AUDITIONS
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Director - Abe Nurkiewicz | Music Director - Diane Johnson
Sunday, June 14th | 6 - 9 PM
Monday, June 15th | 6 - 9 PM
Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church
1511 E Broadway, Mount Vernon, WA 98274
Who should audition?
Singers and theater performers age 13 and up.
Stage experience not required. Singing experience suggested
Actors of all backgrounds and ability levels are welcome in NITE productions and encouraged to audition
What to Prepare
A 60-90 second song excerpt
Speaker and Pianist will be available
Do not bring a song from this show
(Optional) Prepare 30-60 Seconds of a monologue
This is optional but suggested for select roles. See character descriptions below.
Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to check in
Bring Music for the accompanist OR a backing track
Bring water and a small snack (Recommended)
Callbacks and Rehearsal Dates
Callbacks will be held June 20th at 1 pm
Further callback information TBA
First cast meeting and read-through: June 27th @ 1 pm
Rehearsals will be held 4 days a week starting July 7th
All cast members will not be called for all rehearsals
More details TBA
Performances @ McIntyre Hall September 25 - October 11
Questions or Accessibility Concerns:
Email our team:
nite@nitetheater.org
Synopsis
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel.
The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be "Out There," observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful Romani woman, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the Roma – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.
A Note from the Production:
The Hunchback of Notre Dame features an ensemble of Romani outcasts referred to as “gypsies”. This is now a pejorative term, and considered by many to be a slur. It is important to note that in the setting of the text the term “Gypsy” was commonplace and used by both Romani groups and their host nations. Altering the text to cater to modern sensibilities would do disservice to the historical context and complexity of oppression faced by Romani populations globally. Within the context of this story we are committed to removing anti-Ziganist stereotypes in our depiction of the Roma in this production.
Character Descriptions
* = monologue suggested
THE CONGREGATION, a group of gender-flexible storytellers that help narrate The Hunchback of Notre Dame. In story theater style, each performer in the show begins as a Congregant before taking on the characteristics of their other assigned character(s), which include the principal characters, Gargoyles, Statues, Revelers, Soldiers, Gypsies, Parishioners, Priests, Choir, Prostitutes, and other citizens of Paris. This ensemble is a traditional ensemble in musical theater – they actively tell the story through movement and character work
QUASIMODO* - The bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, he has a curved spine which affects his posture and gait. A life ringing the enormous bells has given him great physical strength but has also caused a partial deafness.
Quasimodo’s non-normative face frightens people. Curious and intelligent, Quasimodo speaks freely and confidently with his gargoyle and statue “friends” in the bell tower, but he becomes unsure and withdrawn in the presence of his master Frollo (who is also his uncle). A lack of social interaction due to his lifelong seclusion in the bell tower can cause nervousness and shyness around other humans – including Esmeralda, who captivates him. Quasimodo’s nervousness and hearing loss result in a halting speech pattern, which disappears when speaking to himself or to the statues and gargoyles in the belltower.
Vocal range: Bb5 to Bb2
DOM CLAUDE FROLLO*- The archdeacon of Notre Dame.
He is a righteous man with a strong sense of obligation to his brother Jehan and nephew Quasimodo – but his strict devotion to the Church supersedes all. Frollo possesses a strong, imposing presence and commands attention and obedience whenever he is present. Deeply ashamed of his intense physical attraction to Esmeralda, he attempts to control his desire by persecuting her and the Romani people, whom he sees as less than and unworthy of the Church’s protection.
Vocal Range: Bb4 to E2
ESMERELDA* - a free-spirited shey (a young, unmarried Romani woman), uses her talent as a dancer to support herself and her community.
Independent and strong-willed, she speaks her mind and stands up for what she believes in, including fair treatment of Roma and the sequestered Quasimodo. Esmeralda falls for the charming Phoebus despite her better judgment and staunchly refuses to give herself up to Frollo though doing so would save her life.
Vocal range: D5 to E3
CAPTAIN PHOEBUS DE MARTIN* - The dashing new captain of the Cathedral Guard.
Conflicted between following his duty and doing what’s right, he struggles with the trauma of life on the war front and reintegration to civilian life. After his recent return from the war front, his plans to focus on enjoying life's pleasures are derailed as he falls for Esmerelda and turns against Frollo and fights for the gypsies.
Vocal range: Ab4 to A2
CLOPIN TROUILLEFOU* - The clever and charismatic "King/Queen of the Gypsies".
An air of mystery surrounds Clopin, who often leaves the scene in a puff of smoke. As the master of ceremonies for the Feast of Fools, they are witty and playful, but boasts a darker, serious nature when not performing for the crowd.
Vocal range: F#5 to D3
JEHAN FROLLO - The wild and charming younger brother to Dom Claude Frollo. He is also the father of Quasimodo.
Though he is much less faithful to the Church than Claude, the brothers are devoted to each other until Jehan’s rebellious streak finally causes a fatal rift in their relationship.
Vocal range: Eb5 to F3
FLORIKA - Jehan’s Romani girlfriend and Quasimodo’s mother.
Vocal range: F#5 to E4
SAINT APHRODISIUS - A statue that comes to life, encourages Quasimodo to take action to help Esmeralda.
Vocal range: E4 to B3
FREDERIC CHARLUS - Lieutenant of the Cathedral Guard, is a loyal friend to Phoebus.
KING LOUIS XI - Though nicknamed “The Prudent,” would rather act quickly than appear weak.
FATHER DUPIN - A priest of Notre Dame Cathedral and stern guardian of Claude and Jehan.
Vocal range: A3 to C3
OFFICIAL - An officer of the court of King Louis XI, declares the arrest warrant for Esmeralda to the people of Paris.
Vocal range: E4 to G2
MADAM - The stalwart owner of a brothel and safe haven for Roma.