Improvisers and Comedians and Actors

I am writing to let you know that THE BOOK OF MORMON will be coming to Sacramento to hold auditions February 8th and 9th by appointment only. We are looking to build our files for future replacements for all three companies (Broadway, 1st National Tour, Jumamosi Tour) for the roles of ARNOLD CUNNINGHAM, KEVIN PRICE, NABALUGI and ELDER MCKINLEY etc. (See role descriptions below.) We realize that the area has some fantastic musical and comedy talent, and even though we have some appointments already scheduled we want to make sure that we are not missing anyone, and felt that it is important to reach out to the local theatres, universities and improv groups to make sure no one is robbed of the opportunity to submit themselves for consideration.  We appreciate you passing this on to anyone you feel might be right.  Or if you have an email list, doing a blast to make actors aware.  I am also attaching this info as a PDF flyer if you would like to post it anywhere.  

Anyone interested in auditioning for any or all of these companies should submit a picture and resume and any additional materials to jrichcasting@gmail.com by 5PM Thursday, February 7th 2013.  Please make sure you put the City Name of the audition ('Sacramento' 'Roseville') in the subject line.  Due to the amount of emails we receive, we may not be able to respond to every submission.  Please note that submitting does not guarantee an appointment.  Both Equity and Non Equity should submit.

SHOW INFO:

Producer: Anne Garefino & Scott Rudin

Director: Trey Parker & Casey Nicholaw

Book, Music & Lyrics: Robert Lopez, Matt Stone & Trey Parker

Music Supervisor: Stephen Oremus

Choreographer: Casey Nicholaw

Sacramento Casting Director: Jeremy Rich

Casting Director: Carrie Gardner

ARNOLD CUNNINGHAM (Early 20's-Late 20's to play 18): Caucasian. Seeking a true character actor. Must be a physical contrast to the other good looking, All-American Mormons. Dweeby, dorky, nerdy, overweight, or all four combined. Arnold is a pathological liar but his heart is in the right place. He is a total screw-up but not for lack of trying, he always wants to do the right thing. Must be fantastic comedic actor who sings well. Tenor. We are also particularly interested in comics who sing.

KEVIN PRICE (Early 20’s-Late 20’s to play 18): Caucasian. All-American. Very handsome. Head of the class, always optimistic. Heroic Mormon. Must be a great comedic actor and a fantastic pop-rock high tenor to a B. Should be at least 5’10 or taller.

NABALUNGI (18- Late 20’s to play 20): Black African. Pretty. Takes the hardships of her village very seriously and wants to help her people find a better life. Must have great comic timing. Strong Alto. Belt to an E.

ELDER MCKINLEY (early 20’s to late 20’s to play 18): Caucasian. District leader of the Mormon missionaries in Uganda. All- American, wide-eyed and hopeful. Often struggles to cover his flamboyant tendencies and adhere to his Mormon morals. Must be a fantastic comedic actor and great singer. High Baritone who can pop out high Bb's for comedic effect.

[MAFALA HATIMBI] (40’s): Black African. Father of Nabalungi. Has come to accept the hardships in the village where they live but is a discerning community leader and tries to bring joy to their lives. Must be a great comedic actor and singer. Also interested in actors who sing.

PRICE’S DAD/MISSION PRESIDENT/VARIOUS ROLES) (40’s): Caucasian. All-American good looks and physique. Plays several parts from the perfect picture of a head of a Mormon household, to the stern missionary president, to Joseph Smith, so must have the ability to be transformative. Must be a great comedic actor and good singer. High Baritone to an Ab.

[GENERAL] (Late 20’s to Late 30’s): Black African. The general is a warlord in Uganda who is terrorizing the local villagers. A physically threatening and intimidating figure who is a great comedic actor and singer. Baritone to an F.

[FEMALE AFRICAN VILLAGERS] Late 20’s to late 30’s.  Black African. Seeking great comedic actresses with excellent singing voices.  Seeking Altos, Gospel Sopranos and Gospel Belters of all physical types.

Kings in Seattle; Fans at Blacktop

Hey Sacramento! We're all bummed the Sacramento Kings might leave for Seattle.   I know everyone is pointing fingers at the Maloofs (Gavin, Joe and the rest), or Kevin Johnson, or the NBA, or even the fans. I do know one thing: a lot of people are frustrated their leaving. Are you? During those televised games the arena looks pretty bare, but I know there are a lot of season ticket holders. At lot of us at Blacktop were big Kings fans, and need people to commiserate with if the Kings do bolt for the pacific northwest. If the team leaves we're giving all season ticket holders two tickets to any Blacktop production. Attend an improv, sketch, or stand up comedy show, for free. We know it doesn't take the hurt away, but hopefully it helps a little bit.

Perfect Mistakes in Improv

I'm a bit of a app junkie....but a frugal junkie! I like getting my fix on the cheap. I'll peruse Apple iOS apps or even cross the tracks for a nice Google app.  Sometimes, however, I come across something worth a purchase. For instance, Lensflare is worth the .99  cents! "Why did you buy that?" you're asking.

"Isn't this a blog about improv?" you're thinking.

"Did I leave the iron on?" you're wondering.

I can't  answer all those questions, but I can answer the first two.....with a story! When I took Film Studies in college, the teachers always stressed, "you want to avoid lens flare. They are mistakes." The professor would continue, and share the lengths and methods with which photographers and cinematographers would go avoid the flare. We got it. Lens flare = BAD (Not just capitol B, but A and D too. Len flares are that awful).

However, over the past few years, opinions have changed. The flare has become a tool. I've spoken with directors from Roseville and Sacramento, who use a flare for transitions and emotional emphasis. In fact, among the thousands of free apps available Lensflare chooses to charge for their app, and they have buyers! Wired Magazine said, "...you don't know what you're missing until you try this app."

High praise for something that used to be a mistake.

How does this tie into improv?

Thanks for getting me back to my point. Sometimes, a 'mistake' onstage is anything but. Treat your 'mistakes' like a valuable opportunities, because that is what they are. Use them, weave them into the show and by doing so you're telling the audience, this 'mistake,' is wonderful. They'll believe you.