Casting Actors for "Cabaret" Musical
"Cabaret" musical seeking actors. Please see the breakdown below. About the project: Synopsis: Cabaret takes place from 1929-1930, a time when Berlin, in the midst of a post-World War I economic depression, is transitioning from a center of underground, avant-garde cultural epicenter to the beginnings of Hitler’s totalitarian regime and the rise of the Nazi Party. Into this world enters Clifford Bradshaw, a struggling American writer looking for inspiration for his next novel. On his first night in Berlin, Cliff wanders into the Kit Kat Klub, a seedy nightclub overseen by the strange, omniscient and gender-bending Master of Ceremonies, “the Emcee.” Here, Cliff meets Sally Bowles, a vivacious, talented cabaret performer, and an utterly lost soul. Sally and Cliff begin a relationship, which blossoms unexpectedly into a dream-like romance. As time passes, however, the situation in Berlin changes from exciting and vital to ominous and violent; Ernst, Cliff’s first German friend, turns out to be an up-and-coming member of the Nazi Party, and Herr Schultz, a fellow boarder at Fraulein Schneider’s guest house (and Schneider’s fiancee), is the victim of an Anti-Semitic hate crime. When he finds out that Sally is pregnant, Cliff decides that they must leave for America at once, before things get any worse. Sally, afraid, confused, and unsure that she’ll ever really be able to trade the sexy, illicit cabaret lifestyle for motherhood, gets an abortion, and tells Cliff that he must leave without her. With a distinctly Brechtian dose of provocation and a score featuring songs that have become classics of the American Musical Theater, Cabaret is a fierce, meaty musical that pushes the boundaries of the form and literally holds “the mirror up to nature.” Additional info: Please prepare 16 bars of a song that best showcases your vocal range, in your preferred key. Bring sheet music, as a pianist will be available. No a cappella performances or recorded music, please. For the dance portion, wear or bring appropriate attire—no sandals or flip-flops. There may also be readings from the script. If available, bring a current resume and headshot. Be ready to provide any schedule conflicts during the rehearsal period. Rehearsals take place Monday through Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons. If you are interested, please apply.
8 roles
(Leading Role, Female-presenting) A British cabaret singer at the Kit Kat Club. Quirky and flighty. Struggles with knowing the darkness of the reality of her life and has woeful luck in her relationships with men. Must act, sing, and dance well; comfortable with moments of intimacy and bawdy/suggestive staging/choreography. Vocal range: E3 – C5
(Leading Role, Male-presenting but gender ambiguous). Host at the Kit Kat Club– a gender-nonconforming- presenting, exuberant figure; comfortable with being close to the audience; dark, comedic, sinister, vulgar…yet lovable; requires a strong presence that is playful and mysterious. Must act, sing (some in German), move well, and be comfortable with bawdy/suggestive staging/choreography. Vocal range: C3 – G4
(Leading Role, Male-presenting). An American novelist and English teacher traveling to Berlin. Through his journey he explores the many facets and complexities of his sexuality, politics, and artistic goals.) Must act and sing well, comfortable with stage movement, light dance, and moments of intimacy. Vocal range: C#3 – E4
(Supporting Role, Female-presenting). A landlady who rents rooms to Cliff, Sally, and several other characters in her large flat. She is alone and is resigned to her place in life, but secretly longs for companionship. She is very critical of some people while looking the other way with others; comfortable with stage movement and light dance (waltz). Must act and sing well; comfortable with moments of intimacy. Vocal range: Eb3 – B4.
(Supporting Role, Male-presenting). A Jewish fruit shop owner who falls in love with Fraulein Schneider; sweet, lovable, and adoring; heartbreakingly naïve about the political turmoil in Germany. Must act and sing well; comfortable with stage movement, light dance (waltz), and moments of intimacy. Vocal range: C3 – G4.
(Supporting Role, Male-presenting). A friendly and likable German, takes English lessons from Cliff, and smuggles funds for the Nazi party; comfortable with stage movement and light dance (waltz); and sing in German. Vocal range: D3 – F#4.
(Supporting Role, Female-presenting). A sex worker who rents in Fraulein Schneider’s boarding house; larger than life personality, quick witted and sharp tongued; should be comfortable exhibiting a strong sexual and commanding nature; must act and move well and sing in German. Vocal range: F#3 – Eb5.
(Ensemble Roles). These performers are often in salacious situations and costumes. They are an eclectic mix of types and aren’t necessarily a matching unit. It is very important they act, sing, dance / move well and with confidence. They will be part of various scenes in and out of the Club; should be comfortable interacting with the audience and comfortable with bawdy/suggestive staging/choreography; also sing in German. Vocal range: All.
RELATED CASTING CALLS
