AUDITIONS
Music & Lyrics by Marsha Norman, Music by Lucy Simon
Auditions will be held at the Broadway Bound Studios, 1315-C Gadsden Street in Columbia on...
Saturday, February 10 @ 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 11 @ 1:30 p.m. (will end by 5:00 p.m.)
Thursday, February 15 @ 6:30 p.m.
A wondrous tale of a young girl's search for home, Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved classic, The Secret Garden, blossoms in this enchanting musical by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon. When young Mary Lennox loses her parents to a cholera outbreak in India, she is sent to live with her uncle, hermit Archibald Craven, who lives in an imposing, secluded manor on the Yorkshire moors. Inside this haunting house upon a hill, Mary finds a reclusive, long-suffering collection of souls. Since her Aunt Lily’s death, Mary’s uncle has pushed away his surviving loved ones, leaving his bedridden son, Colin, alone. Sickly Colin, hidden away in the depths of the manor, bears the guilt of his mother’s death on his crippled shoulders. When Mary discovers her Aunt Lily’s hidden garden, locked shut and overgrown with vines, the stubborn girl is determined to revive the beauty that once was. Surrounded by spirits from the past, who both warn and welcome her, determined Mary begins to peel away the layers of sadness that cover the house and the garden, showing everyone the power that “one small girl” can have when she “wants things to grow"!
Auditions are open to males and females age 7 to adult. Blind casting is possible for some roles.
NOTE: In the first production of The Secret Garden headed by this director, Colin Craven was played by a boy. When she directed this show for a second time, two girls were double-cast as Colin. The director and musical director are open to casting (or double-casting) either a boy or a girl in this role (which will be played as a boy, regardless).
CHARACTERS
(The ages given for each role are character playing ages. They are not the required ages for the actors.)
Saturday, February 10 @ 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 11 @ 1:30 p.m. (will end by 5:00 p.m.)
Thursday, February 15 @ 6:30 p.m.
A wondrous tale of a young girl's search for home, Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved classic, The Secret Garden, blossoms in this enchanting musical by Pulitzer Prize-winner Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon. When young Mary Lennox loses her parents to a cholera outbreak in India, she is sent to live with her uncle, hermit Archibald Craven, who lives in an imposing, secluded manor on the Yorkshire moors. Inside this haunting house upon a hill, Mary finds a reclusive, long-suffering collection of souls. Since her Aunt Lily’s death, Mary’s uncle has pushed away his surviving loved ones, leaving his bedridden son, Colin, alone. Sickly Colin, hidden away in the depths of the manor, bears the guilt of his mother’s death on his crippled shoulders. When Mary discovers her Aunt Lily’s hidden garden, locked shut and overgrown with vines, the stubborn girl is determined to revive the beauty that once was. Surrounded by spirits from the past, who both warn and welcome her, determined Mary begins to peel away the layers of sadness that cover the house and the garden, showing everyone the power that “one small girl” can have when she “wants things to grow"!
Auditions are open to males and females age 7 to adult. Blind casting is possible for some roles.
NOTE: In the first production of The Secret Garden headed by this director, Colin Craven was played by a boy. When she directed this show for a second time, two girls were double-cast as Colin. The director and musical director are open to casting (or double-casting) either a boy or a girl in this role (which will be played as a boy, regardless).
CHARACTERS
(The ages given for each role are character playing ages. They are not the required ages for the actors.)
Mary Lennox (playing age 8-12, heavy vocals, dramatic & comedic acting, dance a plus) A girl sent to live with her uncle, Archibald, when her parents die from cholera in India. Quite the curious explorer, and often finding herself in trouble. Stubborn and always fighting for what she believes in.
Dream Mary (playing age 8-12, no vocals, dramatic dancer) Dances as Mary in her dreams and nightmares. Lyrical movement.
Mary Chorus (playing age 8-14, ensemble vocals - possible soloists, movement a plus) Represent the children lost to cholera in India. Appear in Mary's dreams and nightmares.
Colin Craven (playing age 8-12, heavy vocals, dramatic & comedic acting) Archibald Craven’s son. Spent his life in bed due to a heart condition. He is very stubborn and throws temper tantrums to get what he wants. He believes his father hates him for causing his mother's death.
Archibald Craven (playing age 35-45, baritenor) Mary’s uncle and lord of Misselthwaite Manor. A hunchback, haunted by the past and afraid of the future, he locks himself away both physically and mentally. Mary painfully reminds him too much of his wife, Lily, who died 10 years ago.
Lily (a “ghost,” playing age 28-38, soprano) Mary’s aunt and Archibald Craven’s wife. Died of a tragic accident within her garden and haunts the walls of Misselthwaite Manor.
Dr. Neville Craven (playing age 35-45, baritenor) Archibald’s brother. Trapped by the idea that he is responsible for the care of Colin. Although Lily never loved him in return, he remains in love with her, and is unwilling to move on and leave Misselthwaite.
Martha (playing age 18-30, mezzo-soprano belt, dances) A faithful housemaid. Grew up near Yorkshire and has the accent to prove it. Although she is from a lower-class family, her wisdom is often far beyond her age.
Maids Ensemble (teen to young adult, ensemble vocals, must be able to move/dance)
Dickon (playing age 16-30, tenor, dances) Martha’s brother. Looks after the sick plants and animals within the Misselthwaite grounds – including Mary. He is a young man who has an almost mystical connection to nature. Befriends Mary and convinces her to take care of the garden.
Ben Weatherstaff (age flexible, baritenor) Comedic, a crotchety head gardener. Secretly entrusted to take care of the garden after Lily’s death. Knows a great deal about the history of the garden and the grounds it sits on. He has worked for the family for many years. He calls himself “an old man.”
Mrs. Medlock (age flexible, ensemble vocals - flexible) Archibald’s housekeeper. As cold as Misselthwaite Manor.
Rose Lennox (a “ghost,” playing age 28-38, second soprano) Mary’s mother, she doesn’t understand how her sister Lily could truly love Archibald. Very loyal to her husband and refuses to leave India during the cholera outbreak that takes her life.
Captain Albert Lennox (a “ghost,” playing age 30-50, tenor) Mary’s father. Tries to send his wife Rose out of India during the cholera outbreak.
Alice (a “ghost,” age flexible, second soprano) Rose’s friend in India.
Lieutenant Wright (a “ghost,” age flexible, ensemble vocals - flexible) Officer in Mary’s father’s unit in India.
Lieutenant Shaw (a “ghost,” age flexible, ensemble vocals - flexible) Officer in Mary’s father’s unit in India.
Major Shelley (a “ghost,” age flexible, ensemble vocals - flexible) Officer in Mary’s father’s unit in India.
Mrs. Shelley (a “ghost,” age flexible, ensemble vocals - flexible) Major Shelley’s wife.
Major Holmes (a “ghost,” age flexible, ensemble vocals - flexible) Officer in Mary’s father’s unit in India.
Claire Holmes (a “ghost,” age flexible, ensemble vocals - flexible) Major Holmes’ wife.
Fakir (a “ghost,” age flexible, tenor, dance a plus) A wandering Indian mystic.
Ayah (a “ghost,” age flexible, ensemble vocals - soloist, dancer) Mary’s Indian nanny.
Indian Mystic Ensemble ("ghosts," teen to young adult, ensemble vocals - flexible, must be able to move/dance)
Mrs. Winthrop (age flexible) Comic headmistress of a private school. Prides herself on nurturing girls with tempers. Mary seems to be more than she can handle.
Nurse (age flexible) Cares for Colin.
Butler (age flexible) Employed by Archibald Craven, assists Mary in sneaking around with Colin.
Dream Mary (playing age 8-12, no vocals, dramatic dancer) Dances as Mary in her dreams and nightmares. Lyrical movement.
Mary Chorus (playing age 8-14, ensemble vocals - possible soloists, movement a plus) Represent the children lost to cholera in India. Appear in Mary's dreams and nightmares.
Colin Craven (playing age 8-12, heavy vocals, dramatic & comedic acting) Archibald Craven’s son. Spent his life in bed due to a heart condition. He is very stubborn and throws temper tantrums to get what he wants. He believes his father hates him for causing his mother's death.
Archibald Craven (playing age 35-45, baritenor) Mary’s uncle and lord of Misselthwaite Manor. A hunchback, haunted by the past and afraid of the future, he locks himself away both physically and mentally. Mary painfully reminds him too much of his wife, Lily, who died 10 years ago.
Lily (a “ghost,” playing age 28-38, soprano) Mary’s aunt and Archibald Craven’s wife. Died of a tragic accident within her garden and haunts the walls of Misselthwaite Manor.
Dr. Neville Craven (playing age 35-45, baritenor) Archibald’s brother. Trapped by the idea that he is responsible for the care of Colin. Although Lily never loved him in return, he remains in love with her, and is unwilling to move on and leave Misselthwaite.
Martha (playing age 18-30, mezzo-soprano belt, dances) A faithful housemaid. Grew up near Yorkshire and has the accent to prove it. Although she is from a lower-class family, her wisdom is often far beyond her age.
Maids Ensemble (teen to young adult, ensemble vocals, must be able to move/dance)
Dickon (playing age 16-30, tenor, dances) Martha’s brother. Looks after the sick plants and animals within the Misselthwaite grounds – including Mary. He is a young man who has an almost mystical connection to nature. Befriends Mary and convinces her to take care of the garden.
Ben Weatherstaff (age flexible, baritenor) Comedic, a crotchety head gardener. Secretly entrusted to take care of the garden after Lily’s death. Knows a great deal about the history of the garden and the grounds it sits on. He has worked for the family for many years. He calls himself “an old man.”
Mrs. Medlock (age flexible, ensemble vocals - flexible) Archibald’s housekeeper. As cold as Misselthwaite Manor.
Rose Lennox (a “ghost,” playing age 28-38, second soprano) Mary’s mother, she doesn’t understand how her sister Lily could truly love Archibald. Very loyal to her husband and refuses to leave India during the cholera outbreak that takes her life.
Captain Albert Lennox (a “ghost,” playing age 30-50, tenor) Mary’s father. Tries to send his wife Rose out of India during the cholera outbreak.
Alice (a “ghost,” age flexible, second soprano) Rose’s friend in India.
Lieutenant Wright (a “ghost,” age flexible, ensemble vocals - flexible) Officer in Mary’s father’s unit in India.
Lieutenant Shaw (a “ghost,” age flexible, ensemble vocals - flexible) Officer in Mary’s father’s unit in India.
Major Shelley (a “ghost,” age flexible, ensemble vocals - flexible) Officer in Mary’s father’s unit in India.
Mrs. Shelley (a “ghost,” age flexible, ensemble vocals - flexible) Major Shelley’s wife.
Major Holmes (a “ghost,” age flexible, ensemble vocals - flexible) Officer in Mary’s father’s unit in India.
Claire Holmes (a “ghost,” age flexible, ensemble vocals - flexible) Major Holmes’ wife.
Fakir (a “ghost,” age flexible, tenor, dance a plus) A wandering Indian mystic.
Ayah (a “ghost,” age flexible, ensemble vocals - soloist, dancer) Mary’s Indian nanny.
Indian Mystic Ensemble ("ghosts," teen to young adult, ensemble vocals - flexible, must be able to move/dance)
Mrs. Winthrop (age flexible) Comic headmistress of a private school. Prides herself on nurturing girls with tempers. Mary seems to be more than she can handle.
Nurse (age flexible) Cares for Colin.
Butler (age flexible) Employed by Archibald Craven, assists Mary in sneaking around with Colin.
Everyone must prepare up to 16 bars of a song that best showcases their voice (quality, range, etc.).
Karaoke CDs are acceptable. (No vocals allowed on CD.)
No a cappella vocal auditions.
Everyone will be vocalized.
(Audition tracks that can be used are provided below. It is not required for anyone to audition with one of these selections. They are only provided as options and to provide the "flavor" of the show.)
Everyone should come dressed to move.
Be prepared to list any conflicts with evening, weekend and daytime rehearsals from March 1 through July 7.
Rehearsals will not be held every day, but this information will help us schedule rehearsals around cast members' existing conflicts.
(No conflicts will be accepted July 8-21.)
To save time at the auditions, you may DOWNLOAD THE AUDITION FORM and complete it beforehand.
The Secret Garden, directed & choreographed by Dedra Daniels Mount with musical direction by Michael Simmons,
will be presented July 18-21 in the Cardinal Newman Performing Arts Center.
If you have any questions about auditions for The Secret Garden, contact us here.
There is no fee to audition for The Secret Garden. Those individuals who are cast in the production will not have to pay any type of participation or class fee.
Karaoke CDs are acceptable. (No vocals allowed on CD.)
No a cappella vocal auditions.
Everyone will be vocalized.
(Audition tracks that can be used are provided below. It is not required for anyone to audition with one of these selections. They are only provided as options and to provide the "flavor" of the show.)
Everyone should come dressed to move.
Be prepared to list any conflicts with evening, weekend and daytime rehearsals from March 1 through July 7.
Rehearsals will not be held every day, but this information will help us schedule rehearsals around cast members' existing conflicts.
(No conflicts will be accepted July 8-21.)
To save time at the auditions, you may DOWNLOAD THE AUDITION FORM and complete it beforehand.
The Secret Garden, directed & choreographed by Dedra Daniels Mount with musical direction by Michael Simmons,
will be presented July 18-21 in the Cardinal Newman Performing Arts Center.
If you have any questions about auditions for The Secret Garden, contact us here.
There is no fee to audition for The Secret Garden. Those individuals who are cast in the production will not have to pay any type of participation or class fee.
OPTIONAL AUDITION TRACKS & LYRICS
THE GIRL I MEAN TO BE (appropriate for Mary, Mary Chorus)
I need a place / Where I can go / Where I can whisper what I know
Where I can whisper who I like / And where I go to see them
I need a place / Where I can hide / Where no one sees my life inside
Where I can make my plans / And write them down / Where I can read them
Where I can whisper who I like / And where I go to see them
I need a place / Where I can hide / Where no one sees my life inside
Where I can make my plans / And write them down / Where I can read them
ROUND-SHOULDERED MAN (appropriate for Colin, Mary, Mary Chorus)
And then I dream / That the round-shouldered man / Takes me off / On a ride / Through the moors by moonlight
He never says / Where we'll go / We just ride 'cross the hills 'til dawn
And some night I'm going to ask him / Is the night sky black or blue?
I know the answer's in his book / Of all that's good and true
He never says / Where we'll go / We just ride 'cross the hills 'til dawn
And some night I'm going to ask him / Is the night sky black or blue?
I know the answer's in his book / Of all that's good and true
LILY'S EYES (appropriate for Archibald, Neville)
Imagine me a lover / I longed for the day / She'd turn and see me standing there / Would God have let her stay
She has my Lily's hazel eyes / Those eyes that saw me happy long ago
How can I now forget that once I dared to be / In love, alive, and whole / In Lily's eyes / In Lily's eyes
She has my Lily's hazel eyes / Those eyes that saw me happy long ago
How can I now forget that once I dared to be / In love, alive, and whole / In Lily's eyes / In Lily's eyes
HOLD ON (appropriate for Martha)
When you see a man who's raging / And he's jealous and he fears / That you walk through walls he's hid behind for years
What you do then / Is you tell yourself / To wait it out, you say
It's this day, not me / That's bound to blow away / Child, hold on / It's this day, not you / That's bound to blow away
What you do then / Is you tell yourself / To wait it out, you say
It's this day, not me / That's bound to blow away / Child, hold on / It's this day, not you / That's bound to blow away
WICK (appropriate for Dickon, Mary, Martha)
You give a living thing / A little chance to grow / That's how you will know / If she is wick, she'll grow
So grow to greet the morning / Leave the ground below / When a thing is wick it has a will to grow / And grow
Come a mild day / Come a warm rain / Come a snowdrop, a-comin' up
Come a lily / Come a lilac / Come to call / Calling all the rest to come / Calling all of us to come / Calling all the world to come
So grow to greet the morning / Leave the ground below / When a thing is wick it has a will to grow / And grow
Come a mild day / Come a warm rain / Come a snowdrop, a-comin' up
Come a lily / Come a lilac / Come to call / Calling all the rest to come / Calling all of us to come / Calling all the world to come
COME TO MY GARDEN (appropriate for Lily, Rose, Male & Female Adults)
Come to my garden / Nestled in the hills / There I'll keep you safe beside me
Come to my garden / Rest there in my arms / There I'll see you safely grown and on your way
Come to my garden / Rest there in my arms / There I'll see you safely grown and on your way
