Sept. 30, 2014
Venice Theatre seeks volunteer performers for hit rock ‘n’ roll musical
Oct. 19 – 20, 2014: Auditions for Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story
(Venice, FL) Director Allan Kollar and Music Director Peter Madpak are seeking performers to audition for Venice Theatre’s MainStage production of Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story. The title role has already been cast, but there are more than a dozen performers still needed for the production. Auditions will be held Sunday and Monday, Oct. 19 and Oct. 20, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. Auditioners will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Performances of Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story will be on the MainStage Tuesdays through Sundays Jan. 6 – Jan. 25, 2015.
Buddy is more a “play with music” than a traditional musical. While a few of the roles are quite specific in requirements, the majority of the roles can be modified according to the talent combinations of the people auditioning. The show requires energetic, charismatic performers who are able to sing or dance and/or have ability to play a number of acting roles and/or musical instruments. While it is desirable that cast members possess some combination of these talents, it is not prohibitive in any sense if they don’t. The show can be built around the abilities and talents of those involved.
Auditioners are asked to prepare a song and provide sheet music for the accompanist. The theatre requests that actors do not audition using CD, MP3 or other recorded media. Auditioners will also be asked to read from the script. Call 941-484-4033 for a perusal copy. Those who play saxophone or guitar (acoustic or electric) are asked to bring their instruments to the audition. Pianists should be prepared to play if asked. More information about the audition process is available at www.venicestage.com/audition or by calling the theatre’s administrative offices at 941-484-4033.
Auditions and all performances will be held at Venice Theatre located at 140 W. Tampa Ave. on the island in Venice. A breakdown of characters follows.
Character breakdown (from Buddy Worldwide Limited • www.buddythemusical)
JOE B MAULDIN – Double Bass player from Lubbock, Texas. Preferably under 25. Serious, square young man with musical ability. Must be able to sing and act.
JERRY ALLISON – Drummer, preferably under 25 from Lubbock, Texas. Good looking, irrepressible cheeky humor with musical ability. Must be able to act. The ability to sing is preferred but not prohibitive.
MARIA ELENA HOLLY – Attractive, under 25 of Hispanic-American extraction. Classy and well-educated. Must be able to sing. Musical ability an advantage but not prohibitive.
J.P. RICHARDSON – THE BIG BOPPER – A former DJ, he is a Texan with an irrepressible larger-than-life character. 6ft and above, with the ability to command the stage on his own as a single performer. His key song is “Chantilly Lace”. Must be able to act and should possess a comedic flair. The ability to play a musical instrument an advantage but not prohibitive.
RITCHIE VALENS – Good looking, under 25 and of Hispanic-American extraction. Ritchie is an attractive, handsome boy with serious charisma, a dedicated eye for the ladies, and the ability to hold the stage in his own right. His key song is “La Bamba”. Must be able to act. The ability to play a musical instrument an advantage but not prohibitive.
HIPOCKETS DUNCAN – Under 40, an exuberant hometown radio DJ from Lubbock, Texas, with an air of authority and a keen sense of humor. Must be a strong actor. The ability to sing and/or play a musical instrument an advantage but not prohibitive.
NORMAN PETTY – Under 40, a record producer from Clovis, New Mexico, with a businesslike manner and a love of making records. Must be a strong actor. The ability to sing and/or play a musical instrument an advantage but not prohibitive.
VI PETTY – Under 40. Has a heart of gold and a good sense of humor. Vi must be able to sing, act and play keyboards.
APOLLO PERFORMER – Male of African-American extraction with the ability to hold the stage on his own. Key song “Party”. Must have good comic timing and be able to act. It is preferable to have the ability to play a musical instrument but not prohibitive.
APOLLO PERFORMER – Female of African-American extraction with the ability to hold the stage on her own. Key song is “Party”. Must have good comic timing and be able to act. The ability to play a musical instrument is an advantage but not a prerequisite.
THE COMPANY – Must be able to sing and have ability to play a multitude of roles and/or musical instruments. Experience and training are not necessary but ability is a prerequisite for this show.
###
140 W. Tampa Ave
Venice, FL 34285
Tickets: 941-488-1115
Venice Theatre’s mission is making a dramatic impact on all stages of life. The second-largest out of 10,000 community theatres in the United States, it is located at 140 W. Tampa Ave .on the island in Venice, FL. Its MainStage offers seating for 432 patrons and features musicals, plays, concerts and special events. Its Yvonne Pinkerton Theatre seats 90 patrons and is home to the theatre’s “Generations”, Stage II and Cabaret Series. In addition to providing entertainment to the community, Venice Theatre has a wide range of education and outreach programs for children and adults.
