AUDITION

OPEN AUDITIONS: HAIR

BOOK AND LYRICS BY GEROME RAGNI & JAMES RADO
MUSIC BY GALT MACDERMOT
DIRECTED BY KENNETH RUSH

DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED THROUGH
THE END OF MARCH

THE HISTORIC STATE THEATRE
109 NORTH BAY STREET
EUSTIS, FL

Please direct submissions and questions to:
Nina Vatter, nina@baystreetplayers.org

SYNOPSIS

HAIR follows a young group of friends fighting the establishment, living, and loving in New York City in 1967 under the shadow of the Vietnam War. Claude, his best friend Berger, their roommate Sheila, and their “tribe” of friends struggle to balance the demands of the harsh and violent world with their dream for a more beautiful and peaceful existence. When Claude receives his draft notice, he must decide whether to join his friends in resistance or bow to the pressures of society and his conservative parents, thereby sacrificing his morals and, possibly, his life.

Lauded as “the show that defined a generation” when it was first produced at The Public Theatre in New York City in 1967—later transferring to Broadway’s Biltmore Theatre in 1968—HAIR was revolutionary in acknowledging concerns of its time, bringing the counterculture onto the stage and into the national spotlight. HAIR received the 1969 Grammy Award for Best Musical Score.

HAIR is now as relevant as ever in its exploration of themes that we are still grappling with today: racism, war, social unrest, pollution, LGBTQ+ inclusion, sexual repression, and economic disparity. In this way, Bay Street Players continues its dedication to acknowledging the fact that the stories we are able to share have the potential to impact social evolution. Join us in our effort to “let the sunshine in.”

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS*

  • BERGER
    Vocal Range: Tenor (A2-B4)
    Berger is an irreverent, anti-establishment, free spirit, a high school drop-out, and the Tribe’s most expressive member.
  • CLAUDE
    Vocal Range: Tenor (A2-F4)
    Claude is the nominal leader and moral center of the Tribe.
  • SHEILA
    Vocal Range: Mezzo Soprano/Alto (G3-C5)
    An NYU student and anti-war protestor. Sheila is hung up on Berger.
  • WOOF
    Vocal Range: Tenor/High Baritone (D3-G4)
    An androgynous, gentle soul. Woof loves plants, his family, the audience, and Mick Jagger.
  • HUD
    Vocal Range: Baritone (B2-F4)
    Hud is a militant member of the tribe who loves Dionne.
  • JEANNIE
    Vocal Range: Alto (G3-F4)
    An idealistic, pregnant environmentalist and earth-mother. Jeannie is in love with Claude.
  • DIONNE
    Vocal Range: Mezzo Soprano/Soprano (F4-F5)
    Dionne is a vivacious, strong, free-thinking woman.
  • CRISSY
    Vocal Range: Mezzo Soprano/Soprano (A3-C5)
    The youngest member of the tribe, Crissy is sweet, innocent, and in love with motorcycle gang member Frank Mills—who we never meet.
  • MARGARET MEAD
    Vocal Range: Tenor (A2-B4)
    A Tribe member who, at one point in the show, is featured as a female tourist in drag.
  • THE TRIBE
    An ensemble of freethinking friends striving for a peaceful existence. Tribe members play multiple characters throughout the show.

    *all roles are volunteer

CASTING & AUDITION NOTES

AGE REQUIREMENTS
Due to the nature and content of this production, all actors MUST be 18 at the time of their audition in order to be eligible for casting. There will be no exceptions, and we appreciate your cooperation. Please do not submit materials if you are unable to meet this requirement.

With respect to playable age range, all roles are intended to be in their adult teenage years through mid-to-late 20s. However, we encourage anyone who feels they identify with the youthful age range of the “tribe” to audition, regardless of their actual chronological age. In previous productions of this show, roles have been by cast people who were well their 40s and beyond, though expressed the energy and attitude that this show demands.

NUDITY
HAIR traditionally contains an element of brief, tasteful nudity. Our intention is to honor the integrity of the work to the best of our abilities. That said, Bay Street Players respects personal boundaries and open dialogue. Nudity is entirely optional; any apprehension or decision to abstain will not affect casting—before or during the process of developing this show.

DIVERSITY
The majority of roles in this show are racially non-specific and while many roles in HAIR appear to be either male or female-identifying, casting will not be bound by these perceptions. A diverse cast—in every sense of the word—is crucial to the production’s thesis. HAIR benefits greatly from a wide range of ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and body types. Everyone who meets the minimum age requirement is encouraged to audition. Please note that you may be cast in a way that is non-traditional.

VOLUNTEERS
Bay Street Players at the State Theatre is a true community theatre dependent upon volunteers. Apart from our small, in-house staff, all contributions to this show, both on and off stage, are the work of incredible people who volunteer their time, talent, and expertise, for which we are endlessly appreciative.

AUDITION SUBMISSIONS

Please submit the following by email to Nina Vatter, nina@baystreetplayers.org by March 13, 2024.

  • Recorded video singing 32 bars, preferably in the style of the music in the show.
    • Feel welcome to sing a portion of a song from HAIR or a pop song in the style of the music of the 1960s. Music in the style of such artists as Tina Turner, Jefferson Airplane, Janis Joplin, Donna Summer, Buffalo Springfield, Credence Clearwater Revival, The Who, Blood Sweat and Tears, Crosby Stills and Nash. Think Woodstock!
  • Recorded video of one (1) 60-second monologue.
    • The monologue should be modern and can be original. (No Shakespeare, please.)
  • Recorded 60-90 second video of yourself freestyle dancing to the song Aquarius from HAIR.
    • We are not seeking trained dancers, but people who embody a certain energy.
    • Recordings of Aquarius can easily be found on YouTube and all streaming platforms.
  • Current resume and a headshot
    • Non-professional headshots are fine!
  • A list of any dates that may conflict with rehearsals.
    • Note that no conflicts will be permitted during Tech Week, (May 25-30) or performance dates, as understudies will not be cast for this production.

REHEARSALS
Music rehearsals will begin April 15-19, 2024 on-site at the State Theatre, 109 North Bay Street, Eustis, FL, from 7:00-10:00pm. A full schedule will be provided at the first music rehearsal. Rehearsals are generally held on weekdays from 7:00-10:00pm. You will not necessarily be called for every rehearsal. Based on availability and production needs, there may be some weekend rehearsals scheduled.

PERFORMANCES
Friday, May 31 · 8:00pm
Saturday, June 1 · 8:00pm
Sunday, June 2 · 2:00pm
Thursday June 6 · 8:00 pm
Friday, June 7 · 8:00pm
Saturday, June 8 · 2:00pm
Sunday, June 9 · 2:00pm
Thursday June 13 · 8:00pm
Friday, June 14 · 8:00pm
Saturday, June 15 · 2:00pm
Sunday, June 16 · 2:00pm

*Possible holdover dates based on advanced sales will be confirmed by June 10, 2024.