Tag Archives: Merit Theatre Company

MERIT THEATRE COMPANY & ORCHESTRA PRESENTS BRIGHT STAR
Music, Book & Story by Steve Martin
Music, Lyrics & Story by Edie Brickell
Produced & Directed by Benjamin & Kaitlyn Iocco

Inspired by true events, Bright Star is a sweeping musical set in the American South in the 1920s and 40s. With a vibrant cast of characters and lively bluegrass score, Bright Star tells a touching story of love, loss, and redemption.

Casting actors of all ages.

AUDITIONS

• Friday, May 9, 7:00–9:30 PM
• Saturday, May 10, 2:00–5:00 PM

Fort Mitchell Baptist Church
2323 Dixie Hwy, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017

By appointment only. Sign up for an audition slot at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080C4EACAC2BA2F49-55289227-bright#/.
Also accepting video auditions (due May 10 by 5:00 PM).

Please prepare:

• A 60-second monologue with Southern dialect in the style of the show.
• 32 bars of a bluegrass, folk, or musical theatre song in the style of the show that best showcases your vocal ability.

When selecting your monologue and song, choose contrasting pieces that showcase your range.

Actors will also participate in a short dance call as part of the audition process. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes you can move in.

Please bring:

• Sheet music in the correct key with cuts marked. An accompanist will be provided. No a cappella or accompaniment tracks (except for video auditions).
• An acting résumé, headshot, and completed audition form.

For video auditions: Follow the same requirements above and film your audition. Please ensure that you capture a full body shot to showcase your movement, range, and physicality. Upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo and email the link to production@merittheatre.org. Attach your résumé, headshot, and completed audition form to the email. Video auditions may use an accompaniment track. Audition videos are due by May 10 at 5:00 PM.

Callbacks (invitation only): Monday, May 12, at 7:00 PM

Auditions and callbacks will be held at Fort Mitchell Baptist Church (2323 Dixie Hwy, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017).

Rehearsals will be held in Northern Kentucky on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday or Saturday (TBD) evenings beginning June 16. Tech week rehearsals begin August 17.

PERFORMANCES
Anderson Center Theater
7850 Five Mile Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230

August 22 at 7:30 PM
August 23 at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
August 24 at 3:00 PM
August 27 at 7:30 PM
August 28 at 7:30 PM
August 29 at 7:30 PM
August 30 at 2:00 PM

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

• Alice Murphy (20s–30s) – An intelligent, spirited, vibrant literary editor with a tragic past. Must be able to believably portray both her younger (teenage) and older (mid-30s) self. She must be a very strong singer and comfortable in folk and bluegrass styles. Strong belt/mix. (G3–C5)
• Billy Cane (20s) – A hopeful young writer returning from WWII. Fresh, open, optimistic, charming, and a little naïve. (C3–A4)
• Jimmy Ray Dobbs (20s–30s) – A charismatic, privileged man from a powerful family. He is charming, confident, and intelligent, with a great sense of personal responsibility and morality as well as a deep reserve of passion and emotion. Must be able to believably portray both his younger (teenage) and older (30s–40s) self. (C3–A4)
• Margo Crawford (20s) – Sweet and sincere, she is a bookstore owner and Billy’s childhood friend with romantic feelings towards him. (B3–E5)
• Mayor Josiah Dobbs (40s–60s) – Jimmy Ray’s stern, controlling father and the mayor of Zebulon. He is a distinguished political and financial powerbroker with an imposing and controlling presence. He has a genuine interest in protecting his son’s future and his family name, but in doing so, is ultimately pushed to a point of extreme and irrevocable cruelty. (A2–G4)
• Mama Murphy (40s–50s) – Alice’s caring, sensible mother. (G3–C5)
• Daddy Murphy (40s–50s) – Alice’s father, hardworking but emotionally distant. He is an authoritative and stern disciplinarian; a poor but proud farmer. (A2–G4)
• Daryl Ames (30s–40s) – A witty, sarcastic assistant at Alice’s publishing house. Strong comedic timing required. (C3–E4)
• Lucy Grant (20s–30s) – A junior editor at Alice’s publishing house, she is spunky, confident, and ambitious with a sharp sense of humor. (B3–D5)
• Stanford Adams (40s–60s) – A publisher and Alice’s boss. Wise and kind. (A2–D4)
• Dr. Norquist (40s–60s) – The town doctor. (Non-singing)
• Government Clerk (30s–60s) – A small but important role. (Non-singing)
• Ensemble (all ages) – Will play a vital role in bringing Bright Star to life, actively participating in storytelling with vocal harmonies, dynamic movement, and lots of energy and interaction.

Bright Star is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com

You are invited to audition for the chorale for this year’s A VERY MERIT CHRISTMAS concert with Merit Theatre Company & Orchestra. You will perform with our fabulous 50-piece pops orchestra in front of a dazzling set inside the newly-renovated Corbett Theatre at Northern Kentucky University.

Here’s a little taste of our past Christmas concert to give you an idea of this magical event. This year’s program will include many new songs and surprises.
Video auditions are due September 27.

Send your video to production@merittheatre.org. We need to hear you sing about 30 seconds–1 minute of your favorite Christmas song. In your email, please include your full name, phone number, vocal type, and any conflicts you have between October 7 and December 5.

DETAILS:
Chorale rehearsals will be held on Monday evenings from 7–9pm in Northern Kentucky beginning October 7. Rehearsals will be held at NKU the week of December 2.

Performances will be held on December 6 at 7:30pm and December 7 at 2pm & 7:30pm.