WHO/WHEN:
Ages 10 – 18
Auditions: August 17 & 18 @ 4:30
Audition Workshop: August 16 @ 10:30
@ Erie Playhouse Rehearsal Hall 1158 E 12th St, Erie, PA 16503
Performances Nov 7 – 16 @ Lecom Stage at the Playhouse
(including school time matinee performances at 10 am on Nov 12 – 14)
Auditioners are asked to arrive and to sign in BEFORE the posted audition start time.
All roles are available. The Erie Playhouse practices color conscious casting. All ethnicities and newcomers are welcome. Crew and other volunteers are also needed for these events. Perusal scripts are available in the box office for 24 hrs. with a refundable $10 deposit. Questions? Please contact ahnika.lexvold@erieplayhouse.org.
THE SHOW:
EMMA: A POP MUSICAL! JV
By Eric Price
Adapted from the novel “Emma” by Jane Austen
Take Jane Austen’s classic novel Emma and combine it with the hit songs of legendary girl groups and iconic female singers and you get Emma! A Pop Musical. Emma, a senior at Highbury Prep, is certain she knows what’s best for her classmates’ love lives, and is determined to find the perfect boyfriend for shy sophomore Harriet by the end of the school year. But will Emma’s relentless matchmaking get in the way of finding her own happiness? This sparkling new musical features hit songs like “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “How Will I Know,” “Brave,” and “Roar.” Girl power has never sounded so good!
DIRECTOR AND CHOREOGRAPHER AHNIKA LEXVOLD
MUSIC DIRECTOR DEVON YATES
AUDITION INFORMATION:
See “Youtheatre Auditions” for a more detailed breakdown of how auditions will run.
Auditions will consist of a monologue, song, and dance portion. You will learn the dance at auditions but should have your monologue and song learned and memorized before auditions. Monologues and songs for auditions are from the show and can be found below. Please choose only one monologue and one song from the options to perform!
There will be an optional (but encouraged!) audition workshop held at the rehearsal hall on August 16 @ 10:30 AM where you can learn the audition dance ahead of time, be able to practice your songs with an accompanist, and work your monologues in groups. This workshop is designed to alleviate some of the stress that goes with auditioning and also to ensure that anyone who wishes will have the resources to feel prepared for their audition.
Auditions start at 4:30 with everyone learning the dance together and performing it for the director. Arrive early to allow time to fill out/turn in audition forms beforehand!
Monologue Options
Choose ONE monologue to perform HERE
Song Options
Listen to the Cast Album HERE
Choose ONE song to perform from the following:
BRAVE by Sara Bareilles
Karaoke Track (stop at 1:34)
GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN by Cyndi Lauper
Karaoke Track (stop at 1:31)
HEARTBREAKER by Pat Benatar (Male auditioners – please choose this song)
Karaoke Track (stop at 0:52)
COMMITMENT:
Rehearsal will take place 3 – 4 days a week at the Erie Playhouse Rehearsal Hall. Rehearsals will typically take place from 4:30 – 6:30 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and 2 – 4 on Saturdays. Not every actor will be called to every rehearsal, but if you are called to a rehearsal attendance is mandatory! The show will move to the Erie Playhouse Stage the week of October 27th. Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances after this date (no rehearsal on Halloween). Please be sure to have any known conflicts with the anticipated rehearsal period for this show ready to provide on your audition form when you arrive!
CHARACTERS:
EMMA
Female
A beautiful and smart high school senior who exudes confidence, especially when it concerns what other people should do with their lives. When it comes to her own life, she is not so sure, but she covers that up with witty banter, energy, and humor.
Vocal Range: A3 – D5
HARRIET
Female
A sophomore who is sometimes shy, easily swayed, and incurably romantic. Although her emotions can vary wildly, her sweetness never goes away.
Vocal Range: F3 – E5
JEFF KNIGHTLY
Male
A senior at Highbury. Jeff is studious, serious, and finds Emma’s focus on matchmaking a frustrating distraction, but he has feelings for her nonetheless.
Vocal Range: Tenor D4 – Gb5
JANE FAIRFAX
Female
A junior from Ohio who is considering transferring to Highbury. She is rebellious and occasionally gives off a feeling of entitlement. But when she lets her guard down, she’s caring and genuine.
Vocal Range: F3 – E5
FRANKIE CHURCHILL
Male
A world famous pop star who attended Highbury during his freshman year before he got a record contract and left school. He’s sometimes uncomfortable having such a glamorous persona and wishes his life could be a little more normal.
Vocal Range: Tenor Db4 – A5
ASHLEY
Female
An exuberant and narcissistic junior who begins dating Philip. She’s an ambitious social climber who also wants to be an actress and a singer and is ready to perform for anyone at any time.
Vocal Range: G#3 – F5
PHILIP ELTON
Male
A junior running for President of next year’s Student Council. He is snobby, arrogant, and a true politician.
MARTIN
Male
A sweet, shy, semi-dorky sophomore at the local public school. In his spare time, he works in the kitchen at Highbury as a dishwasher/busboy. His two favorite things are his bowling team and Harriet.
MISS BATES
Female
Highbury’s Principal. She is frantic, eager to bring more students in, and provides a unique comedic element to the show..
WELCOMING COMMITTEE
Female
These are three girls from the female ensemble. These are student council-type girls – eager, excited, and involved. Strong singers, in the style of a 1960s girl group.
ENSEMBLE
Male & Female
These are fellow high school students. Note: The ensemble is a major part of the show and is in almost every scene and song.
