COMPANY by Stephen Sondheim
A co-production of the Hurley School of Music Singers’ Workshop and the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse
Directed by Cindy Sadler
Musical Direction by Adam Philley
Contact
Cindy Sadler at csadler@centenary.edu
Auditions
By appointment only.
Friday, September 14, 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, September 15, 2-5 p.m.
What to bring: Resume, headshot (printed on resume is fine); 3-5 full-length songs (if you do not have full length songs, cuts are fine). Sondheim in general and pieces from the show are fine. Please bring clean, single-sided copies of your songs or cuts for the pianist. Please be prepared to read sides.
Check out the audition workshop where you will learn additional tips and have additional preparation.
Rehearsals & Performances
Four Performances: Thursday, April 4 – Sunday, April 7, 2019, 7:30 and 2:30 p.m., respectively
Rehearsals: Monday-Thursday 5-6 p.m., November 1 - December 13, 2018
Monday-Thursday 5-6 p.m. January 8-17; January 22 - Feb. 28; March 11 - 21. Monday-Thursday 7-10 p.m. March 25-28
Orchestra Read: Sunday March 24, 2-5 p.m.
Sitzprobe: Saturday March 30, 2-5 p.m.
Piano Tech: Saturday March 30, 7-11 p.m. (6:30 dress call)
Piano Dress: 2-5 p.m. Sunday March 31 (1 p.m. dress call)
Orchestra Dress 1 and Final Dress: 7:00-10:00 p.m. MW April 1 & 2 (6 p.m. dress call)
Background
From musical theatre's most renowned composer, Company is largely regarded as a trailblazer of the dark-comedy, modern-musical genre and the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Lyrics and Best Book.
On the night of his 35th birthday, confirmed bachelor, Robert, contemplates his unmarried state. Over the course of a series of dinners, drinks and even a wedding, his friends – "those good and crazy people [his] married friends" – explain the pros and cons of taking on a spouse. The habitually single Robert is forced to question his adamant retention of bachelorhood during a hilarious array of interactions.
Company features a brilliantly brisk and energetic score containing many of Stephen Sondheim's best known songs. The strength of the piece lies in its vivid yet real characters, meaning impressive technical aspects aren't necessary to convey the story.
Songs and Roles
Vist the songs and roles page to learn more about the roles and songs performed in Company.
Director’s Note
Company is a show about characters and relationships, and its themes are timeless, although its setting is very much tied to late 20th century New York. There has been at least one authorized version in which some of the characters’ genders were switched. We are not permitted to do this; however, we can cast without regard to the actor’s gender, and for our Company, I intend to do just that. We will cast the best available actor for each role regardless of gender or orientation. Our goal is to focus on the humanity of the characters and their relationships; we’ll let the audience draw their own conclusions about the rest.
Requirements
Actors must be available for the entire rehearsal period, with reasonable accommodations made in advance for a limited number of absences. You will not be called to every rehearsal but must be generally available during the rehearsal period. A weekly rehearsal schedule will be released on Friday, based on the progress made each week.
Actors must read music, be capable of learning it on their own, and be 100% off book for music by January 8; and for dialogue by February 25, 2019.
While every effort will be made to honor each actor’s comfort zone and personal convictions, actors should be certain they are comfortable and able to work without inhibition with the casting concept before accepting roles.
Audition Workshop
Free Audition Workshop
Sunday, September 9
2-4 PM
Anderson Auditorium
Hurley School of Music, Centenary College of Louisiana
- Tips and techniques for putting your best foot forward
- Prep to audition for upcoming shows like Company