Back and Forth is a new musical about an artist (Cass) fighting procrastination—in the form of a literal Procrastination Fairy—to create their most ambitious work: a ‘hero’s journey’ animated short called The Swordsman. Cass’s agent (Ace) attempts to rein him in, but has her own issues to deal with…
The production will be performed at the Toronto AND Winnipeg Fringe Festivals (July 1-12 and July 15-26, respectively). Travel and accommodation will be provided for performers travelling to Winnipeg, and payment is a profit-share model. Please indicate your availability for each festival in your audition request.
There will be a read-through in late February, with regular rehearsals beginning in March, and TWO tech runs: late-June 2020 for Toronto, and mid-July 2020 (immediately after the Toronto run) for Winnipeg.
AUDITIONS
February 4, 2020 4-7pm
February 5, 2020 12-3pm
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Prepare a verse and chorus (16-24 bars) from a contemporary musical theatre piece (an accompanist will be provided), and a 1-minute contrasting monologue. Be prepared for redirects.
Please submit your audition requests no later than January 31, 2020 at 11:59 PM.
If you cannot make either audition date, we will accept video/self-tape submissions on a case-by-case basis. These are due no later than February 5, 2020 at 11:59 PM.
Call backs will be held on February 9, 2020 from 3-6pm. The date will include a 1-hour movement call, group singing, solos, and sides. Some applicants may be asked to perform in an additional song (other than the group/solo pieces).
THE TEAM
Book, Music, and Lyrics: Dayjan Lesmond
Director/Executive Producer: Dayjan Lesmond
Music Director/Orchestrator: David Federman
Choreographer/Assistant Director: Alanna O’Reilly
Stage Manager: Madeleine Monteleone
Sound Designer: Adam Borohov
Lighting Designer: Brandon Goncalves
ROLES
Please note that the vocal ranges below are listed according to the score’s original keys, which may be transposed/altered for final casting.
Cass [G2-C#4] (Male, BIPOC, mid-late 20s-30s): A writer/animator. He is ambitious and skilled at what he does…if he gets to it. Ace’s client. Strong comedic skills an asset.
The Fairy [Ab2-F4 or Ab3-F5] (Any Age, Any Gender): Cass’s personal procrastination fairy. An ADHD-incarnate devil-on-your-shoulder with a side of ham, The Fairy represents all of the potential ways we distract ourselves. Must have very strong comedic and movement skills. Clowning/physical comedy experience is an asset.
Ace [A3-F5] (Female, mid-late 20s): A frazzled agent. Caring, but sometimes takes life too seriously. Very strong singing skills, and strong comedic skills an asset.
Ben [Eb3-C5] (Male, mid-late 20s): A chill dude confident in his lack of life choices. Cass’s best friend. Very strong comedic skills an asset.
Grace [F#4-C6] (Female, late 20s-30s): A psychotherapist and calming influence that occasionally lets her personality slip out. Very strong singing skills, and strong comedic skills an asset.
We’re also looking to cast two swings (1 male-identifying and 1 female-identifying) whom, in addition to ensemble work, will have the opportunity to perform one of the above roles in Toronto and/or Winnipeg.
BY THE WAY, WE HAVE A DRAGON. Two or more of the main cast/swings will be required to operate the dragon and perform a lift.
Seeking Non-Union and Union actors (under the CAEA Festival Policy) with very strong singing, acting, and comedic skills; strong movement and dancing skills are an asset. Looking to cast BIPOC artists, particularly for Cass and The Fairy, though all applicants will be considered. We also seek a diversity of vocal ranges (Basses, we’re looking at you), as several numbers include significant harmonization. Recordings will be provided, but an ability to read music is a strong asset.
