Actors and Singers for Production of "The Social Secretary"
Audition for a staged reading and sing-through of a new musical "The Social Secretary". Looking for cast. ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE CONSIDERED. Please see the breakdown below. About the project: SYNOPSIS: When Clara Rutherford is hired to mold nouveau riche bachelor Eli Boyd into a true gentleman, spats ensue and sparks fly. But will the elite Four Hundred ever accept him, or will all of the chaos she’s stirred up in his household - and his heart - be for naught? You’re cordially invited to Newport, RI, for the Season – a whirl of high society events to determine who’s “in” and who’s “out” – at the height of America’s Gilded Age. A Pygmalion story with a twist, The Social Secretary features eclectic characters from both upstairs and downstairs, a lively “screwball” romance, and lots of laughs. Additional info: All initial auditions will be conducted by video submission. Please see the attachments for more info. When applying, please include your audition videos or video link with the subject line “[First and Last Name], AUDITION VIDEO.”
25 roles
[Soprano (A3-F#5)] The social secretary. Self-reliant, levelheaded, determined. Understands the norms of Gilded Age high society. Gracious, yet not afraid to be in charge. The title character has persistent poise, with an undercurrent of strength, zest, and wit.
[Baritone (A2-F#4)] Self-made shipping tycoon. Brash, gregarious, and unpolished but charismatic. Fills the room with personality. Great role for a dynamic leading actor with strong comedic timing.
[Baritone (Bb2-F4)] The butler. Notices everything, reveals little. Has a deep respect for Eli. Tactfully manages a chaotic household. Has a hidden sly streak.
[Alto (F3-D5)] The housekeeper. Exasperated by Eli’s behavior and her staff, but good at her job. Self-assured. A leader.
[Alto (Ab3-D5)] Eli’s blunt mother. Opinionated, speaks her mind, has little regard for what others think. Many comic moments. Speaks with a Scottish accent.
[Mezzo (Bb3-Eb5)] Owns Faye’s Flowers on Bellevue Avenue, Clara’s feisty landlord. Always looking to improve her business. Acts as a narrator in the opening number.
[Tenor (F#3-Ab4)] The chef. Disappointed in his post and the Boyd family. Volatile, unpredictable. Speaks preferably with a French accent. Has a solo “character” song.
[Baritone (A2-E4)] The dance master. Imperious, unrelenting. Has the unfortunate task of teaching Eli to dance. Speaks preferably in a Russian accent.
[Soprano (Ab3-F5)] Wealthy Newport socialite. Puts on an air of cordiality but is insincere. Interested in increasing her social standing.
[Alto (A3-A4)] A kitchen maid. Intrudes whenever possible. Follows the gossip of the society set.
[Alto (A3-A4)] Another kitchen maid. Naive, eager, romantic.
[Alto (A3-D5)] Lulu’s older sister. Socialite of the Old Guard. Values gracious living. Intelligent, genuine and influential in society.
[Mezzo (A3-Eb5)] Wealthy Newport socialite. Somewhat vacant. Looks up to Lulu. Unhappy with her choice of husband which lead to comic moments.
[Alto (A3-D5)] Socialite of the Old Guard. Close to Ruth. Longs for the old ways.
(Ensemble singing only). Affable and popular among his peers, but has an unfashionable secret. RUTH’s husband.
(Ensemble singing only). Dispirited and sardonic society man, HAZEL’s longsuffering husband. Comedic role for an actor with a dry wit.
(Ensemble singing only). Pompous society man. LULU’s husband.
(Ensemble singing only). The hapless governess. Never able to keep up with the children. Great opportunities for physical comedy.
(Ensemble singing only). Simpson’s most trusted footman, but is known to break a rule or two.
(Ensemble Singing Only). The ultimate Old Guard society matron, has nothing to prove. Her arrival is much anticipated, but does not appear until late in the season. She has two small but important scenes in Act II.
[Alto (Bb3-Bb4)] Woman trying to enter high society. Has a few lines and several solo/duet singing moments in the opening number.
[Alto (Bb3-Bb4)] Woman trying to enter high society. Has a few lines and several solo/duet singing moments in the opening number.
(Ensemble singing only). The tailor. Has one brief comic scene.
(Ensemble singing only). A Newport Shopkeeper. Has a few lines in the first scene.
(Ensemble singing only). Other possible roles.
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