Connecticut Repertory Theatre Auditions for Child Performers

We are doing The Grapes of Wrath and A Civil War Christmas at Connecticut Repertory Theatre and need children ages 8 to 13 to complete our season. We may be double casting the roles in both shows. This posting contains important information regarding the audition process and about our theatre company.

When: The auditions will take place on Thursday, July 26th from 5:30pm – 7:00pm. You can email john.carpentier@uconn.edu to sign up for a specific ten-minute time slot. The audition will be with Gary English, “Grapes of Wrath” director, Managing Director, Matthew Pugliese, and Producing Assistant, John Carpentier. There may be additional callbacks. If you cannot attend this date, you may submit a video to john.carpentier@uconn.edu by July 27th. This video would include everything required at the in-person auditions (introduction of name and age, song and monologue).

Where: Our auditions will be held in Rehearsal Room 105 at the University of Connecticut Drama/Music Building. This building is located on the UConn campus at 802 Bolton Rd. Storrs, CT 06269. Once you sign up for an audition slot, we will send in-depth directions of how to get to the rehearsal room.

What: Children must prepare a monologue, poem or speech that is no more than 1 minute long and will be expected to sing several bars of a song, a cappella (without piano accompaniment). If you’d prefer, the song can be a Christmas Carol (such as God Rest Ye Gentleman, What Child is This, Oh Christmas Tree). Children are asked to wear casual and comfortable clothing and shoes to the audition.

Commitment: If cast in The Grapes of Wrath, rehearsals begin August 27th, Opening Night is October 5th and Closing performance is on October 14th. If cast in A Civil War Christmas, rehearsals begin October 16th, Opening Night is November 30th and Closing performance is on December 9th.

All rehearsals will take place at UConn from 6:30pm – 10:30pm during the week and from 10am – 6pm on Saturdays. Your child will most likely not be called for the full time or every night. We try to limit the time they need to work as best as possible. You will be responsible for rides to and from. A responsible student in the cast will be assigned as their Guardian during rehearsals and shows. Your child will have to miss 1 or 2 days of school for student matinee performances.

What’s Next: Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. These auditions will be a very fun time. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!

ROLES

The Grapes of Wrath

WINFIELD JOAD: The other small child in the Joad family, Winfield becomes severely ill during the course of the novel from deprivation, but survives his illness. This child is male, age 10.

A Civil War Christmas
Role: JESSA: Following her mother as they escape slavery and head north into Washington DC, she is a brave and trusting young woman. This character is African American, age 9 to 11. May be older, but should look and be able to play a little girl. This actress should be short.