Isabel and the Runaway Train
by Reimagine Normal

Feb. 11 (2022)

This 10-cast-member musical tells the story of a 16-year-old girl named Isabel who runs away from home and finds herself trapped on a magical train full of people who won't stop running - aka “The Runaway Train.”

Isabel is the only person on board who remembers her own name and it is up to her to stop the train and save the other characters onboard. She soon discovers that in order to get off the train, she will have to take a hard look in the mirror and lean on her family to process an unaddressed history of trauma. 

This dramatic comedy is intended to help the loved ones of trauma survivors better understand #metoo stories in a safe and musical space. We are a pro-actively mental health-friendly organization and encourage team members to take care of their own health while telling this important journey.

 

(via Reimagining Normal)

Isabel and the Runaway Train 2022 Auditions

BOOK, MUSIC AND LYRICS BY ANNA WESTBROOK

DIRECTED BY ANSEL LOWRY

WHEN AUDITIONING KNOW…

  •  Isabel works through challenging topics such as sexual maltreatment, trauma, mental health, healing, etc. through music and song. By auditioning, we are acknowledging that you aware of these topics and feel comfortable performing this content.

  • Character gender identities are flexible, with the exception of the characters of Isabel (fem) and the Conductor (male) (though actors anywhere on the spectrum may audition for those roles as well should they feel comfortable).

  • The Isabel team does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, ability, or sexual identity. 

  • Actors 18+ will receive a $300+ stipend and a percentage of ticket sales at the end of the production. (14-17 year old stipends are $175+) 

  • The Isabel team is committed to creating a health conscious environment that prioritizes the safety of it’s team members and auditionees. Please adhere to the safety recommendations from the city of Austin:

  • Video submissions are acceptable, but not encouraged. Please reach out to the isabel.runawaytrain@gmail.com for those details.

REHEARSAL & SHOW DATES:

  • Rehearsals begin: late February

  • March 3rd: read through & sing through

  • Weekday night rehearsals - specifics TBA 

  • Show dates: April 21st-30th

AUDITION MATERIAL:

  • 30 second to 1-minute monologue

  • Sides will be provided upon entry and read in auditions and callbacks.

  • 16-32 bar cut of a song in the style of the show (jazz, folk, rock):

CHARACTERS, DESCRIPTIONS & VOCAL RANGES: 

  • Isabel: (A3- Gb4): Has run away from home and found herself on a magical train. Must begin processing a trauma from her childhood to find her way home.

  • The Porter: (F3-F4): Carries all the baggage. High-energy and maybe a tad too helpful.

  • Isabel’s Mother: (F#3-G5): Loves Isabel but doesn’t always get it right. Carries a lot of guilt (and high expectations).

  • Isabel’s Father: (F2-B3): Patient and laid-back. Connects with Isabel through music.

  • The Writer: (E3-D5): Wiser than the others on the train and has a lot to teach about healing.

  • The Conductor: (No Vocals): The villain. A fake-nice authoritarian who takes advantage of those on board the train.

  • Choir Member #1: (D4-E5): High-energy, a little goofy. Choir member personalities have a lot of opportunity to be molded by the actor.

  • Choir Member #2:(E4-G5): High-energy, a little goofy. Choir member personalities have a lot of opportunity to be molded by the actor.

  • Choir Member #3:(G3-D5): High-energy, a little goofy. Choir member personalities have a lot of opportunity to be molded by the actor.

  • Choir Member #4: (F2-E3): High-energy, a little goofy. Choir member personalities have a lot of opportunity to be molded by the actor.

Click Here To Register for Auditions