Audition Notice:

A CONCERT PRESENTATION OF THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA

music & lyrics by Adam Guettel | book by Craig Lucas

Directed by Rachel Solomon
Musical Direction by Julie Covach

Auditions: Saturday, Feb 22nd from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Callbacks: Sunday, Feb 23rd from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

***BLACKFRIARS HAS A MISSION TO HIRE LOCAL ARTISTS--WE DO NOT PROVIDE MEALS, HOUSING, OR TRANSPORTATION***

THE AUDITION:
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY — please email info@blackfriars.org to schedule your appointment no later than Friday, Feb 21st at 4pm; scroll to the bottom for video submission information if you’re unable to make the initial call.

Auditions will take place in three 60-minute groups. Please arrive familiar with the musical and the characters. There is a link to a PDF of the script at the bottom of this page.

THE NITTY-GRITTY:

We will be scheduling auditions in three 60-minute groups. You will be assigned to a group at the time of your appointment request—we will do our best to accommodate time constraints.

Please prepare two 32-bar cuts of contrasting musical theatre or opera selections that show your range and strong character/acting choices. Come with sheet music in a binder and in the correct key. Please do not sing from the show. DO NOT SING A CAPELLA. You may be asked to sing only one piece.

Please bring a headshot/photo, resume, and your calendar to complete the rehearsal conflicts (YOU MUST FILL OUT A COMPLETE CONFLICT CALENDAR AT AUDITIONS).

THE PROCESS:
Rehearsals: begin as early as May 10th, 2025
Tech: May 28, 29 (NO CONFLICTS)
Shows: May 30th @ 7:00pm; 31st @ 2pm & 7:00pm

This is a Concert Series production. We will have a total of NO MORE THAN 14 rehearsals during nights and weekends. Performers must be able to learn material on their own and work on their material outside of rehearsal.

*hold date for possible added show is Sunday, June 1st at 2pm

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

Casting 8-10 actors of varying ages/ethnicities/genders; must be an extremely experienced vocalists with excellent vocal endurance. For the purposes of our concert series, actors should be approximate age, but it is not a necessity--we're looking for the right voices. All actors 18+ (no exceptions). Stipend for all performers: $150.00.

MARGARET JOHNSON - female, any ethnicity, 40s-50s, soprano | An upper middle class woman from Winston-Salem, NC circa the 1950s. She is warm & appealing with a dry and self deprecating sense of humor. She is a good mother although she appears over protective and sometimes controlling. Southern accent.

CLARA JOHNSON - female, any ethnicity, 20s, soprano | Suffered an childhood accident that resulted in mentally trauma - now is limited to the emotional and mental ability of a 12 year old. Utterly open and charming and always in the moment. She is composed and spontaneous...ladylike and playfully wry at times. She is the perfect young lady a la a Southern 1950's finishing school. Southern accent.

FABRIZIO NACCARELLI - male, any ethnicity, 20s, tenor to a high B | a dazzlingly handsome Italian boy. He is innocent, pure and sweet. Most of his dialogue is in Italian and broken English. He is any young American girl's dream of what a young Italian man should be. Experience with Italian a plus.

GIUSEPPE NACCARELLI - male, any ethnicity, late 20s-mid 30s, Baritone | Fabrizio's older brother. He only speaks Italian. He is married to Franca but pursues other women. He is not terribly bright, but certainly manages to live his life the way he wants to. Experience with Italian a plus.

FRANCA NACCARELLI - female, any ethnicity, 20s-30s, soprano | Franca is Giuseppe's passionate and sexy wife. She loves Giuseppe but he makes her unhappy much of the time. Experience with Italian a plus.

SIGNOR NACCARELLI - male, any ethnicity, 40s-50s, Baritone | Fabrizio's father. Signor Nacarelli is Fabrizio's father. He owns a clothing shop in Florence. He is very smooth and speaks English very well. Experience with Italian a plus.

SIGNORA NACCARELLI - female, any ethnicity, 40s-50s, soprano | Fabrizio's mother. She appears to be the dutiful, traditional Italian wife and mother but she has her own thoughts about everything. She primarily speaks Italian. Experience with Italian a plus.

ROY JOHNSON - male, any ethnicity, 40s-50s, baritone | Margaret's husband. He is an executive with a tobacco company in Winston-Salem, NC. He is emotionally unavailable and cool. Southern accent. May double ensemble roles.

ENSEMBLE - seeking up to two ensemble members to round out choral parts and play various roles; any age/ethnicity/gender.

There can be no conflicts during tech or performances. If you are involved in another show that overlaps with any part of this process, please email us the conflicts at info@blackfriars.org prior to signing up for auditions. Questions? Please email us at info@blackfriars.org. INITIAL AUDITIONS & CALLBACKS will take place at Blackfriars Theatre, 795 E Main St, Rochester 14605.

VIDEO AUDITIONS

If you cannot make auditions and wish to submit a video audition, please submit to info@blackfriars.org no later than Friday, Feb 21st at 4:00 p.m. (late submissions will not be considered). Please provide video of yourself singing TWO 32-bar musical theatre or opera selections that show range and strong acting choices. If you're not available for callbacks, we may request additional scenes/songs to record and send in by 8:00 p.m. on Feb 23rd.

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BT’s COVID SAFETY NOTICE:

— Performers will be required to follow all designated Covid protocols throughout the rehearsal process including mask-wearing, if necessary, prior to tech week and social distancing when possible.

—Detailed protocols will be provided and reviewed with those cast prior to any in-person rehearsals.