A Musical

Book By: John August
Music & Lyrics By: Andrew Lippa
Directed by: Kevin Roach

 

TIME & PLACE

Monday, May 3 @ 6:00 PM
Tuesday, May 4 @ 6:00 PM

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Evansville Civic Theatre
717 N. Fulton Ave.

 

*NOTE -If you absolutely cannot make one or both of the days, please email the production team at auditions@evvcivic.org to arrange a video audition.

 

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

WHEN: May 19—21 & 26—28

WHERE: The Evansville Civic Theatre, 717 N. Fulton Ave.

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SYNOPSIS

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, BIG FISH tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest…and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him—most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart and humor, BIG FISH is an extraordinary musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre—for an experience that’s richer, funnier, and bigger than life itself.

 

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN CASTING

The Evansville Civic Theatre is working towards creating an inclusive and diverse creative environment and is actively seeking actors of all races, lifestyles, and backgrounds. We will consider all auditioners, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, stage of pregnancy, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage anyone who is interested to audition! Every auditioner will be considered for a role unless the race, age, or gender of a character is integral to the story or has been explicitly specified by the playwright and required by the production contract.

 

CASTING INFORMATION

*The initial concept is to depict each character in their different stages of life by having one actor portray each role. For instance, EDWARD BLOOM will embody both his youthful and elderly selves. However, it's crucial to the narrative that YOUNG WILL be portrayed by a separate, younger actor. While this plan is currently in place, I remain open to reconsidering it based on audition turnout and circumstances.

 

• Edward Bloom – A loving husband and father who leads a complex imaginary life with many fantasy friends; character ages from 18 to 60+. Vocal Range: Bari-tenor G2-G4.

 

• Will Bloom – Edward’s son, a realist and a pragmatist; and the polar opposite of Edward. His journey of reconciliation with his father is the story of the musical. Vocal Range: Tenor C#3-G4.

 

• Sandra Bloom – Edward’s loving wife who completely understands her husband and who seeks and believes in the possibility of reconciliation between her husband and son. character ages from 18 to 60+. Vocal Range: Soprano with mix/belt G3-E5.

 

• Young Will – Boy, to play 12. Intrigued by his father’s stories, but already starts to doubt their truth. Vocal Range: B below middle C to C an octave above middle C.

 

• Josephine Bloom – Will’s wife, a lovely young woman who provides balance for Will’s pragmatism. With Sandra, she supports and helps guide Will’s journey toward reconciliation with his father. Vocal Range: Mix/belt to C#5

 

• Karl the Giant – A giant, one of Edward’s fantasy friends. Ideally looking for someone 6 feet and over. Through Edward’s friendship, he grows from being a ‘beastly’ outcast to a highly successful businessman. Requires an actor who has an appreciation for comic irony and, perhaps, stilt walks. Vocal Range: Bass, A3 to D4

 

• Amos Calloway/Dr. Bennett – A werewolf, another of Edward’s fantasy friends. Masquerading as a ringmaster of a broken-down circus, he begins as Edward’s tormentor but then, through Edward’s acceptance, he accepts himself and becomes highly successful. May also play Dr. Bennet, the experienced and wise country doctor, Edward’s contemporary. Vocal Range: Baritone, C3-F5, touches a G5.

 

• Don Price – Edward’s childhood frenemy, an early buddy, bully, and rival for Sandra’s hand. This role requires a strong actor with a comic sensibility. Vocal Range: Baritone, C3-F#4.

 

• The Witch – The earliest and most fantastic of Edward’s “imaginary” acquaintances, who shows him how he’ll die. This role requires a strong, sexy singer-dancer with commanding acting skills. Vocal Range: High belt, F3-F5.

 

• Jenny Hill – The “other woman”, one of Edward’s early childhood friends who he forgets but then who later becomes the recipient of his kindness. This role ages from 18 to 60+. Vocal Range: Mix/belt to E5.

 

• Girl in the Water – Plays a mermaid from Edward’s stories, and appears in the ensemble numbers. Vocal Range: Mix/belt to C#5

 

• Zacky Price/Mayor – Nerdy brother and shadow of Don Price. May also play Mayor. Vocal Range: Baritone/Tenor up to F#.

 

• ENSEMBLE- dancers, townspeople, circus performers, students, etc.

*If you have any circus skills, please list them on your audition form! (Juggling, unicycle, clowning, etc.)

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WHAT TO PREPARE

- Please prepare a song or selection of a song in the style of the show. If you are unsure of the style, you can find the BIG FISH soundtrack HERE.

 

- We prefer you bring your own track in to sing with. We will make a Bluetooth speaker available for you to use.

 

-Acting auditions will consist of cold reads from the script that will be provided on the day of auditions.

 

-We will not be having dance auditions, but if you have dance experience, please describe it on your audition form.

 

-Audition forms will be made available, but If possible, please print out the audition form from our website at www.evvcivic.org and fill it out prior to auditions.

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REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

-The schedule will depend on actor availability. Please bring a full list of conflicts, including work schedule and weekend commitments through MAY 28. We will begin the following week after the auditions.

 

-Tech week begins Sunday, May 14. All actors MUST be available for rehearsals from that date through the show’s opening date, May 19. There are no conflicts allowed during production/tech week.

 

-Rehearsals are held either at the theater or at First Ave. Presbyterian Church.

Any questions can be directed to Auditions@evvcivic.org