OPEN AUDITIONS: School of Rock

School of Rock

Based on the Paramount movie by Mike White

Book by Julian Fellowes

Lyrics by Glenn Slater

New Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Directed by Cherie Gullerud

Open Auditions: August 3 & 4, 6:30pm

Callbacks: August 5, 6:30pm

Rehearsal Timeframe: August - November, M-Th nights to start

Evening Performances (7:30pm): November 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21

Matinee Performances (2:30pm): November 8, 15, 22

Content Label: PG; some adult language 

This production will be performed as originally written per The Majestic Theatre's copyright agreement with the rights holders. 

The Majestic Theatre (a division of the City of Corvallis Parks and Recreation department) is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to creating a welcoming place for actors of all backgrounds to explore their craft. We are particularly eager to work with artists of color and other artists from marginalized communities. All auditions are free and open to the public. This audition is for an amateur, volunteer production. The Majestic Theatre staff and volunteers do not discriminate on the basis of age, national origin, race, gender, ethnic background, ability, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or any protected class.

Auditions will be held in person at the Majestic Theatre.

Youth actors must have parent permission to audition.

Auditions will be by appointment only; callbacks by invitation only. Remember that if you are not called back, this does not mean you have not been cast; conversely, if you are called back, this is not a guarantee that you will be cast.

Check back–the signup form for auditions will be posted soon!

SHOW SYNOPSIS

Rock got no reason, rock got no rhyme… You better get me to school on time! Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock, The Musical is a two-hour, two-act show (plus intermission), based on the hit Jack Black movie. The show follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star in need of funds who makes a snap decision to pose as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight–A pupils into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out?

FROM THE DIRECTOR Cherie Gullerud

I consider musicals based on movies fraternal twins of the film version - not identical, but from the same family. Maybe more like cousins…With new songs by Andrew Lloyed Webber, School of Rock the Musical elevates the film and sprinkles in new messages. To me, the heart of the show is in the kids’ lyric: “I’ve got so much to say, if you would only listen.” 

There are beefy roles for 13 “middle-school-age- presenting” students and four adults, as well as many featured roles in the adult ensemble. Come join the creative collaboration and fun!

Our Production Team is amazing and talented: Rob Birdwell has already assembled the pit band as Music Director, Lori Moss brings a lifetime of experience as Vocal Director, and Karlie Moore as Choreographer brings the same crazy-fun when we did Elf, The Musical years ago. Julie Kahn and Rick Hammel round us out as Stage Manager and Assistant Director, with Costumes by Dee Dee Hughes and Sets by Roman Guenther. 

It’s 2003 in School of Rock The Musical, a simpler time! Audiences can escape their worries and Rock On with us! 

(The show is PG because of Profanity and some rock rudeness. Youth roles do include some mild profanity.)

PREPARATION NOTES

Watch the Jack Black movie if you are not familiar with the material. Listen to School of Rock The Musical on a platform of your choice to hear the songs. Pick up a guitar or brush up your drums or keyboard skills to “mime” effectively on stage.

All auditioners should prepare 30 seconds/16 bars of an up-tempo song, and have a section of a slower song (ballad) ready in case they are asked to show variation. Please bring sheet music, an accompanist will be provided.

Actors DO NOT need to play a musical instrument to audition, as the pit band will cover stage music due to technical considerations. You may be asked to show “Air guitar/bass/drums” at auditions, so practice your best shredding! 

There may be some movement asked for at auditions, so dress comfortably. Dance auditions will be held at Callbacks. 

CHARACTER-SPECIFIC PREPARATION NOTES

Actors interested in the role of Tomika should come prepared to sing "Amazing Grace" in gospel style.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

All characters do not have a specific race or ethnic background; we're excited to see a diverse pool of actors audition for all roles. Ages listed are the approximate ages of the characters themselves. We invite actors of any age to audition for any role. We are mainly looking for actors who are energetic and excited with a sense of whimsy, but who also know when to be serious. 

(A1-F1) parenthetical numbers by a Character’s name equate to musical notes and where they are on a keyboard. Lower numbers start at the left of the keyboard (ex. F2)  and go up to the right on the keyboard (ex. G6). These show the highest and lowest notes a character will sing in the music, so you can check your range on a piano.

ADULT PRINCIPALS

DEWEY FINN: Rock Tenor, B2-E5 Plays guitar onstage (can be dubbed, but it would look best if the actor can play)

Age: 30’s-Late 40’s

Race: Any

Ethnicity: Any

Gender: Male, Male-presenting

Intimacy: None

An energetic wannabe rock star with big dreams. He needs urgent cash after being kicked out of his band, so he impersonates his roommate as a substitute teacher to land a job at the prestigious Horace Green Prep School, where he turns his class of straight-A students into a rock group and enters them into the Battle of the bands. Enthusiastic and committed to rock! Charming, and not a rule-follower.

ROSALIE MULLINS: Soprano Range A3-D6

Age: 30’s - Late 40’s Presenting

Race: Any

Ethnicity: Any

Gender: Female (to sing high soprano opera)

Intimacy: Cheek kiss or high five to Dewey

She sings “Queen of the Night” in the show - auditioners may be asked to sing something operatic. Proper and uptight, Rosalie is the Headmistress of Horace Green School. She has a secret love of Rock Music and yearns to recapture the carefree spirit of her youth.

NED SCHNEEBLY: Baritone Range C3-F#4

Age: 30’s-Late 40’s Presenting

Race: Any

Ethnicity: Any

Gender: Male, Male Presenting

Intimacy: none

Ned has been friends with Dewey forever and lets Dewey freeload in his apartment. He used to play in Dewey’s old band, Maggot Death. He is still passionate about his music but lets his bossy girlfriend, Patty, tell him what to do. Ned needs to “bring the rock” to a number in the show.

PATTY DE MARCO: Mezzo-Soprano Belt Range B3-E5

Age: Late 20’s-Late 40’s

Race: Any

Ethnicity: Any

Gender: Female, Female-Presenting

Intimacy: none

Ned’s domineering girlfriend who lives with Ned and Dewey. She calls the shots in the relationship and isn’t too happy about Ned’s presence or influence on Ned. She has one of the funniest songs in the show, “Give Up Your Dreams.” 

ADULT ENSEMBLE

Ages: 20’s - 60’s

Race: Any

Ethnicity: Any

Intimacy: Parents may link arms or hug kids

Movement: Dancing, possibly carrying set pieces (benches)

No Vacancy: Theo (D3-D5), Doug (G3-G4), Bob (G3-D5), Snake (G3-G4)

Teachers: Mr. Sanders (B2-F4), Ms. Gordon (D5-E5), Ms. Sheinkopf (B3-E5, Gabe Brown (D3-F4), Mr. Green (D3-F4), Mr. Noble (E3-F4), Ms. Bingham (D3-E5), Mr. Woodard (D3-F4),  Mr. Janes (C3-F3), Ms. Macapugay (B4-E5), Mr. Wagner (B3-F4) Plus SATB Teachers

Parents: Mr. Sandford (Eb4-Ab4) Plus SATB Parents

KID PRINCIPALS

Movement: Should be able to dance and move with fluidity, but open to casting actors who use mobility assistance

Intimacy: May be hugged by friends and onstage parents at the conclusion of the Battle of the Bands.

SUMMER HATHAWAY: Range C4-D5

Age: 8-15 Presenting

Race: Any

Ethnicity: Any

Confident and outspoken. Summer is the ideal manager for the band. Ambitious and very clever. (Think Hermione in Harry Potter - with a sharper edge) She hopes that winning the Battle of the Bands will look good on her college application.

ZACK MOONEYHAM: Range A3-D5 (onstage guitar)

Age: 8-15 Presenting

Race: Any

Ethnicity: Any

Zack is the band’s lead guitarist and also a talented songwriter. He desperately wants to impress his father, who is usually too busy with work to take an interest in the family.

TOMIKA: Range A3-G5

Age: 8-15 Presenting

Race: The name and film suggest African American

Ethnicity: Any

New girl Tomika is struggling to fit in at Horace Green. She conquers her shyness to reveal her phenomenal singing ability (think Aretha Franklin) and becomes lead vocalist alongside Dewey in the band. A strong gospel belter.

LAWRENCE: Range A3-D#5 (onstage piano/keyboards)

Age: 8-15 Presenting

Race: Any

Ethnicity: Any

Awkward and lacking in confidence, Lawrence is hesitant to attempt something “cool,” like joining a band, but he soon turns out to be fantastic on the keys!

KATIE: Range A3-D#5 (Onstage Bass Guitar)

Age: 8-15 Presenting

Race: Any

Ethnicity: Any

Quiet and serious, Katie already plays the cello, but switches to bass to fill out the band.

FREDDIE HAMILTON: Range A3-D5 (Onstage Drums)

Age: 8-15 Presenting

Race: Any

Ethnicity: Any

Freddie loves a bit of rowdiness and noise, making him a great drummer. His own father doesn’t see his ability and is constantly belittling his son.

MARCY & SHONELLE: Range A3-G5

Age 8-15 Presenting

Race Any

Ethnicity: Any

Quiet girls with angelic voices. Marcy and Shonelle are the band’s backup singers and dancers.

MASON: Range A3-D5

Age: 8-15 Presenting

Race: Any

Ethnicity: Any

Mason is a total whiz with technology and creates special effects and fantastic lighting for the band’s performances using his laptop. 

BILLY: Range A3-D5

Age: 8-15 Presenting

Race: Any

Ethnicity: Any

Flamboyant and artistic, Billy has a passionate interest in fashion, even though his father wants him to play football like the other men in his family. Billy designs the band’s costumes.

JAMES: Range A3-D5

Age: 8-15 Presenting

Race: Any

Ethnicity: Any

James is tough and reliable, making him a good security guard for the band. Mostly, he keeps a lookout for anyone coming while the band are secretly rehearsing.

SOPHIE & MADISON: Range A3-D5

Age: 8-15 Presenting

Race: Any

Ethnicity: Any

Sophie and Madison are technically the band’s roadies, but also serve as backup dancers during performances.