# Next to Normal
Audition Notice — Next to Normal
Old Academy Players is pleased to announce the audition date for its 2024 production of Next to Normal with Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt. Next to Normal will be performed at the Old Academy Players theater located at 3544 Indian Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA from April 19th through May 5th, 2024. The show is directed by Josh Tull, produced by Annie Hnatko & Steve Hnatko, and music directed by Cheri Tigh.
Audition Date & Time: January 13th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Note: Auditions will be seen on a first come, first served basis in the order in which individuals arrive. If you would like to audition, you must arrive and check-in no later than 12:30 p.m.
Callbacks: Issued by invitation and seen later that same day (1/13/2024)
Note: we anticipate callbacks to begin in the early afternoon and run no later than 5PM. Individuals who are called back should be prepared to stay for the duration. Due to the anticipated high number of individuals auditioning, we are unable to provide an exact start time for callbacks. Specific timetables will be provided the day of and communicated transparently. Callbacks will be utilized only in specific cases, some roles may be cast without a callback.
All roles are non-union, non-paying.
Location of Auditions and Callbacks: Old Academy Players located at 3544 Indian Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19128. There is free parking onsite, located behind the theater.
Audition Requirements:
Audition in person onsite, on the listed date and time (NO VIDEO AUDITIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED)
Prepare a 16–32 bar cut of a song in the style of the show (you MAY sing a song from Next to Normal).
Bring a printed copy of your song’s sheet music with start and stop points clearly marked (an accompanist will be provided, no acapella or pre-recorded tracks are permitted).
Some individuals may be asked to cold read sides from the show.
Bring an UP TO DATE headshot (the photo will not be returned).
Bring your theatrical resume.
A list of any conflicts with the rehearsal schedule (see below).
Please be aware, due to the high demands of this show, conflicts may not be accepted.
Rehearsals: All rehearsals will take place onsite at Old Academy Players. Rehearsals will begin with an in-person table read at 6:30 p.m. on January 29th, 2024. A full rehearsal schedule can be found here: Next to Normal Rehearsal Schedule
Note: specific character call dates will be provided after the show has been cast. Not all rolls will be called to every rehearsal.
Performance Dates: April 19th, 20th, 21st, 26th, 27th, 28th; May 3rd, 4th, 5th, 2024 (Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m.)
Musical Information: Winner of three Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize in Drama, Next to Normal dives into the inner workings of a suburban family struggling with the effects of mental illness and loss. Behind closed doors, their lives are anything but normal as the mother has been battling bipolar disorder for 16 years. Next to Normal explores how bipolar disorder impacts family dynamics and makes everyday issues immensely challenging to overcome.
Characters:
*All roles are non-union, non-paying*
Diana (Female, 40’s): Mother to Gabe and Natalie, wife to Dan. Often appears delusional and depressed to other’s. She is determined to make her family perfect but is tortured by a traumatic event. She struggles to complete seemingly simple day-to-day tasks.
Vocal range top: F#5 | Vocal range bottom: G3
Gabe (Male, 18–21): Diana & Dan’s son. Dashing, athletic, and bright. He is a playful man and seemingly perfect. He often provokes his mother.
Vocal range top: C5 | Vocal range bottom: B2
Dan (Male, 40’s): Father to Gabe and Natalie, Diana’s husband. He is extremely genuine. Though a constant in Diana’s tumultuous life, he has grown tired and weary of her antics and often feels caught.
Vocal range top: B4 | Vocal range bottom: Ab2
Natalie (Female, 16–18): Diana & Dan’s troubled daughter, sister to Gabe. She is an accomplished pianist and hardworking student, her struggles are exacerbated by her mother’s behavior. She greatly admires Henry.
Note: Natalie may be asked to play live piano in the show if the individual cast is able.
Vocal range top: G5 | Vocal range bottom: G3
Henry (Male, 16–18): Natalie’s classmate and love interest. The all-around musician, philosopher, and slacker. He has an intoxicating capacity for sympathy and romance.
Vocal range top: B4 | Vocal range bottom: G#2
Dr. Madden (Male, 30’s/40’s): Diana’s psychiatrist. Quite assured in his practice and considered somewhat of a rock star.
Note: The individual cast as Dr. Madden will also double as Diana’s Psychopharmacologist, Dr. Fine. This individual will also play other various voices, doctors, nurses, etc. in conjunction with the rest of the cast when called for.
Vocal range top: A4 | Vocal range bottom: A2
Contact: Director, Josh Tull ([email protected])
Audition Requirements:
Audition in person onsite, on the listed date and time (NO VIDEO AUDITIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED)
Prepare a 16–32 bar cut of a song in the style of the show (you MAY sing a song from Next to Normal).
Bring a printed copy of your song’s sheet music with start and stop points clearly marked (an accompanist will be provided, no acapella or pre-recorded tracks are permitted).
Some individuals may be asked to cold read sides from the show.
Bring an UP TO DATE headshot (the photo will not be returned).
Bring your theatrical resume.
A list of any conflicts with the rehearsal schedule (see below).
Please be aware, due to the high demands of this show, conflicts may not be accepted.
Rehearsals: All rehearsals will take place onsite at Old Academy Players. Rehearsals will begin with an in-person table read at 6:30 p.m. on January 29th, 2024. A full rehearsal schedule can be found here: Next to Normal Rehearsal Schedule
Contact: Director, Josh Tull ([email protected])
