2012 Auditions for The Circus Princess and The Cousin from Nowhere

Chicago Folks Operetta is holding auditions for the Chicago premiere of The Cousin from Nowhere by Eduard Künneke, and the first American performance in over 85 years of the operetta “The Circus Princess“, by Emmerich Kálmán. The shows will be directed by two highly acclaimed Chicago directors: Bill Walters (The Circus Princess) and Elizabeth Margolius (The Cousin from Nowhere).  Lyric Opera of Chicago ballet mistress August Tye will choreograph both shows.  Conductors for both shows TBA.  Kálmán’s 1926 master piece, The Circus Princess will feature a cast of over 20 performers and a 19-piece orchestra.  The Cousin from Nowhere will have a cast of 9 performers with a 14-piece orchestra.  Both shows will feature new translations by Artistic Director Gerald Frantzen and Chicago Folks Operetta dramaturge Hersh Glagov.  Rehearsals will start in early May and will be held out in Oak Park, IL (accessible to the blue and green line).  Rehearsal spaces TBA.  Performances begin June 8 for The Circus Princess and The Cousin from Nowhere opens June 15.  Both shows will run through the month of June at The Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., Chicago, IL.

All performers are paid. No housing is provided.

Where to Audition

Auditions are by appointment only and will be held at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church (click for map), 545 S. East Ave, Oak Park, IL.  To schedule an audition email chicagofolksoperetta@gmail.com or call 708-383-2742 between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM only.

Audtion Dates and Times

Feb. 19th from 6:30 to 9:30 PM          Feb. 25th from 1 to 5 PM

Feb. 26th from 6:30 to 9:30 PM        Feb. 28th from 6:30 to 9:30 PM

What to sing:

1) Sing 2 songs or arias of contrasting styles from memory which show full range and acting ability. At least one selection must be in English. Operetta and opera arias are preferred, but musical theatre selections are accepted (especially if no English aria is available). An accompanist will be provided. The singer must also prepare a one minute memorized monologue.

What to bring:

1) 2 resumes with most recent experience.

2) An 8×10 headshot. (no exceptions)

3) Your personal calendar with lists of conflicts.

The Circus Princess Cast Breakdown-

Most roles have solos or small ensemble groupings.  All roles are open.  Note that age ranges are projected.

Prince Sergius Wladamir- Russian Prince (baritone)(40-50)

Princess Fedora Palinska- Russian Princess (lyric soprano)(25-35)

Miss Mabel Gibson- comic role- circus performer (soubrette) (25-35)

Olly (mezzo/second soprano) Must be able to dance and sing. (20-30)

Sonja (mezzo/ second soprano) Must be able to dance and sing.(20-30)

Betty (soprano) Must be able to dance and sing.(20-30)

Lilly (soprano) Must be able to dance and sing.(20-30)

Susanne ( soprano) Must be able to dance and sing.(20-30)

Mr. X- circus performer (full lyric tenor)(25-35)

Count Saskusin, Calvary Officer (baritone) (30-45)

Lieutenant Petrowitsch  ( tenor)(25-35)

Baron Peter Brusowsky (baritone/tenor)(25-35)

Toni Schlumberger (tenor)(25-35)

Carla Schlumberger-owner of the Hotel Archduke Karl (soprano) A strong actress ( 45-60)

Daisy (mezzo/soprano) Must be a strong actress.(20-30)

Susanne (soprano) (20-30)

Pelikan- Headwaiter- baritone- Strong actor (50-60)

The Cousin from Nowhere Cast Breakdown

Julia de Weert- lyric soprano (25-35)

Hannchen- friend of Julia- mezzo soprano (25-35)

Josse Kuhbrot- Julia’s uncle- (baritone) (45-65)

Wilhemine (Wimpel) - Josses Wife, Julia’s Aunt- (soprano) (45-65)

Egon von Wildenhagen- tenor (25-35)

Stranger (Roderich) Tenor (25-40)

2nd Stranger - tenor (25-40)

2 servants- Karl and Hans (tenor/baritone)  (30-60)

Chicago Folks Operetta is a 501(c)3 non-profit theater company and an equal opportunity employer.  AGMA card holders must submit release forms to participate in our productions.