Wheaton Drama is pleased to announce auditions for Sister Act, with original music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner, and additional book material by Douglas Carter Beane.
Sister Act is a feel-good musical comedy based on the 1992 film, set in the fabulous late-1970s Philadelphia. When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she’s placed in protective custody where she won’t be found: a convent. Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with the rigid lifestyle of Mother Superior. Using her unique talents, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community, ultimately blowing her cover. Will Deloris and her newly found sisterhood be a match when the murderer shows up
Sister Act will be performed September 16 – October 9. Showtimes are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
Auditions will be held Sunday, July 10 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Tuesday, July 12 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the theater, 111 N. Hale Street, Wheaton. Callbacks will be Wednesday, July 13 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Auditions are by appointment and will be in groups of 8-10 in one-hour intervals. The first cast meeting and read/sing-through will be Saturday, July 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the Wheaton Library, 225 N. Cross Street. Rehearsals will begin Sunday, July 17 and will be held on Sunday afternoons and Monday through Thursday evenings. Not all cast members will be called for all rehearsals.
To reserve an audition time, click this link: Sister Act Auditions
Wheaton Drama has made the determination that, for this show, all members of the staff, cast,crew, and orchestra must be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, and will be masked during rehearsals. Once tech week begins, cast members will perform on stage without masks, but must wear masks in all other areas of the building. All members of the staff, cast, crew, and orchestra will also be required to sign and abide by the requirements of the Wheaton Drama COVID-19 Agreements.
Please forward the completed form, headshot, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination to [email protected], or bring them to the audition. You will receive an email confirming your audition date and time. If you have any questions, please email the above gmail address. Please be up front about all known conflicts. This is a non-equity production with no pay.
Auditions will consist of acting, music, and choreography. Please prepare a maximum of 32 bars of a song (not from the show) in the style of the character(s) for whom you are auditioning, which best shows off your vocal ability. Please bring sheet music in your key; a piano accompanist will be provided. Please also prepare a one-minute comedic monologue that best shows off your comedic timing and delivery. If you prefer to be given a monologue to perform, please email the above gmail address with the character you’d like to audition for and we will provide you with one. After singing and monologues, you will also learn a brief dance routine and audition for the choreographer, so bring comfortable clothes and shoes in which to sing and dance. Callbacks will consist of reading scenes and singing selections from the show. Everyone asked to come to callbacks will receive sides containing scenes and music. A callback does not guarantee that you will be cast, nor does it mean you will not be cast if you are not called back. Actors of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition; however, the role of Deloris will be portrayed by an African-American woman. Break a leg, everyone!
Character Breakdown
All roles are available. Please note that the descriptions and vocal ranges were provided by MTI; ages are of the characters and not necessarily of the actors portraying them.
Deloris Van Cartier (Female, 25-35, vocal range F#5-E3)
An aspiring performer, trying to find both fame and a place in the world. When forced to hide in the convent, she initially refuses to embrace her new lifestyle but learns to embrace it when she works with the choir. Loud-mouthed and sassy, but ultimately caring.
Mother Superior (Female, 50-70, vocal range E5-D3)
The head of the convent, sarcastic and a bit stiff. Extremely protective about keeping her sisters away from the outside world, which puts her in direct opposition to Deloris and her musical teachings.
Sister Mary Robert (Female, 18-25, vocal range A5-F#3)
A postulant, abandoned as a baby and raised at the convent. Shy and soft-spoken, but singing with Deloris lets her find her voice. Her wallflower lifestyle has made her live a shell of a life.
Sister Mary Patrick (Female, 35-50)
A nun of the convent. Consistently perky, enthusiastic, and easily excitable.
Sister Mary Lazarus (Female, 50-70, vocal range B4-F3)
A nun of the convent and the head of the choir. Rather deadpan and the least welcoming of any of the nuns, but she gets caught up in Deloris’s soul music.
Monsignor O’Hara (Male, 45-60, vocal range G4-E3)
One of the heads of the convent. Constantly concerned with financial matters, though soul music surprisingly puts him in a different mood.
Curtis (Male, 30-40, vocal range Ab4-A2)
A club owner, notorious gangster, and Deloris’ boyfriend. Cocky and controlling, always on the verge of violence.
Eddie (Male, 25-35, vocal range B4-Ab2)
The desk chief at the Philadelphia police station and a high school classmate of Deloris who helps get her into hiding. Faces a lot of nerves when under pressure, causing him to sweat profusely. He still yearns for Deloris after all these years, and dreams of being her hero.
TJ (Male, 18-30, vocal range Eb5-Db3)
Curtis’ nephew and one of his thugs. Deft and cognizant of the fact, constantly in a state of ignorant bliss.
Joey (Male, 30-40, vocal range Eb5-Bb2)
One of Curtis’ thugs. Believes himself to be quite the ladies’ man.
Pablo (Male, 25-40, vocal range F5-C4)
One of Curtis’ thugs. A natural follower, constantly speaks in Spanish.
Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours (Female, 40-60)
A nun of the convent. Clearly in her own world, but has her moments of surprising clarity.
Sister Mary Theresa (Female, 60-70)
A nun of the convent, the oldest of the group. Decrepit at a glance, but secretly packs a punch.
Michelle (Female, 20-30, vocal range F5-Bb3)
One of Deloris’ back-up singers. Lippy and always quick with a retort.
Tina (Female, 20-30, vocal range F5-Ab3)
One of Deloris’ back-up singers. A little thick and naive.
Ernie (Male, 25-35)
One of Curtis’ thugs. Initially thought to be a mindless yes-man, he turns out to be an undercover police informant.
Ensemble will consist of women and men who will portray various characters in the show, including backup dancers. The roles of Michelle, Tina, and Ernie will be played by ensemble actors.
The Sister Act Creative Team
- Production Manager: Mike Boyna
- Director: Kevin Taylor
- Assistant Director: Rachelle Kates
- Music Director: Douglas Orlyk
- Choreographer: Katy Smith
- Co-Choreographer: Abigail Hamilton
- Stage Manager: Bruce Ebner
- Set Design/Scenic Artist: Rod Kelly
- Fight/Intimacy/Weapons Choreographer: Claire Yearman
- Lighting Design: Jim Van De Velde
- Sound Design: Tom French
- Costume Design: Janice Pohl
- Hair and Makeup Design: Morgan Dietkus
- Properties: Heidi Fruzyna
