The Story:

Young lovers are caught between prejudice and warring street gangs in one of the most important and powerful musicals of all time.

 

From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Arthur Laurents' book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim are widely regarded as among the best ever written. The world's greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre's finest accomplishments.

 

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

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Auditions (Open Call Either Day): 

• Saturday, October 5th: 10am - 2pm

• Sunday, October 6th: 1 - 5pm

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Callbacks (By Invitation Only): 

• Tuesday, October 8th: 7 - 9pm

• Wednesday, October 9th: 7 - 9pm

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Where: 

• Canyon Theatre Guild (White Building/Studio)

• 24242 Main Street, Newhall, CA 91321

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Rehearsals: 

• Rehearsals start Tuesday October 15th

• Monday through Friday 7 - 10pm

 

Performance Dates: 

• January 18th - February 23rd on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

 

The Audition: 

• Prepare at least 16 bars of music from a show OTHER THAN WEST SIDE STORY that showcases your range and vocal ability.

• Please bring your own track on a personal device to connect with our sound system.

• Please wear comfortable clothes as some choreography will be learned at auditions.

• Auditions are open call, so once you sing and complete your dance audition you will be done for the day.

• Reading from the script and singing from the show will take place at Callbacks (by invitation only).

• These are roles beyond the ones named below in the ensemble. Ensemble will require dancing and singing as well as being part of the moving of the set as part of the choreography.

• The majority of the ensemble roles will require actors to be able to play teenage roles, but there is a possibility of a few adult ensemble members. We encourage all to audition.

• Please bring a resume and headshot if you have one.

• ALL RACES/ETHNICITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO AUDITION! 

 

The Characters:

 

Riff

• A spritely, quick-tempered leader. He seeks to eliminate the Sharks and establish his own gang's dominance. Tony's best friend, he is eventually murdered by Bernardo.

• Gender: Male

• Age: Must be able to play 25 - 30

• Vocal range: Bb2 - G4

 

Tony

• A romantic young man and former leader of the Jets, he has found a new lifestyle now. Tony finds himself violently torn between his friendships and love. Falls in love with Maria and meets an untimely death. Genuinely sweet and sincere.

• Gender: Male

• Age: Must be able to play 20 to 30

• Vocal range: Bb2 - Bb4

 

Bernardo

• A proud, strong, handsome Puerto Rican man. Bernardo seeks to carve out territory as a sense of identity for him and his friends. Maria's brother and Anita's boyfriend. Leader of the Sharks.

• Gender: Male

• Age: Must be able to play 25 - 35

• Vocal range: Bb2 - Eb4

 

Maria

• A hopeless romantic and innocent young girl. She falls in love with Tony and finds herself at the center of the violent conflict between the two gangs. Bernardo's sister. Puerto Rican.

• Gender: Female

• Age: Must be able to play 18 - 25

• Vocal range: Bb3 - C6

 

Anita

• Feisty and assertive. She dispenses "older sister" advice to Maria and tries to shield her from the dangers of the gangs. Bernardo's girlfriend and Maria's friend. Puerto Rican.

• Gender: Female

• Age: Must be able to play 25 - 30

• Vocal range: F3 - D5

 

Chino

• An angry and, at times, naive Shark who turns murderous and vengeful. Suitor to Maria and friend of Bernardo's.

• Gender: Male

• Age: Must be able to play 20 - 25

 

Anybodys

• A spunky tomboy who is desperate to become a member of the Jets. The other Jets mock her for her ambitions, but generally appreciate her company. Full of energy and heart.

• Gender: Female

• Age: Must be able to play 15 - 25

 

Doc

• The owner of the candy store where the Jets hang out. He tries to guide the Jets youthful angst and provides a safe haven for Tony. Old fashioned and wise in his ways.

• Gender: Male

• Age: Must be able to play 60 - 75

 

Schrank

• A local police detective frustrated by the ongoing violence between the Jets and the Sharks. Blunt, brash, and unapologetic.

• Gender: Male

• Age: Must be able to play 40 - 60

 

Krupke

• The local beat cop. He has no patience for the gangs conflict and tries to keep tensions from erupting between them. Regularly mocked by the local gangs.

• Gender: Male

• Age: Must be able to play 30 - 60

 

Ensemble

• Jets, Sharks, Jets Girls, Sharks Girls

• Genders: Male & Female

• Age: Must be able to play teenagers

 

For any questions regarding auditions for West Side Story,

please contact Eduardo Arteaga (Director).

Phone Number: 760-960-5298

Email: edartemoreno@gmail.com