Auditions

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Book by Peter Parnell, Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Based on the Victor Hugo novel and the Disney animated film

Director: Bob Cooner

Musical Director: Ryan Lee

Choreographer: Darryl Strohl-de Herrera

Stage Manager: TBD

Auditions TBA

• Prepare 32 bars of a musical theatre song (traditional or contemporary) that best shows off your voice. Have another song ready in the event you are asked to perform something else. The music in the show is plentiful and difficult. All cast members will be required to learn and hold vocal harmony parts.
• You may also be asked to read a short scene from the script.
• Most auditioners will also be asked to learn and perform a short piece of choreography.
• Adult performers (age 16+) of all ages, sizes, ethnic and racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities are strongly encouraged to audition.

Rehearsals will be Mon-Thurs, 7:00-10:00 PM, June 15-July 30; Tech: Sun, August 2, 1:00-7:00 PM (possibly later); Tech/ Dress: Mon-Thurs, August 3-6, 6:00-10:30 PM. Performances are August 7-August 30, Fri-Sat @ 7:30 PM, Sun @ 2:00 PM.

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. The book of the show embraces story theatre and features 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 gypsy, 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 gypsies – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.

Character Breakdown

A Congregation of gender-flexible storytellers narrates 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 assigned character(s), which can include principal characters, Gargoyles, Statues, Revelers, Soldiers, Gypsies (Roma), etc.

Principles:

Claude Frollo: Male, 30-50. Archdeacon of Notre Dame Cathedral and the most powerful cleric in Paris, he is the reluctant caretaker of Quasimodo. He will do whatever it takes to rid the city of the gypsy “vermin,” even as he lusts after Esmeralda. Calculating, manipulative, and obsessive. Vocal range: Baritone
Quasimodo: Male, 18-30. The deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame and Claude Frollo’s charge. Lonely and staunchly obedient to Frollo, he possesses a vivid imagination that brings to life the bells and gargoyles of the cathedral. Despite his shyness and uncertainty, he quickly befriends Esmeralda. Big-hearted, and brave when need be. Vocal range: Tenor
Esmeralda: Female, 18-30. A beautiful and free-spirited gypsy who possesses the strong sense of justice and morality that Frollo lacks. Compassionate, she frees Quasimodo from the frenzied mob at the Feast of Fools and, against her better judgment, falls for the cocky Phoebus. Vocal range: Alto/Low Soprano
Captain Phoebus de Martin: Male, 18-40. Returning to Paris after serving in the war, Phoebus takes up his new position as Captain of the Cathedral Guard. Overconfident yet charming, this handsome, strong soldier makes the ladies swoon, yet his moral compass is also strong, and he openly defies the corrupted Frollo. Vocal range: Baritone/Tenor
Clopin Trouillefou: Male, 20-40. The clever and charismatic King 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, he is witty and playful, but he boasts a darker, serious nature when not performing for the crowd. Vocal range: Baritone/Tenor

Ensemble:

A congregation of singers/storytellers: Gender flexible, age 16+. Vocal range: Bass, Baritone, Tenor, Alto, Soprano.The following roles will be cast from the congregation ensemble: Gargoyles/Statues: Gender flexible, age 16+. Eight stone figures of Notre Dame cathedral who come to life and function as Quasimodo’s friends and supporters. Vocal range: Baritone, Tenor, Alto, Soprano

Saint Aphrodisius: Male, 30-50. A stained-glass image that comes to life. Vocal range: Baritone
Jehan Frollo: Male, 20-30. Claude’s reckless younger brother. With the gypsy Florika, he fathers Quasimodo, who he leaves in his brother’s care. Wild, passionate, and strong-willed. Vocal range: Baritone
Florika: Female, 20-30. A gypsy and Quasimodo’s mother. Vocal range: Soprano
King Louis XI: Male, 40-50. King of France nicknamed the Prudent.
Tribunal: Male, 20-50. A judicial officer. Vocal range: Low Baritone
Madam: Female, 30-50. Owner of a brothel and safe haven for gypsies.

Cast Lists

Guild

Ushers and Docents

The Woodland Opera House Guild is seeking ushers and tour docents.

Become a guild member and support the Woodland Opera House. Membership is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to enjoy a night out at the theatre. And of course, there is the good feeling of supporting our fabulous historic Woodland Opera House.

As a State Historic Park the opera house offers tours. The Woodland Opera House is one of the smallest state parks in the California Park system and a designated historic landmark. Share our remarkable history by becoming a tour docent.

Join the Woodland Opera House Guild Thinking about becoming a guild member? These frequently asked questions may help you decide:

What is the Woodland Opera House Guild? The Guild is an organization of men and women who want to insure the success of the historic Woodland Opera House by volunteering their services. Anyone over the age of 16 may join. Children 12-15 years old may join if sponsored by and accompanied to events by an adult member.

Are there lots of meetings? There is an orientation meeting when you first join, then one meeting a year. The Board of Directors meets once a month. Their meetings are open to any member.

How much does it cost? The dues for an active member are $25.00 per year. If you wish to join, but do not feel you can work much, or not at all, you may join as an Associate member. Associate dues are $40.00 per year. We have recently added a family membership for $90 a year. This is ideal for families of 4 or more that reside at the same address.

What can I do as a volunteer? You can: usher at all Main Stage and Family productions and concerts, give out programs, provide help and assistance to our patrons, help backstage, sew costumes, paint sets, help with refreshments, serve on the Board, decorate for the holidays, learn to give tours, help with fundraisers, and many other tasks. There is always need for additional help and something for everyone. Let us know how you would like to contribute.

How often do I have to work? Active members are requested to help out at least 6 times a year. Most members enjoy serving much more than that. Associate members are not required to work, but their services are always welcome. They may sign up to volunteer for any event, performance or concert as they wish.

What’s in it for me? The satisfaction of knowing you are helping keep the Historic Woodland Opera House Theatre vital is your greatest reward. More tangible rewards are seeing the performances and concerts free when you work at them, invitations to social events, and meeting wonderful dedicated people like yourself. Each member keeps a record of their hours served in a binder. Members having 50 or more hours a year are honored at the annual Chesley Awards (W.O.H.’s Academy Award). Membership is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to enjoy a night out at the theatre and spend some quality time together supporting our fabulous Historic Woodland Opera House.

Wish List

The Woodland Opera House depends on the generosity of those who help!

Here is our running wish list:

• • • Wardrobe Boxes
    • Portable Air Compressor
    • 88 weighted key board
    • Wardrobe Racks
    • Shelving
    • Dance Accessories (mats, ribbons, hoops, etc.)
    • Heavy duty belt sander
    • Large Rugs and Runners
    • Battery Operated screw guns

We also participate in the Amazon Smile program, where many of our wish list items can be purchased and shipped directly to us.

It’s convenient and always appreciated!