A Night with Janis Joplin
by Zach Theatre

Sep. 12 - Sep. 13 (2019)

 

The legendary queen of rock-n-roll, Janis Joplin, explodes onto the stage in a concert experience that celebrates the Texas musical marvel, and shines a spotlight on the trailblazing female blues and soul vocalists who influenced her.  “A Night with Janis Joplin” is packed with enduring hits like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Mercedes Benz,” and “Summertime,” plus hit songs by icons Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Etta James, and more.  It’s sure to take a little piece of your heart!


 

 

ZACH Theatre announces local auditions by appointment for A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN on Thursday, September 12th & Friday, September 13th from 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm in ZACH’s JLA Studio at 1510 Toomey Road.  Callbacks will be scheduled September 26-28.

 

Created, Written, and Directed by Randy Johnson

Choreographer TBD

 

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:

Rehearsals begin January 6, 2020, with rehearsals typically scheduled 3 pm-11 pm weekdays and 11 am-7 pm weekends (Mondays are off). 

Performances begin January 29, 2020, and end on March 8, 2020, with shows Wednesdays through Sundays at 7:30 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 pm, and some added Tuesdays at 7:30 pm.

 

AUDITION APPOINTMENT INSTRUCTIONS (PLEASE READ THESE CAREFULLY): 

Actors will be seen BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. To schedule an appointment, please send an email to auditions@zachtheatre.org with the subject line that reads: 

 

“(YOUR FIRST NAME, YOUR LAST NAME) JANIS Austin Auditions”

 

Please include in the email a resume and headshot attached in PDF or Word Document format, and please indicate your preferred audition time.  All actors should bring a hard copy headshot and resume to the audition. 

 

We are seeking women of all ethnicities and ages, equity and non-equity.  Actors should prepare 2 contrasting 16- to 32-bar cuts of a pop/R&B song (ala Etta, Bessie, Nina, Odetta, etc.) that show off your vocal range and a contrasting song of your choosing (list of songs from the show are below if you would like to choose from that).  You may be asked to sing more, so please bring your book.  An accompanist will be provided; no pre-recorded music allowed.

 

NOTE: The role of Janis Joplin has been cast, but we are seeking an Understudy for the role.

 

Joplinaire #1:  Backup singer, and featured singer evocative of Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone; must be able to sing “Summertime” in the original vocal style of the song and key.

 

Joplinaire #2:  Backup singer, and featured singer evocative of Etta James and The Chantels.

 

Joplinaire #3:  Backup singer, and featured singer evocative of Odetta, Bessie Smith, and The Chantels.

 

Joplinaire #4:  Backup singer, and featured Blues Singer, also evocative of The Chantels; also should be able to sing “Summertime” in the original vocal style and key.

 

Janis Joplin Alternate/Understudy:  force of nature, a genuine spirit, “a white chick singin’ the blues,” an original.  The rock and roll legend, an old soul.  Great, authentic rock & roll/blues voice with incredible range and chords of steel.

 

SONG LIST FROM THE PRODUCTION:

“Combination of the Two”

“Tell Mama”

“My Baby”

“Maybe”

“Summertime”

“Turtle Blues”

“Down on Me”

“Piece of My Heart”

“Today I Sing the Blues”

“Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out”

“Spirit in the Dark”

“Try (Just a Little Bit Harder)”

“Little Girl Blue”

“Cry Baby”

“I Shall Be Released”

“Me and Bobby McGee”

“I’m Gonna Rock My Way to Heaven”

“Ball and Chain”

“Kozmic Blues”

“Stay With Me”

“I’m Gonna Rock My Way to Heaven”

“Mercedes Benz”