2024 SPRING musical AUDITION NOTICE: FUN HOME
FUN HOME book by Lisa Kron, Music by Jeanine Tesori and lyrics by Lisa Kron.
ALL ROLES ARE OPEN AND PAID WITHIN EQUITY AGREEMENT STANDARDS INCLUDING CHILDREN ROLES.
Director: Kathleen Burns | Musical Director: Caelan Thomas | Choreographer: Hillary Moulder
Rehearsals: 8 July - 9 August | Season: 10 August - 14 September 2024
DUE TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FUN HOME PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION BELOW TO THE END.
The Tony Award-winning musical Fun Home traces the coming-of-age story of author Alison Bechdel, from her youth, to her years at Oberlin College, and finally to the present, where Alison, now grown, is struggling to write her own graphic autobiography. As Alison reflects on her past, she struggles to make sense of it, particularly her relationship with her father, Bruce, a closeted gay man and the owner of the family business -- the Bechdel Funeral Home (“fun” home, as it’s known to young Alison and her brothers, John and Christian). As she watches her father’s self-loathing consume him, Alison recognizes her own experience of discovering, and ultimately embracing, her identity. As Fun Home progresses, Alison is drawn deeper and deeper into her memories, finally entering into them, desperate (but unable) to reverse her father’s self-destruction. An unforgettable and groundbreaking musical, Fun Home explores the haunting pull of memory and the power it has to alternately destroy or shape, our identity.
All personnel attached to Fun Home will be required to pass a full background/police check.
Characters (ages are as listed in the script/all require American accent)
Alison – 43 years old, a cartoonist (Range: E3-D5)
Medium Alison** – 19 years old, a college freshman (Range: G3-E5)
Small Alison – around 9 years old (Range: A3-E5)
Bruce Bechdel – Alison’s father (Range: A2-G4)
Helen Bechdel – Alison’s mother (Range: A3-E5)
Christian Bechdel – Alison’s brother, around 10 years old (Range: C#4-D5)
John Bechdel – Alison’s brother, around 6 years old (Range: C#4-E5)
Roy* – a young man Bruce hires to do yard work (Range: G3-A4 (opt. D#5))
Mark* – a high school junior
Joan** – a college student (Range: G3-G4)
Pete* – a mourner
Bobby Jeremy* and The Susan Deys** – imaginary television characters
The roles of Roy, Mark, Pete, and Bobby Jeremy are performed by the same actor. The Susan Deys are played by the actors playing Medium Alison and Joan.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
ALL AUDITIONEES: Please upload your audition to a video playing site (YouTube, Vimeo, Daily Motion). Please include a small introduction piece which includes why you would like to be a part of this project. Remember to set the privacy setting to 'anyone with LINK can view' and include the link in the application form at the bottom of the page. Auditions will be viewed as they are received.
Adults
We require both a singing audition and a small piece of the script as your audition. With the exception of Roy (further information below) please submit two songs: up to 90 seconds of something from the show, and up to 90 seconds of something else that you feel best showcases your work.
Alison Script Material: Selected Text
Helen Script Material: Selected Text
Medium Alison Material: Selected Text
Joan Material: Selected Text
Bruce Material: Selected Text
Auditions for Roy: A 90 second cut of Raincoat of Love is provided (bar 9 – bar 72) as the 'something from the show'. The alternative line in the sheet music from b55 is just that; an alternative. Feel free to take on some, or none, or all of this, in whatever vocal quality you prefer!
Roy Material: All elements here - sheet music, backing track and text
Children
Parents and caregivers, please click the link in red and read the document so you aware of the content of the show and the suitability for your child to be part of this production. Parents/caregivers information sheet. Please note, children cast in Fun Home CANNOT be part of Disney's Little Mermaid Jr.
The audition songs and cuts are specified. This is to ensure we see the full range demanded by the roles in Fun Home and creates a level playing field for auditionees.
We're looking to see you showcase both your storytelling and singing skills, and we'd prefer to hear you avoid flipping into your upper register as much as possible. Have fun, and don't worry about being "perfect" - we'd love to see your personality shine through in the audition.
For auditions for Small Alison, we'd like to see you sing a short cut of Everlasting from the musical Tuck Everlasting. The reference track (from 1:20), backing track (from 0:00), and sheet music (from bar 36) are below.
For auditions for John and Christian, we'd like to see you sing a short cut of Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun from the musical A Christmas Story. The reference track (from 1:05), backing track (from 0:00), and sheet music (from bar 32) are attached. There is a discrepancy in the words on the reference track and sheet music - feel free to use either set of lyrics.
Small Alison Material: All elements here - sheet music, reference track, backing track and monologue/acting audition text
John & Christian Material: All elements here - sheet music, reference track, backing track and monologue/acting audition text
Please film a self-tape and complete the below form by 7 January 2024 (late submissions WILL BE ACCEPTED if communicated with The Court Theatre prior)
If you have any questions, please email production@courttheatre.org.nz