The Shedd Institute will conduct Open Auditions on Saturday April 15, 10:00 am to 4 pm (required dance call for adults at 1 pm). Auditions are by APPOINTMENT ONLY through The Shedd online form here. Auditioners will be considered for roles in the following 2023 Shedd Theatricals productions:
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THE MUSIC MAN
(July 7-23, 2023 - rehearsals begin Jun 5) Direction by Kirk Boyd; Music Direction by Robert Ashens; Choreography by Laura Hiszczynskyj. [Most roles available.]
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SWEET CHARITY (Sep 15-24, 2023 - rehearsals begin August 14) Direction tba; Music Direction by Robert Ashens; Choreography by Richard Jessup. [Most roles available.]
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FIDDLER ON THE ROOF (Nov 24-Dec 10, 2023 - rehearsals begin Oct 23) Direction by Heidi Turnquist; Music Direction by Robert Ashens. Choreography tba [Most roles available.]
There are lead, supporting, and ensemble roles with stipends for men and women in all three productions. There are supporting roles for children (aged 6 and up) in THE MUSIC MAN and FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Experience in acting, singing and dancing classic musical comedy and musical theatre is essential.
SHEDD CASTING: The Shedd Institute assesses actors for its musical theatre productions on an ongoing basis, and often casts by invitation. [For more details on Shedd casting protocols at the bottom of this page.]
REHEARSALS: Rehearsals for all Shedd Institute productions run 6 days per week: Mon-Fri 6-10:30 pm and Sun 5:30-10:30 pm. Saturdays and major holidays are off. Actors are not scheduled every day, but must be available as needed throughout the production. Schedules are posted weekly, 1 week in advance. A limited number of pre-planned absences are permitted subject to the approval of the production manager.
IN-PERSON OPEN AUDITION PROCEDURE: In-Person auditions are preferred and advised. Please follow the steps below to schedule your audition time.
Prepare (a) a short memorized monologue that demonstrates your acting ability and (b) a song selection from the classic period of musical comedy and musical theatre (1920-60) that demonstrates your skills as a singer. We strongly recommend that you DO NOT prepare a song from a more recent period, and that you choose an arrangement that is in a classical musical comedy/musical theatre style. You must sing using the Shedd's audition accompanist, so bring music. Your monologue and song selection must each be no more than 1 minute. Do not prepare your monologue or choose a song from the shows in The Shedd's immediate production schedule. If you are asked to attend a dance audition (it would be held on the same day as your acting/singing audition), make sure to bring appropriate dance shoes and attire.