Audition Information
Once a year, Theatre Under the Stars welcomes both union and non-union performers to audition for the upcoming season in three locations: Houston, Los Angeles, and New York City.
In each city, auditions will be conducted by TUTS’ Artistic Director, Bruce Lumpkin, who will be accompanied by the visiting directors of the upcoming productions. All of the season’s musicals will be cast from these auditions.
The Houston audition consists of an open call which is followed by individual callbacks for specific shows. Callbacks are normally attended by the directors and choreographers of each relevant production.
Auditions in all three cities are advertised through Equity hotlines and other publications specific to each locale. The open call in Houston is additionally announced via the StarMail newsletter which can be subscribed to through the TUTS homepage. Please refrain from calling or emailing in regards to audition scheduling as it will be announced through the aforementioned media.
To achieve diverse and high-caliber productions, TUTS invites and encourages interested performers from all walks of the profession to audition.
All performers over the age of 18 in TUTS’ productions are compensated.
TUTS regrets we do not have the staff time to review audition submissions sent on video or DVD. All auditions must be seen live and in person within the context of a regular casting call for best comparison of talent and suitability.
Houston Auditions
A Chorus Line Auditions—Houston:
• March 9, 2013—Open Dance Call, 2pm
All performers must dance.
All performers should be prepared to sing 16 bars after the dance call.
Location: TUTS Studios—1st Floor of the El Paso building on the Walker Street side of The Hobby Center Complex (800 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002)
Rehearsal Information
TUTS holds daytime and evening rehearsals at least six days a week, for a minimum of two and a half weeks prior to the opening of each TUTS production. Rehearsals are 7.5 to 12 hours in length.
All Auditionees MUST
1. Be 18 years of age or older
2. Have 8X10 headshot (color or black-and-white accepted) and resume
3. Have 16 bars of music prepared. Please bring sheet music in your appropriate key.
A pianist will be provided at the audition. TUTS does NOT accept taped accompaniment. Please, no a cappella singing.
PERFORMERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 should contact the training wing of Theatre Under The Stars, the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre. For more information on the school's classes, touring troupes, week- and day-camps, and workshop performances call 713.558.8801, or click here.
Auditions are Monday April 29th in the TUTS Studios at The Hobby Center
All roles are NON-Equity.
1:00pm - 5:00pm, 7:00pm-9:00pm
AUDITIONS - HOUSTON ZOO & THEATRE UNDER THE STARS
AVENUE ZOO
Character Breakdown
Zooey: a smart and curious teenager who recently moved from New York City to Houston, Texas. A wildlife and environmental enthusiast, she feels like a fish out of water and seeks like-minded companionship.
Seeking: Actress in her late teens/early 20’s to play 15-year-old Zooey. Mezzo soprano with a bright belt to a C.
Note: The following characters Shani and Harvey are played by the same actor.
Shani the Lion: Shani is a young male who enjoys his sleep. He is a proud young man, full of pride for his pride. He’s a sports fan. He has one weakness; he is scared of teenagers.
Manipulation: Shani is run by one puppeteer. He never leaves the lowest and biggest tree branch. His paws are live hand manipulation for ease and expression, and his lower body is visible, but he doesn’t walk. He can recline and he can sit up.
Harvey the King Vulture: Harvey is the oldest resident at Avenue Zoo. He is a Borsht Belt comic. He sings vaudeville songs and tells bad jokes. He's seen it all and has been "headlining" at Avenue Zoo since it opened. He eats anything that's on the ground.
Manipulation:
He is 2 person puppet (think Trekkie in Avenue Q), but he should have the ability to be manipulated by one person by attaching the right wing to its side (like Nicky in Avenue Q). He can “fly” when manipulated by two people and he has a huge wing span.
Seeking one actor in his early 20’s to play Shani and Harvey. Should have ability to sing light pop-rock and standard musical theater. Needs two distinct character voices for the two puppets. Puppetry experience a plus, interest in puppetry required.
Baby the Green Tree Python: She is tough and beautiful: she can be your best friend or your worst nightmare. She is fearful of Zooey because she worries that Zooey wants to catch her as a pet.
Manipulation:
Baby lives coiled in a tree branch like a bunch of bananas. She is run by one puppeteer who can also move Baby’s large body around with her other hand.
Seeking an actress in her early 20’s to play Baby. She’s tough with a big heart. Her song has an upbeat R&B feel to it. High belt and ability to riff. Must also assist male puppeteer to play Harvey. Puppetry experience a plus, interest in puppetry required.