AUDITIONS

AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENTS!

MEAN GIRLS

Book by Tina Fey
Music by Jeff Richmond
Lyrics by Nell Benjamin

Direction: Ivie Wren
Music Direction: Jared Moskowitz
Choreography: Jess Brotherton Newlin
Stage Manager: Natasha Kargbo
Assistant Director: Stephan Burse

The Ritz Theatre Company is currently seeking a diverse and dynamic cast of artists for our upcoming production of MEAN GIRLS. We strongly encourage transgender and nonbinary performers to submit for all roles. All performers will receive a stipend between $150-$300.

AUDITION PROCESS:

1st Round: Video Submissions
Send your headshot, resume, and self-tape to ritztheatrecasting@gmail.com. Self-tapes should contain 16-32 bars of a song in the style of the show. Dance reels are strongly encouraged, but not required. YouTube links are preferred. If sending via Google Drive, please ensure anyone provided the link can access the video. Deadline for self-tapes is Wednesday, October 28th @ 5:00pm.

2nd Round: Callbacks
By invitation only, on Monday, November 2nd @ 6:30pm and Wednesday, November 4th @ 6:30pm

REHEARSALS: Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings beginning November 15th.

PERFORMANCES: February 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28

CHARACTERS:

** PLEASE NOTE: THE ROLE OF REGINA GEORGE HAS BEEN PRE-CAST**

Cady
A new junior at North Shore High School, Cady grew up in Africa and was homeschooled by her wildlife biologist parents. She is warm, bright, and strong enough to take on The Plastics. Is the emotional heart of our story.
Vocal Range: F3-G5

Janis
An “Art Freak” and social outcast, Janis is not afraid to be weird or make others uncomfortable. She paints herself as an objective observer, but, like so many of us, she longs to avenge the devastating events of eighth grade.
Vocal Range: Ab3-E5

Damian
Outgoing and an active member of the student activities committee, Damian is a fiercely loyal friend to Janis and they have the close rapport of a comedy team. Strong Tap skills preferred.
Vocal Range: Bb2-A4

Gretchen
One of the Plastics. Desperate to please Regina and to maintain her position in the Plastics, Gretchen is a nervous wreck. Her fragility at times is heartbreaking.
Vocal Range: G3-E5

Karen
One of the Plastics. Although her intellect and personality never had a chance to develop, Karen is essentially kind, relaxed, and a generous laugher.
Vocal Range: G3-Gb5

Aaron
A cute boy with a good moral compass and a backbone. He’s not immune to all the attention he gets, but he’s not going to let himself be a pawn in their chess game either.
Vocal Range: C3-Bb4

Kevin G.
Kevin is the extremely driven captain of the North Shore Mathletes. He is a confident student and a decent rapper. Of South Asian descent.
Vocal Range: F#3-B4

Mrs. George / Ms. Norbury / Ms. Heron
Mrs. George is Regina’s “cool mom.” She’s desperate to look young and feel like one of the teens. She’s also desperate for Regina not to repeat her mistakes.
Ms. Norbury is Cady’s world-weary calculus teacher, who pushes Cady to be her smartest self.
Ms. Heron is Cady’s intellectual mom, who can’t understand why her daughter is devolving before her eyes.
Vocal Range: G3-C5

Mr. Duvall
The principal of North Shore High. Mr. Duvall may have once taught computers at Joliet Penitentiary, but nothing prepared him for the harsh realities of out-of-control junior girls.

Dance Corps:
Seeking a highly skilled group of dancers to be heavily featured throughout the show. Strong Tap, Jazz, Hip-Hop skills preferred.

Ensemble
Includes the following roles: Mr. Buck, Dawn Schweitzer, French Teacher, Coach Carr, Glenn Cocco, Sonja Aquino, Band Geeks, Debate Team, Dance Team, Jason Weems, Caitlyn Caussin, Rachel Hamilton, Sophie, Lizzie Therman, Kyle, Kyle’s Friends, Lion, Stage Manager Kid, Teary Girl, Tyler Kimble, Mathletes (including Marwan Jitla), Mathletes Moderator, Marymount 1-2, Caroline Krafft, Shane Oman

THE APPLE TREE

2027 RITZ STAGE STARZ WINTER MUSICAL

 Performances: January 15-16, 2027

Self-Tape Deadline: Sunday, November 15 @ 6 PM
In-Person Auditions / Callbacks: Wednesday, November 18, beginning at 4:00 PM
Eligibility: Students currently in Grades 8-12

Director: Robert Repici
Music Director: Tim Herman
Choreographer: Lindsey Krier Repici
Stage Manager: Quinn Moscariello

ABOUT THE SHOW

The seeds have been planted for months (pun intended!), and now it’s time to find the performers who will bring our first production of the 2027 season to life!

From Bock and Harnick, the brilliant songwriting team behind FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and SHE LOVES ME, comes THE APPLE TREE, a witty, tuneful, and utterly charming musical made up of three distinct one-act stories. Each explores the complicated relationship between men and women through tongue-in-cheek humor, memorable characters, unexpected twists, and a generous helping of theatrical imagination.

Our production will take audiences from the Garden of Eden to a fantastical kingdom and finally to the glamorous world of Hollywood dreams and New York City romance. Three stories. Three very different worlds. One unconventional musical about love in all its unpredictable forms!

With our Ritz Stage Starz teen programming, we believe our students deserve opportunities to explore the full breadth of musical theatre; not just the familiar titles, but the quirky, surprising, and rarely produced works that challenge us to grow as artists. THE APPLE TREE is precisely that kind of opportunity. And we’re doing something new! For the first time ever in a Stage Starz musical, we will not be using prerecorded tracks. Instead, the production will feature live piano accompaniment.

We’re looking for versatile performers who are excited to take artistic risks, explore different theatrical styles, and help us bring this wonderfully unusual musical to life.

 THE THREE STORIES

 ACT ONE: “THE DIARY OF ADAM AND EVE”

Based on Mark Twain’s Extracts from Adam’s Diary

What happens when the world’s first man meets the world’s first woman? Adam is practical, stubborn, and perfectly content with his own company… until Eve arrives and turns his world upside down. Curious, playful, and eager to explore, Eve is determined to win his admiration. As the two navigate their unfamiliar world, their differences become the source of comedy and unexpected tenderness. But a smooth-talking Snake has his own ideas about how things should go!

 ACT TWO: “THE LADY OR THE TIGER?”

Based on the short story by Frank R. Stockton

Welcome to a mythical kingdom where justice is decided by an unusual test… and love can be as dangerous as it is irresistible. King Arik rules with absolute authority, while his daughter, Princess Barbara, is secretly in love with Captain Sanjar, a soldier recently returned from war. When love, jealousy, and the King’s demands collide, a seemingly simple decision becomes anything but simple. This rock-and-roll fable features larger-than-life characters, a mischievous storyteller, and a playful exploration of the fickleness of the human heart.

 ACT THREE: “PASSIONELLA”

Based on Jules Feiffer’s offbeat Cinderella story

Our final story takes us into a stylized world of Hollywood glamour and movie-star dreams. Ella is an ordinary chimney sweep who longs to become a glamorous movie star. When she transforms into Passionella, her fantasy seems tantalizingly close to reality… but the pursuit of fame threatens her one chance at true love. Meanwhile, Flip dreams of becoming a rock star himself. This unconventional Cinderella story explores ambition, identity, attraction, and the difference between who we are and who we dream of becoming.

 CASTING BREAKDOWN: THREE PRINCIPAL TRACKS + A VERSATILE ENSEMBLE!

One of the most distinctive features of THE APPLE TREE is its casting structure. Rather than casting every character separately, three principal performers will each play three different characters across the musical’s three stories. Please read the track descriptions carefully when considering which role or roles interest you.

 TRACK ONE: EVE / PRINCESS BARBARA / ELLA (PASSIONELLA)

 Eve — “The Diary of Adam and Eve”

Beautiful, curious, and playful, Eve is eager to explore her new world and deeply desires Adam’s admiration and companionship. She brings warmth, wit, and a sense of discovery to the first story.

Listed vocal range: G3-E5.

 Princess Barbara — “The Lady or the Tiger?”

A high-maintenance, seductive vamp who is also the King’s daughter. Barbara is secretly in love with Captain Sanjar and becomes intensely jealous. This character calls for confidence, theatrical flair, emotional intensity, and a willingness to embrace heightened comedy.

Listed vocal range: G3-E5.

 Ella / Passionella — “Passionella”

Ella is a humble, joyful chimney sweep with an enormous passion for becoming a movie star. When she becomes Passionella, her dreams take center stage. The performer must portray both Ella’s ordinary life and the glamour, ambition, and heightened theatricality of her alter ego.

Listed vocal range: C3–E5.

 What we’re looking for: A versatile performer with strong vocal ability, comic instincts, expressive physicality, and the ability to create three distinct characters. This track requires significant range in tone and style, from playful innocence to seductive comedy to larger-than-life glamour.

 TRACK TWO: ADAM / CAPTAIN SANJAR / FLIP (GEORGE L. BROWN)

 Adam — “The Diary of Adam and Eve”

Practical, pragmatic, and stubborn. Initially confused and put off by Eve, Adam gradually discovers his affection for her. This role requires comic timing, warmth, and the ability to portray a character whose understanding of love evolves throughout the story.

Listed vocal range: C4–E5.

 Captain Sanjar — “The Lady or the Tiger?”

A hardy, well-intentioned captain who has just returned from a terrible war. Beneath his strength and military bearing is a man secretly in love with Princess Barbara.

Listed vocal range: G3–E5.

 Flip / George L. Brown — “Passionella”

George L. Brown is a normal, nerdy guy who dreams of becoming a rock star. Masquerading as Flip, he transforms into a much more flamboyant persona: part Marlon Brando, part Elvis Presley, and part Bob Dylan. This track offers an opportunity to explore contrasting physicality, vocal character, and comic style.

Listed vocal range: C4–G5.

 What we’re looking for: A performer who can move convincingly between grounded, earnest comedy; romantic strength; and an exaggerated rock-and-roll persona. Vocal versatility, physical expressiveness, and strong character work are important.

 TRACK THREE: THE SNAKE / THE BALLADEER / THE NARRATOR

 The Snake — “The Diary of Adam and Eve”

A stylish, smooth-talking Broadway type who is stealthy, charming, and manipulative. This character knows how to work an audience and influence the people around him.

Listed vocal range: C4–F5.

 The Balladeer — “The Lady or the Tiger?”

A mischievous, all-knowing storyteller who guides the audience through the action. The Balladeer will also double as the Tiger-Keeper. This role requires a strong sense of storytelling, audience connection, and theatrical playfulness.

Listed vocal range: C4–G5.

 The Narrator — “Passionella”

A dapper man in a tuxedo who guides the audience through the story with an all-knowing presence. He takes pleasure in his ability to see the bigger picture and playfully tease the other characters.

Listed vocal range: F4–E5.

 What we’re looking for: A confident, charismatic performer with strong vocal and storytelling skills, sharp comic timing, and the ability to shift between three distinct theatrical personalities. Comfort with direct audience engagement is a plus.

 SUPPORTING ROLES

These characters appear in “The Lady or the Tiger?” and help build the world of the mythical kingdom.

 King Arik

A hot-blooded, commanding king with absolute power and father to Princess Barbara. Demanding and idealistic, he considers himself an advocate of justice. This performer will also double in the ensemble.

Listed vocal range: B3–E5.

 Nadjira

A sweet-hearted girl and one of Barbara’s servants. A supporting role within the world of the kingdom. This performer will also double in the ensemble.

 ENSEMBLE

The ensemble in THE APPLE TREE is much more than background support. Appearing sporadically in Act 1 before exploding into “existence” in Acts 2 & 3, ensemble members will function as a Movement Chorus, helping create the physical worlds, theatrical imagery, and transitions that bring these three very different stories to life. Ensemble members will portray:

• King’s Men
• Handmaids
• Guards
• Prisoners
• Film Crew
• Subway Passengers
• Creatures of Eden
• And, of course, the Apple Tree itself

We are looking for experienced singers and dancers who are versatile, physically expressive, and comfortable with neutral mask work. Performers should be ready to use movement, gesture, and ensemble awareness to tell stories in creative and unexpected ways. A willingness to experiment with physical theatre is especially important for this group.

AUDITION INFORMATION

 All students who wish to audition must complete and submit the official audition registration form found HERE. Completing the form secures an audition appointment but does not guarantee a role. Please note that this is a tuition-based program, but there is no cost to audition, and tuition is only charged if a student is cast. We encourage all interested students to audition! A separate form for role preferences and a conflict sheet will be distributed closer to auditions.

 VOCAL AUDITIONS: IN-PERSON OR SELF-TAPE

Every vocal audition must use an instrumental accompaniment track found on YouTube or a similar source. A cappella auditions will not be considered.

Your accompaniment should be instrumental, not a recording of another singer performing the song. Please select a track that allows the audition panel to hear your voice clearly. You may choose a selection from THE APPLE TREE or a song in the style of the show.

 For candidates auditioning for Track One: Eve / Princess Barbara / Ella (Passionella), please prepare two contrasting vocal selections for your preliminary vocal audition:

1. One comedic, up-tempo selection.
2. One ballad.

Both selections may be from the show or in its style.

 For candidates auditioning for Track Two, Track Three, or ensemble: One vocal cut is required.

 OPTION A: SUBMIT A SELF-TAPE

Self-tapes are due Sunday, November 15, by 6:00 PM. Please email your self-tape link to RitzStageStarz@gmail.com using this exact subject line: THE APPLE TREE – [Student Name] – Self-Tape

Preferred submission formats:

• YouTube: Unlisted links are welcome. Please do not submit YouTube Shorts, which can create copyright and access issues.
• Google Drive: Links are welcome, provided that anyone with the link has permission to view the video.

Please test your link before submitting to ensure the audition panel can access it. Include the required number of vocal selections for the track you wish to audition for, with the instrumental accompaniment audible.

 Important: Submitting a self-tape replaces only the preliminary vocal audition. All self-tape candidates must still attend the in-person dance call and complete the neutral-mask acting exercise on Wednesday, November 18.

 OPTION B: AUDITION IN PERSON

In-person auditions will take place Wednesday, November 18, beginning at 4:00 PM. Students auditioning in person must email their instrumental vocal track(s) to RitzStageStarz@gmail.com by Sunday, November 15, at 6:00 PM. Please use this exact subject line: THE APPLE TREE – [Student Name] – Audition Track(s)

WHAT TO EXPECT ON NOVEMBER 18

The in-person audition process will proceed in the following order:

1. Preliminary Vocal Auditions: Students will perform their prepared vocal selection(s), using their submitted instrumental tracks.
2. Dance Call: All auditioning students must participate in the dance call, including those who submitted self-tapes for their preliminary vocals.
3. Neutral Mask Acting Exercise: All auditioning students must complete this exercise, regardless of whether they submitted a self-tape or auditioned vocally in person. Students should be prepared to explore physical expression, gesture, and storytelling without relying on facial expression.
4. Callbacks: After the preliminary audition round, students will be told whether they are requested to stay for callbacks.

Callbacks will consist entirely of cold reads and singing selections from the score. Students may be asked to explore specific material or characters as the creative team evaluates casting possibilities.

 TENTATIVE REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

The production period begins with auditions on November 18 and continues through the final performance on January 16. Please review the tentative schedule found on the second page of the registration form carefully.

HOW TO REGISTER

Complete the official THE APPLE TREE audition registration form HERE and email it to: RitzStageStarz@gmail.com

We are excited to introduce our students to this witty, unconventional, and rarely produced musical, and we look forward to seeing their creativity, versatility, and individuality in the audition room. Break legs!