West Side Story
by Aurora Arts Theatre
Nov. 17 - Nov. 18
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
Aurora Arts Theatre is excited to announce auditions for West Side Story directed by Peter Lopez , with choreography by Donovan Reagan and Lance Valdez. Auditions will be held at the Aurora Arts Theatre on Sunday, November 17th, 2024 beginning at 6 pm and Monday, November 18th starting at 6:30 pm .
The musical is set to run January 24th through March 2, 2025, with three performances each weekend: Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., and a Sunday matinee show at 2:30 p.m. Show dates are subject to change.
Audition Information - You will be asked to do the following:
Musical Audition: Everyone auditioning will learn a portion of a selection from the show taught on site.
Acting Audition: Everyone will do readings from the show. Don’t be afraid to ask to read for a part that you are interested in, if not previously read.
Dance Audition: Learn and perform a portion of choreography taught on site. Wear something comfortable to move in. Please wear dance or character shoes…. no sandals, crocs, or opened toed shoes at auditions.
Additional Information: Bring a complete list of any conflicts, as they will be considered during casting. Rehearsals will be held Monday through Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 10 pm, starting Thursday, November 21st, with potential additional rehearsals on Saturdays and Sundays. Schedule is subject to change.
Character Descriptions
Jets and Sharks: We are looking for cast members who, on stage, read age-wise from the late teens to the mid-twenties.
JETS:
Tony: Handsome, sandy-haired (Polish), older teen-ager, who has outgrown the Jets; tenor.
Riff: Glowing, driving, intelligent, slightly wacky leader of the Jets; tenor.
Diesel: Lieutenant to Riff, big, slow, steady; baritone.
Baby John: Youngest member of the Jets, awed at everything, even being a Jet; tries to act like a big man, but is vulnerable; baritone.
A-Rab: Small of stature, enjoys everything, takes nothing seriously, unaware, can be explosive; baritone.
Action: Most aggressive member of the Jets, a cat-like ball of fury; baritone.
Snowboy: Bespectacled, self-styled expert; baritone.
Others: Depending on cast needs, several other Jets may be cast; tenor and baritone.
JET GIRLS:
Anybody’s: Scrawny teen-aged girl, pathetically dressed to imitate the Jets, and wants desperately to be taken seriously by them.
Velma: Riff’s girlfriend, young, slithery, sexy, lost in a world of jive.
Graziella: Girlfriend of Diesel, impressed with herself.
Others: Depending on cast needs, several other Jet girls may be cast.
SHARKS:
Bernardo: Handsome, proud, fluid leader of the Sharks, with a sardonic chip on his shoulder; baritone.
Chino: Shy, gentle, sweet-faced young boy, the intended husband of Maria; baritone.
Pepe: Lieutenant to Bernardo, typically proud, and resentful of discrimination; baritone.
Indio: Typically proud, and resentful of discrimination; baritone.
Luis: Typically proud, and resentful of discrimination; baritone.
Juano: Typically proud, and resentful of discrimination; baritone.
Toro: Typically proud, and resentful of discrimination; baritone.
Others: Depending on cast needs, several other Sharks may be cast; tenor and baritone.
SHARK GIRLS:
Maria: Lovely young and obedient immigrant Puerto Rican girl, excited and enthusiastic about her new life in America, but with stubborn inner strength that allows her to evolve into a strong woman; soprano.
Anita: Older (20’s) and wiser in the ways of the world, flashy, sharp-tongued, and with a knowing sexuality; alto/mezzo-soprano.
Consuelo: Tough, young Puerto Rican girl with bleach blond hair and lots of baubles; mezzo-soprano.
Rosalia: Young Puerto Rican girl, more demure, not too bright; mezzo-soprano.
Others: Depending on cast needs, several other Shark girls may be cast; mezzo-soprano.
THE ADULTS:
Doc: Middle-aged drug store owner, tired and worn out.
Lieutenant Schrank: Plainclothes policeman used to being in charge, superficially pleasant to cover his venom, fear, and bigotry.
Officer Krupke: A not-too-bright street cop.
Glad Hand: Nerdy, overly cheerful and ill-equipped social director at the local gym dance.
If you have any questions, please call 361-851-9700 or email drios@auroraartstheatre.com.
