Monthly Archives: April 2022

Footlighters, Inc. Announces Auditions for PIPPIN!

Pippin is the story of one young man’s journey to be extraordinary. Winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, this updated circus-inspired version of Pippin continues to captivate and appeal to the young at heart throughout the world. Heir to the Frankish throne, the young prince Pippin is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father, King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, though, Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day.

Director and Choreographer: Amanda Emmons Shumate
Music Director: Alan Masters
Choreographer: Robert Fields
Producers: Adrianna Boris, Amanda Emmons Shumate & Alan Masters

This production staff is committed to bringing together a diverse group of people who are dedicated to bringing this story to life. We encourage performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, body types, and ages, to submit an audition. We hope to unite a group of people looking to enhance the arts in our community. Listed age ranges are merely suggestions and no roles have been precast. Rehearsals begin in June 2022.

Auditions

• Monday, May 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 24 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Callbacks: Thursday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. (if needed)

Location
The Stained Glass Theatre
802 York Street, Newport KY 41071

Performances: September 22, 2022 – October 9, 2022

Audition Requirements

• Please sign-up for an audition slot. Walk-ins are welcomed, but will be assigned to the first available audition slot.
• We are committed to the safety of all members of this production. Please bring proof of your COVID-19 Vaccination. We do require that the cast, crew, and production team be fully vaccinated. Masks will be required during rehearsals when not actively engaged on stage.
• Prepare 16-32 bars of a broadway style song of your choice that best highlights your vocal abilities. You may also be asked to do some vocalizing with the music director. Your sheet music should be in the proper key with cuts clearly marked. An accompanist will be provided (no recordings or a cappella numbers).
• Prepare one of the following: If presenting a skill, monologue or story in-person, please limit it to 1 minute.
  • A presentation of a circus or magic related skill you may have. If you are unable to present this in-person at auditions (i.e. safety concerns, lack of equipment, etc.), we would love to see a recorded presentation of your act. Please email these prior to your audition slot: Pippin.Footligthers@gmail.com.
  • A comedic monologue. (should be presented in-person)
  • A short story of a time when you overcame societal pressures. (should be presented in-person)
• You will be asked to participate in a dance choreography combination. An instructional video of the audition dance is available in the “audition documents” drive linked below. The dance studio is open and available for you to work with a choreographer if you wish to have additional instructional time. Once you are ready, you may join any dance group slot for the dance call. Those interested in the role of THEO will not be asked to participate in the dance combination.
• We understand that the audition process can sometimes be intimidating and overwhelming. This production staff believes firmly in full transparency and is committed to making this process as accessible as possible. Helpful audition materials, including the choreography combination video, possible callback sides and sheet music are available in our AUDITION DOCUMENTS drive.

PIPPIN is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Book by Roger O. Hirson
Orchestrations for 2013 Revival by Larry Hochman

Questions: Pippin.Footlighters@gmail.com

Character Breakdown

• Leading Player: The ultimate ‘ring leader.’ Masterfully charming and manipulative, the Leading Player is a chameleon of sorts. Guides Pippin through his own story and tries to intervene at the end. Excellent dancer. Obsessed with putting on a great show for the audience.
  • Gender: Any/All Identifications
  • Age: Flexible
  • Vocal Range: Ab3 – Eb5
• Pippin: Our story’s young and confused protagonist. He is longing to find his purpose in life. Naive, innocent, and discontent. Eventually finds love, and meaning in life, with Catherine and Theo. Moves well.
  • Gender: Male Identifying
  • Age: 18 to 35
  • Vocal Range: Ab4 – G2
• Charles: Pippin’s demanding father. As the King of the Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne is more comfortable wielding a sword than breaking bread. He wears his years with great pride.
  • Gender: Male Identifying
  • Age: 40 to 60
  • Vocal Range: E4 – G2
• Fastrada: Pippin’s conniving stepmother. A seductress, who is no stranger to deceit and betrayal, she is both sexy and smart. Skilled at using her sexual appeal to benefit her and her son. Moves well.
  • Gender: Female Identifying
  • Age: 30 to 45
  • Vocal Range: F5 – A3
• Berthe: Pippin’s saucy grandmother. A brassy broad full of wisdom, grace, and sass. She tries to help Pippin and encourages him to live his life to the fullest. Moves well.
  • Gender: Female Identifying
  • Age: 55+
  • Vocal Range: C5 – E3
• Catherine: A widow and mother. She is beautiful and a hopeless romantic, who possesses graceful elegance. Encounters Pippin at his lowest point and eventually falls in love with him.
  • Gender: Female Identifying
  • Age: 18 to 35
  • Vocal Range: Db5 – F#3
• Theo: Catherine’s son. This performer does not need to participate in the dance combination of auditions, but could be used throughout various ensemble scenes as needed, particularly if they have a circus related talent to share.
  • Gender: Male Identifying
  • Age: 8 to 15
• Lewis: Pippin’s half brother who loves the limelight. Lewis loves…well, Lewis, and is a favorite of his mother. Will also be a player in the ensemble.
  • Gender: Male Identifying
  • Age: 18 to 40
• The Players: This ensemble of individuals will help tell the story. They will fill numerous roles throughout the production. They will be asked to portray Charlemagnes Army, Monks, Nobility, Peasants, and most importantly players in our circus. We are seeking a hugely diverse group of individuals who are willing to be extraordinary together! They should be strong movers and willing to attack various dance styles. They will also explore the world of circus acts as we bring them to life – though no previous experience is required! These players are heavily featured throughout the production. This is an opportunity to show off talents that are not usually brought to the musical theatre stage.