UPCOMING AUDITIONS
The streets of Victorian England come to life as Oliver, a malnourished orphan in a workhouse, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, Mr. Brownlow takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap him back, threatening Oliver’s chances of discovering the true love of a family.
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Performances will take place at The Landers Center Theater in Southaven, MS.
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Directed by Emily Chateau
Vocal Direction by Justin Wadkins
Choreography by Beatrice Davis
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AUDITION NOTICE
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WHEN: Sunday, July 30th. See details below.
A mandatory movement call will begin at 1:00pm, and individual vocal appointments will begin at 2:00pm for performers ages 7+. Please click here to reserve your vocal audition slot. Callbacks will be held by invitation only on Monday, July 31st.
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Please dress appropriately for the movement call. No flip flops or sandals. In order to expedite the process, we ask that you bring your audition form completed to sign-in (listed at the bottom of the page).
WHERE: LRP Studios: 1672 Mississippi Valley Blvd Southaven, MS 38671
WHO: Casting all roles in Lionel Bart's Oliver!. Actors ages 7+.
WHAT TO PREPARE: Please prepare 32 bars (30-60 seconds) of a song that best suits your vocal range. We recommend you sing a song from the show, but you are welcome to bring a song in the style of the show. We will provide tracks from the show. If you are singing a song that is not from the show, please provide your own track. A bluetooth speaker will be provided. No Acapella auditions. If you have any questions, email companymanagerdft@gmail.com.
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WHAT TO BRING: Please bring an 8x10 headshot and résumé stapled. If you do not have a headshot, please bring a current photo. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the movement call. No sandals or flip flops. Bring a completed audition form. You can find this form at the bottom of this page.
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If you are unable to attend auditions on July 30th, you may submit a video audition. All video submissions must be received by 5:00 PM CST on Monday, July 31st. Please include a 30-60 second vocal selection in the style of the show. Once you are ready to submit, be sure to include your video audition, headshot, résumé and completed audition form. Send all materials to companymanagerdft@gmail.com. If anything additional is needed from you, we will contact you.
Rehearsals begin August 6th. A tentative rehearsal schedule will be provided at auditions.
Character Breakdown:​
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Oliver Twist
An orphaned workhouse boy. Bright, innocent, clever, and winning. He has a heroic air about him. Extremely loveable and kind-hearted. Must have an unchanged voice and have- or be able to quickly learn- a British accent.
Age: 7 to 13
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Fagin
Devious leader of a children’s band of thieves. Runs a training academy for young pickpockets. Cockney accent. A conniving, sly, con-man, yet very personable. He has made a career out of training criminals, obsessed with money. Must have excellent comedic timing and a strong baritone voice.
Age: 40 to 70
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Nancy
When she was younger worked for Fagin. Bill Sykes’ lover. She is devoted to him in spite of their abusive relationship. Takes a liking to Oliver and becomes somewhat of a guardian. Cockney accent. She possesses a drive for life even amongst the darkest circumstances. Pretty, intelligent, longs for a better life. Must have a strong belt to a D.
Age: 20 to 40
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Bill Sikes
Worked for Fagin as a youth now a feared master criminal. A brutal, harsh, brutish, abusive man that always puts himself first. Cockney accent. Physically imposing and in his prime.
Age: 30 to 45
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The Artful Dodger
Very energetic, highly personable, intelligent and savvy beyond his years. Fagin’s right hand “man”. He is full of life and seems to always be bursting with new ideas and a sense of adventure. A dynamic singer/dancer with youthful energy. Cockney accent.
Age: 14 to 18
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Bet
Nancy’s closest friend who used to work for Fagin. High spirited, energetic, down to earth. Cockney accent.
Age: 16 to 20​
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Mr. Bumble
Master of the Workhouse. Cockney accent. A large, pompous and corrupt bureaucrat.
Age: 35 to 60
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Mrs. Corney
Mistress of the Workhouse, Cockney accent. Sharp tongued widow. Brazen and corrupt.
Age: 40 to 55
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Mr. Brownlow
An old gentleman of wealth and breeding.
Age: 55 to 70
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Mr. Sowerberry
The undertaker. He begrudgingly takes Oliver from Mr. Bumble to work in the funeral home as a coffin follower. He is cold and very insensitive. Cockney accent.
Age: 45 to 60
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Mrs. Sowerberry
Mrs. Sowerberry: The undertaker’s wife. More business savvy than her husband. Cockney accent.
Age: 45 to 60
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Charlotte
The Sowerberry’s daughter. A flirtatious young girl who is attracted to Noah Claypole. Has no sympathy for Oliver, very self consumed. Cockney accent.
Age: 16 to 20
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Noah Claypole
Mr. Sowerberry's pimply apprentice.
Age: 16 to 20
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Mr. Grimwig
A Doctor.
Age: 30 to 50
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Mrs. Bedwin
The Brownlow's Housekeeper.
Age: 45 to 60
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Old Sally
Oliver’s nurse at birth. She is kind hearted and has a sense of responsibility for Oliver.
Age: 50 to 70
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Charley Bates
A boy in Fagin's establishment.
Age: 10 to 18
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Ensemble
Workhouse boys/girls, workhouse assistants, bow streetrunners, street vendors and crowd, etc.
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DFT is committed to equitable and inclusive casting practices.
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