The Chance Theater - Into The Woods

Chance Youth production of
Into The Woods
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Directed by Education Associate Skyler Gray

Open to performers of all experience levels from 9th-12th grade

Sign up for an audition appointment!

Auditions: May 20 & 21 from 6-8pm (by appointment only)
Click here to see Character Breakdown
Download Audition Packet

ABOUT THE SHOW:
James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone's favorite storybook characters- Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack (and his beanstalk), Little Red Riding Hood, The Witch- and brings them together for a timeless yet relevant piece and rare modern classic.

The story follows a Baker and his wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to attend the King's Festival, and Jack who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. But will everyone get what they wished for? This will be the Broadway Junior Version.

Rehearsals
July 15 - August 9 [Tue and Thu, 3-7pm]
August 12-18 [Daily, 3-7pm]

Performances
August 19 & 20 at 7pm

Tuition: $225, or $175 before May 1st

For more details, contact our Education Associate, Skyler Gray at
(559) 905-7011 or skyler@chancetheater.com.

About the Director

Skyler Gray (Education Associate) is thrilled to be joining the Chance! Skyler graduated from UC Irvine in 2011 with a BA in Theatre Arts with Honors in Directing and Honors in Stage Management with a Minor in Education. He served as the Artistic Director of Children’s Musical Theaterworks in Fresno, Ca from 2010-2012 where he directed the World Premiere Workshop of Sam Wllmott and Marcus Steven’s Yo, Vikings! Skyler recently served as the dramaturg for the LA Premiere of Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them with Artists at Play and Zen Shorts with Rogue Artists Ensemble. Skyler currently serves as the Literary Assistant for South Coast Repertory as well as the Festival Assistant for the Pacific Playwright’s Festival.



CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

Baker :		male, vocal range: Ab3 - Eb5 The Baker changes the most as a result of his journey through the woods. At first he is reluctant to seek the help of his wife. It is through the tribulations of gathering the Witch's items that the Baker realizes, in order to achieve his wish, it will take the help of his wife. The Baker has one of the most difficult roles. He must be strong willed, yet the audience must like him; while he's denying the help of his wife, he must also portray a sense of needing and even wanting her help. The audience should never doubt the Baker is a good-hearted person, trying to do what is right.

Baker's Wife :		female, vocal range: Bb3 - D5 The Baker's Wife drives the show forward and ties the characters together. The Baker's Wife is strong, determined, and patient. The audience should identify with her and root for a successful fulfillment of her wish. The role requires excellent singing and acting, plus a good sense of comic timing.

Cinderella :		female, vocal range: A3 - D5 Cinderella is at once beautiful, in a yet-to-be-discovered sort of way, and surprisingly clumsy and awkward. She persistently pursues her wish to go to the King's Festival, yet finds that "the Festival" ultimately does not meet her expectations. Directors have an opportunity in casting Cinderella to go for the unusual. She should be able to sing well and be funny, without being a clown or mugging.

Cinderella's Father :		male, no singing required This family is a bit off-beat at best. Cinderella's shows absolutely no interest in anything.

Cinderella's Mother :		female, vocal range: Bb3 - D5 The voice should be pleasant. Cinderella's Mother is a collection of remembered mannerisms and sayings.

Cinderella's Stepmother :		female, vocal range: G3 - D5 This family is a bit off-beat at best. Cinderella's Stepmother mocks her, represents the interests of her birth daughters over Cinderella's basic needs, and is selfish, mean, and nasty.

Florinda and Lucinda :		females, vocal range: E4 - G4 This family is a bit off-beat at best. Florinda and Lucinda are spoiled brats who will do anything to win the heart of the Prince -- even if it means sacrificing flesh from their bodies!

Granny :		female, no singing required Good speaking voice, fiesty and fierce, may be doubled with Cinderella's Mother.

Jack :		male, vocal range: A3 - D5 Jack's own mother expresses her fear that Jack may not be the brightest boy. The fact that Jack's best friend is the family cow, Milky White, further brings into question his intelligence. However, Jack may enter the woods as a simple boy, but he leaves much more grown-up. Jack is responsible for singing two of the best-loved songs -- "I Guess This is Goodbye" and "Giants in the Sky” -- and should be an excellent singer and a good actor.

Jack's Mother :		female, vocal range: C4 - C5 This woman is overworked, a bit frazzled, and overwhelmed with the tasks of raising a young boy, running a farm, and making ends meet. This is mainly an acting role and therefore requires an actress with an easily projected, authoritative voice.

Little Red Ridinghood :		female, vocal range: Bb3 - C5 Pushy, bratty, over-fed, and spoiled best describe this character at the opening of the show. Her journey teaches her some very important lessons regarding strangers and trust. Little Red must be able to be loud vocally (think Annie gone very bad) and an actress able to be all the above, and still draw the audience's sympathy.

Mysterious Man :		male, no singing required This role is all that the name implies. The role may be doubled by the Narrator, as on Broadway, or may be played by a different actor.

Narrator :		male, vocal range: G3 - B4 This is the character who describes the action, but eventually gets involved...Generally, this role is doubled by the Mysterious Man.

Rapunzel :		female, vocal range: C4 – A5 Rapunzel must stand up to her mother and eventually leave her for the world. The role requires an excellent high soprano voice.

Princes (for Cinderella and Rapunzel) :		males, vocal range: Bb3 - Db5 Pompous, conceited, and self-absorbed are the best ways to describe these brothers. They should be able to carry themselves with confidence that defies the Richter scale. They also have a bit of sibling rivalry! Both should be good, solid singers.

Steward :		male, vocal range: C4 - D5 This servant to Cinderella's Prince is a nice featured role. A few lines, both sung and spoken, are a great place for an actor ready to gain some experience in an ensemble show.

The Witch :		female, vocal range: Bb3 - C5 The Witch begins the show as ugly, old, extremely aggressive, sarcastic, and powerful. Ultimately, she sacrifices her power for beauty. The Witch should be mysterious and mischievous, and yet we learn that she is really only doing what she thought was best for her child. The Witch is perhaps the ultimate "character" role and should be played by an actress able to physically and vocally interpret the role.

Wolf :		male, vocal range: C4 - C5 The Wolf can be played any number of ways. However, he should be properly slimy and a bit creepy. This role may be doubled by one of the Princes.