Announcing auditions for RMT's production of Be More Chill, in partnership with Gaithersburg Arts Barn
Produced by Jackie Williams Rocco
Directed by Mercedes Blankenship
Music Directed by Anton Van De Motter
Choreographed by Katie Quinn
This production will run February 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 at 8:00 PM AND February 9, 16, & 23 at 2:00 PM at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn.
Auditions will be held on Sunday, November 3rd from 6:00 -10:00pm and Wednesday, November 6 from 6:30 -10:00 pm at Rachel Carson Elementary School (100 Tschiffely Square Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878). ALL ROLES ARE OPEN AND UNPAID.
To audition, please
1) Choose an audition slot using the "audition sign up" button below. Note: walk-ins will be seen in order of arrival, as time and space allows. We recommend arriving early in the evening and being prepared to wait.
2) Download the conflict calendar form and prepare to submit with your virtual audition form or plan to bring the completed conflict calendar to auditions.
3) Fill out the virtual audition form using the "audition form" button below.
For those unable to attend auditions. Virtual submissions will be accepted. Please send: a video of approximately 60 seconds of a song accompanied by a track with you slating your name and the song at the beginning, your resume and headshot, and a completed audition form to BeMoreChill@r-m-t.org. Virtual auditions must be submitted by Wednesday, November 6 at 5:00pm.
Audition Procedures
Singing: Auditionees should prepare approximately 60 seconds of a contemporary musical theatre song (nothing from Be More Chill, please). Please bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided.
Joke: Please come prepared to share a joke that you enjoy
Other Information:
Callbacks: Callbacks will be held by invitation only on Monday, November 11 beginning at 6:00 pm and will feature a dance call. Further details will be provided to those invited to callbacks.
Rehearsals: Rehearsals will begin mid-November and Weekday rehearsals run Monday-Thursday evenings, while weekend rehearsals will typically take place on Saturday or Sunday from 12-4pm. Rehearsal times are subject to change and we request that you thoroughly indicate all weekday, weekend, and holiday conflicts on your Conflict Calendar. Actors must be available for tech week and all performances (February 7 – 23) (which includes Valentine’s Day). The rehearsal period overlaps with Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, though we do not anticipate rehearsing on 11/28–11/29, 12/24–12/26, and 12/31–1/1. Please be aware that quantity and frequency of conflicts during the rehearsal period will influence casting decisions.
Load-in and Tech rehearsals will take place the weekend of February 1st (more information to come). Brush-up rehearsals will be held between performance weekends on February 13th and 20th.
Shoes & Makeup: Cast members are responsible for obtaining the proper footwear for rehearsals and performances. For health reasons, cast must also supply their own makeup. Exceptions may be made for those few characters requiring specialty makeup. RMT will provide a designer who will meet with the cast to explain the concepts, color palette and application techniques.
Our Commitment to Equitable & Accessible Theatre Practices: RMT is committed to creating an artistic environment where diverse voices are promoted, supported, and celebrated. The production team is committed to casting individuals of all ages, backgrounds, identities, body types, and abilities. RMT acknowledges the financial commitment of participating in community theatre. Through the Sonie Mathew Scholarship Fund, RMT may be able to offer support to volunteers who may need assistance in offsetting costs, such as membership dues, travel expenses, stage makeup, dance shoes, etc. The production team will also lead efforts to coordinate carpool options where needed.
Important Notes on Casting:
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Borrowing from the casting directive from the authors of Be More Chill: this show works best with a cast of diverse misfits with personality and smarts who may not fit into traditional “types.” This isn’t a musical for the popular kids, it’s a musical for the Other kids.
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The ages and pronouns listed for each role indicate those of the character as written in the script, and do not need to match those of the performer. (For instance: We anticipate putting together a cast of “teenagers” between the ages of 16–30+.)
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All roles are open to actors of any race, ethnicity, body type, gender, and ability.
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While auditions are open to ages 16+, we will only be considering performers over the age of 18 for certain roles. These roles are denoted with asterisks*.
Character Descriptions
The age ranges and gender identities listed indicate the age or gender that the character should appear onstage and does not need to match the age/gender identity of the performer. Some roles denoted with an asterisk are open to performers at least 18 years old. All roles are open to actors of any race or ethnicity. We are actively seeking to cast in a racially-conscious manner. All actors must be 16 years or older. If you have any questions, please email bemorechill@r-m-t.org.
Jeremy Heere* (he/him) — 17. Awkward high school junior. Lonely, confused, stuck, and looking for guidance wherever he can find it. (This role will involve moments of intimacy, which will be staged by an intimacy director.) Vocal Range: (G2) A2–A4
The Squip* — 20s–40s. the supercomputer in Jeremy’s head. On the surface, a cool, suave, all-knowing guru. In reality, a manipulative, dangerous grifter only invested in its own dominance. Vocal Range: F#2–Ab4
Christine Canigula* (she/her) — 17. Passionate high school theater girl with ADHD. What she lacks in self-awareness and subtlety, she makes up for in personality and enthusiasm. Vocal Range: F3–D5
Michael Mell (he/him) — 17. Jeremy’s retro-obsessed best friend. Quirky, self-assured, and content with the status quo. Vocal Range: B2–A4
Rich Goranski (he/him) — 17. Teenage bully. A little intense. A former loser who has climbed the high school social ladder through unique means. (We intend to cast a performer in this role who is shorter than the performer playing Jeremy, due to mentions of their respective heights in the script.) Vocal Range: Bb2–A4 (E5)
Chloe Valentine* (she/her) — 17. The most popular girl in school. Crass, confident, and clinging to power. (This role will involve moments of intimacy, which will be staged by an intimacy director.) Vocal Range: B3–E5
Brooke Lohst* (she/her) — 17. The second most popular girl in school. Insecure, in want of external validation that she rarely receives. (This role will involve moments of intimacy, which will be staged by an intimacy director.) Vocal Range: Bb3–Eb5
Jake Dillinger* (he/him) — 17. High school awesomeness personified. That one guy who’s just naturally good at everything, and who you would hate if it weren’t for the fact that he’s just so damn charming. Vocal Range: D3–Bb4
Jenna Rolan (she/her) — 17. That girl who knows everyone’s business. Tries to use gossip as a means of connection. It doesn’t work very well. Vocal Range: G3–G5
Mr. Heere* (also plays Mr. Reyes / Scary Stockboy) (he/him) — 40s–50s. Jeremy’s dad. Never wears pants. Aimless and depressed, failing to connect with his son, but trying to pretend that everything’s fine. Vocal Range: Ab2–A4