AUDITION NOTICE

PuppetCo is auditioning adult performers for our upcoming production of 

Avenue Q.  Music & Lyrics by Jeff Marx, Robert Lopez Book by Jeff Whitty

• Cast Size: (7 Performers)
• Cast Type: Ensemble / Multiple Roles
• Dance Requirement: Movement
• Vocal Requirement: As Indicated

The laugh-out-loud musical tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton, who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that, although the residents seem nice, it's clear that this is not your ordinary neighbourhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

Seeking the following Characters:

• PRINCETON/ROD - Any ethnicity, any gender identity, tenor, great comedic timing, ability to create and maintain two very different characters (a naive leading man and a closeted republican) through vocal and physical (puppet) work, Strong puppeteering skills required. 

• NIKKI/BAD IDEA BEAR/TREKKIE/OTHERS – Any ethnicity, any gender identity, tenor, requires excellent character work and the ability to  create and maintain multiple characters (a messy roommate, adorably mischievous bear, porn obsessed shut in monster etc) vocally and physically (puppet), great comedic timing. Strong puppeteering skills required.

• MRS T/BAD IDEA BEAR/OTHERS – Any ethnicity, any gender identity,  mezzo, great comedic timing, ability to hold harmonies, two very distinct characters (ancient schoolteacher, adorably mischievous bear), strong puppeteering skills required.

• KATE/LUCY THE SLUT – Any ethnicity, any gender identity, mezzo/soprano, able to create two very distinct characters (a kindergarten teaching assistant looking for a love, and a nightclub singing, self proclaimed slut) through vocal and physical (puppet) work, great comedic timing, strong puppeteering skills required.

• BRIAN – Any ethnicity, any gender identity,  baritone, a wanna-be comedian married to Christmas Eve,  strong comedic timing, ability to hold harmony, not a puppeteer.

• GARY COLEMAN – Black, any gender identity, strong mezzo, former child star now working as the Superintendent on Avenue Q,  great comedic timing, not a puppeteer.

• CHRISTMAS EVE – Asian, (character is of Japanese decent), any gender identity, strong soprano, a therapist without any clients, married to Brian, strong comedic timing, comedic "comedic" Japanese accent, not a puppeteer.

>A note on puppet characters. Please come to the audition with (at the very least) correct sync (the puppet’s mouth movements should match exactly what you are saying, syllable for syllable.) The best way to achieve this skill and check your work is to puppet your material in front of a mirror (if you don't have a puppet you can just use your hand) and to know your material very well.

• Auditions:  Auditions will be in-person only February 20-21 in Toronto (Davisville Station).  Only those selected for an audition will be contacted. 

• Rehearsals:  In person in Toronto from March 6 - March 30  (4 part-time weeks), with tech rehearsal starting March 27, leading into the opening on March 31.  Rehearsal schedule will be slightly flexible based on availability.

• Performance Dates: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in Toronto from March 31 - May 28. No performance April 9 for Easter.  Performances are approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

• Vaccine Requirement: PuppetCo requires all performers and crew to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 in order to participate in its productions.

• Compensation: Rehearsals are paid at $20 per hour (Projected 50 hours). Performances are paid at $130 per performance.  Approximate contract value: $4500. 

About Avenue Q:

The laugh-out-loud musical tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton, who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that, although the residents seem nice, it's clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood. Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

About PuppetCo (puppetco.org):

Created by a group of award-winning theatre professionals, PuppetCo produces, tours, and manages award-winning live theatrical experiences featuring big, beautiful puppets. Our productions include Broadway and off-Broadway titles, as well as authentically adapted literary titles for children, families, and schools.