Next to Normal Audition Call- MTS
Schedule
Fri, 21 Jul, 2023 at 06:00 pm to Sat, 22 Jul, 2023 at 04:00 pm
Location
Musical Theatre Southwest | Albuquerque, NM
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SIGN-UP LINK for VOCAL AUDITIONS:https://www.cognitoforms.com/MusicalTheatreSW/MusicalTheatreSouthwestsNextToNormal2023AuditionForm
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Director: Robb Sisneros
Music Director: Colin Burdge
Stage Manager: Linnea Hagler
SEEKING: Strong Singers, Dancers, and Actors of all ages and ethnicities for the 2023 production of Next to Normal. We welcome all abilities regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and / or personal background.
SYNOPSIS:
Next to Normal is a 2008 American rock musical with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards in 2009, taking Best Original Score, Best Orchestration, and Best Actress for Alice Ripley. The production went on to win the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
The story centers on a mother who struggles with worsening bipolar disorder and the effects that managing her illness has on her. As the story is told, we see that Diana’s bipolar disorder has gone through highs and lows as different medications have been tried and made available. Multiple triggers are realized, the most significant is the death of her infant son Gabe, who she has manifested through the years into the teenager that lives in her mind. Beyond Diana’s illness is how the family unit has lived with this illness and continues to be affected. Relationships, life goals, events, and treatments all take their toll on the family. It’s more than just the mental illness of Diana, but the mental health of everyone involved. Though some of the diagnoses and treatments have changed since the original story was written, it’s the relationships that make this story relevant and relatable. It is clear that the story extends well past the American suburban family experience to one that is universal when it comes to family relationships, depression, illness, grief, suicidal tendencies, and love.
AUDITION INFORMATION:
*For MTS’s production of Next to Normal we are currently requiring all of our auditioners to be fully vaccinated and to show proof of vaccination at auditions. This production highly recommends mask wearing for the audition process. {Please see complete Health and Safety Guidelines below so that you are aware of and understand rehearsal and performance requirements before auditioning.}
Friday, July 21-Saturday, July 22- VOCAL AUDITIONS
BY APPOINTMENT (Walk-ins may be seen if time allows)
Initial Notice: July 21, 6 - 8pm;
July 22, 10 - 11am (These audition slots are reserved for those currently in rehearsals and performances for another production)
Please use sign-up line above to sign up for a slot
Please prepare a brief excerpt (up to two minutes) of a song in the style of the show, but is not from the show. Again, singing from the show is not accepted. Please place your sheet music in a three ring binder. Bring your binder (with other sheet music of songs you are prepared to sing) in case you are asked to sing a second selection. An accompanist will be provided.
**Video submissions will be considered if you are unable to attend vocal auditions, but it is strongly recommended that you are able to attend in person and for callbacks. If applicable, please select video submission at the start of the audition form.
Saturday, July 22- CALLBACKS (by invitation)
12 - 4pm
Please keep this time available in case you are called back, or include it as a conflict on your audition sheet if you cannot make it.
PRODUCTION DATES:
Rehearsal Dates: July 30 - September 28, 2023
Typical Rehearsal Times: Sunday- Thursday evenings 6:30-9:30 pm (Other times may be added, but will be with sufficient notice.)
Please note the following dates will not be accepted as conflicts:
Photoshoot: Saturday, August 26, 2023
Tech Week: Sunday, September 17 - Thursday, September 28, 2023
Performances: September 29-October 15; Fri/Sat 7:30 PM and Sun 2 PM // October 19-21; Thurs/Fri/Sat 7:30 PM
We are asking our entire team to hold the evenings of Thursday, October 5 and Thursday, October 12 in addition to the dates listed above. In the event that the performances are selling out, we will be adding one or both of these performance dates.
All Auditions, Rehearsals, and Performances will be held at
The MTS Center for Theatre Black Box, 6320-B Domingo Rd NE
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
Actors of all races, ethnicities, sizes, abilities, and genders (conforming and non-conforming) are highly encouraged to audition. While there are no specific dance needs, the ability to move well is needed. The director and musical director are looking for strong actors who are capable of the demanding music needs; bringing the storytelling, character needs, and vocals to a strong performance level. The roles of Dr. Fine and Dr. Madden are traditionally played by the same actor; However, we want to explore the possibility of portraying Dr. Madden as a female if the vocal needs of the music can be met as written.
Diana Goodman (plays late 30’s-40’s; female presenting)-The matriarch of the family who is living with bi-polar disorder brought on by a traumatic event earlier in life. She is at times manic, depressive, and delusional. She is witty and self-aware, but in all essence wants what is best for her family.
G3 - F#5
Mezzo soprano with a strong middle range and a healthy upper head voice.
Dan Goodman (plays late 30-40’s; male presenting)-The patriarch of the family who, despite his wife’s illness, will go to any length to keep up the façade of the “perfect, loving family”. Dan is tender, patient, and kind, a man who is just trying to do what he thinks is best.
Ab2 - B4
Bari-tenor with a folksy belt and a strong head voice.
Natalie Goodman (plays 16; female presenting)-Diana and Dan’s high school aged daughter who craves and seeks attention yet rarely finds it. She is intelligent and very aware of her circumstances and just wants to lead a life that is “next to normal”.
G3 - G5
Soprano with a powerful bright belt and strong upper head voice.
Gabe Goodman (plays 18; male presenting)-Diana and Dan’s son and Natalie’s older brother. He’s energetic, carefree, and charming. He knows that he is his mother’s favorite child and will go to any lengths to ensure that security.
B2 - C5
Tenor with a powerful belt, bright and strong upper head voice and good falsetto.
Henry (plays 17; male presenting)-Natalie’s high school boyfriend. He’s a musician, goofy, and a self-proclaimed “loner and a bit of a stoner”. He is Natalie’s security and the most solid person in her life.
G#2 - B4
Bari-tenor with a healthy folksy middle range and a strong floating head voice/falsetto.
Dr. Fine (plays 30-50’s; male presenting)- The first of Diana’s doctors; a psychopharmacologist, is more traditional when it comes to treatment and is less inclined to take his patients suggestions into consideration. NOTE: if roles are separated this actor will take on various other characters throughout the show.
A2 - F4
Baritone, healthy and dramatic middle range and capable head voice.
Dr. Madden (plays 30-50’s; male or female presenting)- The second of Diana’s doctors is a “rock star” and far more practical when it comes to Diana’s treatment and more willing to work with her and her family. They open the door to more extreme and controversial treatments.
A2 - A4
If male presenting: Tenor, strong upper belt with a rock n’ roll edge.
If female presenting: Contralto, robust lower range with folk-rock power.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Policies for Next to Normal (2023)
*For MTS’s production of Next to Normal, we are currently requiring all of our auditioners to be fully vaccinated and be able to show proof of vaccination at the auditions.
COVID-19 Disclaimer
This production has taken enhanced health and safety measures—for you, our volunteers, and those working at MTS. You must follow all safety instructions while participating in this project at MTS. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, senior citizens and those with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.
By participating at MTS for Next to Normal (2023) you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.
These policies are subject to change at any point.
MTS Health Guidelines
A Health and Safety Coordinator will be designated for this production. This is the “go to" person for questions regarding Health and Safety policies.
All members who are able (including cast, crew, and production team), are strongly encouraged to wear a face mask while in the building except if actively eating, drinking, performing (during tech week/performances), taking promo photos, or a specified time with the agreement of stage management.
MTS does not approve of gaiters.
All participating in this production (including cast, crew, production team, and band/orchestra), must provide proof of vaccination prior to their involvement.
If an actor chooses to wear a mask, even during non required times, no repercussions shall be held against the individual.
All members are strongly encouraged to wash their hands or use the hand sanitizer provided every time they enter the building, including after a short outdoor break.
SUBJECT TO CHANGE: Cast members are cleared to meet and greet the audience after performances, we encourage that this take place in the stage area and not in the lobby to allow for the ability to space out. Cast/Crew members are encouraged to wear masks while meeting and greeting.
Actors
Auditioners must be vaccinated to participate.
Proof of vaccination must be presented during audition weekend (before casting calls are made).
No exceptions.
Auditioners are strongly encouraged to wear a mask throughout auditions except if they are actively eating, drinking, or specified times while auditioning (i.e. actively performing a callback, actively singing their audition song, actively dancing their dance audition for the production team, etc.)
Production Personnel
This includes actors, crew, production team, band/orchestra members, board members, etc.
Testing is not required unless there is a known exposure and/or the individual is experiencing symptoms.
Patrons
MTS highly recommends that its audience members wear a mask while in the building. This includes personnel being asked to not “downplay” the recommendation but encourage it whenever possible including signage and curtain speech mentioning.
Patrons are no longer required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test to be allowed entrance to the building, but vaccination is recommended.
If a patron thinks that they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and/or exhibiting symptoms when they have tickets for a production, MTS asks that they refrain from attending and the Box Office will exchange the patron’s tickets to another performance.
About These Measures
These production safety measures are designed to offer the theatre experience we all love in a responsible way. We understand that these times are challenging, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we navigate through this as responsibly as we can. The MTS Health and Safety committee will continue to monitor and adhere to current NMDOH guidelines and mandates.
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Where is it happening?
Musical Theatre Southwest, 6320 Domingo Rd NE, suite B,Albuquerque,NM,United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
