Audition Information
There are two parts to the Oliver audition. First, a vocal self-tape is due by July 9th. Instructions on how to record and submit your vocal self-tape can be found HERE.
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We will then have an in-person audition which will include reading scenes from the show as well as a dance call.
Here is a breakdown of the many roles in Oliver:
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OLIVER TWIST
Orphaned and abandoned from an upper-class family, Oliver ends up in the workhouse. He is innocent and good-hearted, with a strong spirit.
Tip: The actor must have strong ability to convey real emotions.
ARTFUL DOGER
The cleverest of Fagin's pickpockets, he introduces Fagin to Oliver. He is a good soul in spite of his “occupation.” Dodger is lively and self-assured.
Tip: The actor must have a dynamic stage presence
FAGIN
A conniving career criminal and conman. He takes in homeless children and teaches them to pick pockets for him.
Tip: The actor must have strong ability to convey a man of many dimensions: a leader, a vagrant, a father, a teacher, a lost soul and an eccentric.
NANCY
Vocal range Alto E3/B4
A graduate of Fagin's “school of thieves” and tragically involved in an abusive relationship with Bill Sikes. She is a career thief, hardened and streetwise beyond her years, but also intelligent, caring and good-hearted. She longs for a better life. A mother figure to Fagin's gang.
Tip: The actor must have strong ability to convey real emotions.
BILL SIKES
Perhaps the most infamous graduate from Fagin's gang. Nancy's brutal and abusive boyfriend.
Tip: The actor must be fearsome.
BET
One of Fagin's former pickpockets. Nancy's sister. Bet looks up to Nancy and is caring and good-natured.
Tip: The actor must be able to portray her devotion to Nancy
MR. BUMBLE
The domineering Beadle (a minor official who carries out various civil, educational or ceremonial duties) who runs the workhouse. Pompous and self-absorbed, greedy and uncaring. He preaches Christian morality, but behaves without compassion towards the paupers in his care.
Tip: The actor must be able to be pompous and appear to over-power the other characters on stage. Good comedic timing.
WIDOW CORNEY
The sharp-tongued, domineering matron of the workhouse. A widow, she will do anything to get Mr. Bumble’s attention.
Tip: A comical role.
MR. SOWERBERRY
The Undertaker. Lives up to his name. He is stingy and ruled by his wife. Slimy.
Tip: Good comedic timing.
MRS. SOWERBERRY
The Undertaker's wife. She rules the roost and is stingy and mean-spirited. Along with her husband, she provides some comic relief.
Tip: Good comedic timing.
MRS. BEDWIN
The Brownlow's housekeeper. She cares for everything and everyone and is wise and kind-hearted. Tip: Motherly and kind.
CHARLEY BATES
One of Fagin's pickpockets. He is Dodger's sidekick.
Tip: Strong in reacting to scenes.
CHARLOTTE
The rude but also flirtatious daughter of the Sowerberrys.
Tip: Her focus is solely on Noah Claypole
NOAH CLAYPOLE
The Sowerberrys' apprentice, he bullies Oliver about his mother and enjoys a flirty relationship with Charlotte. A downright bully.
Tip: Is jealous of Oliver possibly taking over his position
MR. BROWNLOW
A distinguished older gentleman of wealth and breeding.
Tip: The actor must be able to convey authority with gentleness and compassion.
DR. GRIMWIG
A silly doctor who thinks he knows more than he actually does.
Tip: Good comedic timing.
OLD SALLY
A pauper with an important secret.
Tip: The actor must be able to convey a frail and old woman.
MATRON
A friend of Old Sally’s. Works in the Workhouse.
Tip: Must be able to convey concern.
ENSEMBLE
CHAIRMAN AND GOVERNORS
WORKHOUSE CHORUS
FAGIN’S KIDS CHORUS
TOWNSPEOPLE CHORUSES: POSH (Upper Class) and COCKNEY (Lower Class)
“Who Will Buy” featured Soloists: THE ROSE SELLER, STRAWBERRY SELLER, MILK MAID, KNIFE GRINDER