VOS THEATRE MARY POPPINS AUDITIONS
MARY POPPINS
Synopsis
One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for more than 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have driven away many nannies before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren't the only ones whose lives are changed. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that "Anything can happen if you let it."
AUDITIONS: THURSDAY OCTOBER 3rd- 6:30pm TO 9pm AND FRIDAY OCTOBER 4th- 6:30pm TO 9pm in COBOURG
CALLBACKS: TBC
DIRECTOR: Jeff Halligan/ Dave Wilson
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Mackenzie Annis
MUSIC DIRECTOR: Nadia Stogryn Morier
CHOREOGRAPHER: Katie Flindall
PRODUCERS: Nelia Amaro/ Jackie Nicholls
SHOW DATES: April 3 to April 12 , 2025
NOTES
- VOS Theatre embraces diversity and inclusivity, welcoming individuals from all ethnic backgrounds and genders to audition for our casting opportunities.
- Rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings
- FIRST READ THROUGH – TBC
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
- READ from selected side/s. Sides will be provided after audition is booked and based on character selected. Memorization is not required, but familiarity is helpful.
- SING – Please come prepared with a song in the style of the show between 45 seconds and 2 minutes that showcases you and the style of the show. NO ACCOMPANIST IS PROVIDED.
- If auditioning for Mary, Bert, Miss Andrew we would ideally like to hear you sing a character song from Mary Poppins that showcases your range.
- Please bring your music on your phone or device to plug into the sound system.
PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM AND THEN SELECT AN AUDITION TIME AT THIS LINK: AUDITION FORM
NOTE there are significant differences with the classic movie, including some different characters and additional songs. More information on that can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Poppins_(musical)#Synopsis
CHARACTERS: Ages listed are suggested character age, not actor age. Non-lead actors may be asked to play more than one role
BERT (male presenting, late 20s-mid 40s, Baritone, must move well) – the show’s narrator, a chimney sweep and Jack-of-all-Trades. Charming, funny and charismatic. Cockney accent preferred but not required.
MARY POPPINS (female presenting, mid 20s-mid 30s, Soprano/ Mezzo-Soprano, should move well) – a dazzling personality and a force to be reckoned with, intelligent, confident, no-nonsense except when nonsense is called for, extraordinarily beautiful, frightening yet exciting. She is practically perfect in every way, including her diction and precision.
GEORGE BANKS (male presenting, late 30s-late 40s, Baritone) – a bank manager to his core, Mr. Banks is father to Jane and Michael. He tries to be a good provider, but often forgets how to be a good father. His stoicism conceals a sensitive soul.
WINIFRED BANKS (female presenting, mid-late 30s, Mezzo-Soprano) – a former actress, Mrs. Banks is very busy trying to live up to her husband’s expectations. She is loving and warm but distracted by Jane and Michael’s misbehavior.
JANE BANKS (female presenting, 12-14, Soprano) – the Banks’ high-spirited daughter, is bright and precocious but can be willful and inclined to snobbishness.
MICHAEL BANKS (male presenting, 10-11, Soprano) – the Banks’ cute and cheeky son, excitable and naughty, adores his father and tries to be like him. Both he and Jane misbehave in order to get the attention of their parents.
MRS. BRILL (female presenting, mid 50s, Alto) – the Banks’ cook and housekeeper, is overworked and stressed out. Her gruff exterior hides the warmth and care she feels for the Banks family.
ROBERTSON AY (male presenting, mid 20s, Tenor) – clumsy, but good-hearted, the Banks’ houseboy has trouble following instructions. Lazy and sleepy, but a capable physical comedian.
MISS ANDREW (female presenting, 40s-60s, Soprano) – the anti-Poppins, she is George Banks’ old nanny. Cruel and demanding, a bully to her core.
THE BIRD WOMAN (female presenting, 50s-70s, Alto) – a poor resident of the London streets, sits in front of St. Paul’s Cathedral every day, selling bags of crumbs for people to “Feed the Birds”.
MRS. CORRY (female presenting, 30s-70s) – mysterious and ageless, Mrs. Corry runs the “Talking Shop” where people buy conversations and gingerbread. Exotic in speech and mannerisms.
ADMIRAL BOOM (male presenting, 50s-70s) – the Banks’ friendly and eccentric neighbor, a retired Naval officer. Can double with The Bank Chairman.
MISS LARK (female presenting, 30s-50s) a snobbish neighbor who is obsessed with her dog.
NELEUS (open gender, 16-20s, strong dancer, ballet experience preferred, Tenor) – a statue in the park, Neleus has lost his father, Poseidon, God of the ocean.
THE PARK KEEPER (open gender, 30s-50s) – a stickler for rules and regulations, the Park Keeper watches over the park.
KATIE NANNA (female presenting, 30s-50s) – the last in a long line of nannies for the Banks children.
BANK CHAIRMAN (male presenting, 50s-70s, Baritone) – the head of the bank where Mr. Banks is employed, is an Edwardian stuffed shirt. Can double with Admiral Boom.
MISS SMYTHE (female presenting, 30s-50s) – the Bank Chairman’s humorless secretary.
VON HUSSLER (open gender, 30s-50s) – a shady businessman seeking a bank loan.
NORTHBROOK (open gender, 30s-50s) – an honest businessman seeking a bank loan.
ENSEMBLE, a chorus of singers and dancers in a variety of supporting roles. MARY POPPINS includes several dance styles, including tap, ballet, jazz and other genres. Ensemble roles may not be needed at callbacks.