AUDITIONS:

• Accepting video auditions now through April 19. Please submit to rhinebecktheatersociety@gmail.com.
• Prepare 32 bars of a song in the style of the show. There are backing tracks available on youtube for most numbers from the show. It is in your favor to sing with accompaniment.
• Callbacks April 20 at 7pm Via Zoom.
• Likely rehearsal start date: May 1–May be online until social distancing guidelines are eased.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

Please note the part of Billy has been cast.

Dad (Age 35-50; Vocal Range Eb4-A2): Billy's stoic father. A widowed miner struggling with maintaining a household in lieu of a work strike, he is still deeply scarred by the death of his wife. Billy's dancing initially sends him into a rage but he learns to support his son.

Debbie Wilkinson (Age 9-12): The ballet teacher's daughter. A bit stand-offish and argumentative, her childhood crush on Billy leads her to constantly discourage him.

Grandma (Age 60-75; Vocal range F#4-F#3): Billy's eccentric grandmother. She is forgetful and a little aloof. Despite her inattention, she harbors a bitter resentment towards her dead abusive husband but has found solace through dance.

Michael (Age 10-13; Vocal range B4-A#3): Billy's careless and fun-loving best friend. He lives in the realm of expressing oneself, going so far as to commonly dress in women's clothing.

Mrs. Wilkinson (Age 40-50; Vocal range Bb5-Gb3): The local ballet teacher who eventually becomes Billy's mentor. Hardened and mouthy, she actually has capacity for caring when she sees promise in Billy. Believes in the power of personal expression through dance.

Mum (Age 30-45; Vocal range F5-G3): Billy’s mom who died when he was young. Compassionate, loving. A source of strength for Billy.

Tony (Age 18-25; Vocal range F4-D3): Billy's brother. A lazy but passionate miner. Hotheaded and scrappy with seemingly no regard of respect for his father, although he shares his disapproval of dance.

Mr. Braithwaite (Age 20-55; Vocal range C4- G2): Ballet class accompanist, hidden talent for dancing, comedic role.

Dream Billy (Age 20-30): A dream image of the star ballet dancer Billy will become. Must be an excellent ballet dancer.

Ensemble (Ages 6+)*: Ballet Girls (Angela Robson, Tracey Atkinson, Keeley Gibson, Tina Harmer, etc…); Miners and villagers (Big Davey, George, Lesley, etc...); Small Boy, Tall Boy, Police Officers; Royal Ballet School Members (Clipboard Woman, Posh Boy, Posh Son), etc…

*Please note that we rate show PG-11 for language and minor sexual references. Please only bring your child to auditions if comfortable with this content.

Contact dorothyluongo@gmail.com for more information.

PLOT: Set in a northern English mining town against the background of the 1984 miners' strike, Billy Elliot is the inspirational story of a young boy's struggle against the odds to make his dream come true. Follow Billy's journey as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and community... and changes his life forever.