Godspell Auditions

Rhinebeck Theatre Society's Godspell Audition Notice

“Prepare Ye!...For the timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love based on the Gospel according to Matthew”- Musical

Whether you are a devout Christian or just a fellow human, there is something for everyone in this piece of art. Godspell spreads the fundamental message: help each other. A message everyone can relate to and stand to learn from. A reminder to be kind, be compassionate, be HUMAN, our production will be bringing the audiences back to being “home” in the theatre. So, come back home and join our story! 

Important information

Audition Dates: Saturday, February 1st at 1:00 p.m. & Sunday, February 2nd at 7:00 p.m. 

Callbacks: Tuesday, February 4th at 7:30 p.m. (Invitation only!)

Performance Dates: May 9th-18th. Performance times as follows:

Fri, May 9 at 8 pm, Sat, May 10 at 8 pm, Sun, May 11 at 3 pm

Fri, May 16 at 8 pm, Sat, May 17 at 3 pm, Sun, May 18 at 3 pm

Location: The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck (661 Route 308, Rhinebeck, NY 12572)

Please note: Rhinebeck Theatre Society might add an additional weekend of performances May 23-25 at an alternate location. We will confirm at auditions. 

Virtual Submissions: Email a YouTube or Google Drive link of your singing audition to rhinebecktheatersociety@gmail.com by Sunday, February 2nd at 9:00 p.m. 

Please Prepare…

• A 16-32 bar cut (~30 seconds to 1 minute) of a song from the show (preferred) or a song in the style of the show.  Audition cuts of songs from the show will be linked on this audition notice in January. 

• If you’d like, you may also peruse the Callback Material here.

• Bring either a backing track or sheet music for the accompanist. 

  • If using a backing track, please download or save the file locally (wifi may not be available for your audition)

• If you will be using any of the provided audition cuts in the link above, our accompanist will have the sheet music. 

• Prepare for some light movement exercises and ice breaker activities

• Bring a headshot or recent photo of yourself that the production team can keep (easier for us to remember who you are!) 

• Prepare to list your recent theatrical experience on the audition forms provided

• Prepare to list all of your scheduling conflicts for the rehearsal calendar provided on your audition sheet.

• Relax and have fun! :)

Who will be in the Room?

Director- Kelsey Wertheim

Assistant Director- Mike Clark

Stage Manager- Christine McCarthy

Music Directors- Paul and JoAnne Schubert

Choreographer- Brooke Wallace 

Producer- Joe Eriole 

Character Breakdown

We are seeking storytellers of any age, gender identity/expression, race, ethnicity and backgrounds for ALL characters. We highly encourage people who love to be silly, have fun, and have a keen ear for music/singing. We would also love to know if you play a musical instrument! 

Please note: All characters will be on stage for all or most of the production, and likely for some or all of intermission.

Jesus 

Vocal range: Tenor; A2 to G4

A gentle, kind, and charismatic leader. Represents Purity of heart and seeks to spread their teachings to everyone. Is betrayed at the end of the tale, and gracefully accepts their fate for the good of humanity. 

Solos include: God Save the People, All for the Best (duet with Judas), Beautiful City, Alas for You, Turn Back, O Man (small part), Finale. 

Judas/John the Baptist

Vocal range: baritone; A2 to E4

A Charismatic, and Physically humorous person with an “edge” to them. They start  the show as the “John the Baptist” character acting as the Herder of Jesus’ disciples (characters listed below) and later develop into the “Judas” character who shows moments of doubt and scepticism. Eventually, they betray Jesus and are the instrument of their demise. 

Solos include: Prepare Ye, All for the Best (duet with Jesus), Beautiful City

The Disciples 

“Robin” Day by Day featured Soloist 

Vocal range: alto/mezzo; A4 to C4 (middle C) 

Brief description: Down to earth with a sunny disposition, They are the first of the group to join Jesus’ teachings. Often portrayed as a parental figure of the group (other than Jesus, of course!). 

“Gilmer” Learn your Lessons Well featured soloist

vocal range: mezzo; A3 to C5

Brief description: a playful, scrappy comedic person and a great storyteller. They have a “youthful exuberance”. 

“Joanne” Bless the Lord featured soloist

vocal range: soprano; A4- C6*

Brief description: Confident, and enthusiastic; loves the spotlight. They Will Take every opportunity to show off their high notes! 

*note can be altered if needed

“Lamar” All Good Gifts featured soloist

vocal range: tenor; B3 to A4

Brief description: clumsy, a bit quiet, and unintentionally funny. Not the smartest of the group, but has a big heart. 

“Herb” On the Willows featured soloist

vocal range: baritone; C#4 to A5

Brief description: goofy and entertaining. Usually the comic relief, but will have an opportunity to show a more serious side in this production. 

“Sonia” Turn Back, O Man featured soloist

Vocal range: high tenor-alto; D4-F5

Brief description: dramatic and demure with a put-on sensuality; They may be a bit “campy”

“Peggy” By My Side featured soloist

Vocal range: alto; C4 (middle C) to A4

Brief description: shy, Loyal and very sweet. They are surprisingly brave, and are the first to turn toward hope in the Finale (in this production) 

*a very strong vocalist with the ability to confidently find their note without accompaniment is preferred for this role.  

“Jeffrey” We Beseech Thee featured soloist 

Vocal range: tenor; A3 to D5

Brief description: happy, playful and excited; with a bit of a Western-American attitude

The Philosophers

8 wacky and enthusiastic vocalists who will be the Philosophers in the Prologue: “Tower of Babble” and will aid the above list of actors in telling the story for the rest of the show. (may also have some solo opportunities in “On the Willows”  and “Day by Day reprise”)

Rhinebeck Theatre Society is committed to providing community-minded, safe theatre experiences. We seek to present stories in a way that reflects a richly diverse world. Feel free to email the director, Kelsey Wertheim, with any questions at kelseywertheim@gmail.com. Please contact us at rhinebecktheatersociety@gmail.com about accessibility and accommodations.