Footlite Musicals is excited to announce open auditions for the Indianapolis community theatre premiere of BRIGHT STAR!

Auditions will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 19, and Monday, November 20, at Footlite Musicals in the Hedback Theatre – 1847 North Alabama Street, Indianapolis. You only need to attend one audition date. Callbacks will take place on Tuesday, November 21. 

We are seeking a cast of performers that is racially, ethnically, and physically diverse as well as inclusive of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. Must be 18 or older.

• Please come prepared to sing 16-32 bars from a song that shows off your vocal talent, with sheet music in the appropriate key. An accompanist will be provided. A cappella singing and recorded accompaniments will not be permitted.
• Please also be prepared to stick around after singing. Once everyone has sung, our choreographer will teach the dance portion of the audition and you will perform it for the production team. We recommend bringing a change of clothes to dance in comfortably.
• As of October 22, 2023, Footlite Musicals highly recommends that all participants/volunteers be fully vaccinated (including at least 1 booster shot) before rehearsals begin per CDC guidelines. However, proof of vaccination is no longer required to participate.

Rehearsals are scheduled to begin in January 2024. Production dates are March 1-3, 7-10, and 14-17, 2024. There are no conflicts allowed from February 24 through the end of the run, and once cast, performers will not be allowed to add extra conflicts.

For questions, email the director, Isaac Becker-Chamberlin, at beckerchamberlinprod@gmail.com.

Summary: 

Inspired by a true story and featuring a Tony Award-nominated score, BRIGHT STAR tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ‘40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past, and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, this story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. This is an uplifting theatrical journey that will hold you tightly in its grasp.

Character Descriptions:

Alice Murphy – plays both 16-17 and 36-37. Alice at age 36-37 is an editor of a southern literary magazine; intelligent, put-together, and professional – but with an air of melancholy. Alice at age 16-17 is rebellious, high-spirited, adventurous – looking to break out of small-town life and experience the world. She must be a strong singer and comfortable in folk and bluegrass styles.

Billy Cane – a young soldier returning home from WWII; an aspiring young writer; fresh, open, optimistic, charming, and a little naïve.

Jimmy Ray Dobbs – plays both age 18-20 and 38-40. Jimmy Ray in his early 20s in flashbacks is Mayor Dobbs’ son and young Alice’s beau; boyishly charming and intelligent; from a family of wealth and power and is being groomed by his father for a similar future in the family business; an independent thinker who is not afraid to stand up to his father for what he believes in; he has a sense of personal responsibility and morality as well as a deep reserve of passion and emotion. The same actor will also play an adult Jimmy Ray at age 38-40.

Margo Crawford – a small-town bookstore owner; a childhood friend of Billy’s who now harbors romantic feelings towards him; a natural beauty with a keen intellect.

Daryl Ames – An assistant at a literary magazine. Funny, with a dry and officious sense of humor. Insecure, and perhaps a bit socially awkward, but endearing and innately likable.

Lucy Grant – A junior editor at a literary magazine. An ambitious, professional young “modern” career woman of the 1940s. Strong, forthright and provocative with a sharp sense of humor.

Mama Murphy – Alice’s mother. A caretaker to her family and her rural community. A warm, loving, sensible woman. Hardworking, with great inner strength and compassion.

Daddy Murphy – Alice’s father; an authoritative and a stern disciplinarian; devoutly religious, hard-working, a poor but proud farmer.

Mayor Josiah Dobbs – the Mayor of Zebulon; a political and financial powerbroker – distinguished, an imposing and controlling presence; has a genuine interest in protecting his son’s future and his family name, but in doing so, is ultimately pushed to a point of extreme and irrevocable cruelty.

Daddy Cane – Billy’s father. A widower. Spry, good looking. Kind-hearted, if a bit lonely.

Max / Ensemble – “Cutely awkward” young man that frequents the bookstore looking for love

Edna / Ensemble – Bookstore employee and friend of Margo’s

Stanford / Ensemble – Loyal assistant to Mayor Josiah Dobbs

Florence / Ensemble – Bookstore employee and friend of Margo’s

Dr. Norquist / Ensemble – The local family doctor in Zebulon

Government Clerk / Ensemble – Bookstore employee and friend of Margo’s

***Note: The six ensemble members must be strong singers and dancers and are the “storytellers” throughout the entire production. Each ensemble member is also featured as a named character with lines.