| Jessica Cruz Director |
William Sutton Assistant Director |
Michael Darnell Johnson, Jr. Musical Director |
Gabby Cruz Choreographer |
Carla Fleming Costumer |
Robin Reid Costumer |
Michelle Bayless Costumer |
Kris Pierson Light Design |
Ben Cruz Sound Design |
Dr. Kristi Wiley Producer |
|---|
The Sound of Music tells the heartwarming true story of Maria, a free-spirited postulant who is sent to be a governess to the seven children of the widowed Captain Georg von Trapp in Austria, just before World War II. Through her love of music and her joyful spirit, Maria brings happiness and song back into the lives of the children and the Captain. The musical explores themes of family, love, faith, and courage as the family faces the looming threat of the Nazi annexation of Austria.
A Note from the Director, Jessica Cruz
he cinematic masterpiece of The Sound of Music, with its sweeping Austrian landscapes, the unforgettable, soaring melodies of Rodgers and Hammerstein, and its deeply moving true story, captivated millions and continues to resonate across generations. It’s a film that defined an era of movie musicals, and its beautiful narrative will undoubtedly captivate our audiences once again. I cannot wait to see how you, our talented auditionees, will bring these beloved characters to life on stage, adding your unique artistry to this cherished classic.
For this production, we are taking the first round of auditions by video. Please prepare the song(s) and dance combinations on this page for the character you are auditioning for and submit your video audition link (either YouTube or Google drive) by no later than Wednesday, August 13, 3:00 PM. Use the music tracks provided on this page for your song audition. This ensures you are submitting the audition song in the key it will be performed.
Everyone will join our production team for the in-person Dance Call on Saturday, August 16, 3:00 PM, inside Briley Auditorium on the Turner Stage. You will perform the Dance Audition live, and some of you will be asked to stay to learn the Waltz. You may be asked to stay afterwards for Callbacks, immediately following the Dance Call. If you have any questions about the audition process, feel free to email or call Mrs. Cruz: jhcruz14@lenoircc.edu – 252-527-6223, ext. 970.
We are committed to casting a multi-generational, diverse cast. While The Sound of Music is based on a true family, we trust our audiences will understand the relationships between the children as siblings and the Captain as their father, regardless of whether they all share similar physical appearances. We believe in the power of storytelling through talent and presence.
Please know your participation in this show is a huge time commitment for you and your family. The rehearsal process will move faster than our summer show schedule, as we do not have as much time between the casting date and performance dates. We try to limit rehearsals to three times a week until we get closer to show time, but that is not always the case. Please make sure you discuss the time commitment with your family before auditioning. Becoming part of the show may mean not being able to participate in other activities. The presence of every person cast in the show is vital to the rehearsal process. We want you to take part, and we need you to be at rehearsals when you are called.
We cannot wait to make magic on stage with you!
A Note from the Musical Director, Michael Darnell Johnson, Jr.
‘m so excited to hear your voices for The Sound of Music. This show has a more “classic” style of singing than contemporary musicals, so we are looking for strong choral singers (experience singing Latin is a plus) as well as outstanding soloists of all ages. When preparing your vocal audition, here are a few friendly tips to help you shine:
- Phrasing: Think about the story your song is telling. How can your voice convey the emotion and meaning of each line? Let the music guide your expression, creating beautiful, natural phrases.
- Good Breath Control: A strong foundation of breath is key! Practice taking full, relaxed breaths that support your sound throughout each phrase. This will help you sustain notes, control your dynamics, and maintain a clear tone.
- Enunciating: Make sure every word is clear! We want to understand the lyrics you’re singing. Practice articulating your consonants and vowels so your message comes across effortlessly.
- Following the Music: Listen carefully to the provided tracks. Pay close attention to the tempo, rhythm, and dynamics. Staying precisely with the music shows your musicality and your ability to work within an ensemble. We can’t wait to hear you sing!
A Note from the Choreographer, Gabby Cruz
or The Sound of Music, we’re going to create some truly magical stage pictures using what we call “blockography” – which simply means we’ll be crafting beautiful and impactful movements with groups of people on stage. So, if you love to move and feel the rhythm, we are absolutely thrilled to see you! We’re really looking for individuals who can move gracefully and in time with the music, bringing their wonderful stage presence to every moment.
For the roles of Maria and Captain Georg von Trapp, some lovely partner dancing will be involved, including a traditional Austrian Folk Dance and elegant waltz steps.
If you’re interested in dancing but can’t commit to the full rehearsal schedule, the party scene is a perfect option! This scene features a beautiful waltz, and participating in it requires only limited rehearsals. It’s a great way to be part of the show’s movement moments without the full time commitment.
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just eager to learn, your enthusiasm is what counts. We are so excited to see your movement and create something truly special together!
- Playing age: 20-35
- Range: Soprano
- Dance Requirement: Some dance
- A postulant at Nonnberg Abbey, young, free spirited, warm and kind. She is from the Austrian countryside, an orphan, who has used her resourcefulness, intelligence and inner confidence to overcome the difficulties of her early life. There is a part of her that wants sheltering from the uncertainties of the outside world as well, and that, coupled with her absolute faith in God’s will, is what has led her to seek life as a nun. The actor must have versatility, a powerful voice, a great sense of natural humor, and the ability to move well. Guitar playing is a bonus, but not required.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS (prepare and record both songs)
- Song: No. 2 “The Sound of Music” – pick up to measure 8 to measure 33.
- Song: No. 6 “My Favorite Things” – pick up to measure 41 to measure 75.
- Prepare and record Side (lines). Have someone off camera read Mother Abess.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Not required, but a bonus: Record yourself playing Do-Re-Mi Reprise on guitar.
SHEET MUSIC
Sheet Music – Maria Rainer
- Playing age: 30-50
- Range: Baritone
- Dance Requirement: Moves well
- A retired Austrian naval captain. Educated, polished, and military in the way he runs his life, his home, and his children’s lives. The father of seven, ranging in age from six to sixteen, he is a widower. When we meet him, he is still in mourning over the death of his wife; his unconscious defense has been to push his children away and remove himself from the home that reminds him too much of what he has lost, resulting in a cool, detached exterior; underneath, he is warm, understanding, and as much in need of love himself as are his children. Guitar playing is a bonus, but not required.
- Song: No. 34 “An Ordinary Couple” – pick up to measure 71 to measure 82.
- Song: No. 42 “Edelweiss” – pick up to measure 5 to measure 42.
- Prepare and record Side (lines). Have someone off camera read for the other characters.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Not required, but a bonus: Record yourself playing Edelweiss on guitar.
- Playing age: 30+
- Range: Baritone/Character voice
- Dance Requirement: A mover
- Charming, sophisticated, enjoys the good life, which he can’t afford, so he avails himself of the Captain’s generosity at every opportunity. He is practical and sees the coming of Nazism as unavoidable, so one must “accommodate”, which brings him into conflict with the Captain. Ultimately, he proves a true and loyal friend to the family.
- Song: No. 16 “How Can Love Survive” – pick up to measure 3 to measure 18.
- Prepare and record Side (lines). Have someone off camera read for the Captain and Elsa.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Playing age: 25-45
- Range: Mezzo
- Dance Requirement: Moves well
- A baroness of taste and elegance; she is sophisticated and worldly. Like Max, she will find a way to accommodate the coming Anschluss. She tolerates the children, but would send them off to boarding school, so she and the Captain could spend most of their time in Vienna. She loves the Captain in a measured way; he represents good social standing and a continuation of the comfortable, luxurious lifestyle she enjoys.
- Song: No. 33 “No Way to Stop It” – pick up to measure 49 to measure 82.
- Prepare and record Side (lines). Have someone off camera read for the Captain.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Playing age: 35+
- Range: Powerful Soprano, wide vocal range
- Dance Requirement: Moves well
- The Mother Abbess, head of Nonnberg Abbey. Motherly, understanding, authoritative, she is Maria’s guiding light. Her years have brought her wisdom, patience and inner confidence.
- Song: No. 28 “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” – pick up to measure 9 to measure 42.
- Prepare and record Side (lines). Have someone off camera read for Maria.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Playing age: 20-60
- Range: Soprano, strong singer
- Dance Requirement: Moves well
- She is more inclined to notice the positive aspects of Maria’s conduct.
- Song: No. 1 “Morning Hymn (Soprano I)”.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Playing age: 20-60
- Range: Mezzo, strong singer
- Dance Requirement: Moves well
- The Mistress of Postulants has a good sense of humor, and so appreciates what is humorous in Maria’s conduct.
- Song: No. 1 “Morning Hymn (Mezzo)”.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Playing age: 20-60
- Range: Alto, strong singer
- Dance Requirement: Moves well
- She is the Mistress of Novices and more critical, finding all the faults in Maria’s conduct, and may be a little pompous.
- Song: No. 1 “Morning Hymn (Alto I)”.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Playing age: 17
- Range: Tenor
- Dance Requirement: Very good mover
- Rolf is a telegraph delivery boy on a bicycle and later drawn into the Nazi youth movement. He and Liesl have fallen in love, and they look for every opportunity to see one another.
- Song: No. 11 “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” – pick up to measure 19 to measure 52.
- Prepare and record Side (lines). Have someone off camera read for Liesl.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Playing age: 16
- Range: Mezzo, strong singer
- Dance Requirement: Strong dancer
- The oldest child, blossoming into a woman, and smitten by Rolf. She also has a maternal edge and cares deeply for her younger siblings. Initially she thinks herself too old to need a governess; she discovers otherwise.
- Song: No. 24 “So Long, Farewell” – pick up to measure 5 to measure 19.
- Song: No. 11 “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” – pick up to measure 71 to measure 104.
- Prepare and record Side (lines). Have someone off camera read for Rolf.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Playing age: 14
- Range: Strong singer
- Dance Requirement: Good mover
- Proud to be a boy in this family of mostly girls, and speaks fondly of his often-absent father.
- Song: No. 24 “So Long, Farewell” – pick up to measure 5 to measure 19.
- Song: No. 24 “So Long, Farewell” – pick up to measure 71 to measure 82.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Playing age: 13
- Range: Strong Singer
- Dance Requirement: Good mover
- The trickster of the family, full of mischief.
- Song: No. 24 “So Long, Farewell” – pick up to measure 5 to measure 19.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Playing age: 10-11
- Range: Strong Singer
- Dance Requirement: Good mover
- Gentle and a peacemaker. He dances “The Ländler” with Maria.
- Song: No. 24 “So Long, Farewell” – pick up to measure 5 to measure 19.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Playing age: 9
- Range: Strong Singer
- Dance Requirement: Good mover
- Smart, reads a lot, always tells the truth, even when it may be inappropriate.
- Song: No. 24 “So Long, Farewell” – pick up to measure 5 to measure 19.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Playing age: 6-7
- Range: Strong Singer
- Dance Requirement: Good mover
- Very much the little princess; pink is her favorite color.
- Song: No. 24 “So Long, Farewell” – pick up to measure 5 to measure 19.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- Playing age: 4-6
- Range: Strong Singer
- Dance Requirement: Good mover
- Very cute, just wants to be loved.
- Song: No. 24 “So Long, Farewell” – pick up to measure 5 to measure 19.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
NON-SINGING ROLE
- Playing age: 30+, accent suggested
- The von Trapp butler, rather formal but not without spirit, he is very German and loyal to the Fascist cause.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- Prepare and record Side (lines). Have someone off camera read for the other listed characters on the page.
NON-SINGING ROLE
- Playing age: 30+, accent suggested
- The housekeeper, rather stoic, but with a guarded sense of humor; she knows how to run the household as the Captain wishes it.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- Prepare and record Side (lines). Have someone off camera read for the other listed characters on the page.
NON-SINGING ROLE
- Playing age: 25+, strong actor
- Bureaucratic neighbor who becomes an early Nazi official. He is critical of the Captain’s loyalties to the old Austria and ultimately, as an official of the Third Reich, leads the move to take the Captain into Nazi naval service; hard-nosed, inflexible.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- Prepare and record Side (lines). Have someone off camera read for the other listed characters on the page.
NON-SINGING ROLE
- Playing age: 40+, strong actor
- Admiral of the Navy of the Third Reich, he arrives to escort the Captain to his forced commission. He is more flexible and accommodating than Zeller.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- Prepare and record Side (lines). Have someone off camera read for the other listed characters on the page.
- Playing age: 16-60+
- Range: all
- Nuns, monks, priests, Nazis novices, postulants, guests at the Captain’s party, Salzburg citizens, and Contestants in the Festival Concert.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- Song: No. 1a “Morning Hymn” – any part that feels comfortable.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
SHEET MUSIC
Sheet Music – Soprano 1
SHEET MUSIC
Sheet Music – Soprano 2
SHEET MUSIC
Sheet Music – Mezzo
SHEET MUSIC
Sheet Music – Alto 1
- Playing age: 16-60+
- Range: all
- Nuns, monks, priests, Nazis novices, postulants, guests at the Captain’s party, Salzburg citizens, and Contestants in the Festival Concert.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- Song: No. 17 “Reprise: The Sound of Music” – pick up to measure 25 to 40.
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
SHEET MUSIC
Sheet Music – Ensemble Men
- Playing age: 12+
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
- Prepare and record the Dance Audition.
- You will not be considered for any named roles and will only be in one or two scenes in the show.
