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Disney’s Newsies Jr. (Summer Youth Theatre Camp for grades 6-12)
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The Sound of Music (Summer Musical Production)
SUMMER PRODUCTION CAMP:
Newsies Jr.
CAMP INFORMATION
AGE: Rising 6th-12th grade (based on the grade you are going into for the 2024-25 school year)
Please note that, due to licensing restrictions, all participants must be 19 or younger.
TUITION: $400.00
SCHOLARSHIPS: St. Luke’s offers scholarship opportunities to allow all persons to be involved in the ministries we offer. We do place a limit on the amount we can scholarship individuals. Please complete THIS FORM for further consideration in our scholarship program.
Applying for or being awarded financial aid does not impact or guarantee any casting decisions.
CAMP DATES/TIMES:
– week 1: 9:00AM – 3:00PM on TUE. 5/28, WED. 5/29, THUR. 5/30, FRI. 5/31
– week 2: 9:00AM – 3:00PM on MON. 6/3, TUE. 6/4, WED. 6/5, THUR 6/6
ALL DAY on FRI. 6/7 9AM – 5PM (students will stay through until the performance, dinner will be provided)
– performance call times: SAT. 6/8 5:30PM | Sun. 6/9 12:30PM
Due to the nature of this production, conflicts with camp dates may impact a student’s ability to participate. If you would like to ask about your conflicts before signing up for an audition, please email us at theatre@st.lukes.org
PERFORMANCES: There will be 3 performances total.
1. Fri. 6/7 @ 7:00PM (students will stay on campus all day, dinner will be provided, end of show around 8:00PM)
2. Sat. 6/8 @ 7:00PM (5:30PM call time, end of show around 8:00PM)
3. Sun. 6/9 @ 2:00PM (12:30PM call time, end of show around 3:00PM)
ABOUT THE SHOW
Seize the Day with Disney’s rousing musical that has thrilled and inspired young people for generations!
Disney’s Newsies JR. is a 60-minute version of the 2012 Broadway musical, based on the 1992 film. Inspired by the rousing true story of newsboys in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies JR. features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and a book by Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.
When powerful newspaper publishers raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, the charismatic Jack Kelly rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions. Together, the newsies learn that they are stronger united and create a movement to fight for what’s right.
Including the now-classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” Newsies JR. is a timeless story full of spirit and heart.
AUDITION APPOINTMENTS
There are two opportunities for in-person auditions:
– Sunday 4/14/24 from 2:00PM – 6:00PM
– Thursday 4/18 from 5:00PM – 9:00PM
All auditions will be by appointment only. All students must audition for camp. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR AN AUDITION
PREPARATION:
– All students must prepare 16 bars of a musical theatre song or a Disney song (the equivalent of a verse and chorus)
– Please bring sheet music or an instrumental track on a device. (Please disable the lock screen.)
– Students may choose to present a one-minute, memorized comedic monologue- Please upload your recent resume and headshot (or selfie) it with your audition sign up. You do not need to bring it in person.
– Dance calls will be held twice at each audition date. Students may participate either before or after their audition appointment. All students will be asked to participate in a dance call as part of their audition.
o SUNDAY 4/14 dance calls: 3:30PM – 4:00PM / 5:30PM – 6:00 PM
o THURSDAY 4/18 dance calls: 6:30PM – 7:00PM / 8:30PM – 9:00PM
For an in-person audition appointment, sign up by clicking here.
You will be asked to upload a digital copy of your resume and headshot (or recent picture) when you sign up for an audition slot.
Auditions will take place in Founder’s Hall at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church: 4851 S. Apopka Vineland Rd.
Founder’s Hall is in Building C. For more information about how to get to St. Luke’s and a parking/campus map, visit st.lukes.org/location.
You can enter on the side of the building near the circle drive with the cross in the middle. If you enter on the other side of the building (by the Gym), just make your way to the other side of the Welcome Hall and past the Rotunda to find us. A member of stage management or a St. Luke’s staff member will be there to greet you and check you in.
For more information, please email theatre@st.lukes.org Subject line: Newsies Jr. Auditions
Theatre at St. Luke’s SUMMER MUSICAL: The Sound of Music
DIRECTORS: Steve MacKinnon and Ke’Lee Pernell
CHOREOGRAPHER: Nicolette Quintero
MUSIC DIRECTORS: John R. Mason III and Bradley Roberts
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER: Tiffany Meadows-Green
CALLBACKS: THUR 5/9 6:00PM – 9:00PM
REHEARSALS: SUN/MON/TUE/WED Evenings from 6/10-7/24 (no rehearsal 6/16, 6/19, 7/3)
TECH: 7/27-7/31
PERFORMANCES: 8/1-8/11, 10 performances total
CHECK OUT OUR PRODUCTION OVERVIEW CALENDAR HERE
ABOUT THE SHOW:
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.
ABOUT THEATRE AT ST. LUKE’S
“The Sound of Music” is a timeless tale that speaks to the universal themes of love, music, courage, and the resilience of the human spirit. At St. Luke’s, we believe in the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and connect us all. In our production, the von Trapp family and the world around them will be portrayed by a diverse ensemble of children and adults, reflecting the beautiful tapestry of humanity. We are casting with intentionality, seeking individuals of all shapes, ethnicities, races, identities, and sizes. The theatre, as an imaginative medium, allows us to embrace the essence of the story rather than confine it to a narrow interpretation. Our approach to casting honors the truth that the von Trapp story resonates with people from all experiences. By casting authentically diverse performers, we aim to amplify the universal appeal and relevance of this beloved story. Together, let us celebrate the richness of our differences and the unity of our shared humanity through the power and magic of theatre.
St. Luke’s is committed to the complex work of reconciling the past and challenging the status quo to establish a truly equitable and inclusive community on stage and off. We commit to live out St. Luke’s core values of acceptance, hospitality, community, discipleship, and service through a lens of equity and justice for every person, including our LGBTQ+ siblings and those who have been marginalized by the church. St. Luke’s also recognizes the continued injustice and inequity experienced by those who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. St. Luke’s Vision for Racial Equity encourages building relationship bridges that lead to dialogue around equity, inclusion, and justice.
AUDITION APPOINTMENTS
All auditions will be by appointment only. You will be asked to upload a digital copy of your resume and headshot (or recent picture) when you sign up for an audition slot.
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VON TRAPP CHILDREN auditions | SIGN UP HERE
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ADULT PRINCIPALS + ENSEMBLE auditions | SIGN UP HERE
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NUN ENSEMBLE auditions | SIGN UP HERE
PREPARATION:
– ALL PERFORMERS must prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theatre song (the equivalent of a verse and a chorus) in ther style of ther show. Please bring sheet music or an instrumental track on a device.
– THE von TRAPP CHILDREN and ADULT PRINCIPALS / ENSEMBLE must present a 1-minute, memorized monologue
– Performers interested in the NUN ENSEMBLE do not need a monologue
Auditions will take place at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church: 4851 S. Apopka Vineland Rd.
NUN auditions: Choir room (Building B)
VON TRAPP CHILDREN and ADULT PRINCIPALS / ENSEMBLE auditions: Founder’s Hall (Building C)
For more information about how to get to St. Luke’s and a parking/campus map, visit st.lukes.org/location.
CASTING
- All roles are non-paid.
- Intentionally seeking to cast roles non-traditionally with a combination of strong character actors, dancers, and strong singing voices (all vocal ranges)
- BIPOC/POC identifying performers are highly encouraged to submit. Actors, singers, dancers of every race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religious affiliation, size, and age are highly encouraged to submit.
VON TRAPP CHILDREN BREAKDOWN
*PLEASE NOTE: The von Trapp children will be double cast
Liesl von Trapp: The eldest of the von Trapp siblings. She is an optimist, headstrong, a leader, and infatuated with Rolf. She has a maternal edge to her and cares very deeply and lovingly for her younger siblings. Age to be played as: 16; Vocal range: Mezzo Soprano; Strong Dancer
Friedrich von Trapp: Wants to take care of his siblings, and be a grown up, but also yearns to play and have fun with his family. Trying to prove he is an adult, and responsible… Desperately needs his father and approval. Age to be played as: 14; Vocal range: Alto/Tenor; Must learn choreography and harmonize
Louisa von Trapp: Clever and full of mischief. She is the master of pranks and enjoys pulling them on others. She has a rebellious attitude and misses her mother a great deal. Age to be played as: 13; Vocal range: Mezzo Soprano; Must learn choreography and harmonize
Kurt von Trapp: Wants to be older and introduces himself as “11-almost”. He is the second boy and the middle of the children. He often tries to act older than he is, yet he is outspoken against the previous governesses. He is gentle and a peacemaker. Age to be played as: 10; Vocal range: Alto; Must learn choreography and harmonize
Brigitta von Trapp: Smart as a whip, very perceptive and always tells the truth whether you like it or not. She’s an avid reader, very strong intuition, and suspicious of “Uncle Max”. Age to be played as: 9; Vocal range: Mezzo Soprano; Must learn choreography and harmonize
Marta von Trapp: ACTOR MUST BE AT LEAST 8 YEARS OLD. One of the quietest and the shyest von Trapp. She loves the color pink, is inquisitive, smart, and gentle. Age to be played as: 7; Vocal range: Mezzo Soprano; Must be able to read, learn choreography, and harmonize
Gretl von Trapp: ACTOR MUST BE AT LEAST 8 YEARS OLD. She is the youngest Von Trapp. She is very quiet when first introduced by her father. She is sweet, loving and wants attention. Must be the smallest of the siblings, and also the sweetest. Age to be played as: 5; Vocal range: Mezzo Soprano; Must be able to read, learn choreography, and harmonize.
PRINCIPAL ROLE BREAKDOWN
*PLEASE NOTE: Adult principal roles are planned to be double-cast
Maria Rainer (von Trapp): A postulant at Nonnberg Abbey – Maria is a headstrong, free-spirited young woman. She is spunky, outspoken, warm, resourceful, deeply faithful, insightful, gentle and kind with much determination. Experience playing guitar a plus. Age to be played as: 20-30 Vocal range: Soprano
Captain Georg von Trapp: A retired Austrian naval captain. He is a widower. He’s polished, yet very military in the way he runs his life and leads his family; underneath, he is warm and loving, understanding and determined. Regimented, loyal, dignified, commanding, polished, noble, intelligent, with a strong moral compass. Experience playing acoustic guitar a plus. Age to be played as: 35+; Vocal range: Bass/Baritone
Max Detweiler: A theatrical agent and First Secretary of Education and Culture – an advantageous friend of von Trapp and a sort of distant uncle to his children. He is clever at his job, charming, witty, and quite pushy to get what he wants. He has a humorous personality. He enjoys the good life and those that live the good life. Age to be played as: 35+; Vocal range: Baritone/Tenor
Baroness Elsa Schraeder: A very wealthy widow, who is president of her late husband’s corporation. Elegant, sophisticated city person. Clever and canny, she has begun a flirtation with Captain von Trapp. She is very much into making good social arrangements. Age to be played as: 30+; Vocal range: Soprano
The Mother Abbess: The Mother Abbess is an inspirational leader for all the nuns at the Abby. She is a wise, brave, maternal figure, who is loved, adored and respected. She has a bit of hidden spunk. Age to be played as: 40+; Vocal range: Soprano
Rolf Gruber: Rolf is 17 and is the telegram delivery boyfriend of Liesl. He is self-important, boasting, a very pleasant young man, and somewhat aggressive but in a gentle way. Rolf has committed to joining the Nazi regime as a future goal. He seems to know an enormous amount of what is going on because of his job and seems to relish his spying tactics. Age to be played as: 17 Vocal range: Tenor; Strong Dancer
Sister Berthe: A nun who is the Mistress of Novices. She does not think that headstrong, free- spirited postulants belong at the Abby. She is a no-nonsense type, officious and very strict. She is not a supporter of Maria. She is a killjoy, self-righteous, strait-laced, prim and a bit of a prude. Age to be played as: 30+; Vocal range: Mezzo Soprano; Must harmonize
Sister Margaretta: A nun who is the Mistress of Postulants. She is kind and understanding. A supporter of Maria. She is positive, encouraging, concerned and has a sense of humor. Age to be played as: 20+; Vocal range: Mezzo Soprano; Must harmonize
Sister Sophia: Sister Sophia is a nun who always stays in line. She is very dutiful and kind. She would rather take the middle road to avoid controversy. Age to be played: 30+; Vocal range: Mezzo Soprano; Must harmonize
NON-SINGING ROLES AND ENSEMBLE BREAKDOWN
Seeking strong character actors, as well as a separate small dance ensemble, embodying roles such as Nazi soldiers, neighbors, and wedding attendees. Ages: 18+.
Franz: Originally a sort of protector to Captain von Trapp in the Navy, he is now retired into his position as valet, which he carries out with somber efficiency. He is humorless and appears harmless but underneath we discover he is secretly plotting with the Nazi party Anschluss. Age to be played: 40+; Non-Singing/dancing Role/Will double as Nazi
Frau Schmidt: The von Trapp family housekeeper, Frau Schmidt does her job efficiently but without affection. She is strong and somewhat dominating. She has been around a long time and hates the way she is treated with whistles by the Baron. It affects her dignity. She appears to be a thoroughly reliable member of the staff and respected by all. Age to be played: 40+; Will double in Nun Ensemble
Herr Zeller: A sort of district governor appointed by the Nazi Regime to prepare the Anschluss. He is overbearing, arrogant and autocratic, self-important and pompous. Stern and unsmiling, a typical Nazi official whose primary concern is to see that everyone toes the line. Age to be played: 40+; Non-Singing/dancing role
Baron Elberfeld: A neighbor of the Von Trapps and one of the “Old Guards” of Austria – violently opposed to the takeover of his beloved country by Nazi Germany. Can double with other roles in the ensemble. The baron attends the ball thrown by Captain von Trapp in Elsa’s honor. Age to be played: 50+ Non-singing role; May double as Nazi
Baroness Elberfeld: A neighbor of Captain Von Trapp and wife to the Baron Elberfeld. Age to be played: 50+; Will double in Nun Ensemble
Admiral Von Schreiber: An important figure in the Austrian Navy and appears to be much respected by Captain Von Trapp. He has obviously agreed to be part of the new regime with Germany. He arrives to collect Captain von Trapp to bring him to Berlin. Age to be played: 40+; Non-Singing role; May double as Nazi
NUN ENSEMBLE
Nuns Ensemble (Featured): Nuns, novices, and postulants who live in the Nonnberg Abbey. Have taken their vows to commit their life to God. Ages: 14-80; Vocal range: Altos, Mezzo Sopranos, Sopranos; Must be able to memorize music, harmonize, and learn simple staging.