Actress Lali Haines, an Indian woman with a cartoon flower in her wavy locks, sings confidently as Sandy the Squirrel. Photo Credit Jeff Heimbach.
Audition for THE PROM School Edition
Auditions: December 9th, Callbacks December 11th
Dragonfly Theater at RJ Grey Jr. High School
16 Charter Road, Acton, Massachusetts
REGISTER HERE for an audition slot.
(In order to collect headshots on line, you must use a google account.
If you need a hard copy audition form or another format, please email us info@OpenDoorTheater.org)
Performances: March 21, 22, 23 and 28, 29, 30 Dragonfly Theater Acton, Massachusetts
Directed by Brian Kelly, Music Direction by Rene Pfister and Choreography by Becky Robichaud, Stephanie Henry, Loren Beale, Stage Manager – Lisa Jensen-Fellows, Producers – Sam Gould, Dawn Gomez, Myla Haan.
INFORMATION:
With Book & Lyrics by Chad Beguelin, Book by Bob Martin, Music by Matthew Ski Sklar and based on an original concept by Jack Viertel THE PROM (School Edition) is a musical about growth, change and navigating differences.
DESCRIPTION: Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the result is love that brings them all together. THE PROM (School Edition) expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message of inclusivity, education, and nothing about us without us. This messaging supports the mission of Open Door Theater and will resonate with audiences now more than ever.
CASTING CONSIDERATIONS:
1. The role of Principal Hawkins has already been cast.
2. For casting purposes, since there are no characters under the age of 17, few actors will be cast who appear younger than 14 years old.
3. While this is a “school edition” version we have permission to perform with adult actors.
4. Please be aware that the “school edition” does contain a few swear words that we do not have permission to cut and therefore will be in the production.
5. ODT believes in authentic and representative casting. Deaf, Deaf/Blind, disabled, BIPOC, AAPI, and LGBTQIA+ actors aged 9 and up are encouraged to audition.
THE PROM (School Edition) is presented through special arrangement with and authorized materials supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, New York 10036.
Characters
Emma– shy and warmhearted high school senior simply wishing to dance with her girlfriend at the prom. She struggles to follow her heart against community pressures*
Alyssa Greene– Emma’s love interest who’s caught between her feelings for her girlfriend and the pressures of letting her mom know the truth of who she really is.*
Dee Dee– TONY® winning actress desperately trying to increase her celebrity and publicity by tackling Emma’s cause. Dee Dee discovers that true charity can outshine celebrity.
Barry- self-involved Broadway actor eager for celebrity activism to promote his career. Barry finds a kindred spirit in Emma and guides her to be true and proud of herself.*
Trent– A “Julliard Trained,” yet struggling, actor who utilizes his small television celebrity to teach the students larger lessons about tolerance.
Angie– Experienced and knowledgeable Broadway musical veteran who champions Emma’s cause and teaches Emma how to live life with Zazz!
Mr. Hawkins– concerned principal of the school and star-struck Broadway fan trying to create a prom for everyone while educating Dee Dee in self-sacrifice.
Sheldon- Broadway publicist working his skills and connections to build his clients’ celebrity status and create an audience for Emma’s message
Mrs. Greene-Alyssa’s mother and president of the PTA who’s committed to maintain a “traditional” prom. She’s too caught up in her own cause to realize her daughter’s desire to reveal who she loves.
Teens and Parents– Indiana high schoolers who struggle together to create a place for everyone at the dance and concerned parents swayed by Mrs. Greene’s traditional arguments yet ready to follow their children’s guidance.
Quotes from the Cast
Becca Yelle, Open Door Actor since 2018“Being a member of the cast in Open Door Theater makes me feel proud of myself and proud of all the other cast members. I love dancing and being on stage and I have made a lot of new friends.”
An actor with Autism clashes swords with an actor with Down syndrome while other knights cheer them on.
Myla Haan, Second Generation Open Door since 2005“From going to rehearsals with my mom and wishing to be up on that stage when I finally turned 9, to getting involved in any way I can just to be with Open Door people, this group has always been like a second home to me. Because the Dragonfly Theater is named in memory of my mom, her legacy shines out every time Open Door Theater puts on a show. It radiates through all the huge smiles on everyone’s faces, the support and respect shown to every individual, and the utter joy from experiencing the magic of ODT together.”
Emily Harvey Lacroix, Open Door since 2015In 2015 I had a very tearful phone call with President Sam Gould when I called to inquire about Open Door. At that time, I thought I’d never be able to do theater again because my disability is unpredictable and my needs change so much day to day. She calmly told me to show up as I was each day for rehearsal, wheelchair, crutches, cane or whatever, and we’d choose what made the most sense closer to the show like it was absolutely no big deal. And it was great!
Showing up, however I was, at Open Door from 2015 to 2020 has been critical to creating the good disabled life I’m living now. I’m calmly asking for my accommodations and accepting that I have some limitations to work around. I’m proud of the support, creativity, and resilience of the disability community. I know that I am still awesome and have lots to give. I don’t think I would have found this pride and peace in who I am without Open Door Theater.