Conejo Players Newsletter

June 2014

Upcoming Auditions

Coming Up in 2014

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The Conejo Players proudly announces auditions for

Directed by Timothy Reese
Produced by Rick Perry & Rick Steinberg

AUDITION DATES & TIMES:

July 13, 14, & 15
Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday at 5:30 PM

AUDITION LOCATION:

The Conejo Players Theatre

351 South Moorpark Road

Thousand Oaks, CA 91361-1008

PERFORMANCE DATES:

October 4th through October 12th

Saturdays and Sundays at 2PM & 5PM

Friday October 10th at 7PM

No conflicts accepted for Performance Dates

or the week before Opening

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

Prepare a 1-minute contemporary musical theater song. Bring sheet music in your key; an accompanist will be provided. A CD with an accompaniment-only track is also acceptable, provided it is edited and cued correctly. Please also wear comfortable dance attire, as you will be required to learn a short dance combination; tumbling and acrobatic abilities a plus. All ages and ethnicities encouraged. ALL ROLES OPEN. No appointment necessary. Open Call Auditions. There is NO PAY. Auditions may run late; be prepared to stay the whole time. Please bring a list of all potential conflicts including travel, etc.

PLOT SUMMARY:

Travel back to the legendary, storytelling days of ancient China with Disney's Mulan Jr., the action-packed stage adaptation of Disney's acclaimed animated classic. Defying the village matchmaker and all tradition, Mulan takes up arms and disguises herself as a boy in order to spare her father from having to serve in the army. The Huns have invaded, and it is up to Mulan and her mischievous dragon sidekick, Mushu, to save the Emperor of China! A heartwarming celebration of culture, honor, and the fighting spirit, the score includes favorites like "Reflection," "Honor to Us All," and "I'll Make a Man Out of You" -- as well as fun and beautiful new songs by Stephen Schwartz and Jeanine Tesori. Disney's Mulan Jr. is a spectacular that is sure to entertain all ages!

Visit www.conejoplayers.org for more details.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Please contact the Producers, Rick Steinberg (rickysteinberg@yahoo.com) or Rick Perry (riskperry1992@yahoo.com)

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

All ethnicities are encouraged to audition. Age ranges listed are guidelines, and represent the general age of the CHARACTER -- not the actor.

THE ANCESTORS:

Long-past elders of the Fa Family, they act as narrators during the story and must sing well. Although mystical and all-seeing, they still behave as though they're at a dysfunctional family reunion.

LAOZI: (pronounced LAU-tsi) [Baritone] A symbol of Honor. He is obsessed with tradition and, being the oldest, is the leader - and a crotchety old grandpa. Very set in his ways.

HONG: [Alto] A symbol of Destiny. Laozi's second in command. Ambitious and frugal.

LIN: [Alto/Mezzo] Represents Loyalty and Bravery. Among the youngest of the ancestors, but still ancient and wise.

YUN: (pronounced YOON) [Mezzo] Represents Love, and is Mulan's greatest advocate from the beginning -- the mother figure that eventually encourages the others to support Mulan for who she is.

ZHANG: (pronounced ZANG) [Baritone/Tenor] A symbol of Strength. He is wild and impulsive, not quick to use intelligence or calmness to resolve problems.

MULAN: (to play 15-19 [Mezzo-Soprano G3-D5])

A courageous young woman who defies the gender norms of her society to fight for the people she loves. Through her intelligence and bravery, she becomes the hero of China. Must sing and act incredibly well. Some dance and martial arts experience encouraged. (Note: Being an iconic symbol of Chinese culture, Mulan should appear to be of Chinese or Asian descent.)

MUSHU: (Baritone OR child Tenor/Alto)

A fire-breathing (well, sometimes) dragon who has been demoted from the ancestors' temple. Being an outcast from his own culture, he borrows nuances and musical styles from other cultures and time periods -- such as American gospel and 1920s jazz. He helps Mulan in her journey and becomes a guardian and friend. Must have great comic timing and a good singing voice. Tumbling and acrobatic abilities are encouraged. May be cast as either an adult or a small child, and may be cast as male or female. All ethnicities encouraged.

SHANG: (to play 18-21 [Tenor])

A Captain of the Chinese army. Puts up a front of toughness in order to hide his true emotions. Like Mulan, he will go to great lengths to protect the people he cares about. Should be a good singer and actor. Dance and martial arts experience encouraged.

FA ZHOU: (pronounced fa-ZOO; to play 40-45 [Baritone])

Mulan's father. Caring and wise, but also aging and worrisome. Walks with a cane. Must be able to convey love and also disappointment for his daughter. Will be cast as an adult. May double as other roles.

FA LI: (to play 35-40 [Alto])

Mulan's mother. Caring and understanding, but also very aware of the gender roles impressed upon her and her daughter. May double as other roles.

GRANDMOTHER FA: (to play 55-60 [Alto])

Old and couldn't care less about it. A big believer in lucky charms (and crickets). Must have good comic timing. May be cast as either an adult or a small child. May double as other roles.

YAO: (Baritone/Tenor)

One of the "guys." Always trying to prove his strength and manliness. Has a bit of a Napoleon complex.

LING: (Tenor)

One of the "guys." A bit of a scam artist. He is wholly convinced that he has a way with women. He does not.

QIAN-PO: (pronounced cheeann-PO [Tenor/Alto])

One of the "guys." A real sweetheart of a monk who would rather have a good meal than a battle scene. May be played by either a male or female actor. May double as other roles.

SHAN-YU: (pronounced shawn YOO; to play 40-45 [non-singing])

Leader of the Hun army. A true villain. Must command the stage and have an intimidating presence. May double as other roles.

MAGYAR: [non-singing]

A soldier in the Hun army. Movement a plus. May be played by either a male or female actor. May double as other roles.

SUBAR-TU: [non-singing]

A soldier in the Hun army. Movement or tumbling a plus. May be played by either a male or female actor. May double as other roles.

THE MATCHMAKER: (to play 40-60 [non-singing])

Scarier than the undertaker. A mean, pretentious woman who decides whether the women in Mulan's village are suitable for marriage. May be played by either a female or male actor. May double as other roles.

CHI FU: (to play 30-40 [non-singing])

A selfish politician. Right-hand man to the emperor. To be played by a small child.

THE EMPEROR: (to play 60-70 [Tenor])

The leader of China. He may be old, but he knows what's up. To be played by a small child.

ENSEMBLE:

Townspeople, families, soldiers, Huns, and other citizens of China. Will play multiple roles. Dancing and acrobatic abilities encouraged. Should be comprised of strong singers and movers. All ages.

THE INVISIBLES:

Magical "unseen" performers that act as puppeteers for animals and stage effects. To play the lucky cricket, a falcon, acts of nature, the Great Wall of China, and many more. Movement a plus. Will double as ensemble. All ages.

To promote education in the Conejo Valley, Conejo Players Theatre is offering a number of workshops for those interested in learning about music, set design, sound, and several other theatrical topics. We look forward to seeing you at a workshop in the future!

At The Conejo Players, we present our workshops for a very low, non-refundable registration fee of $5 per workshop. Workshops vary in age ranges, so please check the requirements for each class prior to registration.

Improv Workshop with Jeremy Zeller

July 12th from 1pm to 4pm

Experience the power of play, and the fun of improvisational comedy, in a fun and safe environment with Conejo Players Theatre's new Improv courses, taught by Clean Up Comedy actor (and CPT Board member) Jeremy Zeller. This workshop is a complete beginner's training program, providing students with a strong foundation in improvisation that promotes creativity and personal growth. Jeremy has toured the country as part of Clean Up Comedy, a local comedy troupe specializing in family-friendly improv and sketch comedy. You will learn how improv can help you on stage (and off!); come out of your shell; think on your feet; and be more creative. Sign up today!

NOTE: This workshop is for ages 15 and up.

Set Design Workshop with John Eslick

July 26th from 10am to 3pm

A well thought-out set design can enhance the storytelling of the theatrical production -- whether it's a bare stage, a simple three-wall room, or an elaborate multi-section spectacular. This class will go over the process of how to make a set unique and practical to each show. We'll also cover types of materials, budgeting, and scheduling, among many other things. Best of all, you'll learn how to have fun and be creative!

NOTE: This workshop is for ages 16 and up.

Stay tuned for additional workshops to be announced! Want to see a particular workshop in the future? Email workshops@conejoplayers.org and let us know.

(click anywhere on the invitation to purchase your tickets)

Conejo Players Theatre Donations

The Conejo Players Theatre welcomes donations of any size. Conejo Players, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt public benefit organization so your contribution is 100% tax deductible. Please consider making a donation at this time. Thank you very much for your patronage and support!

The Conejo Players

351 S. Moorpark Road

Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

(805) 495-3715