Amadeus
By Peter Shaffer
Directed by Riley Lucas
Open Auditions: December 9, 10 @ 6:30 PM
Call backs December 11 @ 6:30 PM
Rehearsal Timeframe: December-March
Evening Performances (7:30pm): March 7,8, 14,15
Matinee Performances (2:30pm): March 9, 16
Content Label: R—Sexual content and innuendo, adult language, discussions and depictions of death, staged attempted suicide
The Majestic Theatre (a division of the City of Corvallis Parks and Recreation department) is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to creating a safe place for actors of all backgrounds to explore their craft. We are particularly eager to work with artists of color and other artists from marginalized communities. All auditions are free and open to the public. This audition is for an amateur, volunteer production. The Majestic Theatre staff and volunteers do not discriminate on the basis of age, national origin, race, gender, ethnic background, ability, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or any protected class.
Auditions will be held in person at the Majestic Theatre.
SHOW SYNOPSIS
In the court of the Austrian Emperor Joseph II, Antonio Salieri is the established composer. Enter the greatest musical genius of all time: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salieri has given himself to God so that he might realize his sole ambition, to be a great composer. Mozart is a foul-mouthed, graceless oaf who has that which is beyond Salieri’s envious grasp: genius.
FROM THE DIRECTOR, Riley Lucas
PLEASE READ!!: We welcome performers of all gender identities to audition for this production, although the directorial vision calls for a strong preference towards casting female and non-binary performers. The Majestic does have other audition opportunities that are seeking to fill a large spread of roles for male-identifying performers, including Mister Roberts, Shakespeare in Love, and My Fair Lady.
The chance to direct this iconic show is an honor and a privilege. I am thrilled to bring a unique and fresh vision to this play. “Amadeus” has always been a profound exploration of genius, jealousy, and the complexities of human emotion. This particular production aims to break new ground by intending to cast female and non-binary actors in roles traditionally played by male performers.
The decision to cast female and non-binary performers stems from my desire to challenge traditional gender roles and offer a new perspective on these characters. While “Amadeus” is based on real historical figures, it is a highly fictionalized retelling of their lives. My hope is to not only provide opportunities for underrepresented voices in theater but also invite the audience to experience the story in a non-traditional way. When I think about the “Mozarts” of modern day – creatives who are provocative mold-breakers who are challenging societal norms, I see women, queer folk, and people of color at the forefront of the movement. People who, like Mozart, are facing backlash for upsetting the status quo. These are the voices I want to uplift in this particular production.
I am inspired by the incredible talent and resilience of female and non-binary actors, especially those that I’ve had the pleasure to see and meet here at the Majestic, and it is my honor to create a space where their voices can shine. This production aims to be a celebration of their artistry and a testament to the transformative power of theater.
I invite you all to join us on this extraordinary journey and witness “Amadeus” like never before!
“Neither a lofty degree of intelligence nor imagination nor both together go to the making of genius. Love, love, love, that is the soul of genius." ~ Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
INTIMACY STATEMENT
Some characters in this show will require moments of intimacy, including but not limited to embracing, kissing, and other choreography involving intimate touch. The production team is committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all cast and crew members. Any intimate scenes will be approached with utmost professionalism and conducted under the supervision of a dedicated intimacy coordinator. We encourage actors to communicate any concerns or boundaries they may have during the audition and production process.
PREPARATION NOTES
You do NOT need to prepare a monologue or piece. Sides will be provided at auditions. Wear comfortable clothes to audition. You may be asked to move to the best of your ability as part of your audition.
Vocal Ensemble: Please prepare 16-32 bars of an aria or other classical style vocal piece, preferably Baroque era. Bring sheet music to auditions. An accompanist will be provided. No backing tracks or acapella singing will be accepted.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
All characters do not have a specific race or ethnic background. We actively encourage BIPOC actors and actors of color to audition for any role, as we believe in the importance of representation and diversity in our storytelling. Ages listed are the approximate ages of the characters themselves. We invite actors over 16 to audition for any role.
ANTONIO SALIERI
Character Age: 30s-70s
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Male, is referred to using he/him pronouns
Ability/movement: Any
Line burden: HEAVY!
Character Description: “Wry, charming, sophisticated, and resentful of Mozart’s god-given abilities. As narrator of the play, Salieri leads the audience through the story. Requires excellent language and vocal skills.” Must be able learn/handle a large amount of material and commit to three months of consistent rehearsals/line memorization. Salieri is in EVERY scene of the show.
Intimacy Breakdown:
Intimacy with Constanze: Speaks suggestively about Constanze. Is kissed by Constanze on the cheek. Kisses Constanze on the lips. Makes hand-to-body contact on Constanze, likely on the waist, arm, shoulder, hips, or knees
Intimacy with Katarina: Speaks suggestively about Katarina. Kisses Katarina on the lips, neck, or hands. Makes chest-to-chest contact with Katarina.
Intimacy with Mozart: Touches the face of Mozart. Witnesses suggestive acts between Mozart and Constanze. Is embraced by Mozart. May make additional physical contact with Mozart on the arms, chest, head, hands, or shoulders.
Additional: May shake hands with the Venticelli, Count Orsini-Rosenberg, or other members of the court. May be asked to be involved in a partner dance that would involve hand-to-arm or hand-on-hip contact.
Please note: While not involving any sexual contact, this role involves scenes depicting sexual coercion and blackmail, which may be intense and emotionally challenging. All applicants must be comfortable with and capable of handling such content with professionalism and sensitivity. WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
Character Age: 20s-40s
Character Race: Any. Actively seeking an actor of color
Character Ethnicity: Any. Actively seeking an actor of color
Character Gender: Male, is referred to using he/him pronouns
Ability/movement: Must be able to express physicality through vigorous body movements. Piano skills are a plus but not required.
Line Burden: Heavy
Character Description: “High-strung, childish, giggly, profane and vulgar, yet sincere and genuinely innocent.” Willing to take risks physically and vocally. Specifically seeking autistic individuals for the role of Mozart, as the character is authentically portrayed with autistic traits. We welcome auditions from autistic actors, while also encouraging everyone, regardless of neurodiversity, to audition for all roles in the production.
Intimacy Breakdown:
Intimacy with Constanze: Holds hands with Constanze. Kisses Constanze on the lips, cheeks, forehead, face, and hands. Tickles Constanze on the neck, armpits, or waist. Simulates getting spanked or paddled by Constanze. Places head in Constanze’s lap. Pets the head or hair of Constanze. Has head or hair pet or played with by Constanze. Holds or embraces Constanze.
Intimacy with Salieri: Kisses the hands of Salieri. Embraces Salieri. Has his face touched by Salieri. May make additional physical contact with Salieri on the arms, chest, head, hands, or shoulders.
Additional: May be asked to be involved in a partner dance that would involve hand-to-arm or hand-on-hip contact
CONSTANZE WEBER (Later MOZART)
Character Age: 20s-40s
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Female, is referred to using she/her pronouns
Ability/movement: AnyLine Burden: Heavy
Character Description: Wife to Mozart. Joyful, rambunctious, with a hint of lower-class grit. Intimacy Breakdown: Intimacy with Salieri: Is spoken about suggestively by Salieri. Kisses Salieri on the cheek. Kisses Salieri on the lips. Has hand-to-body contact from Salieri, likely on the waist, arm, shoulder, hips, or knees.
Intimacy with Mozart: Holds hands with Mozart. Kisses Mozart on the lips, cheeks, forehead, face, and hands. Is kissed by Mozart on the lips, cheeks, forehead, face, and hands. Is tickled by Mozart on the neck, armpits, or waist. Simulates spanking or paddling Mozart. Has Mozart's head placed in her lap. Pets the head or hair of Mozart. Has head or hair pet or played with by Mozart. Holds or embraces Mozart.
Intimacy with Venticelli: Has her skirt or dress lifted to the thigh by one or both of the Venticelli. Has her legs touched up to the thigh by one or both of the Venticelli. Is leered at or catcalled by ensemble and Venticelli.
Two “VENTICELLI”
Character Age: Any
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Any
Ability/movement: Any
Line Burden: Moderate
Character Description: “Purveyors of fact, rumor, and gossip throughout the play. Sometimes they speak to each other; sometimes to the Audience—but always with the urgency of those who have ever been first with the news.” The Venticelli sometimes function as narrators who often have lines that overlap or are spoken rapidly. They are constant lurking presences, always on the hunt for information and gossip.
Intimacy Breakdown:
Intimacy with Constanze: As party guests, one or both of the Venticelli lift Constanze’s skirt or dress to thigh level. One or both touches her legs up to the thigh. Leers at or catcalls Constanze.
JOSEPH II
Character Age: 30+
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Male, is referred to using he/him pronouns
Ability/movement: Any
Line Burden: Moderate
Character Description: The laconic, dapper, easily pleased Emperor of Austria.
Intimacy Breakdown: None
JOHANN KILIAN VON STRACK
Character Age: 30+
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Male, is referred to using he/him pronouns.
Ability/movement: Any
Line Burden: Moderate
Character Description: Groom of the Imperial Chamber. A stiff, no-nonsense court official.
Intimacy: None
COUNT ORSINI-ROSENBERG
Character Age: 30+
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Male, is referred to using he/him pronouns
Ability/movement: Any
Line Burden: Moderate
Character Description: Director of the Imperial Opera. Supercilious and conspiratory. Has some lines in Italian.
Intimacy: Simulates slapping Mozart across the face.
BARON VON SWIETEN
Character Age: 50+
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Male, is referred to using he/him pronouns
Ability/movement: Any
Line Burden: Moderate
Character Description: Prefect of the Imperial Library. Ardent Freemason. “Cultivated and serious”.
Intimacy: None
KATHERINA CAVALIERI
Character Age: 20+
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Female, is referred to using she/her pronouns
Ability/movement: Any
Line Burden: Non-speaking/Singing
Character Description: The beautiful and showy pupil of Salieri. This role is traditionally non-speaking, but I am looking for a lyric soprano who can sing a baroque concert aria and “Kyrie” for the C Minor Mass. Come prepared to sing (arias preferred, memorization not required).
Intimacy Breakdown: Intimacy with Salieri Is spoken about suggestively by Salieri. Kisses Salieri on the lips, neck, or hands. Makes chest-to-chest contact with Salieri.
TERESA SALIERI
Character Age: 30s+
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Female-presenting, is referred to using she/her pronouns.
Ability/movement: Any
Line burden: Non-speaking
Character Description: Wife of Salieri. Dry, serious, good comedic timing.Intimacy: May hold hands with or be embraced by Salieri.
ENSEMBLE
Salieri’s Cook
Salieri’s Valet
Kapellmeister Guiseppe Bonno (he/him)
Major-Domo
Citizens of Vienna
Character Age: 16+
Character Race: Any
Character Ethnicity: Any
Character Gender: Any
Ability/movement: Depending on ability, ensemble members may be asked to carry on and off set pieces or props throughout the show. May be asked to dance.
Line burden: Non-speakingIntimacy: Partner dancing, which may involve hand-to-hand or hand-to-hip contact.
Character Description: Non-speaking parts who are key players – a great opportunity for those who want to be on stage without the pressure of learning lines!
VOCAL ENSEMBLE
Character Description: A group of 4-6 choral singers who will sing “Requiem in D Minor, K. 626: VIII. Lacrimosa”. Will be part of the non-vocal ensemble as Citizens of Vienna.
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