Centenary company plans 'Mary Poppins' auditions

HACKETTSTOWN — Centenary Stage Company will be holding local, non-equity open auditions for their upcoming holiday production of Disney’s “Mary Poppins” on September 10th & 11th from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Actor/Singers will be seen on a first-come first served basis from 6-8 p.m. Actor/dancers should attend the actor/singers call and be prepared to dance at 8 p.m.
Auditions will be held in the new David and Carol Lackland Center located on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Avenue, Hackettstown N.J. The production will be directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran Michael Blevins with music direction by Jarred Lee.
“Mary Poppins” opens on Nov. 25 and runs thru Dec. 11, with performances Wednesdays through Sundays in the Sitnik Theater of the David and Carol Lackland Center. Weekend rehearsals will run Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and Sunday afternoons beginning Sept. 23.
All adult roles are available, characters of all types, ages 18–60. The audition requires all performers to sing and dance. Please be prepared with proper dance clothes and shoes including tap shoes and a 16-32 bar selection from a song in the style of the show. Interested performers need to bring their picture and resume plus sheet music in the proper key; an accompanist will be provided; a capella singing is not permitted. Sides will be provided at the audition, and all ethnicities are strongly encouraged to attend. This call is for adults only. All positions are paid and compensation determined by role.
The role of Mary Poppins, 20–30 years old, requires a mezzo-soprano actress with strong top notes, excellent dance ability, and substantial tap dancing skills. The role of the charming everyman, Bert, a Cockney-accented song-and-dance man, ages 30–39, requires a strong actor and singer with solid theater dance and excellent tap dancing skills. Additional principal roles requiring strong acting, singing and movement skills include Mrs. Winifred Banks, Mr. George Banks, Miss Andrew, Admiral Boom/Bank Chairman, Miss Lark, Miss Smythe, Mrs. Brill, Mrs. Cory, and more.
Also seeking a diverse Ensemble ages 18–50, that are highly energetic, multi-talented dancer-singer-actors. All ensemble players must be quick learners, have strong movement/dance skills and equally proficient singing skill. The creative staff is especially looking for men with tumbling and tap dancing ability. Roles to be cast from the ensemble include Bird Woman, John Northbrook, Katie-Nana, Van Hussler, Neleus, Park keeper, Policeman and more. Covers for Principal Roles will also come from this Ensemble.
CSC is also seeking musicians for the pit orchestra. Interested musicians can submit materials via hard mail to Centenary Stage Company 400 Jefferson Street Hackettstown, NJ 07840 or electronically atboxoffice@centenarystageco.org.
Centenary University students and performers unable to attend the open call will have an opportunity to audition on Monday from 3-7 p.m. on the University campus. The Centenary Stage Company is a professional Equity theater in residence at Centenary University. For more information regarding the auditions or Pit Orchestra positions contact the CSC box office at 908-979-0900. The CSC box office is located in the Lackland Center on the campus of Centenary University at 715 Grand Ave. Hackettstown and is open Monday through Friday from 1–5 p.m.