PRODUCTION INFO
“CLEOPATRA” is a new, immersive musical experience, with an original pop score by Jeff Daye, lyrics by Laura Kleinbaum with additional music and lyrics by Drew Fornarola. This production will be directed by Jenny Leon.
A contemporary telling of the story of Cleopatra and Marc Antony’s relationship and the fall of Alexandria, “CLEOPATRA” is more festival than musical, more party than play. Our Alexandria is a beautiful underground society, built by DIY club-kids, drag queens, nightlife weirdos and gifted freaks who invite the audience in for one last ecstatic dance before the world ends.
We’re seeking extraordinary performers with a highly developed sense of identity and style who can bring their genuine selves to a piece still in development. Both Equity and Non-Equity performers are encouraged to submit. We are open to seeing any and all, but the production is committed to representing diversity in race, physicality, and gender expression.
AUDITION INFO
We will be accepting submissions at cleopatramusical@gmail.com, as well as hosting an open call on Thursday, August 17th at 10 AM at Theater for the New City (155 1st Ave, NY NY 10003). If attending the open call, please prepare 16 bars of a song that most exemplifies who you are. Musical theater repertoire strongly discouraged.
Callbacks (including dance) will take place at 10 AM on Friday, August 18th, also at Theater for the New City (155 1st Ave, NY NY 10003).
REHEARSAL & PRODUCTION DATES
Rehearsals begin Sept. 5th
Performances start Sept. 21st and run through Oct. 8th (Thursday-Sunday)
Rehearsals and performances take place at Theater for the New City
BREAKDOWN
CLEOPATRA
FEMALE, 25-35. The Mother of Alexandria. She is their beloved leader and inspires true loyalty, in the vein of Daenerys Targaryen or Beyoncé. Clever and beautiful, she is a proud black woman, blindly in love with Marc Antony. Must have very powerful stage presence and an exceptional singing voice. Range: (G3-E5), capable of strong and inventive riffs. Pop star comparison: Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Demi Lovato
MARC ANTONY
MALE, 25-35. The conquering hero. He has fallen in love with both Cleopatra and the world she has created, and will stop at nothing to protect it. Strong and sensual, the chemistry between him and Cleo should be undeniable. Headstrong, impulsive, and a little dangerous. Range: (D3-C5), must have a very strong falsetto. Pop star comparison: The Weeknd, Bruno Mars, Adam Levine
IRIS
FEMALE, 20-25. Cleopatra’s protégé and handmaiden. Her extreme intelligence is masked by her youth and innocence. She is highly observant, and dedicated to truth and justice, and suspicious of anyone’s claims to Cleopatra’s attentions. She is both Cleo’s most trusted confidante and the architect of her undoing. Range: (C4-D5), youthful pop sound. Pop star comparison: Selena Gomez
OCTAVIAN
MALE, 25-35. The villain. Aggressive and swaggering, Octavian likes to put on a show. A privileged, corporate asshole, Octavian has come for revenge, and would happily destroy the DIY paradise of Alexandria to get it. Range: (E3-A4 with C5 opt up), more of a rock ‘n’ roll wail. Pop star comparison: Brendon Urie
MASTER OF CEREMONIES
CREATIVE GENDER EXPRESSION, 20-35. The Ringleader. Serves Cleopatra by serving her guests the fantasy. Host, guide, and historian, they’re making sure everyone has the ultimate good time. Possibly the one with the most to lose if Alexandria falls, the MC is fiercely loyal to both Cleo and the Night. Spiritually somewhere between the Emcee from Cabaret and Rupaul. Range: (G3-F4), a storyteller through song.
CITIZENS OF ALEXANDRIA
MALE, FEMALE, and EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, 20-30. Seeking strong pop vocalists and hip hop dancers with a point of view. The citizens of Alexandria both play supporting roles in the story and serve to interact with the audience to guide them on their experience. All actors should be capable of helping to develop individual perspectives and identities for their characters. Not required but a plus: circus experience, percussion ability, and any talent that might be classified as party trick or potential fodder for cabaret/burlesque performance.
Videos
