Cornell announces open auditions for “The Rocky Horror Show”

August 17, 2017

The Cornell College Department of Theatre and Dance is holding auditions for “The Rocky Horror Show,” and they will be open to anyone in eastern Iowa.

People 18 and older are invited to audition for this musical that hit the London stage in 1973 and went on to become the classic cult film. The department hopes to fill the stage with the talents of Cornell students and community members.

This show may be best known for its original leading man, Tim Curry, and for the audience participation that is encouraged throughout the show.   

Open auditions will be held in Armstrong Hall, on the Cornell College campus on Monday, Sept. 4 and Tuesday, Sept. 5 from 6:30–10 p.m. Callbacks will be Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 6:30–10 p.m. Those called back will be notified via email. Rehearsals will begin on Monday, Sept. 11, and the show will run Oct. 26–28. Performances will take place in Kimmel Theatre on the Cornell College campus.

Auditions will consist of a prepared audition and a dance component. Performers should prepare to sing and bring sheet music for 16 bars of a contemporary musical. Those wishing to audition should also prepare a monologue from a contemporary play that is no longer than two minutes. Audition materials cannot be from The Rocky Horror Show, and an accompanist will be provided. Performers are encouraged to dress ready to move. A theatre and dance-focused resume would be appreciated, though it is not required.

Area musician Lee Nguyen will be the music director and Cornell’s Dance Artist in Residence, Alvon Reed, will be the choreographer.

“The vulgar jokes, racy costumes, puns, and pop-culture references make this a show for mature audiences and for performers ready to laugh their way through this offbeat, musical spoof,” Cornell College Professor of Theatre Janeve West said. “I’m excited to cast a diverse ensemble and eagerly invite performers of color and from the LGBTQ+ community to audition for a part in the show.”

Questions should be sent to jwest@cornellcollege.edu.