Actors Theatre of Indiana (ATI) is offering a fantastic opportunity for actors, singers, and dancers in central Indiana. A world premiere production of Mr. Confidential is coming to the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel. The book and lyrics are by Samuel Garza Bernstein and music is by David Snyder
For this audition, ATI is seeking Equity and Non-Equity Actors and Singers who dance and/or move well for roles. All actors must be considered a local hire. Actors, singers, and dancers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages are encouraged to audition.
This musical, based on a true story, is a giddy, vibrant tale set in New York and Hollywood at their most glamourous and dangerous. The sizzle starts here: a story of family, dreams, innocence, love and scandal. When Bob Harrison created Confidential Magazine in 1952, he gave the public gossip, humor and sex. But he also offered something totally unexpected – the truth about the rich and famous. It quickly became the No. 1-selling magazine in America. Soon, Harrison wasn’t just telling the story … he was the story, with headlines, scandals and a wild ride of his own
Cast requirements
Mr. Confidential requires seven male and seven female roles. Each performer should prepare one song in the style of the show. Mr. Confidential is a jazz style score with influence of 1950s standards. More information and examples of the score can be found at mrconfidentialmusical.com.
Headshots and resumes brought to the audition should be stapled and music clearly notated and in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. Actors may be asked to read sides at the audition. All artists must be fully vaccinated and must have strong dance ability or move very well.
Audition location
Auditions will be held in Rehearsal Rooms 141/142 at the Studio Theater at the Center for the Performing Arts, 4 Carter Green, Carmel. Please park in the parking garage (entrance located on 3rd Avenue) and follow the signs to the audition.
Audition date
Auditions will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, with a one-hour lunch break will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Callbacks will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 22, with a one-hour lunch break from 2 to 3 p.m.
Audition appointment
For an appointment, performers should contact Kevin Casey, Production Stage Manager, at kcpsm@mac.com. Please include headshot and resume.
Contract
Union: AEA SPT Tier 4; Non-Union: $300 per week. ATI participates in the Equity Membership Candidacy (EMC) Program.
Personnel
- Director/Book & Lyrics – Samuel Garza Bernstein
- Composer – David Snyder
- Choreographer – Willem De Vries
- Artistic Director – Don Farrell
- Associate Artistic Directors – Judy Fitzgerald and Cynthia Collins
- Pianist – Debbie Myers and Janelle Bracken
- Production Stage Manager – Kevin Casey
The first rehearsal for the production will be on April 11, 2023. Opening night is April 28; the play runs through May 14.
Breakdown for Mr. Confidential characters
ROBERT (BOB) HARRISON: This role is cast. the real-life Mr. Confidential. A natural showman with an infectious sense of optimism and high spirits. When failure looms he gets the idea of a lifetime: Confidential Magazine. It is wildly successful, and it makes him a star. But as his empire is attacked, he has a choice to make. What kind of man does he really want to be? (Baritone, two octave range G to G, moves well, has one tap number, can be mid-30s to early 50s)
JEANNIE DOUGLAS: Bob’s cotton-candy girlfriend is a showgirl who gets lots of ink from the columnists. A supposedly dumb blonde, she proves to be anything but as she provides the inspiration for everything Bob does. She loves him with all her heart. But as Confidential becomes a scandal juggernaut, she begins to have questions about the magazine and about their relationship. (Mezzo Soprano, dancer, can be late 20s to mid-30s)
MARJORIE MEADE: Bob’s niece is an intelligent young wife and mother who unexpectedly becomes his trusted partner in business. As the magazine gains popularity, her movie-star bearing and fiery red hair get her noticed. Tabloids call her the “Duchess of Dirt” and the “Flame-Haired Femme-Fatale.” She relishes it – at first. (Alto with high belt, dancer, can be mid-20s to mid-30s)
HOWARD RUSHMORE: He’s the razor-sharp, red-baiting writer who sees everyone as a probable enemy. His acid-tongue is matched by his energetic belief in his own infallibility. Still, he has a kind of booming charm that makes people take a chance on him. Booze and goof balls lead to a horrifying tragedy. (Bass-Baritone, moves well, has one tap number, 40s to 50s)
EDITH TOBIAS: This role is cast. Bob’s older sister is a worrier with an iron will and an unshakeable belief in her little brother and her daughter Marjorie. She will defend them to the end … even when she has her own doubts about what they get up to. (Alto, must read as 10 years or so older than Bob, moves well, has one tap number)
FRANCES RUSHMORE: This role is cast. Howard Rushmore’s lovely, alcoholic wife dreams of a new start with her husband. She is fragile and honest, though sometimes she can give as good as she gets. (Alto/Mezzo Soprano, moves well, has one tap number, should read younger than Howard)
MICHAEL TOBIAS: He’s a fresh-faced, geeky recent high school graduate; Bob’s nephew, Marjorie’s brother, Edith’s son. He idolizes his Uncle Bob and idly dreams of becoming just like him one day. (Tenor, moves well, has one tap number, 18 to mid-20s)
WALTER WINCHELL: The most famous columnist of the day, with 50 million readers and listeners. His rapid-fire, machine gun delivery is one-of-kind. This actor also plays Judge Nelson Blandings and other ensemble roles. (Baritone, can be late 40s to mid-60s, should read older than Bob and Howard)
FRANCESCA DE LA PEÑA: A source for magazine stories. She is sexy, mysterious, and far more complicated than she seems. Also, other ensemble roles. (Alto, Latina, dancer, 20s to 30s)
FRED MEADE: Marjorie’s neglected husband. A good guy, but not the smartest or most exciting of men. Also, other ensemble roles. (Bari-tenor, reads a bit older than Marjorie)
PRESTON WRIGHT: The Los Angeles District Attorney who goes after Bob and Confidential. Also plays other roles. (Tenor, African American, dancer, early 30s to early 40s)
GAIL FORRESTER: Attorney for Hollywood star Robert Mitchum among other roles. (Alto, African American, dancer, late 20s to early 40s)
BETTY ZEIDLER: Jury forewoman among other roles. (Soprano, dancer, mid 20s to early 30s)
ALEX COVENY: Bob’s attorney among other roles. (Bari-tenor, dancer, 30s to 40s)
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This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Please come out and audition for a role in the world-premiere production of the musical Mr. Confidential.