Volunteer and Audition

Upcoming Auditions

Audition Dates:

• Sunday, May 19 at 2:00PM
• Monday, May 20 at 6:00PM

Production Dates:

• August 2 - 11, 2024

Synopsis:

Emma, a senior, is certain she knows what’s best for her classmates’ love lives, and is determined to find the perfect boyfriend for Harriet by the end of the school year. But will Emma’s relentless matchmaking get in the way of finding her own happiness? Based on Jane Austen’s classic novel, this new musical features the hit songs of girl groups and iconic singers from The Supremes to Katy Perry. Girl power has never sounded so good!

Casting Notes:

Performers of all ethnic, racial, sexual, and gender identities, abilities, and backgrounds are encouraged, needed and welcomed. Actors of all identities are welcomed and encouraged to submit for any and all of the roles listed. This production is limited to actors between the ages of 13 and 18.

Production Team:

• DIRECTOR - Dani Schmaltz
• MUSIC DIRECTOR - Seth Butler
• CHOREOGRAPHER - Mac Oleson
• STAGE MANAGER  - Sophia Frenna

Audition Instructions:

The audition will include two sections:

• SINGING: Actors will sing 16-32 bars of a song in the style of the show, or from the show itself. Actors are strongly encouraged to supply a piano-vocal score for an audition accompanist to play from. An audition accompanist will be provided. Tracks are discouraged.
• DANCING: Come in comfortable, easy-to-move-in clothes for the dance portion.
• Please arrive 15min prior to the audition day to complete paperwork.
• If you are unable to audition at the designated times, a one-on-one time can be arranged with the director. Callbacks will be scheduled and communicated at the audition.

Scripts:

Scripts are available to check out with a $10 refundable deposit. Please call (319) 277-5283 for more info.

Rehearsals:

Will start towards the end of May. Most rehearsals begin at 6:00 or 6:30 on weeknights and during the day on weekends. You’ll have the chance to fill out a conflict calendar at the auditions, so be sure to bring your schedule with you. 

Pre-Audition Workshop:

A pre-audition workshop will be held on May 18th. This will be an opportunity to work with the accompanist ahead of your audition. More details TBA.

QUESTIONS? Email Dani Schmaltz at danischmaltz99@gmail.com

Available Roles:

EMMA WOODHOUSE (F, ANY RACE, 13-18)

A smart high school senior who exudes confidence, especially when it concerns what other people should do with their lives. When it comes to her own life, she is not so sure, but she covers that up with witty banter, energy, and humor

HARRIET SMITH (F, ANY RACE, 13-18)

A sophomore who is sometimes shy, easily swayed, and incurably romantic. Although her emotions can vary wildly, her sweetness never goes away.

JEFF KNIGHTLEY (M, ANY RACE, 13-18)

A super-smart, clean-cut senior who finds himself enlisted as a

substitute teacher for the freshman and sophomore science classes. He is witty and has a good sense of humor, but he’s sometimes a know-it-all.

FRANKIE CHURCHILL (M, ANY RACE, 13-18)

A world famous pop star who attended Highbury during his freshman year before he got a record contract and left school. He’s sometimes uncomfortable having such a glamorous persona and wishes his life could be a little more normal.

JANE FAIRFAX (F, ANY RACE, 13-18)

A junior from Ohio who is considering transferring to Highbury. She is rebellious and occasionally gives off a feeling of entitlement. But when she lets her guard down, she’s caring and genuine.

PHILIP ELTON (M, ANY RACE, 13-18)

A junior running for President of next year’s Student Council. He is snobby, arrogant, and a true politician, in the worst sense of the word.

MARTIN (M, ANY RACE, 13-18)

A sweet, shy, semi-dorky sophomore at the local public school. In his spare time, he works in the kitchen at Highbury as a dishwasher/busboy. His two favorite things are his bowling team and Harriet.

ASHLEY (F, ANY RACE, 13-18)

An exuberant and narcissistic junior who begins dating Philip. She’s an ambitious social climber who also wants to be an actress and a singer and is ready to perform for anyone at any time.

MISS BATES (F, ANY RACE, 13-18)

Highbury Prep’s Head of School. She is sometimes overly imposing, sometimes overly emotional, and sometimes overly enthusiastic.

MR. WESTON (M, ANY RACE, 13-18)

One of two teachers at Highbury who get married in the first scene and leave for their honeymoon. They return in the final scene and kiss.

MISS TAYLOR (F, ANY RACE, 13-18)

One of two teachers at Highbury who get married in the first scene and leave for their honeymoon. They return in the final scene and kiss.

WELCOMING COMMITTEE (F, ANY RACE, 13-18)

A trio of captivating female singers, like a 1960s girl group.

ENSEMBLE (ANY GENDER, ANY RACE, 13-18)

The ensemble of this production make up the student body of the high school, full of students of many different talents and energies.