Audition Notice: OKLAHOMA!

Springfield Little Theatre proudly announces auditions for it’s final show in the 90th EMERALD ANNIVERSARY SEASON, OKLAHOMA!

OKLAHOMA! – The groundbreaking musical that set the stage for all that followed! Rodgers & Hammerstein’s exuberant classic is a lively, tuneful musical full of cowboys, farmers, romance and fearless optimism.

Springfield Little Theatre will be holding Auditions for OKLAHOMA! in the 4th Floor Rehearsal Studio at the Landers Theatre, 311 East Walnut.

• Monday, April 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM
• Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM

We encourage performers of all ethnicities, races, gender identities, abilities, and body types to audition. We are seeking a diverse, high energy cast of performers ages 15 and up.

The initial audition will consist of auditioners being led through a basic dance combination and presenting an individual memorized vocal selection (less than one-minute in length). Bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Actors in consideration for principal roles will perform cold readings and be asked to sing material from the musical at callbacks.

Callbacks will be held Wednesday, April 9, 2025 beginning at 6:00 PM.

THE PLOT

In a Western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a new land.

PRODUCTION STAFF

OKLAHOMA! will be directed by Clayton Avery, choreographed by Melody Boyens, with music direction by Carla Wootton.

AVAILABLE ROLES

All roles are available, including:

LAUREY WILLIAMS: (Soprano, Any Ethnicity, 18-35) A young woman who is independent, strong-willed, and lives with her Aunt Eller on a farm.

CURLY MCLAIN: (Baritone, Any Ethnicity, 20-35) A cowboy, in love with Laurey, but plays cat and mouse games with her. A confident guy. Develops a deep rivalry with Jud Fry over Laurey’s affections.

WILL PARKER: (Baritone/Tenor, Any Ethnicity, 18-35) A cowboy who is in love with Ado Annie. Not the brightest bulb in the bunch. He is a strong singer and dancer with great comedic timing.

JUD FRY: (Baritone/Bass, Any Ethnicity, 20-50) A farmhand who lives with Aunt Eller and Laurey, but is lonely, mysterious, and misunderstood. He has a questionable past and is in love with Laurey.

AUNT ELLER: (Alto, Any Ethnicity, 40-70) A respected woman in the community who is a mother figure to everyone. She is Laurey’s aunt and caretaker.

ADO ANNIE CARNES: (Mezzo/Belt, Any Ethnicity, 18-35) A free spirit who is headstrong and boy-crazy. She is in love with Will Parker, Ali Hakim and anyone who she sees fit. Her shot-gun toting father has some say in how it ought to turn out.

ALI HAKIM: (Non-singing, Any Ethnicity, 20-50) A mysterious traveling salesman from Persia. An outsider. While he claims he’s from Persia, he may not be entirely telling the truth. A seducer, machismo.

GERTIE CUMMINGS: (Non-singing, Any Ethnicity, 18-35) Girl from Claymore who has her eye on Curly. Is Laurey’s chief rival for Curly’s attentions. Infamous for her startling and memorable laugh.

ANDREW CARNES: (Baritone/Tenor, Any Ethnicity, 40-70) A farmer and father of Ado Annie who is skeptical of cowmen, especially Will Parker.

IKE SKIDMORE, FRED, SLIM, CORD ELAM, VIVIAN, ELLEN, KATE, VIRGINIA, SYLVIE, ARMINA, AGGIE, MIKE, JOE, SAM, DREAM LAUREY, DREAM CURLY, DREAM JUD, DANCERS, FARMERS, COWHANDS, RANCHERS, ENSEMBLE: (Any Ethnicity, 15+)

REHEARSALS

Most rehearsals for Springfield Little Theatre’s production of OKLAHOMA! will be held Sunday through Thursday evenings between the hours of 7:00-10:00 PM (Not everyone will be called for every rehearsal. It is likely that rehearsals later in the process/closer to opening, will run 6:00-10:00 PM) Auditioners will be asked to specify their availability on their audition forms, listing any and all potential rehearsal conflicts. The first cast meeting will be held Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

PERFORMANCES

The production will run for three weeks—June 12-29, 2025.

Performance dates:

Thursday, June 12, 7:30 PM (Underwriter’s Preview); Friday, June 13, 7:30 PM; Saturday, June 14, 7:30 PM; Sunday, June 15, 2:00 PM; Thursday, June 19, 7:30 PM; Friday, June 20, 7:30 PM; Saturday, June 21, 7:30 PM; Sunday, June 22, 2:00 PM; Thursday, June 26, 7:30 PM; Friday, June 27, 7:30 PM; Saturday, June 28, 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM; Sunday, June 29, 2:00 PM.

Promotional appearances and special events TBA. Cast members are expected to be available for ALL tech rehearsals and performances.

Please direct questions to Clayton Avery at [email protected]

Break a leg! We can’t wait to see you at auditions!

Springfield Little Theatre’s OKLAHOMA! is proudly presented by Mercy with support from the Springfield Little Theatre Guild, and media support from Springfield Daily Citizen.