Directed by Patrick Ciamacco
Musical Direction by Anthony Trifiletti
If Interested: Email Patrick@blankcanvastheatre.com (include "FRANKENSTEIN" in your subject line) to sign up for an audition and include your ideal time for auditioning. Otherwise, we will just assign you the best available slot. We will do our best to accommodate you.
*If you cannot make auditions, please email us your headshot and resume for consideration. If possible, submit a video audition for consideration. Please submit this video by Monday August 25th. We do our best to see and consider additional people, but attending auditions is always ideal.
Audition Date: Saturday August 23
Time: 11:30am - 2:30pm
What to prepare: Please prepare one or two brief (32 bars) songs, showing range, in the style of or from the show. Please bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring a headshot and resume to auditions. Headshots and resumes are appreciated, but not required.
Performance Dates:
October 17 - November 1
Shows will be Thursday-Sunday. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00pm. Sunday performances will be at 7:00pm.
Rehearsals:
Begin Monday September 15th
Rehearsals will be Sundays-Thursdays. Typically 7pm-10pm, though Sundays are usually 6pm-10pm.
Pay: Blank Canvas Theatre dedicates 20% of the net profit to the cast of each show. The cast splits this evenly.
*At this time there are no AEA Contracts for this show. However we may explore the option if needed.
Location:
(Click here for directions or visit our website at www.blankcanvastheatre.com)
The Story
THE CLEVELAND PREMIERE
With earnest ballads and soaring ensemble numbers, this compelling musical brings the suspense and romance of the classic tale to life in a uniquely faithful, yet thoroughly innovative adaptation of Mary Shelley’s original novel. In his quest to discover the secret of life, Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant young scientist, creates a human of his own design that turns out to instead be a horrifying beast. This is no “Hollywood monster,” but a flesh-and-blood man who, while terrifying in appearance, grows to become articulate, cunning, and thirsting for revenge upon the creator who abandoned him. A tragic love story and exploration of humanity, Frankenstein: The Musical breathes new life into the world-renowned story of man and creator pitted against one another in epic battle.
Character Breakdown
* The age range for each character is flexible. A Multi-Ethnic/Multi-Racial cast of ALL ages, genders, sizes, and races are needed. The below character tracks may be changed or altered based on those that audition.
VICTOR FRANKENSTEIN: 30s-40’s - a brilliant scientist who is toying with the advancement of technology and the potential horrors of the same. He sacrifices all that is dear to him to satisfy his hunger to reanimate the dead. He comes to learn the errors of obsessive ambitions, but too late. Tenor - C3-A4.
ROBERT WALTON/BLIND MAN/PROFESSOR/MAGISTRATE/MINISTER: 40s-50s - male identifying character with great range and facility with language. Doubles as several roles in this intense chamber musical. As Walton, is the narrator of the piece – embroiled in his own obsession with nature as opposed to Victor’s obsession with science. As Blind Man, a poor cottager who shows The Creature its first kindness. Baritone - B2-E4.
THE CREATURE: 30s-40s - the imposing subject of Victor’s grand experiment. His massive strength is balanced by a naiveté and longing to be loved. He becomes obsessed with revenge against Victor. This is not a ghoul-type of creature of many of our film memories. He is remarkably intelligent, articulate and, at first, generous. A giant, confused, cobbled together new being who literally goes to the ends of the earth to seek answers from his creator/father figure, Dr. Frankenstein. Baritone - G2- Ab4.
ELIZABETH LAVENZA/PROFESSOR: 20s-early-30s - Victor’s fiancé, adopted by Victor’s family after she was orphaned as a child and became Victor’s closest companion. She grew up in a world of privilege and is dedicated to her found family and to the love of her life, even as he spirals out of control. Soprano - A3-F5.
HENRY CLERVAL/PROFESSOR: Victor’s lifelong friend. He recognizes Victor’s obsession with this dangerous new “technology” and fights to bring Victor back to common sense. Tenor - D3- Bb4.
VICTOR’S FATHER/PROFESSOR/EXECUTIONER: A man of privilege and great generosity, he has adopted both Elizabeth and Justine to give them better lives. Dies of a broken heart as a result of the unwitting effects of his son’s grand experiment. Wants only what is best for his children (adopted and otherwise) and is dedicated to his late wife’s dying wish, that Victor and Elizabeth get married. Baritone - A2-F#4.
VICTOR’S MOTHER/AGATHA/PROFESSOR: As Mother, dedicated to the success of her children – by birth and adopted. She dies of scarlet fever early on in the story and appears in memory to Victor. As Agatha, a poor cottager dedicated to her blind father’s comfort. Anonymously receives great generosity from The Creature, before becoming horrified at his appearance. Mezzo Soprano - B3-E5.
WILLIAM: Victor’s 10-year-old brother who is completely dedicated to Victor. He has great love for his family and is one of the first to die at the hand of The Creature. C4-D5.
JUSTINE/PROFESSOR/NURSE: William’s nanny – dedicated to her adoptive family and especially to her charge, William. After being falsely convicted of William’s murder (at the hands of The Creature), she is executed – but later re-animated by Victor as a companion for The Creature. Victor sees the danger in his actions and destroys her as The Creature observes, which leads to nearly everyone’s ultimate downfall. Mezzo - Bb3-C5
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at patrick@blankcanvastheatre.com. We look forward to seeing you at auditions!