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Big Noise Theatre announces non-equity auditions for our upcoming musical GREY GARDENS. Based on the 1975 documentary film of the same name, GREY GARDENS is a tragic, frequently funny, and utterly unforgettable musical about two “staunch” and legendary American women: Edith Bouvier Beale, and her grown daughter, Edie. Grey Gardens begins at the grand 1941 engagement party of stunning and spirited “Little Edie” Beale to handsome Navy man Joe Kennedy, Jr., hosted by Edie’s mother, Edith Bouvier Beale. As the upper-crust New England family gathers, so do the storm clouds of trouble that eventually leave both “Big” and “Little” Edie alone and heartbroken. The second act launches the narrative into the overgrown, cat-riddled, and bug-infested estate in 1973, where the two Edies live, alone. “Big Edie” is now bedridden, and “Little Edie” grows more eccentric by the day, haunted by dreams of love and success, long since dashed. Weaving documentary text with imaginative speculation, the musical documents the journey of the Beales from royalty to ruin. With a diverse musical songbook, including Tin Pan Alley jigs and soaring ballads, Grey Gardens is a unique tapestry of lost dreams, sacrifice, and unstoppable hope-- heartfelt, witty, and compassionate.

Directed by Erin Sheets (she/her)
Assistant Directed and Choreographed by Hannah Ottenfeld (they/she)
Music Directed by Johanna Moffitt (they/any)

Audition Form/Video Audition Submission Deadline: October 30, 11pm.
Callbacks (by invitation only): November 3 and 4

Location: First Congregational Church, Third Floor, 766 Graceland Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Pay: $100 stipend

Material to Prepare: It is highly recommended that all actors be familiar with the documentary film.

Please complete the digital form. Please prepare and video record yourself performing 16-32 bars of 2 songs in contrasting styles, that show your voice at its best, and character range. If recording your submission is not possible, a limited number of in person general audition slots will be made available. Please indicate on the form which date works for you.

Callbacks will be in person and will consist of singing, scenework, and dialect work.

Commitment to Diversity and Equity: Big Noise Theatre is committed to diversity and encourages all its staff to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Big Noise Theatre encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.

It is the policy of Big Noise Theatre to accept walk-in auditions regardless of full audition slots. All auditions may be recorded on video.

Character Breakdown

Edith Bouvier Beale/”Little” Edie Beale (she/her) 40s-50s
One multifaceted actress plays mother Edith in act one and daughter Edie in act two, legit soprano or mezzo-soprano to F-sharp 5, mix/belt to D5, it is highly recommended that this actress be familiar with the film, as Little Edie is a unique character with many specific traits that we will want to reference in the second act.

“Big” Edie Beale (she/her) 60s+
Primarily appearing in Act two, an eclectic woman who fondly recalls her days of glory entertaining guests at lavish parties in the heyday of Grey Gardens, character alto E3-C5.

Young “Little” Edie Beale/Sister Marla (she/her) 20s
Will portray young Edie in act one, and participate in the ensemble in act 2, with a major solo as Sister Marla in the church choir scene, mix/belt to D5, soprano to B-.

George “Gould” Strong/Ensemble (he/him) 30s-40s
Gould is a composer and dear friend to Edith. He also acts as her accompanist. He is dapper with a certain boldness about him- a drink and lit cigar are always nearby. He is a confident man who lives on Edith’s money and has some realized insecurities about it. Bari-tenor C3-F4.

Joseph Kennedy, Jr./Jerry (he/him) 20s-30s
Plays handsome Joseph Kennedy in act one and handyman Jerry in act two, tenor, C3-G4.

Major Bouvier/Norman Vincent Peale (he/him) 60s+
Plays the strict, domineering patriarch of the Bouvier family in act one, and the beloved minister and author of “The Power of Positive Thinking” in act two, baritone, C3-E4.

Brooks Sr./Brooks Jr (he/him) 20s-40s
Portrays long-time family staffer Brooks Sr. in act one, and landscaper Brooks Jr. as well as a member of the ensemble in act two, baritone, C3-E4.

Jacqueline Bouvier/Ensemble (she/her) early teens
Plays young Jackie in act one – lovely, poised, and well-mannered, although dearly in love with her wacky Aunt Edith and her performances. In the second act she participates in the ensemble. Vocal range: juvenile mix belt, C4-E5.

Lee Bouvier/Ensemble (she/her) pre-teen
Plays young Lee in act one – energetic, and joyful, sharing her sister Jackie’s love of her Aunt Edith. In the second act she participates in the ensemble. Vocal range: juvenile mix belt, C4-E5.

Time Commitment: Rehearsals will be held in Des Plaines between November 13, 2023 and January 11, 2024. Rehearsals will be held in the evenings on weekdays, and may vary on weekends based on availability. There will be no rehearsals on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years. Performances will be Fridays and Saturdays January 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27 at 7:30pm; Sundays January 14, 21, and 28 at 2pm.

Contact Info: Do not submit photo/resume via email for consideration; please fill out the digital form. No phone calls, please.