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Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the debut of Footloose on the silver screen, Big Noise Theatre is ready to cut loose and announce Non-Equity auditions for FOOTLOOSE!

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, FOOTLOOSE celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.

Directed by Matt Dominguez

When: Saturday, July 20, 2024, 10am-5pm. Callbacks on Monday, July 22, 2024 starting at 6pm by invitation only.
Where: Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E Thacker St, Des Plaines, IL
Pay: $100 Stipend

NOTE: For those unable to attend auditions in person, we will be accepting video auditions until 5pm on July 20, 2024.

Time Commitment: Rehearsals will be held in Des Plaines between July 29 and September 14 before moving to the performance space in Des Plaines on September 15. Tech Week starts September 22. Performances are at Prairie Lakes Theater on:
Fridays: September 27, October 4 & 11 at 7:30 pm
Saturdays: September 28, October 5 & 12 at 7:30 pm
Sundays: September 29, October 6 & 13 at 2:00 pm

Roles:
Big Noise Theatre is committed to diversity and equity and encourages all 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.

Ren McCormack: Teen Male, Tenor. Energetic, emotional, rebellious, likable; emotes his pain through quirky sarcasm and dance; strong dancer.

Reverend Shaw Moore: Adult Male, Baritone. The powerful, traditional local church leader; strict, stern, and solemn, still struggling with the death of his son.

Ariel Moore: Teen Female, Mezzo-Pop. Smart, a bit of the bad girl with an edge, sweet, the rebellious minister’s daughter; role requires strong belt, must be a strong singer/dancer.

Rusty: Teen Female, Strong pop/ belting voice. Ariel’s friend; a bit scatterbrained, sweet, fun, knows everything about everything; role requires strong belt, strong comedic timing and dancing.

Willard: Teen Male,Tenor. A simple country boy with a warmheart and a big smile; and strong comedic timing

Vi Moore: Adult Female, Soprano. Reverend Moore’s loving, supportive, resilient wife.

Ethel McCormack: Female, 35-45. Soprano. Ren’s mother; had a tough go, just trying to make it…would do anything for her son.

Chuck Cranston: Teen Male, Tenor. The local bad boy and Ariel’s boyfriend.

Urleen: Teen Female, Mezzo/Alto. Ariel’s friend; the smart one of the group; role requires strong belt, comedic timing, and dance.

Wendy Jo: Teen Female, Mezzo. Ariel’s friend; strong belt, comedic timing, and dance required.

Cowboy Bob/Bobbie (featured): Adult. Singer at the country bar.

Featured Ensemble

For the Audition: Please select one of the following audition cuts; please note that we are using these cuts to hear the style of the music on your voice. You may be called back for a different role than who sings the song you chose to audition with; please pick what you feel suits you as a performer best and showcases your personality!

• I Can’t Stand Still (Begin m. 22 – end)
• I’m Free (Begin m. 14 – m.46)
• Heaven Help Me (Begin m. 42 – End)
• Holdin' Out for a Hero (Begin m. 4 – End m. 49)
• Let’s Hear for the Boy (Begin m. 52 – End m. 79)
• Find It in Your Heart (Begin m. 1 – End m. 25)

With a quick turn around for callbacks, we want everyone to feel as prepared as possible. For your convenience, we will be utilizing the following scenes for callbacks…

For Callbacks:

• Ren/Ariel - p. 53 Begin REN “You are really something”/end p. 54 ARIEL “Tell it to the train. I do.”
• Rev. Moore/Vi Moore - p. 84 Begin REV. MOORE “I’ve never hit anyone”/end p. 85 VI “Needs a little work.”
• Ren/Willard - p. 44 Begin WILLARD “ If Chuck sees you...”/end p. 44 WILLARD “T-R-U-B-L.”

Additionally, there will be a dance combination taught and performed at the callback.

Submission Info: Do not submit photo/resume via email for consideration; make an audition appointment and please fill out the digital form. No phone calls, please.