AUDITIONS FOR the PTPA YOuth Academy Production of
"CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG JR" sponsored by the Pasco L. Schiavo Memorial Fund of the Luzerne Foundation!
WHO
Auditions are open for youth of all experience levels from 7-18 years old.
PRODUCTION STAFF
Director - Emily BrekkeMusic Director - Brayden DudinyakTechnical Director - AJ MillerChoreographer - Kailyn MacCollumCostumer - Ava BadamoStage Manager - Lexi BradburyMentors: Adam Randis, Tim Solarek, Cali Solarek, T.R. Laputka, Kristi Gallagher
WHERE AND WHEN:Saturday, June 28, 6pm-8pmSunday, June 29, 2pm-4pmat the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts, 212 W Broad St, Hazleton PA 18201*Auditions will be held in the rehearsal studios in the theatre basement. Please enter the building at the rear stage doors on Mine Street and follow signs downstairs to the audition space.
SHOW DATES & TIMES: Friday, September 5 @ 7pmSaturday, September 6 @ 7pmSunday, September 7 @ 3pm AUDITION REQUIREMENTS: *Those participating will be provided with an audition form to complete upon entering the theatre. Please have a list of rehearsal conflicts that you are aware of between the dates of July 15 through August 30 ready to be submitted. There will be a mandatory tech week of rehearsals from August 31 through September 4. *Auditionees should prepare 16-32 bars (approximately between :45 and 1:30) of a song from the show or in the style of the show and come with a karaoke track to sing along with on their phone. They will also be asked to read short excerpts from the script. *Youth auditioning are encouraged to come in loose fitting, comfortable clothes and will be taught a brief dance routine. *Audition Callbacks, if necessary, will be held July 5 at 2pm. Auditionees will be contacted individually regarding vocal and script requirements. *Video submissions of vocal auditions will also be accepted until June 30 @ 11:59 PM. Youth auditioning via video may be asked in follow-up to send additional videos with scene excerpts from the show or an additional song/part of a song. Video submissions should also be emailed to artisticdirector@ptpashows.org SYNOPSIS: Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts sets about restoring an old race car with the help of his children Jeremy and Jemima. They soon discover the car is magic, and has the ability to float and take flight. When the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself, the family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts to outwit the dastardly Baron and Baroness and their villainous henchman, the Child Catcher. CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG JR. is based on the record-breaking West End production and the beloved film, and features an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins). ROLES: *All roles are open and available* Jeremy and Jemima PottsJeremy and Jemima Potts are energetic children who are always up for an adventure. They are friends and do everything together, and their greatest wish is to save Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from the junkyard. Needs to be two performers who work well together and are good actors and singers. It’s helpful if these performers read as younger than Potts, Truly, and Grandpa onstage.Jeremy:Vocal range top: Eb5Vocal range bottom: C4Jemima:Vocal range top: Eb5Vocal range bottom: C4 Chitty Chitty is the famous race car that beats the Vulgarians multiple times in the Grand Prix. There will be five to seven actors used to create this magical car. The performers cast to operate the car must work as an excellent team. They should also be singers who are very comfortable onstage. Caractacus Potts Caractacus Potts is Jeremy and Jemima’s father. He is an eccentric inventor who cares deeply about his children. Should be an experienced performer with a great voice who is very comfortable onstage. The role was played by Dick Van Dyke in the film version, and he’s a great example: a charming, charismatic leading man with great comic timing.Vocal range top: Eb4Vocal range bottom: C3 Mr. Coggins Mr. Coggins owns Coggins Garage and ultimately sells Chitty to Potts and the children. Needs to be a good actor who can portray Mr. Coggins’s humor and kindness. This role is non-singing. Junkman The Junkman is mean and a bit scary. Needs to be a good actor who can lean into this character’s threatening persona. This role is non-singing. Truly Scrumptious Truly Scrumptious is the smart, confident, adventurous daughter of Lord Scrumptious who quickly earns the Potts family’s trust. A fantastic singer, actor, and dancer who pairs well with the Potts family and can command the stage.Vocal range top: D5Vocal range bottom: C4 Grandpa Grandpa loves Jeremy, Jemima, and Potts with all his heart. Though his experience in the military drives many of his interactions, underneath all his bluster, the most important thing to Grandpa is his family. Should be a great actor and a good singer who is unafraid to make bold choices onstage.Vocal range top: C4Vocal range bottom: C3 Miss Phillips Miss Phillips is the no-nonsense assistant to Lord Scrumptious. This is a great feature for someone who can create a strong character but might not be quite ready for a larger role. Miss Phillips does not have a singing solo. Lord Scrumptious Lord Scrumptious is the all-powerful owner of the candy factory. A strong, confident performer who is comfortable commanding the stage and pairs well with Truly. This role is non-singing. Baron & BaronessThe Baron and Baroness are larger- than-life villains. Need to be excellent performers who can act, sing, dance, and who aren’t afraid to chew the scenery a bit. The Baron and Baroness should pair together well and embody both the comically inept villain and the real threat to the Potts family.Baron:Vocal range top: C#4Vocal range bottom: D3Baroness:Vocal range top: D5Vocal range bottom: C4 Boris and Goran Boris and Goran are the worst spies ever. These comical roles play off each another throughout the entire show and have some of the funniest dialogue, so needs to be two hilarious performers who can really land a joke. Boris and Goran do not sing but should be good movers since they have some physical comedy. Morris Dancers The Morris Dancers perform during “Me Ol’ Bamboo.” Should be good singers and great dancers who can carry the number. Fair Announcer The Fair Announcer kicks off the Fun Fair by introducing the Morris Dancers. This is a great role for a newer performer who might not be ready to take on a large role but it does need a BIG voice! Violet and Sid Violet and Sid are great featured roles, and they are involved in a bit of stage magic during “Me Ol’ Bamboo.” Need to be good actors and responsible performers who can perform the staging the same way for each performance. Turkey Farmer The Turkey Farmer has a brief scene after “Me Ol’ Bamboo.” This is a good place for an actor who can make a big impression in a short amount of time. This role is non-singing. Toymaker The Toymaker has been secretly working to save children right under the Baron and Baroness’s noses. The Toymaker is compassionate, clever, and never gives up trying to help people. Should be a great actor and a good singer to portray the Toymaker’s kindness. The Toymaker should be a total contrast to the Child Catcher.Vocal range top: A3Vocal range bottom: C#3 Toby, Marta, and Greta Toby, Marta, and Greta are Hidden Children who help Potts plan Jeremy and Jemima’s rescue. They should be fine actors and good singers who shine onstage.Toby:Vocal range top: A3Vocal range bottom: C3Marta:Vocal range top: Bb4Vocal range bottom: C4Greta:Vocal range top: A4Vocal range bottom: D4 Child Catcher The Child Catcher is a villain with none of the Baron and Baroness’s humor. Needs to be a performer who isn’t afraid to be terrifying! The Child Catcher doesn’t sing but should be a great actor. Ensemble The ensemble for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR. is made up of a myriad of vibrant characters including Chef 1, Chef 2, Chef 3, additional Chefs, Workers, Townspeople, Dogs, Soldiers, Star Chorus, Fairgoers, Seagulls, Vulgarians, and Hidden Children. All of these characters help fill out the world of the show, so the bolder your actors’ choices the better.
SHOW DATES & TIMES: Friday, September 5 @ 7pmSaturday, September 6 @ 7pmSunday, September 7 @ 3pm AUDITION REQUIREMENTS: *Those participating will be provided with an audition form to complete upon entering the theatre. Please have a list of rehearsal conflicts that you are aware of between the dates of July 15 through August 30 ready to be submitted. There will be a mandatory tech week of rehearsals from August 31 through September 4. *Auditionees should prepare 16-32 bars (approximately between :45 and 1:30) of a song from the show or in the style of the show and come with a karaoke track to sing along with on their phone. They will also be asked to read short excerpts from the script. *Youth auditioning are encouraged to come in loose fitting, comfortable clothes and will be taught a brief dance routine. *Audition Callbacks, if necessary, will be held July 5 at 2pm. Auditionees will be contacted individually regarding vocal and script requirements. *Video submissions of vocal auditions will also be accepted until June 30 @ 11:59 PM. Youth auditioning via video may be asked in follow-up to send additional videos with scene excerpts from the show or an additional song/part of a song. Video submissions should also be emailed to artisticdirector@ptpashows.org SYNOPSIS: Take a fantastic musical adventure with an out-of-this-world car that flies through the air and sails the seas. Eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts sets about restoring an old race car with the help of his children Jeremy and Jemima. They soon discover the car is magic, and has the ability to float and take flight. When the evil Baron Bomburst desires the magic car for himself, the family joins forces with Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts to outwit the dastardly Baron and Baroness and their villainous henchman, the Child Catcher. CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG JR. is based on the record-breaking West End production and the beloved film, and features an unforgettable score by the Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins). ROLES: *All roles are open and available* Jeremy and Jemima PottsJeremy and Jemima Potts are energetic children who are always up for an adventure. They are friends and do everything together, and their greatest wish is to save Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from the junkyard. Needs to be two performers who work well together and are good actors and singers. It’s helpful if these performers read as younger than Potts, Truly, and Grandpa onstage.Jeremy:Vocal range top: Eb5Vocal range bottom: C4Jemima:Vocal range top: Eb5Vocal range bottom: C4 Chitty Chitty is the famous race car that beats the Vulgarians multiple times in the Grand Prix. There will be five to seven actors used to create this magical car. The performers cast to operate the car must work as an excellent team. They should also be singers who are very comfortable onstage. Caractacus Potts Caractacus Potts is Jeremy and Jemima’s father. He is an eccentric inventor who cares deeply about his children. Should be an experienced performer with a great voice who is very comfortable onstage. The role was played by Dick Van Dyke in the film version, and he’s a great example: a charming, charismatic leading man with great comic timing.Vocal range top: Eb4Vocal range bottom: C3 Mr. Coggins Mr. Coggins owns Coggins Garage and ultimately sells Chitty to Potts and the children. Needs to be a good actor who can portray Mr. Coggins’s humor and kindness. This role is non-singing. Junkman The Junkman is mean and a bit scary. Needs to be a good actor who can lean into this character’s threatening persona. This role is non-singing. Truly Scrumptious Truly Scrumptious is the smart, confident, adventurous daughter of Lord Scrumptious who quickly earns the Potts family’s trust. A fantastic singer, actor, and dancer who pairs well with the Potts family and can command the stage.Vocal range top: D5Vocal range bottom: C4 Grandpa Grandpa loves Jeremy, Jemima, and Potts with all his heart. Though his experience in the military drives many of his interactions, underneath all his bluster, the most important thing to Grandpa is his family. Should be a great actor and a good singer who is unafraid to make bold choices onstage.Vocal range top: C4Vocal range bottom: C3 Miss Phillips Miss Phillips is the no-nonsense assistant to Lord Scrumptious. This is a great feature for someone who can create a strong character but might not be quite ready for a larger role. Miss Phillips does not have a singing solo. Lord Scrumptious Lord Scrumptious is the all-powerful owner of the candy factory. A strong, confident performer who is comfortable commanding the stage and pairs well with Truly. This role is non-singing. Baron & BaronessThe Baron and Baroness are larger- than-life villains. Need to be excellent performers who can act, sing, dance, and who aren’t afraid to chew the scenery a bit. The Baron and Baroness should pair together well and embody both the comically inept villain and the real threat to the Potts family.Baron:Vocal range top: C#4Vocal range bottom: D3Baroness:Vocal range top: D5Vocal range bottom: C4 Boris and Goran Boris and Goran are the worst spies ever. These comical roles play off each another throughout the entire show and have some of the funniest dialogue, so needs to be two hilarious performers who can really land a joke. Boris and Goran do not sing but should be good movers since they have some physical comedy. Morris Dancers The Morris Dancers perform during “Me Ol’ Bamboo.” Should be good singers and great dancers who can carry the number. Fair Announcer The Fair Announcer kicks off the Fun Fair by introducing the Morris Dancers. This is a great role for a newer performer who might not be ready to take on a large role but it does need a BIG voice! Violet and Sid Violet and Sid are great featured roles, and they are involved in a bit of stage magic during “Me Ol’ Bamboo.” Need to be good actors and responsible performers who can perform the staging the same way for each performance. Turkey Farmer The Turkey Farmer has a brief scene after “Me Ol’ Bamboo.” This is a good place for an actor who can make a big impression in a short amount of time. This role is non-singing. Toymaker The Toymaker has been secretly working to save children right under the Baron and Baroness’s noses. The Toymaker is compassionate, clever, and never gives up trying to help people. Should be a great actor and a good singer to portray the Toymaker’s kindness. The Toymaker should be a total contrast to the Child Catcher.Vocal range top: A3Vocal range bottom: C#3 Toby, Marta, and Greta Toby, Marta, and Greta are Hidden Children who help Potts plan Jeremy and Jemima’s rescue. They should be fine actors and good singers who shine onstage.Toby:Vocal range top: A3Vocal range bottom: C3Marta:Vocal range top: Bb4Vocal range bottom: C4Greta:Vocal range top: A4Vocal range bottom: D4 Child Catcher The Child Catcher is a villain with none of the Baron and Baroness’s humor. Needs to be a performer who isn’t afraid to be terrifying! The Child Catcher doesn’t sing but should be a great actor. Ensemble The ensemble for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR. is made up of a myriad of vibrant characters including Chef 1, Chef 2, Chef 3, additional Chefs, Workers, Townspeople, Dogs, Soldiers, Star Chorus, Fairgoers, Seagulls, Vulgarians, and Hidden Children. All of these characters help fill out the world of the show, so the bolder your actors’ choices the better.
Please forward all video auditions and any other questions to artisticdirector@ptpashows.org