Old Library Theatre is excited to announce auditions for the WORLD PREMIERE of the new theatrical revue, Cardboard Trees and a Painted Moon. This is a unique opportunity for local musical theater actors to take an active part in the development and initial production of a new show.
Auditions will take place in-person at:
George Frey Center, 10-10 20th Street, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Teen Room
Audition Dates:
November 21 between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM
November 23 between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM
Callbacks as necessary on November 24 time TBD
To register for an audition, complete both steps below:
In-person Audition Registration:
Audition Form with Out Dates:
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION INFO:
There will be a kickoff meeting/discussion shortly after casting is complete in November.
Rehearsals begin in earnest in early December, and will take place 3x/week with a break between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Not everyone will be called to all rehearsals.
Tech dates: February 2-6, 2025 (no conflicts permitted)
Performance dates: February 7-9, 2025
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Based on the songs of award-winning composer/lyricist Patrick Dwyer, Cardboard Trees and a Painted Moon tells the story of a diverse group of people who create a unique theatrical experience together. In other words, it’s about all of those who put the “community” in community theater. Through 90 minutes of solos, duets, and ensemble numbers, as well as monologues and short scenes, Cardboard Trees and a Painted Moon celebrates their offstage lives as they form an onstage community.
WHO WE’RE SEEKING:
We are seeking a racially/ethnically diverse ensemble cast of 16-24 funny actor/singers of all genders/gender identities ages 18+. Emotional openness and warmth is required for all. Tracks currently include (some may be flexible for age/gender):
Female-presenting 20s: young lesbian who doesn’t yet realize she’s a lesbian
Female-presenting 20s/30s: stage manager who loves what she does
Female-presenting 30s: actor who's aging out of ingenue roles and into... well, she doesn't yet know.
Female-presenting 30s/40s: formerly worked professionally as an actor, now a mom who’d like to dip her toes into theater again
Female-presenting 40s: career woman who has a romantic side.
Female-presenting 40s/50s: an audience member who doesn’t like musicals, but loves her brother who does. Non-singing role.
Any gender/age: flight attendant whose external cheerfulness belies their caustic nature
Male-presenting 20s: just-out-of college, naive, had an eye-opening experience at a “Hair” cast party, very funny
Male-presenting 20s/30s: super capable office employee who secretly hates his job and wants to try something new—not really sure what that is
Male-presenting 30s/40s: does show after show after show as he deals with a challenging health diagnosis. Hopeful, optimistic.
Male-presenting 40s: a carpenter who discovers he likes onstage work almost as much as backstage work
Male-presenting 40s/50s/60s: a dedicated medical professional whose patient encourages him to try new hobbies. May be a non-singing role.
Additional tracks of all ages/genders: cover additional roles including teachers, theater participants, and more—some solo and ensemble singing, some dialogue.
Flexibility is key—as with the development of any new musical theater work, actors can expect to learn new and rewritten material throughout the rehearsal process. Actors may also be expected to share stories about their community theater experiences, which may be adapted for use in the script.
WHAT TO PREPARE:
Patrick Dwyer’s songs were largely written as cabaret pieces. Therefore, connection between the actors and the audience is paramount. The characters in the show are not royalty or deities—they’re everyday people with jobs, doing the best they can. Show us your humanity and your personality—communicate your piece to us, and focus on the meaning behind your lyrics!
TO SING: 45 seconds of a contemporary musical comedy song. (For general style, look at Bobby Lopez, Shaina Taub, David Yazbek, Goldrich/Heisler, etc.)
ALSO: Tell us a funny or poignant story about a past community theater experience you’ve had, or what community theater means to you. Again, about 45 seconds.
For your reference, you can can check out these playlists of Patrick’s songs, some of which will be included in this show:
PRODUCTION AND CREATIVE TEAM:
Music, lyrics, and book: Patrick Dwyer
Director: Valerie Caniglia
Music Director: Christynn Morris
Stage Manager: Milind Shah
Producer: David Toussas
Comments