Monthly Archives: November 2022

The Drama Workshop will hold auditions for Stepping Out, a play with dancing, on Sunday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. and Monday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. Invitation-only call backs will be held on Tuesday, December 6 at 7:00 p.m. All auditions will be held at the Glenmore Playhouse, 3712 Glenmore Avenue, 45211.   The theater will open at 6:30 p.m. each evening.

Stepping Out is a comedy by Richard Harris. The play centers around the instructor and members of a weekly tap-dancing class. As the class prepares for an upcoming performance, we learn about their lives outside of the dance studio as well.   Liza Minnelli starred in a 1991 film based on the play.

Dianna Davis will direct the play with choreography by Genevieve Perrino and Jerry Weisenhahn.

Performance dates: May 12-28.

There are roles for eight women and one man who play the instructor and members of the tap class and one woman who plays the piano for the class.

Those auditioning do not need to be proficient in tap, but a background in tap dancing would be helpful. For anyone with little or no tap/movement experience, we are simply looking for a willingness and commitment to learn during rehearsals.  Most of the choreography is very basic during the scenes taking place during class. But the play does end with the cast performing a polished finale tap dance.

Auditions will consist of readings from the script, a brief tap dance audition, and a jazz dance audition for those auditioning for the role of Mavis.  Auditionees should bring tap shoes and dance wear if they have them. A resume and photo would also be helpful.

Covid policy: The Drama Workshop requires all staff and performers to be vaccinated.   Please bring your vaccination card to the audition.

CHARACTERS IN THE PLAY
*Ages are approximate “playing ages”.

• Mavis: the tap-dancing instructor; Mavis is an ex-pro dancer, 30 – 50 years old. Mavis is considerate, organized and always in charge of the group. Mavis must be a proficient tap and jazz dancer.
• Lynne: an eager to please student nurse, 20 – 25 years old.
• Dorothy: anxious, birdlike, between 25 – 45 years old; has a habit of repeating other people’s last words.
• Maxine: a confident Jewish business woman who wears big diamond rings, 30 – 40 years old.
• Andy (woman):  timid, bullied by her husband, 25 – 40 years old.
• Geoffrey: a shy, quiet, bumbling widower who has a crush on Andy, 30 – 50 years old. The ability to play the piano is a plus.
• Sylvia: bubbly, flirty, chews gum all of the time, 25 – 40 years old.
• Rose: a larger-than-life Trinidadian who wears an obvious wig, a crucifix around her neck and lots of finger rings, 30 – 50 years old.
• Vera: a neat, proper, British, well-meaning snob with expensive tastes in clothes who doesn’t quite get it right. Vera does have immaculate hair & make-up. She is aspiring middle-class, 35 – 50 years old.
• Mrs. Fraser: the pianist; intolerant, sarcastic, grumpy. Mrs. Fraser believes she is doing everyone a favor by being there. 50+ years old. The ability to play the piano is a plus.

Casting note This play is very story and character driven, therefore we are looking for those who can embody their roles, define their own interpretation and bring their character to life. We ask that preparation involves making some decisions about the character and how it could be performed, but also being open to change and direction. For anyone with little or no tap or movement experience, we are simply looking for a willingness to learn. The audition will involve a movement audition to gauge how the performer approaches and enjoys dancing rather than how well it is performed.