Casting Performers for "Desperate Measures" Play
"Desperate Measures" auditions. Talent and artists are encouraged to audition. Please check below the available roles. ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE ACCEPTED. About the project: When hot-headed cowboy Johnny Blood unjustly lands on death row, his only hope lies with a motley band of unlikely allies: a gruff sheriff, a straight-laced nearly-nun, a wild saloon girl, and surly priest… all butting heads with a scheming, sanctimonious governor. Thus begins a whirlwind of crazy schemes, backroom (and bedroom) deals, and dirty double-crosses. Will they save Johnny from the noose, or will his luck finally run out? A modern musical spin on Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, Desperate Measures gallops into the Wild West with a rhyming script, a lively score by David Friedman, and clever lyrics by Peter Kellogg. This award-winning musical comedy blends romance, satire, and slapstick into one riotous ride! Time: Late 1800s Place: “Somewhere Out West” Additional info: Callbacks: Wednesday, October 29th from 5:30-9:00pm; See the sides attached. Come prepared to perform the Audition Side. You may prepare an additional monologue (2 minutes max) that fits the tone of the show or role you are auditioning for. Come prepared to sing the designated song cut for the role(s) you are auditioning for ( Vocal Sides): Johnny Blood – It’s Good To Be Alive Sheriff Martin Green – That’s Just How It Is Governor von Richterhenkenpflichtgetruber – Someday They Will Thank Me Susanna / Sister Mary Jo – Look in Your Heart Bella Rose – It’s Getting Hot in Here You may prepare an additional song (32 bars max) that fits the tone of the show or role you are auditioning for. Pianist can accompany if sheet music is provided. Callbacks will include a dance/movement call; please wear clothing you can move in. Additional songs or sides may be assigned at callbacks. Rehearsal Schedule Mon-Wed: 6:30-10:00 pm Sat: 10:00 am-2:00 pm Sun: 1:00-4:00 pm Days Off: every Thu & Fri, plus Nov 26-28, Dec 24-27, Dec 31, Jan 1 First rehearsal: Monday, Nov 3, 2025 Tech Week Mon, Jan 12 – Wed, Jan 14: 6:30 pm call Thu, Jan 15: 6:30 pm call, invited dress rehearsal Opening Night: Friday, January 16, 2026 Performance Dates: Weekends Jan. 16 – Feb. 1, 2026 Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm Sundays at 2:30pm Please apply, if you're interested.
6 roles
(B2-C5). A hot-headed young cowboy, convicted of killing a man in a bar fight. Johnny is impulsive, passionate, full of swagger—but his heart is on his sleeve, especially when it comes to Bella. Vocal type: Tenor, solid high G (optional B).
(B2-F4). An Irish Franciscan priest who finds himself far from the steady moral compass he once held. He’s a drunken cellmate to Johnny, wrestling with guilt, lost faith, and paradoxes of mercy and judgment. Baritone. Needs to combine gravitas with comedic vulnerability.
(A2-Bb4). A Western lawman with a moral backbone. He believes in justice and wants to save Johnny because he believes it was a wrongful conviction. He’s also compassionate (and perhaps passionate?) toward Susanna, with his integrity being tested by the Governor’s unjust demands. Baritone up to an F.
(A3-Bb5). Johnny’s sister, training to become a nun. Torn between her vows and loyalty to her brother, as well as a growing unexpected affection towards the Sheriff. She’s principled, honest, with a pure soprano voice, but must also convey emotional conflict alongside a strong backbone as the Governor makes carnal demands of her that she refuses to submit herself to.
(G2-G#4). German territorial governor, authoritarian, bloviating, with a flair for grandiosity. Comically nefarious, but not a caricature. He’s malevolent but has a sort of slippery persuasion. He holds power over Johnny’s fate, and uses that power in increasingly corrupt and lascivious ways. Baritone with a low A.
(F#3-F5). Saloon girl; Johnny’s lover; bold, charismatic, street-wise. Fearlessly flaunts her sexuality. She’s in love with Johnny and willing to take painful risks for him; strong vocal chops and stage presence. She must balance humor, grit, seduction, and love; able to weather moral ambiguity in the service of protecting someone she loves. High belter voice.
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