Auditions: “Big Fish”

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Big Fish (Aug 8th – Sept 1st, 2024)

Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Book by John August

Directed by Leigh K. Rawls
Music Direction by Paige Austin Rammelkamp
Dance Choreography by Billy Luzier & Elda Trombley

Production Manager/Producer – Beth Rendely

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest…and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him—most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart and humor, Big Fish is an extraordinary musical that reminds us why we love going to the theater—for an experience that’s richer, funnier and bigger than life itself!

Dates/Locations

Auditions for ASGT’s production of Big FIsh will be held at Anne Arundel Community College (CADE 122/124) [Map] on:

  • Tuesday, March 12, 2024 (7:30pm – 9:30pm) – sign up for audition slot below
  • Saturday, March 16, 2024 (12:30pm – 4:30pm) – sign up for audition slot below

Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior to your audition, if possible. Video auditions will be accepted if you are unable to audition in-person. See additional details below.

Callbacks (by request): Monday, March 25, 2024 (7:00pm – 9:30pm) – Anne Arundel Community College (CADE 122/124) [Map]


Additional Audition Details

 

  • Please sign up for an audition slot HERE. Each time slot will be one hour. During that hour, you will be divided into two groups. One group will spend 30 mins learning/doing their dance audition and the other will do their vocal auditions. The groups will swap for the last 30 mins. Please arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior to your audition.

 

  • You can download our AUDITION FORM to fill out ahead of time, or fill one out on-site. If you plan to fill one out on-site, please be sure to arrive early so you have time to check in and fill it out. Be prepared to list all your conflicts through Sept. 1, 2024. You may also bring a copy of your resume and headshot to attach to your audition form. If you do not have a headshot, that’s ok. We will be taking a photo of everyone regardless.

 

  • Please note, we will be filming all auditions and callbacks. The recordings will only be used by the Big Fish audition team for reviewing during the casting process. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to auditions.

 

  • If you are submitting a video audition (because you are unable to audition in person), please reach out to BigFishASGT@gmail.com and we will provide further information for that process.

 

  • Please prepare a 16-32 bar (30-60 seconds) cut of a song that is NOT from the show. We prefer you bring sheet music with you for our accompanist (be sure it has the piano accompaniment and not just vocals), but you may also play a karaoke track from your phone, if preferred. We suggest listening to the Big Fish Original Broadway cast recording on Youtube and consider what songs from other shows might convey the vocal range or characterization of the part(s) you are most interested in.

 

  • Please come dressed to move! Everyone will participate in a short dance audition (tap will be done at callbacks as necessary). Here is a google folder with the AUDITION DANCE SEQUENCE if you would like to review before auditions. It will be taught at auditions though as well.Google Folder with “Alabama Stomp” Dance Sequence Videos (4 items):
      1. a 10-ish minute breakdown of the dance (from the workshop)
      2. the sequence without music
      3. the sequence with music
      4. an edited cut of the musi

 

  • Callbacks will be held only for certain roles and will consist of reading scenes from the script, singing excerpts from the show, and a short tap sequence for applicable auditionees. Here is a google folder with the “RED, WHITE, AND BLUE” TAP SEQUENCE if you would like to review ahead of time. (NOTE: Not everyone will be asked to tap at callbacks, but we will let you know for sure in the callback email). We will also provide piano backing tracks for the music excerpts as far in advance of callbacks as possible and will do our best to provide the script sides you may be asked to read either here or in callback emails.

 

QUESTIONS: Please email BigFishASGT@gmail.com

Character Descriptions

All roles are unpaid and non-equity. ASGT is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Actors of all sizes, body types, races, ethnicities, gender identities, abilities, and experience levels are encouraged to audition. No roles are precast, all roles are available.

Age ranges are not literal, but what actors can convincingly play on stage. 

Please keep in mind that this is a very ensemble-heavy show and most, if not all, cast members will be used extensively throughout the show. Actors may also be asked to understudy for other roles along with their primary role.

 

  • Edward Bloom – Lead. Actor to play man in late 40s-60s and younger versions of himself, Bari-tenor (G2-G4). A charming, charismatic storyteller. A devoted yet absent father nearing the end of his life and wanting to reconnect with his son. He is comfortable in his own skin, but hopes for Will’s approval. He loves his wife, his son, and telling stories. Needs a big voice and serious character acting. Strong movement abilities preferred.

 

  • Sandra Bloom – Lead. Actor to play a woman in her late 40s/50s and also younger versions of herself, Soprano with mix/belt (G3-E5). Patient, calm, the perfect balance to Edward’s enthusiasm. She adores and appreciates Edward and tries to bring reconciliation to her husband and son, both of whom she loves. Strong singing and dancing abilities preferred (especially tap).

 

  • Will Bloom – Lead. Actor to play a man in his late 20s/early 30s. Tenor (C#3-G4). An earnest, serious, thoughtful young man. Analytical, “realist”, dry-humored. Doesn’t believe his father’s stories and after learning Edward is sick, he seeks to find the truth in his father’s past. He is a successful professional, new husband (to Josephine), and expectant father. Strong tenor voice and dramatic actor. Minimal dancing, but actor might be used in some ensemble numbers depending on abilities.

 

  • Young Will – Supporting. Youth actor to play an 8-to-12-year-old boy. Edward’s son, precocious and intelligent. Intrigued by his father’s stories, but already starts to doubt their truth. Some dance ability preferred, but not necessary. Mostly a spoken role and featured in the opening number. Line delivery and timing is very important.Young Will is the only role for a minor (under 18). This role may be double-cast (depending on audition turnout) with performances split evenly between the two actors.

 

  • Josephine Bloom – Supporting. Actor to play a woman in her late 20s/early 30s. Will’s wife. Successful, intelligent, kind and understanding, new bride and expectant mother. Josephine acts as the bridge between Edward and Will, explaining the deeper meaning of the stories. Minimal dancing, but actor might be used in some ensemble numbers depending on abilities.

 

  • Karl the Giant – Supporting. Actor to play man in his late 20s/30s. Bass. Edward’s best friend. Karl is shy, exceptionally intelligent, hermit-like, and has a quiet charisma. He needs a booming voice and large personality. Taller actors preferred. May be asked to work with stilts.

 

  • Amos Calloway – Supporting. Actor to play adult man 35+. Baritone/Character Voice. Amos is the rather eccentric, quirky owner of the circus that employs young Edward. He also happens to be a werewolf. Actor should be able to portray a strong, outgoing personality and humor. Doesn’t need to dance, but good stage presence is essential.

 

  • Witch – Supporting. Actor to play adult woman, any age 25+. Mezzo/Belt. Commanding performer with great confidence and storytelling ability. Mysterious and knowledgeable. Convinces Edward to pursue a big life without fear. Big belt voice is a must. Strong dance ability preferred. Actor will be used in other ensemble numbers.

 

  • Jenny Hill – Supporting. Actor to play a young woman in high school and a woman in her 40s/50s. Mezzo/Belt. Edward’s devoted, first girlfriend. She is beautiful, a dreamer, maybe a little naive. As an adult, more disillusioned, more dignified. Strong acting skills are a must. Strong dance ability preferred. Actor will also be used in some ensemble numbers.

 

  • Don Price – Featured. Actor to play young man in high school/college, and as an adult (possibly two actors). Baritone. Older snarky bully. Sandra’s first fiancé. Good movement skills and stage combat experience preferred. Actor will also be used in some ensemble numbers.

 

  • Zacky Price – Featured. Actor to play a young man in high school/college, and as an adult (possibly 2 actors). Tenor. Nerdy brother and shadow of Don Price. Good movement skills and stage combat experience preferred. Actor will also be used in some ensemble numbers.

 

  • Doctor Bennett – Featured. Actor to play man in 50s-70s. Warm, kind, but frank. Edward’s friend and physician. No singing or dancing necessary. May also be used in ensemble depending on abilities.

 

  • Ashton Mayor – Featured. Actor to play an adult man 35+. Typical small town good-guy mayor personality. Actor will also be part of the ensemble.

 

  • Red Fang – Cameo. World War II villian/assassin, any gender, teen or adult. Looking for actor with gymnastics/martial arts/dance ability. Actor will also be part of the ensemble.

 

  • Alabama Lambs – Cameo. Actors to play young women in their teens/20s. Young Sandra’s friends. Perform with Sandra at the circus. Strong singing and dance skills, especially tap. Actors will also be part of the ensemble.

 

  • Fisherman – Cameo. Actor to play an adult man 18+. Needs strong singing and dancing skills. Actor will also be part of the ensemble.

 

Others/Ensemble:

Assorted ages. All sing and dance. Some individuals will do extensive dance, but not all. Most have solo lines, all have featured moments and will pop up throughout the entire show. Strong dance skills preferred, especially tap. Please also let us know if you have any gymnastics and/or circus arts skills.

Including, but not limited to:

  • The Mermaid
  • Witches
  • Circus Performers
  • Will’s Son
  • Residents
  • University Students
  • Young Scouts
  • Dancing Fire (hopefully en pointe)
  • USO Girls (tap dancers)
  • General Patterson
  • Red Fang, WWII villain WWII Soldiers Cowboys/Saloon Girls Old West Judge
  • Doctors and Nurses

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