Website Metropolis Performing Arts Center
Live theatre, entertainment, and arts education
RIDE THE CYCLONE
Metropolis Performing Arts Center is seeking main cast and understudies for Ride the Cyclone, directed by Lillian Castillo (who played the role of Constance Blackwood in the Chicago premiere, and on the Cast Recording), choreographed by Mandy Modic, with music direction by Carolyn Brady.
In this funny, moving musical, six teenagers from a Canadian choir die in a freak roller coaster accident. When they awake, they have one shot for a second chance at life.
Submissions are now open through Monday, May 11.
Submit here: AUDITION FORM LINK
All rehearsals and performances will take place at Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W Campbell St Arlington Heights, IL 60005.
Principal Cast Rate: $700 rehearsal stipend, $70 per show
Understudy Rate: $600 rehearsal stipend, $70 per show
Material to Prepare:
See link in Google form for material.
Sides: please tape all sides in the relevant character's folder
Song: You can either choose the cut from the show, OR feel free to sing something that you feel best showcases you! Cuts, backing tracks, and vocal guides are all in the audition materials folder.
For Karnak only: submit the sides listed, no song required
Time Commitment:
1st day of Rehearsal: August 11th
Rehearsals will be Sundays - Thursdays, Sundays 10a - 6p, Mon-Thurs 6 - 10p
TECH: Please note that specific call times are subject to change.
September 11, 6p - 10p
September 12, 12p - 9p
September 13, 12p - 9p
Final Dress: September 15
First Preview: September 16, 7:30pm
Press Opening: September 19, 7:30pm
Closing: October 25, 7:30pm
Character Type/Restrictions:
Character Breakdowns:
Casting Note:
While the characters in the show are written with specific pronouns or gender identities in mind, we are open and welcome actors of all genders to submit for the role(s) that you feel most called to. We highly encourage actors of color and queer and trans actors to submit.
The Amazing Karnak: (Ageless, Non-singing role) dilapidated animatronic fortune telling machine. They are the interactive narrator for the audience and part guide/part judge of the choir students. Their guilty conscience is what inspires them to set the events of the show in motion. They deliver their fortunes and wisdom with a dry wit. They are steady, calm and exude gravitas.
Ocean O’Connell-Rosenberg: (17, Belter, Mezzo Soprano/ Soprano) Ocean is the Type A, over-achieving, self appointed leader of the group. Her death really put a damper on the grand plans she had for her future and the future of humanity. She is self assured, competitive and unforgivingly blunt. In her mind she isn’t being mean she’s just being honest. “The most successful girl in town”
Noel Gruber: (17, Smooth Cabaret Singer, Tenor) Noel dreamed of freeing himself from his small town in order to enter his leading diva era. He is dark, theatrical and fully the drama. He has a particular knack for dealing with Ocean’s BS with sardonic quips. As the only gay kid in school he was forced to fit into a world that saw things in black and white when all he wanted to be was the tragic starlet of a black and white movie. Must be comfortable in heels. “The most romantic boy in town”
Mischa Bachinski: (18, Rapper/Folk Singer, Baritone/Bass) Mischa is a Ukrainian teenager that wears a mask of bravado, strength and rage but on the inside he is all heart. He turned to “self aggrandizing commercial hip-hop” to create that mask against a reality where he felt unwanted but love still found its way in. “The angriest boy in town”
Ricky Potts: (17, Rock Voice Baritone) Ricky is a neuro-divergent unicorn of a person who was pushed aside and looked down on in life. He is observant, intelligent, curious and sure. Now that he has his voice back he’s letting the rest of them know to level up. Strange and unique talents are a plus. “The most imaginative boy in town”
Jane Doe: (age unknown, Classical/Operatic Soprano) Jane is a mysterious, creepy headless girl. She has donned the head of a doll which makes her seem emotionless. But through her physicality she exudes a loneliness, deep wanting, and loss. Circus talents or ballet training are plus. “Jane Doe, the one unidentified body of the Cyclone roller coaster disaster… So, a Mystery.”
Constance Blackwood: (17, Rock Voice Alto) Constance is a sweet hometown girl. She is supportive of all the people around her but harbors secrets and feelings of unworthiness. In life she let her peers shame her out of loving herself but through this evening she falls in love again. She ends up being the part cheerleader/part conscience for the other kids.
To apply for this job please visit docs.google.com.