Auditions for HMS Pinafore

AUDITIONS
for
Gilbert & Sullivan’s
HMS Pinafore
Director: PHIL LOWERY • Conductor: DAVID MÖSCHLER

Gilbert & Sullivan’s first smash hit, H.M.S. PINAFORE remains one of the most enduringly entertaining stage works in the English language. This saucy ship has filled its sails with the laughter of millions of delighted audiences for over 100 years. We are looking for strong singer/actors for the following roles. Experience in Gilbert & Sullivan is not necessary if you can sing and act the role. Some roles may be double-cast or understudied. We welcome all ages (10 or older), and value diversity. Performers of all races and ethnicities are encouraged to audition.
PRINCIPAL ROLES

RALPH RACKSTRAW: Tenor – romantic lead. Strong operatic singing to high B-flat. Noble, innocent, passionate. In love with Josephine, but afraid to declare himself.

SIR JOSEPH PORTER: Baritone - First Lord of the Admiralty, who rose to this position by “never thinking for himself at all.” Good comic skills and excellent diction (patter song) required.

CAPTAIN CORCORAN: Baritone – Captain of the Pinafore and father of Josephine. Strong lyric baritone. Wants his daughter to marry well.

DICK DEADEYE: Bass – Cynical sailor on the Pinafore. Although his looks are not in his favor, he voices the conscience of the play.

JOSEPHINE CORCORAN: Soprano – romantic lead. Strong operatic singing to high C. Passionate, and conflicted over her secret love of Ralph.

MRS. CRIPPS (Little Buttercup): Contralto – A working class woman who peddles her wares onboard ship. Beloved by all, but in possession of a game changing secret.
SUPPORTING ROLES

COUSIN HEBE: Mezzo-soprano – Sir Joseph’s cousin, who’d like to be his wife.

BILL BOBSTAY (Boatswain): Baritone – a sailor, a leader among the men.

BOB BECKET (Carpenter Mate): Chorus Bass with a solid low “E;” sings in a trio with Ralph Rackstraw and Bill Bobstay.

CHORUS OF SAILORS and SISTERS, COUSINS & AUNTS

As with most Gilbert & Sullivan shows, the chorus is a very important part of the action, and has much stage time and wonderful music. We need 6 to 8 each sopranos, altos, tenors and basses, good movement a plus.

THERE ARE 14 PERFORMANCES IN 4 VENUES (subject to change):

Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek
Friday July 31, 2015 - 8pm
Saturday August 1, 2015 - 2pm & 8pm
Sunday August 2, 2015 - 2pm

Mountain View Performing Arts Center, Mountain View
Saturday August 8, 2015 – 2pm & 8pm
Sunday August 9, 2015 - 2pm

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
Friday August, 14 2015 - 8pm
Saturday August 15, 2015 - 2pm & 8pm
Sunday August 16, 2015 - 2pm

Bankhead Theater, Livermore
Saturday August 22, 2015 - 2pm & 8pm
Sunday August 23, 2015 - 2pm

CD RECORDING: Please note that we have plans to make an audio recording of this production in order to make commercial CDs for sale. We are not able to offer additional compensation for these recordings – all proceeds will directly benefit the Lamplighters. If a role is double-cast, the directors will determine which performer will be included in the recording.
PRELIMINARY AUDITION DATES & LOCATION:
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 7-10 PM
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 7-10 PM
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 7-10 PM

Auditions are held at the Lamplighters Rehearsal Hall, 469 Bryant Street (between 2nd and 3rd Streets in the South of Market section of San Francisco).

CALLBACKS are scheduled for Monday February 9 and/or Tuesday February 10 from 7-10pm.

AUDITIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please send an EMAIL to [email protected] requesting an audition appointment. Give your first and second choices of times (e.g. first choice – between 7:30 – 8:00 on Monday; second choice – around 9:00 PM on Tuesday), and a phone number as well as your email address, so that we can contact you on the day of the audition in case of any problems. You will be notified by return email of the date and time of your audition appointment. If you do not have email, you may call 415-227-4797 between the hours of 10 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday (or leave a message) – but EMAIL COMMUNICATION IS GREATLY PREFERRED.

AUDITION FAQs: Please come to the preliminary audition with two contrasting songs in English, preferably from opera, operetta or classical music theatre, that you feel will show off your voice well. You may only be asked to sing one song. An accompanist will be provided. Bring your music in the key in which you will sing it. Also bring your headshot and resume, and your calendar so that you can give us any conflicts that you may have during the rehearsal period. If you are needed for a callback, you will be notified.

REHEARSALS will begin in early June and will be held primarily Sundays through Thursdays. A tentative schedule will be available at the auditions, and more detail will be provided as soon as available. We will take breaks for major holidays, but will probably not be able to cast people with extensive travel plans.

THE VOCAL SCORE is available at music stores (we recommend San Francisco Music Center, 207 Powell Street (2nd Floor, at O'Farrell), 415-781-6024) or online services such as J.W. Pepper or sheetmusic.com. We use the G. Schirmer edition. Cost is around $15.

PLEASE NOTE: As with any period production, cast members may be required to provide special undergarments that may be necessary (e.g. women, Merry Widows; men, dance belts), as well as tights and footwear. Also, it may be necessary for men to alter or eliminate facial hair. Cast members may be asked to donate a few hours to help with costumes, sets, mailings, etc.
Non-Equity; Non-AGMA; Some Pay

Stipends for leads will range from $250 - $750, depending on size and difficulty of role and whether double-cast. All chorus singers will be offered expense reimbursement up to $200 to help offset costs such as purchasing tights and footwear, voice lessons and coaching, travel and lodging, etc.