Assassins Audition Notice

ASSASSINS

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by John Weidman
Directed by George Everts

2 May - 17 May 2025

ASSASSINS

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by John Weidman
Directed by George Everts

About the Play

"Assassins" is a provocative musical meticulously crafted by the renowned composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim that delves deeply into the complex lives and varied experiences of individuals who attempted to assassinate U.S. presidents throughout the extensive course of American history. Through a compelling blend of dark humor and poignant reflection, the show thoughtfully explores profound themes such as ambition, disillusionment, and the elusive concept of the American Dream, which resonates with many. Each character's intricate backstory reveals their unique motivations and personal struggles, offering audiences a distinctive perspective on the notion of violence as a complicated means of expression or perhaps a desperate plea for fundamental change. The complex score, enhanced by an innovative narrative structure, invites the audience to engage actively with uncomfortable questions about identity, agency, and the intricate socio-political landscape of America, prompting deeper reflection long after the curtain falls.

More Info

AUDITION!

Be a part of this fabulous play.

Roles

Balladeer

A folk singer and the narrator of the show. The voice of America. May double as Lee Harvey Oswald.

Gender: Male Age: any
Vocal range: C3 - G42

The Proprietor

A mysterious man who runs the shooting gallery at a carnival. Menacing, represents the darker side of America.

Gender: Male Age: any
Vocal range: Gb2 - F4

John Wilkes Booth

(1838-1865) Assassinated President Abraham Lincoln during a performance at Ford's Theater in Washington D.C. on April 14, 1865. Foreman and inspirational celebrity to the other assassins.

Gender: Male Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range: F2 - G4

Charles Guiteau

(1841-1882) Assassinated President James Garfield in the waiting room of the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station, Washington, D.C., on July 2, 1881. Dashing but mad.

Gender: Male Age: 35 to 45
Vocal range: A2 - Ab4

Leon Czolgosz

(1873-1901) Assassinated President William McKinley at the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo, N.Y. on September 6, 1901. A young poverty-worn radical.

Gender: Male Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range: G#2 - G4

Giuseppe Zangara

(1900-1933) Attempted to assassinate President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt as he greeted well-wishers in Bayfront Park, Miami, FL on February 15, 1933. An angry, heavily-accented Italian immigrant.

Gender: Male Age: 30 to 35
Vocal range: B2 - A4

Samuel Byck

(1930-1974) Attempted to assassinate President Richard Nixon by hijacking a commercial jetliner. Hysterically irate schlep in a Santa Claus suit. Minimal singing

Gender: Male Age: 40 to 45
Vocal range: D3 - G4

Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme

(1948- ) Attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford at the Capitol Park in Sacramento, CA on September 5, 1975. A pixie hippie in love with Charles Manson.

Gender: Female Age: 25 to 30
Vocal range: G5 - A3

Sara Jane Moore

(1930- ) Attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, CA, on September 22, 1975. A frazzled, absent minded housewife.

Gender: Female Age: 40 to 45
Vocal range: F3 - Eb5

John Hinckley

(1955- ) Attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan as he left the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. on March 30, 1981. A love-obsessed and depressed college student.

Gender: Male Age: 25 to 30
Vocal range: A2 - G4

Lee Harvey Oswald

(1939-1963) Assassinated President John F. Kennedy from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas, TX on November 22, 1963. A suicidal, dejected shipping clerk. May double with the Balladeer.

Gender: Male Age: 20 to 25 Vocal range top: C4 Vocal range bottom: G3

Emma Goldman

(1869-1940) Turn-of-the-century Anarchist agitator and feminist. Terse and stubborn. An inspiration to Czolgosz. Doubles into ensemble.

Gender: Female Age: 30 to 45

David Herold

(1842-1865) One of John Wilkes Booth's confederates. Aided Booth in his attempted escape. Doubles into ensemble.

Gender: Male Age: 20 to 25

Billy

Sara Jane Moore’s whiny son.

Gender: Male Age: 8-14

Ensemble

Bystanders, tourists, reporters, photographers, presidents and others.

We are looking to have 2 males and 2 female adult ensemble members and one youth (10-15) ensemble member.

This is a show with a strong ensemble track. Each ensemble member has solo sections, and will need to hold their own as a performer.

NOTEs

The Dolphin Theatre is a welcoming and nondiscriminatory organization. We are seeking an incredibly diverse and inclusive cast. We encourage community members to attend regardless of age, race, colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and/or experience. If you require accommodations in any way, please let us know and we will do our best to make that happen.

Ages ranges are indicative of playing age only and will be flexible. We are open to any ethnicity for any character. Some cross-gender casting may be considered

The Audition

Singing

Please prepare one song in the style of the show - something that shows off character and your ability to tell a story that an audience can connect to. An audition pianist will be provided.

You may also be asked to sing some scales and other small exercises.

As we are on a quite tight schedule for auditions, we would appreciate it if the songs are kept reasonably short.

Please do not be offended if you do not get to perform the entirety of your song. We are looking for specific things, and that may be quickly ascertained, or more easily worked out through repetition of short sections.

Acting

You will be asked to cold read a short portion of the script in order to demonstrate your ability to connect with the text and other actors.

This may be for a specific character, so please come prepared with a general knowledge of the show and the characters.

Dancing

There is a 20 minute dance slot at the end of each hour in which you will be taught a short piece of choreography to one of the songs. Please schedule your time accordingly – you will be at the theatre until the end of the hour your audition is in.

This choreography will allow you to showcase your dance ability, and give us an idea of what you are all capable of.

If you are not a strong dancer, please do not panic, this is a show that is more about movement than it is about dance, and this is a way of finding out how you learn.

Dolphin theatre is a community theatre and is run entirely by volunteers.
All acting roles are unpaid.