Theatre Auditions

LYSISTRATA, a jukebox musical!

Directed by Jerry Prell

STORY:

This fresh, fast-paced musical comedy, inspired by the Aristophanes play, follows Lysistrata, an Athenian housewife, who calls for the women of Greece to help end the Peloponnesian War. She proposes a radical plan: all Greek women must refuse to engage in lovemaking until the men see reason, lay down their arms, and come home to lay down with their wives in peace. The women agree to make the sacrifice and all hell breaks loose as men wander the country in an agony of unsatisfied lust. Will Lysistrata and her crew accomplish what the politicians could not? The music is a compilation of classic “Top 40” pop songs from the 1960s.

AUDITIONS:

Monday & Tuesday, March 6 & 7, 7-10:30 pm, Rm 120 in the Cerritos College, Performing Arts Center.

Please plan on attending one of these auditions. No appointments. First come, first served. These auditions are for anyone who wants to be considered for any role in the show. All ethnicities are encouraged to audition for all roles. Important: Please print and bring a photo/headshot and, if you have one, a resume of shows you have performed in and actor training. Thank you!

Callbacks will be Wednesday, March 8 from 7-10:30 pm.

This is a very broad and bawdy, fast-paced musical comedy about a serious topic – the destructiveness of War. Many of the characters are larger than life: some almost falling into the realm of the clown. The theme and message are conveyed through humor and fortitude.

Please prepare a one (1) minute comedy monologue. If you don’t have a prepared piece, sides will be provided.
Please prepare one (1) minute of a 1960s pop song using a karaoke track. (Song suggestions: It’s Your Thing by the Isley Brothers, Burning Love by Elvis Presley, Think by Aretha Franklin, Rescue Me by Fontella Bass, or But, It’s Alright by J.J. Jackson) We are looking for the ability to make a commitment to and have fun performing the song. There will be a monitor screen and internet access at the audition. Find karaoke tracks and lyrics on YouTube.

Please research the play online prior to auditions. Those called back will be asked to read from the play and dance.

We will be casting 7-9 men and 13-15 women.

PERFORMANCE DATES:

May 4-6 & 11-13 @ 8 pm, May 14 @ 2 pm.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE, FIRST REHEARSAL, and REGISTRATION:

Rehearsals will be Monday-Thursday, 7:00-10:00 pm, with possible Friday evening and Saturday rehearsals from 11 am to 4 pm. Rehearsals begin on Monday, March 20. All performers will be enrolled in a production course section.

Note: Students who are not enrolled at Cerritos College will need to apply for admission.

Character Breakdown:

Lysistrata, an Athenian woman
Calonice, her neighbor
Lampito, a woman from Sparta, a beauty
Myrrhine, a woman from Anagyra
Dipsas, a woman from Corinth
Ismenia, woman from Boetia
Magistrate, the head man in Athens at the moment
Belphragia, a woman from Athens
Fisherwoman, a woman from Athens
Cinesias, a man from Athens
Athenian Chorus Leaders 1 & 2 & 3 (#3 is a silent character)
Geezers 1, 2 & 3, old men from Athens
Old Women 1, 2 & 3 from Athens
Spartan Envoy
Spartan Delegate
Assorted Greek citizens, soldiers, and other buffoons

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Contact Jerry Prell, director, at jprell@cerritos.edu

PARKING:

All vehicles that park in Cerritos College lots require a daily or semester parking permit. Parking regulations are enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week.