By Bertolt Brecht, Kurt Weill, and Elizabeth Hauptmann

Adapted & Directed by Annie Torsiglieri

PERFORMANCES:         

November 16^th – November 23^rd

Performing Arts Theater (PAT)

GENERAL AUDITIONS: 

Monday, June 3^rd

6pm-10pm

TD-W 1507

CALLBACKS:                 

Tuesday, June 4^th   

6pm-11pm

TD-W 1507

1ST REHEARSAL:          

Monday, September 23^rd***

***IMPORTANT NOTE! Rehearsals will start Monday, September 23^rd. This is before the first day of instruction (which is on Thursday the 26^th).

REHEARSALS:

Typically 20-25 hours per week until tech rehearsals begin.  This play will rehearse Monday – Friday between the hours of 6-11 until tech week. There will be some Friday afternoon rehearsals and possibility of rehearsals on Saturdays.  There are additional hours for techs and dress rehearsals leading to performances including Saturdays and Sundays.

CREDIT:

3 units of THTR 49 and/or 149 will be given to cast members.

SCRIPTS:

The current draft of the script is now available at the top of this page.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

INCLUSIVITY STATEMENT:

We invite actors to audition who identify as/with any gender, race, age, sexual orientation, disability, and/or religious or political belief and affiliation. ALL enrolled UCSB students are encouraged to participate!

The link to sign up for auditions is at the top of this page

AUDITION PREPARATION:

The script is currently available to read at the top of this page.

Please read the script carefully so you can use it to:

Pick a short scene or speech from the play to perform. You do not need to memorize this scene, but it should be prepared well. PLEASE bring a printed copy of your choice to read from. (ie- don’t read from an electronic device.)

If you choose a scene, you may choose a partner and prepare together. It is possible to have a partner who is not auditioning for the role that they read in the scene. If you do not bring a partner, a reader will be provided for you.

You are also welcome to choose from any of the SIDES which can be found at the online student callboard. In the case of three-person scenes, feel free to either bring two actors in with you OR use the reader to play one or more of the other roles.

Selections should be no more than 2-3 minutes. Time your scene please.

You should also be prepared to sing approximately 32 bars of music. You can choose something from the show or anything else that reflects the depth, humor or tone of the piece. An accompanist will be provided.

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN SHEET MUSIC. If you need a song suggestion, links to songs and sheet music for two of the show’s songs are available at the online student callboard. You can use either ONE of these songs or instead bring any piece of music that you would like.

If you play a musical instrument, please bring it and be prepared to play a snippet of a song.

Please specify which role you are reading for on the sign-up sheet.

You may also list other roles you are particularly interested in on the sign-up sheet.

Please be prepared to stay for the full hour for which you sign up. 

NOTE: Both auditions and callbacks will be recorded for our Music Director, Brad Carroll. He may also join via zoom. Annie Torsiglieri will be in person at auditions and callbacks.

If you have questions or need more information contact

Annie Torsiglieri:  AnnieT1@mac.com.

Thank you for your interest in auditioning!

This dark and bawdy, comedy with music explores mature and often troubling themes including murder, suicide, abortion and rape. These topics will be navigated with great care. However, as this piece does dig deeply into the underbelly of humanity and society, it might not be for everyone. Please READ the PLAY, listen to the music, and enter into the audition process if it seems like a world in which you’d be willing to delve with commitment.

All roles can be played by any genders!

Make BOLD, JUICY choices for these people. Feel free to throw in a dialect if you’d like (sky’s the limit!) but it’s not necessary. Have FUN!

MACHEATH, nicknamed Mackie the Knife: charismatic, dangerous, seductive, slippery, unflappable, able to wiggle out of almost any predicament with charm. The veneer of a “Gentleperson"…but lift up the rock and there’s a murderer, thief and rapist underneath. 

Mr. PEACHUM, proprietor of the firm "The Beggar's Friend”: determined to rise above their circumstances. An “operator”, taking advantage of their fellow humans...while running a racket under the guise of holiness.  

Mrs. PEACHUM: partner in marriage and crime with Peachum: Life has treated Mrs. P. ruthlessly and so they do the same to others. A survivor.

Polly PEACHUM, their child: innocent, idealistic, believes in the power of love, is pushed to discover just how far they will go to protect that love.

Tiger BROWN, chief of police in London- childhood friend/army buddy of Macheath’s: Full of gusto and charm. A surprisingly sensitive soul whose love for Macheath runs deep.

Lucy BROWN, Tiger's child: passionate, fiercely competitive with Polly Peachum over Mackie’s love, not to be trifled with.

Ginny Jenny, a sex worker, past partner of Mackie’s: Has been toughened up by life, strong, seemingly fearless.

Numerous other roles include:

Filch, The Gang, The Sex Workers, Smith, The Reverend: all must act, sing and move well; all are desperate to survive this dog-eat-dog world.