Bristol Riverside Theatre will be holding Local Auditions in Bristol, PA on Monday, September 8th
Auditions in Bristol will be held in our rehearsal studio at the following address:
201 Cedar St, Bristol, PA 19007
Bristol Riverside Theatre is a mid-sized regional theatre whose mission is to engage audiences and artists alike with exceptional performances, inspired writing, and superior productions that motivate us to think harder, to feel more deeply, to laugh more joyfully, and to reflect on ourselves and the world in which we live. Located in the historic district of Bristol Borough, the theatre has a full-time staff of 13 employees, with most senior staff having been with the organization for a minimum of 10 years.
Jelly’s Last Jam
Book By: George C. Wolfe
Lyrics By: Susan Birkenhead
Directed by: Tyrone L. Robinson
Music Director: Victoria Theodore
Choreographer: YaTande Whitney V. Hunter
OTHER DATES
First Rehearsal: March 2, 2026
Opening: April 2, 2026
Closing: April 26, 2026
Our casting needs are as follows:
Jelly Roll Morton – Baritone, male, creole, 30-40s. The self-proclaimed “Inventor of Jazz”. A strong singer who can take us on a journey. Charming, commanding presence. Tap ability is a major plus. Strong pianist also a plus but not required.
Chimney Man – THIS ROLE IS PRECAST. Baritone, male, African American, 40+. Ageless, elegant, and otherworldly. Wise, presides over the evening, a commanding all-knowing presence with a strong command of language.
Young Jelly – Tenor, male, Creole, 18-22. Portrays Jelly Roll Morton as a teenager and will also be a part of the male ensemble. Strong rhythm tap dance experience. Please note if you play any of the following instruments with proficiency as this production will utilize actor-musicians is a major plus. Trumpet, clarinet, trombone, djembe, flute, cello, oboe, or alto sax. Ability to play an instrument is not required.
Anita – Mezzo-Soprano, female, African American, 30-40s. Club owner and entertainer. She’s strong and savvy when it comes to business. Soft and vulnerable when it comes to Jelly. Please note if you play any of the following instruments with proficiency as this production will utilize actor-musicians is a major plus. Trumpet, clarinet, trombone, djembe, flute, cello, oboe, or alto sax. Ability to play an instrument is not required.
Jack – THIS ROLE IS PRECAST. Tenor, male, African American, 30-40s. Jelly Roll Morton’s best friend. A strong singer that journeys from youthful excitement and come-what-may attitude to life-hardened truth-teller. Please note if you play any of the following instruments with proficiency as this production will utilize actor-musicians is a major plus. Trumpet, clarinet, trombone, djembe, flute, cello, oboe, or alto sax. Ability to play an instrument is not required.
Melrose Brothers (2) – Male, 20-50s, White. Comedic singers to play various characters along Jelly’s journey. Tap or Irish Step Dance ability is a major plus but not required. Please note if you play any of the following instruments with proficiency as this production will utilize actor-musicians is a major plus. Plays at least one of the following instruments: piano, drums, trumpet, trombone, reeds, bass, saxophone.
Gran Mimi: THIS ROLE IS PRECAST. Female, Creole, 50s–70s. Matriarchal figure who raised Jelly.
Ensemble Male - Male, African American. 20s-40s. Seeking all shapes and sizes to play denizens of New Orleans as well as various characters along Jelly’s journey. Tap ability and/or ability to play listed instruments is a major plus but not required. Should be comfortable with contemporary musical theatre and jazz vocal styles. Please note if you play any of the following instruments with proficiency: Trumpet, clarinet, trombone, flute, cello, oboe, or alto sax. Role with Special Skills Required: Buddy Bolden (African American, must play trumpet).
Ensemble Female – Female, African American, 20s-50s. Seeking all shapes and sizes to play denizens of New Orleans as well as various characters along Jelly’s journey. Seeking strong singers who can act and dance/move well. Tap ability is a major plus but not required. Should be comfortable with contemporary musical theatre and jazz vocal styles. Please note if you play any of the following instruments with proficiency: Trumpet, clarinet, trombone, flute, cello, oboe, or alto sax. Ability to play an instrument is not required. Roles with Special Skills Required: Dance Specialist (strong tapper and dancer, does not need to play an instrument), Miss Mamie (40+ years old, a seasoned juke joint performer, a blues queen with a sharp wit and a fierce tongue, strong singer/actor with good comedic timing).
Bank/Gangsters - Male, White, 20s – 50s. Seeking two men to play in the band for the entire show and play a series of gangsters in one scene. Must be professional level musicians (Reeds, Trumpet, Trombone, Piano, Drums, Bass, Guitar, and/or Banjo) and able to carry a tune.
Please email [email protected] to schedule a time slot and get audition materials.
