Theatre Northwest, the performance company of the Indiana University Northwest Department of Performing Arts, has announced open auditions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 2-4 for the spring production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” a comedy horror rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman (creators of Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, and Aladdin).
“Little Shop of Horrors” will be Theatre Northwest’s first musical production since before the closure of the Tamarack Hall performance venue in September of 2008.
“We are very excited about bringing musical theatre back to IU Northwest,” said Assistant Professor of Theatre Mark Baer, who will direct the production. “We are looking for student actors, singers, dancers and musicians of all skill levels to make this show come to life.”
Auditions are open to everyone. IU Northwest students regardless of their academic major are invited to audition as well as actors and actresses from the general community. No previous theatre experience is required, but some background in music is advantageous.
Open auditions are scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 2 and Wednesday, Dec 3. Callbacks will be on Thursday, Dec. 4. The auditions will take place at Theatre Northwest on Grant, located at 3660 Grant Street in Gary, just three blocks west of the IU Northwest campus and next to Arts on Grant.
All those auditioning are asked to prepare 16 bars of a song of their own choosing. Piano accompaniment will be provided for those with sheet music. In addition, those auditioning will be asked to read and sing from the script.
As the audition draws near, music and scene cuttings that will be used at auditions will be posted here: www.iun.edu/theatre/auditions. Those auditioning are encouraged to check this site in order to prepare.
“Little Shop of Horrors” tells the story of the orphan floral assistant, Seymour Krelborn, who stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" after his coworker crush. Much to his surprise, the plant grows into an R&B-singing carnivore that promises unending fame and fortune to the down-and-out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination.
The 12 roles, which can be played by any actor, regardless of age or race, include:
SEYMOUR KRELBORN (male, tenor) – An insecure, put-upon florist's clerk and eventual hero. He is a genuine, well-meaning man who is taken for granted because of his clumsy ways and poor social skills.
AUDREY (female, soprano) – The secret love of Seymour's life, she has poor self-worth and little education, but a sweet and vulnerable demeanor.
CRYSTAL, RONNETTE and CHIFFON (females in three-part doo-wop style harmony) locals from the street, acting as the occasional Greek Chorus. Young, hip, and smart, these girls are the only ones who have a grip on reality.
MR. MUSHNIK (male, baritone) – The seasoned owner of the failing East Side flower shop and Seymour's nosy boss. He is profit-driven, greedy and manipulative.
ORIN SCRIVELLO (male, bass) – An egotistical dentist with sadistic tendencies and a passion for leather. Audrey's abusive boyfriend, who is targeted by Seymour.
VOICE OF THE PLANT (male, bass) - An actor/vocalist located offstage. The voice is that of a conniving, street-smart “villain.” A funky rhythm and blues voice is best.
PLANT PUPPETEER – The only non-singing role in the show. This performer brings the giant singing-dancing play to life. May also appear in the chorus.
In addition to actors and singers, Theatre Northwest is looking for musicians to perform in the “Little Shop” band under the direction of Adjunct Professor Peter Aglinskas. Those with experience on bass, percussion, guitar or keyboards should contact him at paglinsk@iun.edu.
Theatre Northwest is also seeking those with interest and/or experience with stage management, costumes, properties, lighting, set construction and painting. Those interested in these positions should contact Tim O’Donnell, technical director, at tiodonne@iun.edu.
Rehearsals are scheduled for Mondays through Thursdays, 6 to 9 p.m., beginning February 9, 2015. Additional weekend rehearsal times will be added as opening night approaches. Those auditioning must be available for a majority of the rehearsals and must declare rehearsal conflicts before being cast. Performances of “Little Shop of Horrors” is scheduled for April 2–18.
For more information about open auditions, contact Mark Baer at mcbaer@iun.edu.
About Theatre Northwest
Theatre Northwest, the performance company of the Indiana University Northwest Department of Performing Arts, is highly regarded as an affordable and accessible performance venue serving the communities of Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. The theatre also serves as a platform for the up-and-coming talent of the Department of Performing Arts, the only public theatre degree program in Northwest Indiana.
About Indiana University Northwest
As one of seven Indiana University campuses, IU Northwest leads the region as the premier, urban campus dedicated to serving the needs of more than 6,000 students from the state’s most diverse and industrialized region. Committed to helping its local Northwest Indiana communities thrive, IU Northwest is best-known for providing a personal, quality and affordable education close to home. IU Northwest positions its students to be leaders with more than 70 undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional degree options available from the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Health and Human Services, the School of Business and Economics, and the School of Education. The campus is also host to IU School of Medicine-Northwest, which actively involves students in research and local healthcare needs through its four-year medical doctorate program. For more information, please visit www.iun.edu.