Description:

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in downtown Arlington Heights, IL announces general auditions for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Spring 2020), music and lyrics by David Yazbek and book by Jeffrey Lane. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will be directed by Lauren Berman, choreography by Jennifer Cupani, musical direction by Kailey Rockwell, and assistant directed by Neil Scheufler. Seeking strong non-Equity adult actors/singers/dancers. Strong ensemble dancers needed. Prefer leads to have some dance training and experience, preferred technique studied: jazz, ballet or ballroom. Callback will include a dance call in these styles. Particularly seeking actors of diversity, who are strongly encouraged to audition. Gender-fluid casting available.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is based on the 1988 MGM film of the same name, starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin. In the exotic French Riviera, Lawrence Jameson makes his living by smooth talking rich, single women out of their money. He has been in the trade for many years and has got his technique down to a tee, but then he bumps into Freddy Benson. Freddy takes a humbler, more laid back approach, swindling women with emotional lies about his grandmother's failing health and his own economic struggles. The two men initially decide to form a double act, but their egos soon clash and the French coast isn't big enough for the two of them. To settle their rivalry, they agree on a bet: the first to swindle $50,000 from the latest young heiress in town, Christine Colgate, can stay and the other must leave town. However, is Christine really all she seems? Hilarity and confusion ensue as the two men pull out all the steps to prove they are the best con man in town.

Characters:
(Please note: Age ranges listed below are just a reference, and we are open to a wider range.)

Lawrence Jameson - An experienced British con artist who is sophisticated, suave, and elegant. Age: 40 To 60. Vocal range top: Bb4, Vocal range bottom: G2.

Freddy Benson - A young, clever, aspiring American con artist. He is a sloppy, yet attractive womanizer, and is eventually conned by Christine. Age: 25 To 35. Vocal range top: B4, Vocal range bottom: A2.

Christine Colgate - A seemingly good-natured American heiress vacationing on the French Riviera, who is revealed to be a notorious con artist. Naive and clueless at first, she becomes cunning and mischievous. Age: 30 To 40. Vocal range top: F#5, Vocal range bottom: A3.

Andre Thibault - Lawrence's French assistant. Official and mostly serious, he has a light-hearted nature and a quirky sense of humor. Age: 40 To 50. Vocal range top: F4, Vocal range bottom: F2.

Muriel Eubanks - A wealthy and attractive American socialite from Nebraska, she is one of Lawrence's victims and Andre's subsequent love interest. Age: 50 To 60. Vocal range top: C5, Vocal range bottom: E3.

Jolene - An American heiress from Oklahoma and the "Princess of Petroleum," she is very eager, optimistic, and energetic. Age: 25 To 35. Vocal range top: D5, Vocal range bottom: A3.

Ensemble - Waiters, Butlers, Maids, and Others

Time Commitment:
Rehearsals - Monday 3/20-Monday 5/4, 2020: Weekly rehearsals include 7:30-10:30pm Mondays-Thursdays, 1-5pm Saturdays, and 6-10pm Sundays. Fridays are the designated evening off each week.

Tech Week - Tuesday 5/5- Wed 5/13, 2020: Actors with tech week conflicts will not be under consideration. Schedule is as follows: Tuesday 5/5-Thursday 5/7, 5-11pm; Sunday 5/10, 12-11pm; Monday 5/11-Wednesday 5/13, 6-11pm; Thursday 5/14-Friday 5/15, 3-5:30pm TBA ; Thursday 5/14-Saturday 5/16, post show notes through 11pm; there are no rehearsals Friday 5/8-Saturday 5/9.

Previews & Performances - Thursday 5/14-Saturday 6/27, 2020: Standard performance schedule includes 7:30pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; 3pm matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. No 3pm matinee Saturday 6/27.

Material To Prepare:
Please prepare one 32 bars/1 minute comedic song from a modern musical. You may also choose to sing a song from the show. Please prepare one contemporary comedic monologue no more than 1 minute in length. An accompanist will be provided. You must audition and bring an updated headshot and resume even if you have been seen at Metropolis in past seasons. Dance calls will occur only during designated callback days.