PENNEFATHER (MALE) (AGE 35+)
An imposing clergyman, a self-described worldly order of the clergy who enjoys the good things in life’, Kay’s guardian whom she calls Uncle Ambrose; the sleuth and pivotal detective of the play. The performer must have great stage presence and be comfortable with a lot of dialogue as this is a major role. British accent.
WILLIAM SMITH (MALE) (AGE 30+) An irreverent man who has devoted himself to the causes of the “working man” yet with a sparkle in the eye. A bit dirty and careless about his dress. His voice and dry wit contradict his appearance. Large supporting role. British accent.
DR. LUDWIG BESSNER (MALE) (AGE 30+)
Medical doctor with a marked foreign accent from a small country in Europe; hates Kay’s father and blames him for the financial ruin of his country and his family. Large supporting role. German accent.

STEWARD (MALE) (AGE 20+)
Steward of the paddle steamer Lotus; sly and humorous character with the opportunity to go beyond what appears on the page. Speaks with a strong accent and requires speaking some Arabic. Ideal role for non-Caucasian performers. Actors of different ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to audition for this role, although all auditionees will be considered. Supporting role.

MCNAUGHT (MALE) (AGE 20+)
The ship’s manager. Minor role. British accent.

FEMALE ROLES
KAY RIDGEWAY-MOSTYN (FEMALE) (AGE 18-25)
A charismatic, rich and beautiful young socialite who leave all in her path breathless with admiration or disgust.Major role. British accent
JACQUELINE DE SEVERAC (FEMALE) (AGE 18-25)
Simon’s ex-fiancée and Kay’s best friend; raging with jealousy over Simon and Kay’s marriage. Emotional and mercurial, if somewhat fragile. Major role. British accent.
HELEN FFOLIOT-FFOULKES (FEMALE) (AGE 40+)
Unpleasant aging socialite; rude, snobbish and gruff. A believer in the upper and lower classes and that they should never meet. Large supporting role. Upper class. British accent.
CHRISTINA GRANT (FEMALE) (AGE25+)
Nice, sensible girl with a steady temper. The niece of Helen, grateful for the adventure on her aunt’s dime. Large supporting role. British accent.
LOUISE (FEMALE) (AGE 20+)
Kay’s flirtatious and devious French maid. Speaks fluent French. Supporting role. French accent

MALE OR FEMALE

TWO BEADSELLERS (MALE OR FEMALE) (18-WHATEVER)
The Beadsellers are in and out throughout the beginning of the play. Mideastern accent

Please bring a headshot and resume if you have them.  Also bring any performance or rehearsal conflicts you may have.

Audition will be cold readings from the script. No sides will be available before the audition, but the publisher is Samuel French and you may purchase a copy of the script from them.

The show runs March 24 through April 29 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 4:00pm. There is no performance on Easter Sunday, April 1. Rehearsals are 4-5 weeks before opening, usually on Monday through Thursday from 7:00pm to 9:30pm or 10:00pm. There may be some weekend rehearsals if needed.

When: January 7th at 7:00 pm

Where: The Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter Street in Folsom

Who: Directed by Michael Coleman

by Mitch Albom

DUCK HUNTER SHOOTS ANGEL is the uproarious story of two bumbling Alabama brothers who have never shot a duck but think they shot an angel. As they lament their fates in a murky swamp, they are chased by a cynical tabloid journalist and his reluctant photographer, who don’t believe any of it—until feathers, wings and a tiara are discovered along the way. The play hysterically interweaves a love story, sibling rivalry, tawdry media, race relations and cultural stereotypes as the chase to find the angel builds to a crescendo in the swamp. Ultimately a sweet allegory about redemption, DUCK HUNTER SHOOTS ANGEL has been hailed by audiences as a rare comedy with a surprisingly heartfelt lesson.

Character descriptions:

Sandy (late 30s, 40-ish): a tabloid journalist. Cynical, a little jaded, a little self-hating.  Sandy had plans, and they did not involve tracking would-be Angel shooters for The Weekly World and Globe.

Lenny (30-ish, African American): a photographer. Has even less desire than Sandy to be on this particular assignment.

Lester (30s): a tabloid publisher. Fast talking, fast walking, always looking for an angle. Lester knows what his readers want, and Sandy better get it for him – yesterday.

Duane (late 20s to early 50s, southern accent): one of the Duck Hunters. Duane’s not the brightest bulb in the chandelier, but he’s trying.

Duwell (late 20s to early 50s, Southern accent): the other Duck Hunter, and Duane’s younger brother. Duwell is a little dimmer than Duane, but sweeter with it.

Woman (late 20s, Southern accent): sweet, thoughtful, supportive, but some spark and spunk as well.

Kansas (teenager, 17. Southern accent):  Smart girl with a smart mouth – but likeable.

Gator Man/Phil (no age specified): Gator Man.   A strong, physically comic actor who moves well. Fun role without a lot of lines, but lots of presence.

The Voice/Loan Officer (40s). Commanding vocal presence; actor is mostly heard, not seen – the inverse of Gator Man.

Please bring a headshot and resume if you have them.

The audition will be cold readings from the script.

The show runs February 24 – March 18 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 4:00pm.

ADDITIONAL AUDITION

We will be having an additional audition for The Twelve Dancing Princesses this Sunday, January 14th at 7:00 pm.

When: Sunday, January 14th at 7:00

Where: The Annex, 710 Figueroa St, Folsom

Who: Directed by Lisa Dillon

Parts to be filled:

1 Comedic Male

1 Romantic Male

1 Non-Singing Male

Ensemble Roles – any age or gender

All ages from children to seniors are invited to audition.

What to bring: Please bring a headshot and resume if you have them and be prepared to sing a short song or excerpt from a song. Bring piano sheet music or a CD. No a cappella please if possible! There will also be a dancing audition so dress appropriately.

Rehearsals start Monday January 15th.

 When: Sunday, January 7th at 7:00

Where: The Annex, 710 Figueroa St, Folsom

Who: Directed by Lisa Dillon

Book and Lyrics by Jennifer Kirkeby

Music by Shirley Mier

Enter the magical world of twelve princesses who love to dance. Each night, they sing the song that allows them secret passage into the enchanted forest. Once they arrive, the trees sparkle and chime with silver and gold leaves, beautiful music plays and the spirit of their mother watches over them. In the meantime, their father, the king, is perplexed, and the shoemaker and his apprentices are exasperated, but the princesses must dance. Then one day, the king (tired of finding twelve pairs of worn shoes outside his daughters’ room each morning) issues a proclamation. The first person to discover the secret of where the princesses go each night shall receive his or her heart’s desire and eight bags of gold! After an entertaining visit from the Prince of Arrogance (“Talking about me is my favorite thing to do!”), Matthew the commoner comes to visit. And when the Spirit Mother gives Matthew an invisibility cloak, events rapidly begin to change.

All ages from children to seniors are invited to audition.

What to bring: Please bring a headshot and resume if you have them and be prepared to sing a short song or excerpt from a song. Bring piano sheet music or a CD. No a cappella please if possible! There will also be a dancing audition so dress appropriately.

Characters*:
Dancing Princesses (good dancers)
Annabella
Anya
Celestia
Genevieve
Giselle
Hazel
Louisa
Rosalina
Scarlet
Suzanna
Violetta
Zelda

Spirit Mother
King Phillip
Handmaidens double as Shoemaker’s Apprentices and Townpeople
Two Royal Guards
Hearld
Head Shoemaker
Prince of Arrogance / Townsperson
Matthew – Ability to play guitar or flute is a plus.

*Note: There are non-singing and non-dancing roles in the show.

Running Dates:
Feb. 10 – March 18,  Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00

Rehearsal dates to be announced.