Audition

Pippin

Directed by Michael Grimm

Audition Dates

• Saturday, August 24, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 noon, or 1:00 pm
• Sunday, August 25, 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm,, or 8:00 pm

Callbacks

• Saturday, August 31, 10 am – 2 pm.  A callback does not mean that you have been cast or not cast; it simply means that we would like you to read or sing for a specific role. Callbacks could also include improv or role play with other actors.

NOTE: All auditions will take place at the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse, 17090 Monterey Hwy, Morgan Hill, NOT at SVCT’s warehouse.

Rehearsals and Performances

• Rehearsals begin September 15, 2024 and will typically be held Sunday through Thursday evenings at SVCT’s warehouse, Building G2, 16840 Joleen Way in  Morgan Hill. Rehearsals will move into the Morgan Hill Community Playhouse two weeks before opening.
• Evening Performances:  November 16, 23, 29, 30 and December 6 at 8:00 pm
• Matinee Performances:  November 17, 23, 24, 30 and December 1  at 2:00 pm.

Characters

• Pippin is an idealistic and inexperienced youth, searching for meaning in his life.
• The Leading Player is the narrator of the show, featured singing and dancing in almost every scene. S/He has a nearly malevolent intensity and sparkling charisma.
• Catherine is Pippin’s love interest, a young widow with a small son.
• Fastrada is Pippin’s somewhat evil stepmother, who gets her way by being sexy and vixenish.
• Charles is an older man, king of the Holy Roman Empire, who enjoys battle and tradition.
• Berthe is Pippin’s grandmother (Charles’ mother), an older, flirtatious woman.
• Lewis is Pippin’s half-brother (Fastrada’s son), who is self-obsessed and a good warrior. He has no solo songs, but is a featured member of the chorus.
• Theo is Catherine’s son who befriends Pippin and loves his pet duck.
• A robust ensemble including singers, dancers, and those specifically with circus-like talents (gymnastics, acrobatics, contortion, juggling, hand-walking, …)

Complete role details, including age range and vocal range  are available HERE.

Scheduling and Preparing for Your Audition

• Click here to submit your audition information online.  This form also provides links to upload your resume, headshot, and optionally music tracks. If you are unable to attend an in-person audition, you can also upload an audition video here.
• Click here  to reserve an audition slot, or contact pippin@svct.org if you need to arrange for an alternative time
• Prepare a music selection, less than one minute long. Bring or upload accompaniment in advance.
• Plan on learning and performing a dance; wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you can move in.

The Audition Process at  SVCT

Auditions are usually held 9-12 weeks prior to a show’s opening. People on our mailing list will receive a postcard in advance, notifying them of the upcoming audition details. (If you are not yet on our mailing list, click here to join the list.) Each audition usually includes 3 sessions on a Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday. Unless otherwise specified, auditions are held at SVCT’s warehouse, Building G2, 16840 Joleen Way in  Morgan Hill.

If you are interested in being in the show, but are unavailable for the scheduled auditions, please notify the producer. An alternate audition time, although not guaranteed, may be arranged at the producers’ and director’s discretion.

If the audition panel is undecided about some part casting after the auditions, callbacks may be scheduled. Callback times and dates will be listed on the information provided to the actors at the auditions.

After the cast list is finalized, it will be posted on the warehouse office window, on SVCT’s website, and through SVCT’s social media (Facebook and Instagram).

Audition Tips

1.  Read the audition notice carefully. If you are on SVCT’s mailing list, you will have received an audition notice. It will specify what you are expected to prepare in advance–a song, a monologue, etc.–and how/whether to sign up for an audition in advance.
2. Consider bringing a resume and head shot to the audition. If you do not, a photo will be taken of you there and you will have the opportunity to write resume details on your audition form. However, having them prepared in advance means you will have that much less to deal with at the audition.
3. When in doubt… audition! The best way to master auditioning is to do it over and over; you’ll conquer those nerves and you’ll get to practice your acting and singing. As you become more comfortable with auditioning, you will find it easier to get into character and your acting will become more natural.
4. Do advance homework. Learn a bit about the show you are auditioning for and the parts you are interested in. Practice how you might characterize the part you would like to play. If auditioning for a major singing role, prepare an audition  song that reflects the style and range of a song that character sings, but do not choose a song from the play for which you are auditioning. If auditioning for a non-musical drama or comedy, prepare a monologue that reflects the nature of the part for which you are auditioning or the play. (If you are auditioning for a chorus part, the previous guidelines are not as important.)
5. Come prepared. Be on time–15 minutes early is even better. If auditioning for a musical, bring shoes you can dance in and wear comfortable (but not sloppy) clothing. Bring two copies of sheet music for your audition song (preferably) or an accompaniment CD, or be prepared to sing a capella. If you have them, bring a resume (preferably on a single sheet of paper) and/or a head shot. If you will be delivering a monologue, bring a copy.
6. Relax and enjoy the experience!