Arts at W&M

Location

Audition for Fun Home, a musical adapted by Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori from Alison Bechdel’s 2006 graphic memoir of the same name.

Auditions: Tuesday, September 10, 5-8pm in the Studio Theatre PBK

Call Backs: Thursday, September 12, 5-7pm in the Studio Theatre, PBK

Please fill out audition form ( https://forms.office.com/r/uAqqX5d751 ) by 5:00pm 9/13. Forms will also be available at auditions.

The audition folder ( https://shorturl.at/q6bz3 ) gives you access to the script and vocal score.

Content Warning: Please be advised this production contains adult language and mature content. Verbal abuse, suicide, homophobia, pedophilia, childhood trauma, swears and curses.

Audition Materials:

Please prepare 16 bars from a song and a 1-2 minute monologue.

Call backs will include group singing and scene work from the show, as well as an ensemble based movement activity.

Personnel

Director: Holly Maples

Music Director: Phaedra McNorton

Auditions by sign up form from 5pm on Tuesday. If you need a set time, please email Holly Maples, [[hamaples]]. Alternative audition times may be allowed on a case by case basis.

Critical Dates

• Rehearsals begin Monday Sept. 16. (Rehearsals Mon-Thursdays 6-10pm, Sundays 1-5pm). (Note: No rehearsals during Fall Break).
  
• Tech & Dress Rehearsals Dates: Friday, 11/8 – Wednesday, 11/13
  
• Performance Dates: Thursday, 11/14- 11/17

Synopsis:

Fun Home is a musical adapted by Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori from Alison Bechdel’s 2006 graphic memoir of the same name. The story concerns Bechdel’s discovery of her own sexuality, her relationship with her gay father, and her attempts to unlock the mysteries surrounding his life and death. Her father is a complicated figure who was a high school teacher, funeral home director, and amateur conservationist. A closet homosexual, he also had a series of relationships with men in their teens and early 20s, eventually getting arrested for sexual relationships with underage boys. It is told in a series of nonlinear vignettes connected by narration provided by the adult Alison character.

Character Breakdown:

ALISON – (Mezzo-Soprano) Alison Bechdel in her early 40s. The narrator of this story. Now a self-aware adult, she is able to reflect insightfully on her own life and her relationship with her father before his tragic death. Must be a strong singer who can move seamlessly in vocal quality from speech to song.

MEDIUM ALISON (Mezzo-Soprano) – Alison Bechdel as a freshman at Oberlin College, discovering her sexuality. For an incredibly well-read, hyper-intelligent teenager, her uncertainty about who she is makes her socially awkward at times. Must be a strong singer who can move seamlessly in vocal quality from speech to song. Should be comfortable with kissing and physical contact with character Joan.

SMALL ALISON (Alto) – Alison Bechdel as a child, around 8 years old when we meet her. Precocious and opinionated. On the cusp of finding herself and forming her own views on how a girl her age should behave and dress. Seeking an actress who is confident and intelligent. Must be a strong singer who can move seamlessly in vocal quality from speech to song.

BRUCE (Baritone) – (Note: We are considering double casting this role as a 1970s Bruce and a 1980s Bruce). Alison’s father. A high-school English teacher and funeral home director, who spends his spare time on the historic restoration of his home. A complex man with a hot temper as a result of years of repression. He can be caring and attentive to his children but is also quick to anger. Must be a strong singer who can move seamlessly in vocal quality from speech to song. Ability to play some piano a plus.

HELEN: (Note: We are considering double casting this role as a 1970s Helen and a 1980s Helen). Alison’s mother. Frustrated and exhausted by her tumultuous marriage. She has spent her life trying to be a good mother and wife while turning a blind eye to the irreverent activities of her husband. Must be a strong singer who can move seamlessly in vocal quality from speech to song. Ability to play piano a plus.

JOAN – A student at Oberlin. She exudes a confident, sexual energy, with a dry sense of humor. Unlike Alison, Joan is very comfortable in her skin and openly identifies as a lesbian. Must be comfortable with harmony singing, alto lines. Should be comfortable with kissing and physical contact with character Medium Alison.

CHRISTIAN BECHDEL (Treble/Soprano -can be played by any gender)– Alison’s older brother/sister, around 10 years old when we meet him/her. As the oldest of the three children (s)he strives to be the leader, but is sometimes overshadowed by Alison’s strong personality. Seeking a singer with a natural sound, good sense of harmony and pitch.

JOHN BECHDEL (Baritone) – Alison’s younger brother, around 6 years old when we meet him. Like most boys his age, he is full of energy with a quirky imagination. Looks up to his siblings. Seeking a singer with a natural sound, good sense of harmony and pitch.

ROY / PETE/ MARK / BOBBY JEREMY (Tenor) – Roy, a young man Bruce hires to do yard work; Pete, a mourner who visits the funeral home; Mark, a high school junior; Bobby Jeremy, the lead singer of a band in Alison’s imagination. Seeking a singer with a strong, clean 70s pop sound.

Accessibility

William & Mary Theatre and Performance is committed to providing universal access to our events. Please contact Holly Maples at [[hamaples]] to make accommodation requests needed to participate fully in this audition. Advance notice may be necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.

Sponsored by: Department of Theatre & Performance

Contact

[[hamaples]]

This Event Appears On

• W&M Featured Events
• Arts & Sciences Events
• Theatre & Performance Events
• Diversity & Inclusion Events
• Arts at W&M