Show synopsis:

Based entirely on the discography of Ben Folds, this immersive, world premiere musical blends flashbacks, dance, and complex harmonies to illuminate the histories and inner lives of the regulars down at your local pub. Audiences will be transported to their favorite dive bar, where former bandmates reunite, exes collide, and pasts become present, revealing the hope and heartbreak of the strangers sitting next to us. Part theatre, part concert, and part drinking game, this modern parable is a celebration of community and resilience as we all “learn to live with what we are.”

Show info:

Rehearsals are anticipated to begin on Tuesday, May 30th. The rehearsal schedule will be provided in advance of the first rehearsal based on performer availability.

The production runs July 7th-30th, with performances Thursday – Saturday at 8pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. No conflicts with performance dates will be permitted. Please note that performers are asked to also be available August 3rd-6th should any performances be canceled due to COVID or ticket sales prompt additional performances.

All performers are guaranteed a $100 honorarium to cover the costs of transportation for rehearsals plus a $50 honorarium per performance. Note that this is strictly a non-union production.

Auditions via video submission will be accepted until February 12. Please prepare a brief recording of an indie pop or indie rock song that showcases your storytelling abilities. If desired, you are welcome to submit a song by Ben Folds or Ben Folds Five but it is not necessary. The song must be accompanied by a track or pianist. Please do not sing acapella. If you don’t have a song prepared, instrumental tracks for multiple songs by Ben Folds can be found on YouTube. When recording yourself, please sing in a well-lit space and remember to use the horizontal format.

To be considered, please submit this form: https://form.jotform.com/230178747085160. The audition form collects your personal information — including any known conflicts with the rehearsal dates — and also allows you to provide a link to a video. We recommend uploading your video to YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive and ensuring no additional permissions are required for viewing. Please do not provide a link to a file that must be downloaded (e.g. WeTransfer). Only the director and members of the creative team will have access to your submission materials.

Details regarding callbacks will be provided by approximately February 19.

If you have any questions not answered in this announcement please email audition@coronadoplayhouse.com.

Blindspot Collective and Coronado Playhouse are committed to inclusivity, and encourage ALL members of our community to submit, particularly members of communities who have historically been excluded or underrepresented — including but not limited to artists of color, Native American and Indigenous artists, women, non-binary and gender non-conforming artists, LGBTQ+ artists, and artists with disabilities.

CASTING NOTES:

Because alcohol will be served as part of the performance, only adults over the age of 21 will be considered. All roles will require very strong singers and some dancing/movement with physical contact with others (e.g. hugging, holding hands, and other forms of casual affection). The majority of roles require strong comedic instincts. Please note that at the time of casting, the script does not explicitly define the race or ethnicity of any character, and the gender identity or presentation (including vocal range) of select characters is wholly flexible. While the character breakdown notes “male” or “female” for many roles, all trans or non-binary performers are encouraged to submit for any role they find compelling and that they feel aligns with their gender presentation. Because this is a new work, roles may be adapted or modified to meet the specific skills of individual performers.

5 Male Roles; 20s-30s; strong baritones or tenors

1 Male Role; 40s-50s; strong baritone or tenor

4 Female Roles; 20s-30s; strong altos or mezzo sopranos

1 Female Role, 40s-50s, strong mezzo soprano

2 Roles, 20s-30s; any gender or vocal range with strong musicianship