amdram.co.uk

***Little Shop of Horrors | Audition Notice***

Mayhem Musical Theatre Company is delighted to announce audition details for their upcoming production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, to be performed at the Arthur Cotterell Theatre, Kingston-upon-Thames from 30th November till 3rd December 2011. This is the second part of a double bill with Little Shop immediately following the Mayhem Kids production of HONK Jr.
Everything you need to know should be in this notice, but if you have any questions at all, please email us at mayhem [dot] littleshop [at] gmail [dot] com .

The Show
A down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon Audrey II grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination. One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a house-hold name, thanks to a highly successful film version and a score by the songwriting team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken.

The Production Team
Director & Choreographer: Ben Z. Fuiava
Musical Director: Jon Wade
Producer: Sophie Barthel

Performances
The show will be performed at the Arthur Cotterell Theatre, Kingston-upon-Thames from Wednesday 30th November till Saturday 3rd December 2011 (including a matinee performance on the Saturday). All cast members will also be required to attend the get-in, technical and dress rehearsals on Sunday 27th November (all day), Monday 28th November (evening) and Tuesday 29th November (evening).

Rehearsals
Rehearsals will be held on Monday and Thursday evenings in Morden as well as some Sunday afternoons in South Wimbledon, although not all cast members may be called for all rehearsals. At the auditions you will be asked to advise us of any dates on which you will not be able to attend rehearsal. Please be honest about supplying this information as it will be used to draw up a rehearsal schedule. If, following casting, there are further rehearsals dates which you cannot attend, your casting may be reconsidered.

Membership
Mayhem welcome anyone to audition for our shows, however, you must be a member of the group to perform should you be cast. Membership fees are currently £35 (£25 concessions) for the year. In addition, there will be a show fee of £35 (£25) to cover the cost of rehearsal venues and insurance.

Auditions
Auditions are open to both members and non members, however as mentioned above, if cast, you must become a member of the company to participate in the show. Everyone including ensemble must audition for the show. Due to copyright laws, audition material including dialogue excerpts and music can only be sent out when you book your audition slot. First round auditions will be held at Emmanuel Hall (Dudley Drive, Morden, Surrey, SM4 4RJ) on Monday 12th September (8pm – 10pm) and on Thursday 15th September (8.30pm – 10.30pm). If you cannot make the audition dates, please let us know and we will try to organise an alternative date and time for you to audition. However, due to a very tight schedule, please be aware that this may not always be possible.

Recall Auditions
Recall auditions will be held at Emmanuel Hall (Dudley Drive, Morden, Surrey, SM4 4RJ) on Saturday 17th September from 3.30pm until 6pm. The audition panel will contact those individuals they wish to see again after the first auditions. As the notice period will be quite short, please keep this date and time free if you wish to be considered for the show.

Character Breakdown
Seymour Krelborn A menial laborer at Mushnik’s Flower Shop, Seymour Krelborn is the improbable hero of the story. Nebbish-like and insecure, he is naive and feels much put-upon. In spite of his flaws, he’s a sweet and well-meaning little man. An awkward and well meaning ‘geek’ in love with Audrey but feels he isn’t worthy. Think mid 20s, insecure, naive, well meaning, sweet, sincere, geeky, unorthodox.

Audrey The gum-snapping, bleached-blond secret love of Seymour’s life, Audrey works with Seymour at the flower shop. Lacking in education and self-esteem, she suffers from feelings of hopelessness at her situation in life, including her abusive relationship with her boyfriend, Orin Scrivello. Think mid 20s, no self confidence, physically tacky, protective of Seymour, looking for love in the wrong places, sincere, naïve.

Mr. Mushnik Owner of Mushnik’s Flower Shop, a failing business on Skid Row, Mr. Mushnik is a grumpy old shop owner after a quick buck who blames the world for all his problems. Think 40′s, disgruntled, bitter, seldom smiles, money hungry, a failure, opportunistic.

Orin Scrivello Audrey’s dentist boyfriend, Orin Scrivello is a motorcycle-riding black leather jacket-wearing tough-guy. He is tall, dark, handsome, and sadistic. His fondness for his own nitrous oxide proves to be his undoing. Think mid 20s – 30s, sadistic, treats Audrey as a trophy, selfish, egotistical.

Audrey II (Voice) A wise-cracking anthropomorphic cross between a Venus flytrap and an avocado with teeth, Audrey II is a plant on a personal crusade to conquer the world through manipulation. Think low, colourful, overpowering, manipulative, tinge of evil, personally pursuing an agenda.

Crystal, Ronette, and Chiffon Three hot sexy lasses who narrate, comment on and manipulate the scenes throughout the show. Think 20s – 30s, sexy, sassy, attitude.

Ensemble There are numerous roles for ensemble members throughout the show and as always, these roles are crucial to the production and provide wonderful opportunities to perform in different capacities. Ensemble characters include Winos, Business workers, Mother, Mini Seymour & Audrey, Mr Chang, Shoppers, Customers, Interviewer, Radio singers, Renovation workers, Plant operator, Dentist patients, Receptionist, Reporters, Agents and Marketing Reps.

Booking An Audition
A full list of audition material for all roles including ensemble will be sent to you when you book your audition slot. Everyone wanting to audition will be expected to prepare at least one song and up to two pieces of dialogue. Links to download the dialogue excerpts and music for each of the characters will be included in the audition material you will receive when you book your audition.

To book an audition slot, simply email mayhem [dot] littleshop [at] gmail [dot] com with the following information and we will get back to you with an audition time:
1. Name
2. Contact Email Address
3. Contact Phone Number
4. Preferred Audition Date (either Mon 12th or Thur 15th September)
5. Preferred Time
If you have any questions at all, please email the team at mayhem [dot] littleshop [at] gmail [dot] com and we will do our best to answer any queries you may have.
Good luck everyone! We look forward to seeing you at the auditions!

The Little Shop of Horrors Team
Mayhem Musical Theatre Company