AUDITION INFORMATION

AUDITIONS WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY 18th 10.30-4pm

We will start the day with drama warm up games and exercises then will proceed with the spoken auditions . We will follow our usual format of ‘open’ auditions where everyone can read in for at least one character of their choice. Audition pieces do not need to be learnt but it will help your acting if you are familiar with the pieces.We will then have a break for lunch and anyone not wanting to do a singing audition is free to leave.

We will warm up as a group with the audition songs then everyone will have a chance to sing with the backing track. You can sing with sheet music or words if you prefer.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! This is going to be an exciting show! 🙂

AUDITION SIDES- SOUND OF MUSIC 2024

MARIA – apostulant at Nonnberg Abbey – Maria is a headstrong, free-spirited young woman. She is spitited, opinionated, warm, resourceful, youthful, gentle and kind with much determination. This must be strong actor and singer with an abundance of stage presence.

CAPTAIN VON TRAPP- A retired Austrian naval captain. He is a widower. He’s polished, yet very military in the way he runs his life; underneath, he is warm, understanding and determined. Regimented, dignified, commanding, manly, polished, noble, intelligent. He must be a strong actor and singer and be able to command the stage.

MAX – A theatrical agent and First Secretary of Education and Culture – a personal friend of Von Trapp and a sort of uncle to his children. He is clever at his job, charming,witty, and quite pushy to get what he wants. He has a humorous personality. He
enjoys the good life and those that live the good life. Max is the light comedy element of the show and will have one solo song, so strong singing is a must.

MOTHER ABBESS- The Mother Abbess is an inspirational leader for all the nuns at the Abby. She is a true big-hearted mother figure, loved, adored and respected. She has a bit of hidden spirit and a gentleness despite her authority. She must be an excellent sing as she sings ‘Climb Every Mountain’

THE VON TRAPP CHILDREN- we will have two teams of Von Trapp Children. The acting ages of the children are not necessarily the age of the cast members, this will depend on height/ suitability to play a child and a strong ability to act, sing and remember lines.

LIESL – Playing age 16- Liesl is the eldest of the Von Trapp siblings. She is innocent, naïve, coy,flirtatious, headstrong and infatuated with Rolf. She is pretty but unsophisticated and tends to think everything is wonderful. She has a maternal edge to her and cares very deeply and lovingly for her younger siblings. She needs to be an excellent singer and dancer .

FRIEDRICH- Playing age is 14. He is proud to be a boy. He has a tough exterior and is very much trying to be “the man” of the family; desperately needs his father.

LOUISA- playing age is 13 .She is clever, and full of mischief. She is the master of pranks and enjoys pulling them on others. She is quite a tomboy, has a rebellious attitude, and misses her mother a great deal.

KURT-playing age is 10. He wants to be older and introduces himself as “11-almost”. He is the second boy and the middle of the children. He often tries to act manly and is outspoken against the previous governesses. He is gentle and a peacemaker.

BRIGITTA- playing age 9. She is smart as a whip, very perceptive and always tells the truth whether you like it or not. She’s an avid reader and suspicious of “Uncle Max”.

MARTA- playing age 7- although we may make her a little older. She is one of the quietest Von Trapps. She loves the color pink, is very inquisitive, smart and gentle.

GRETL – She is the youngest Von Trapp. She is very quiet when first introduced by her father. She is sweet, loving and wants attention. She must have the cute, adorable and endearing factor.

ROLF- playing age is 17. He is the telegram delivery boy friend of Liesl. He is self important, boasting, a very pleasant young man, and somewhat aggressive but in a gentle way. Rolf has Hitler as his paternal role model and the Nazi regime as a future goal. He seems to know an enormous amount of what is going on because of his job and seems to relish his spying tactics.

NUNS- (all must have strong singing voices and good acting capabilites)

SISTER BERTHE- A nun who is the Mistress of Novices. She does not think that headstrong, freespirited postulants belong at the Abby. She is a no nonsense type, officious and very strict. She is not a supporter of Maria. She is a killjoy, self-righteous,
straight-laced, prim and a bit of a prude.

SISTER MARGARETTA- A nun who is the Mistress of Postulants. She is kind and understanding. A supporter of Maria. She is positive, encouraging, concerned and has a sense of humor.

SISTER SOPHIA- Sister Sophia is a nun who always stays in line. She is very dutiful and kind. She would rather take the middle road to avoid controversy.

As well as the ‘named’ nuns there will also be a chorus of Nuns.

FRANZ-Originally a sort of protector to Captain Von Trapp in the Navy, he is now retired into his position as valet, which he carries out with somber efficiency. A great acting role with a possibilty of a few solo lines here and there.

FRAU SCHMIDT- The Von Trapp family housekeeper, Frau Schmidt does her job efficiently but without affection. She is strong and somewhat dominating. She has been around a long time and hates the way she is treated with whistles by the Baron. It affects
her dignity. She appears to be a thoroughly reliable member of the staff and respected by all.- great acting skills,non singing.

HERR ZELLER-A cameo role in ACT 2 (chorus is ACT 1) A sort of district governor appointed by the Nazi Regime to prepare the
Anschluss. He is overbearing, arrogant and autocratic, self-important and pompous. Stern and unsmiling, a typical Nazi official whose primary concern is to see that everyone toes the line.

BARON ELBERFELD- a small cameo in ACT 2 (Chorus in ACT 1) A neighbor of the Von Trapps and one of the “Old Guards” of Austria – violently opposed to the takeover of his beloved country by Nazi Germany

VON SCHREIBER- a small cameo in ACT 2 ( Chorus in ACT 1) An important figure in the Austrian Navy and appears to be much respected by Captain Von Trapp. He arrives to collect Captain Von Trapp and bring him to Berlin.

Other smaller non speaking roles: A new postulant,The Lonely Goatherd Characters- Goat, Girl in the Pale Pink Coat, Mama,Trio at the festival, Fraulien Schweiger at the festival. There will be a chorus of Austrian townsfolk, Nuns and party guests.

Please note that this show goes back to our slightly more traditional format of Principals and chorus. There are fewer lead roles this year so please embrace the part you are given and never underestimate the value of being a solid chorus member. If you are not cast as a Principal, please remember, that for most of you- there is always a chance to shine and think positively to next.

PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD, COPY AND PRINT THE AUDITION PIECES.

Brigitta Franz Frau Schmidt Gretl Kurt, Friedrich Liesl, Rolf Louisa Maria, Captain Marta Max Mother Abbess Nuns Zeller, Schreiber

AUDITION SONGS

Please not all audition songs will need to be sung with backing tracks NOT vocal tracks. Each character’s song is below their name (vocal followed by backing). You do not need to learn the songs off by heart, but having a secure idea of them for the audition will help you put across a more genuine performance!

MARIA- THE HILLS ARE ALIVE