Auditions & Opportunities For Flashes of Light
In addition to performers, we are also seeking artists to join our creative (lighting) and production teams (assistant stage management position available) for this production. All positions are paid. If you are a designer or technical artist and are interested in joining our production, please email flashesoflight@sierramadreplayhouse.org for more information.
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Musical: Flashes of Light
Written by: Billy Larkin and Ron Boustead
Director: Jon Lawrence Rivera
Synopsis:
A musical set against the backdrop of the industrial revolution in New York City in the late 1800s, Flashes of Light brings to life the story of inventor, Nikola Tesla, and his muse, Electra, Goddess of the Storm Clouds. On the night of his birth, Tesla is chosen by Electra as a channel for transmitting her knowledge to humanity. Throughout his life, during lightning storms, she sends him visions of ground-breaking electrical inventions. With the help of Electra, Tesla becomes a major rival to Thomas Edison in the “War of the Currents,” a battle to determine the method for distributing electricity nationwide. Tesla and Electra become obsessed with pushing the envelope of scientific discovery, but as the borderline between worlds begins to blur, a star-crossed love story unfolds that is fraught with peril in both realms.
AUDITION INFO:
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Seeking:
Actors of all ethnic backgrounds. Both Union & Non-Union actors will be considered.
Performer Compensation:
$19/hour. Rehearsal hours per actor for the entire rehearsal period range from 60 to 96 hours depending on the role.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
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Thursday, February 25, 2025 (submissions now open!)
AUDITIONS: (all at Sierra Madre Playhouse, by Invitation Only)
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Live Auditions: Monday, March 3, 2025
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Callbacks: March 2025
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FIRST REHEARSAL: Monday, April 21, 2025
TECH WEEK: Thursday, May 15 through Thursday, May 22, 2025
OPENS: Friday, May 23, 2025
CLOSES: Monday, June 9, 2025
PERFORMANCES (16 performances):
Fri, 5/23 8:00 pm - Sat, 5/24 at 2:00 pm - Sat, 5/24 at 8:00 pm - Sun, 5/25, 2025 at 4:00 pm - Mon, 5/26 at 8:00 pm - Fri, 5/30 at 8:00 pm - Sat, 5/31 2025 at 2:00 pm - Sat, 5/31 at 8:00 pm - Sun, 6/1 at 4:00 pm - Mon, 6/2 at 8:00 pm - Fri, 6/6 at 8:00 pm - Sat, 6/7 at 2:00 pm - Sat, 6/7 at 8:00 pm - Sun, 6/8 at 4:00 pm - Mon, 6/9 at 8:00 pm
All performances at Sierra Madre Playhouse. Evening performances at 8 pm, Saturday matinee performances at 2 pm, Sunday matinee performances at 4 pm. Full schedule here.
REHEARSALS: Full schedule is here (subject to change). Final rehearsal schedule will be arranged after the show is cast. No reasonable conflicts should keep actors from submitting. If actors cannot do all performances they should still apply as we are planning on having some understudies.
SUBMISSIONS
Accepting submissions via Actors Access/Breakdown Express and Backstage. Direct submissions, please send to flashesoflight@sierramadreplayhouse.org. Please List “FLASHES OF LIGHT AUDITION”, your Name, and Name of desired role(s) in Subject Line.
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All submissions must include a video recording of you performing a monologue of your choice (60-seconds) and your singing (60-seconds) of either a track from the show or of your choice. Submissions without all required attachments will not be considered.
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SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Thursday, February 27, 2025
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​Please also send any questions you may have about submitting to flashesoflight@sierramadreplayhouse.org.
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Please no direct calls or correspondence to Creative Team members. All Correspondence may be directed to flashesoflight@sierramadreplayhouse.org. Thank you!
Character Breakdowns (and information for recommended vocal submissions):
Please read the character descriptions below to ensure that you are applying for the role you feel is most appropriate, and for the song excerpt assigned with that role. If you aren't sure which role is best for you, please feel free to reach out to us at flashesoflight@sierramadreplayhouse.org.
ELECTRA
[Female, all ethnicities, 25-45, mezzo-soprano] Electra is a radiant, ageless goddess who is headstrong if sometimes a little naive. She’s on a mission and she’ll stop at nothing to complete it. Her songs require range, soul and intensity, so expert singing is a must.
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ATHENA
[Female, all ethnicities, 30-65, mezzo-soprano] Powerful female who runs things in the realm of gods. She is a big presence with the singing voice to match. One does not mess with Athena.​​
KATHARINE JOHNSON
[Female, all ethnicities, 25-45, mezzo-soprano] Katharine is married, classy NY socialite, but her intellect leaves her dissatisfied with the role of wife and mother. Tesla awakens something in her soul. Looking for Pop soprano singer with a beautiful voice. This role is understudy for ELECTRA.
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FEMALE CHORUS MEMBER
[Female, all ethnicities, 30-45, mezzo-soprano] Must be an excellent singer, understudy for ATHENA and KATHARINE.
NIKOLA TESLA
[Male, all ethnicities, 25-45, tenor] Tesla is handsome with a bit of edge. He’s a scientific genius, obsessed with revolutionizing our way of life with his groundbreaking inventions. He has the charm and wit to navigate both the science community and New York society. Expert singing level required.
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ANTON SZIGETI
[Male, all ethnicities, 18-30, tenor] He sings, raps, plays accordion.(real accordion-playing is a huge plus, but not mandatory). Szigeti is smart, loyal and fun at parties. Excellent singing level required.
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THOMAS EDISON
[Male, all ethnicities, 35-60, tenor] The most famous inventor on planet earth, and he acts like it. He’s gruff, arrogant and demanding, as are his songs. He’s my way or the highway.
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MARK TWAIN
[Male, all ethnicities, 30-65, tenor] He’s funny in an off-beat and absent-minded way. Knows how to work a room. Must be a skilled R&B singer.
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PROFESSOR BROWN + J. P. MORGAN
[Male, all ethnicities, 30-65, gravelly tenor] Two secondary but important characters. Both roles require a singer with an excellent rock voice, especially MORGAN who is a belter.
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PROMETHEUS + GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE
[Male, all ethnicities, all ages, tenor] PROMETHEUS is the third member of the god squad. He’s a bit full of himself, having given mortals the gift of fire, but his pompousness comes across like a TV weatherman. The actor also plays GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE. Edison’s rival, Tesla’s champion. Actors with large presence is a plus. ​​
ROBERT JOHNSON + FATHER + LAB WORKER
[Male, all ethnicities, 30-45, tenor] Actor plays three roles. All on the earthly realm. ​
DIONYSUS
[Male, all ethnicities, all ages, any voice type] Brother of Athena, all ages, all ethnicities. He’s a crack-up, always at the ready with an off-color comeback. He likes to drink his wine and doesn’t take anything too seriously. Will sing some chorus vocals, mostly blending in.​
Note on your audition:
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Showcase your storytelling ability and authentic emotional expression.
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Prepare a contrasting contemporary monologue, not exceeding 60 seconds, to demonstrate your acting ability.
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For Live/Callback Auditions, we will ask you to prepare a song from the show and a live accompanist will be provided. You can use your sheet music, if needed.
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Sierra Madre Playhouse's Dedication to Inclusive and Diverse Casting
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At Sierra Madre Playhouse, we embrace equity, diversity, and inclusivity in all aspects of our casting. For productions where characteristics such as ethnicity, gender, and more are not specified for roles, we actively pursue a cast that reflects a rich diversity of backgrounds, and welcome and encourage auditions from individuals of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and body types.
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Should you require any specific accommodations for your audition, please do not hesitate to contact us in advance through our auditions email. Alternatively, you can inform our audition monitors upon your arrival. We are committed to providing a supportive and accessible audition environment for everyone.
Note about the Show:
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For those auditioning, it's essential to recognize that this production values not just vocal prowess but also the ability to embody characters who are endearing, genuine, and capable of conveying a story through acting. The characters' ability to resonate with the audience, both with other ensemble members and as individuals, is crucial for the show's emotional impact.