AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT! – THE WIZARD OF OZ

AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT! – THE WIZARD OF OZ

Written By L. Frank Baum
With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg
Background Music by Herbert Stothart

Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company

Based upon the Classic Motion Picture

Direction: Robert Repici

Music Direction: Chuck Hartung

Choreography: Lindsey Krier-Repici

Stage Manager: Sara Viniar

The Ritz Theatre Company is currently seeking a diverse and dynamic cast of LOCAL, NON-UNION artists for our upcoming production of THE WIZARD OF OZ, the final show of our 2024-2025 season. See below for all audition information and a detailed character breakdown. All performers will receive a small stipend between $150-$250.

AUDITION PROCESS:

ADULTS/TEENS (All Principal Roles, Crows, Trees, Poppies, Snowmen, Ozians, Winkies, Etc.)

·         1st Round: Self-tapes sent to [email protected] by 5PM on Monday, March 24th (see below for instructions)

·         2nd Round: By invitation only, at The Ritz, on Monday, March 31st, beginning at 6PM

·         3rd Round: By invitation only, at The Ritz, on Wednesday, April 2nd, beginning at 6PM

CHILDREN (Munchkins & Flying Monkeys)

·         1st Round: Self-tapes sent to [email protected] by 5PM on Monday, March 24th (see below for instructions)

·         2nd Round: By invitation only, at The Ritz, on Tuesday, April 1st, beginning at 4PM

·         3rd Round: By invitation only, at The Ritz, on Wednesday, April 2nd, beginning at 6PM

REHEARSALS: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday evenings beginning April 27th

SHOW RUN: July 11-27, 2025

PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES (11 shows total): Fri. 7/11 @ 8PM, Sat. 7/12 @ 8PM, Sun. 7/13 @ 2PM, Fri. 7/18 @ 8PM, Sat. 7/19 @ 3PM & 8PM, Sun. 7/20 @ 2PM, Wed. 7/23 @ 7:30PM, Fri. 7/25 @ 8PM, Sat. 7/26 @ 8PM, Sun. 7/27 @ 2PM

SYNOPSIS: Follow the Yellow Brick Road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s celebrated children’s story, featuring the iconic musical score from the classic MGM film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz and back again, continues to charm and captivate audiences of all ages around the world.

THE WIZARD OF OZ – CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

PRINCIPAL ROLES

1. Dorothy Gale

• Voice Type: Mezzo/Mix (Range: G3-C5, optional E5)
• Age Range: 16-25 (Must be able to believably play 16. Experienced actresses ages 16 and 17 are welcome to audition.)
• Dorothy is a sweet, determined young girl from Kansas who dreams of something more. When a tornado sweeps her away to Oz, she embarks on a journey to find her way home, discovering along the way that everything she needed was already inside her. Dorothy is strong-willed, empathetic, and brave, with a deep emotional core. She needs to be an excellent singer with expressive vocal ability and the ability to deliver sincere emotional moments.

2. Hunk / Scarecrow

• Voice Type: Baritone/Tenor (Range: Bb2-F#4, optional Ab4)
• Age Range: 20s-30s
• Hunk is a hardworking farmhand who transforms into the Scarecrow, a lovable and clever character who desires a brain. Though lacking intellect, the Scarecrow is resourceful and endearing, providing both comic relief and pluckiness. He must have excellent comedic timing, a strong voice, and be an excellent dancer, with acrobatic skills being a bonus. Experience with pratfalls is also a plus.

3. Hickory / Tinman

• Voice Type: Baritone/Tenor (Range: Bb2-G4)
• Age Range: 20s-30s
• Hickory is another farmhand who becomes the Tinman, a romantic figure who longs for a heart. Kind-hearted and sensitive, the Tinman is earnest in his desire for love and emotional connection. This character requires a strong voice and deft dance ability (experience with tap is a major bonus). The actor should also be able to convey both vulnerability and warmth.

4. Zeke / Cowardly Lion

• Voice Type: Baritone (Range: Bb2-F4)
• Age Range: 20s-30s
• Zeke, who transforms into the Cowardly Lion, is a mix of bluster and fear, desiring bravery but unsure of how to find it. The Cowardly Lion is comical yet endearing, showing growth as he learns that true courage comes from within. The actor must have strong comic timing, be able to move well, and have a strong baritone voice capable of both humor and emotion.

5. Almira Gulch / Wicked Witch of the West

• Voice Type: Mezzo/Mix (The Wicked Witch will sing the lead part in “The Jitterbug” in our production. Range: Ab3-Bb4)
• Age Range: 30s-40s
• Almira Gulch is a nasty and vindictive woman who transforms into the Wicked Witch of the West, a larger-than-life villain who seeks revenge on Dorothy. With an over-the-top stage presence and a killer cackle, the Witch is a memorable, comically evil character. Strong acting skills and the ability to deliver lines with dramatic flair and dark humor are essential.

6. Professor Marvel / The Wizard of Oz

• Voice Type: Non-singing role
• Age Range: 40s-60s
• Professor Marvel is a quirky fortune teller who becomes the Wizard of Oz, a charlatan who creates illusions to appear powerful. Though he is ultimately revealed to be an ordinary man, he serves as a sort of fatherly figure to Dorothy. This role requires a strong actor with a charming, eccentric personality, capable of transitioning from an imposing illusionist to a humble, vulnerable figure.

7. Aunt Em / Glinda

• Voice Type: Soprano (Range: G3-C5)
• Age Range: 30s-50s
• Aunt Em is a no-nonsense, loving figure who cares deeply for Dorothy’s well-being. As Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, she is kind, graceful, and benevolent, offering wisdom and guidance to Dorothy. The actress should be able to play both roles with ease, offering warmth and authority in Aunt Em and magical, otherworldly energy in Glinda. A strong soprano voice is required.

8. Uncle Henry / Emerald City Guard

• Voice Type: Baritone (Range: Bb2-Eb4)
• Age Range: 30s-50s
• Uncle Henry is a warm and patient presence in Dorothy’s life. As the Emerald City Guard, he is a comic and slightly intimidating figure who serves as a gatekeeper to the Emerald City. This role requires a strong voice and the ability to switch between the Guard’s exaggerated comic presence and Uncle Henry’s gentle, supportive nature.

FEATURED ROLES/ENSEMBLE

Adult Ensemble (Poppies, Snowmen, Ozians, Winkies, Etc.)

• Age Range: 16+ (approximately 10-12 adult ensemble members will be cast)

·         We’re seeking a talented, versatile adult ensemble group to help bring the enchanting world of Oz to life, with the most ideal candidates having the flexibility to sing in a classical style typical of a turn-of-a-century musical. These dedicated ensemble members will take on a variety of roles, including the vibrant citizens of the Emerald City, the mysterious Winkies, and the whimsical Jitterbugs. Featured roles include:

o   Three Crows (Male Trio, Range: B2-E4/B4): This trio of crows provides vocal and comedic support during the Scarecrow sequence. Strong harmony singing is essential.

o   Three Trees (Female Trio, Range: B3-C5/E5): This trio provides vocal and comedic support during the Tinman sequence. Strong harmony singing is essential.

o   Nikko (Commander of the Flying Monkeys): Nikko is the leader of the Flying Monkeys and serves the Wicked Witch with fierce devotion. He has a striking presence and plays a key role in several of the show’s action-packed moments. Acrobatics are a bonus.

o   Jitterbug (Lead Dancer): The Jitterbug Lead Dancer is a featured dance role, performing in the energetic number “The Jitterbug.” This role requires strong skills in jazz and musical theatre dance, with an emphasis on high-energy movement.

o   Winkie General (Baritone, Range: B2-G3): The Winkie General leads the Winkie soldiers. Strong presence, acting ability, and vocal range required.

 Children’s Ensemble (Munchkins & Flying Monkeys)

• Age Range: 8-12 (approximately 10-12 children will be cast)

The Munchkins and Flying Monkeys are integral parts of the show. The Munchkins are the little people of Munchkinland who have long been oppressed and are freed by Dorothy’s arrival in Oz. The Flying Monkeys are part of the Wicked Witch's army, serving as her minions. Featured roles include characters such as the Mayor, Coroner, Barrister, Lollipop Guild, Lullaby League, as well as individual Flying Monkeys and other Munchkinland residents. Singing and dance experience required.

AUDITION DETAILS:

To be considered for any principal role and/or adult ensemble (must be at least 16 years of age), please send an email with the subject line “Wizard of Oz – Principal/Adult Ensemble” to [email protected] with the following items by the 5PM deadline on Monday, 3/24:

·         Headshot

·         Résumé

·         Self-tape (Actors should record a 16-32 bar vocal cut of a song from or in the style of the show. Dance reels are encouraged, but not required. YouTube links are preferred. If sending via Google Drive, please ensure anyone provided the link can access.)

To be considered for children’s ensemble (young performers preferably between 8-12 years old), candidates should prepare and record, with help from parents/guardians, a self-tape of “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead” or “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” using an instrumental track found on YouTube. Self-tapes should showcase character, emotion, physicality, and vocal ability.

Videos should be sent via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Wizard of Oz – Children’s Ensemble” by 5PM on Monday, 3/24. Résumés and headshots are encouraged for children’s submissions, but not required.

Please note: Due to expected volume, submissions will NOT be accepted after the 3/24 deadline.