TARZAN: THE STAGE MUSICAL
Music & Lyrics by Phil Collins
Book by David Henry Hwang
Director: Stephen Foust
Music Director: Emily Rose
Choreographer: Betsy Foust
Producers: Elizabeth Corey & Christine Meglino
SLOC Musical Theater never charges tuition or fees to artists of any age to participate in our productions. This is a youth production that will be presented as part of SLOC’s mainstage season. All roles will be cast with actors entering grades 9 through 12 in September, except for Young Tarzan and Young Terk, who should appear 8 to 12 years old.
Audition Dates:
Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at 6:15 pm (Callbacks to follow at 7:00)
**Those Unable to attend auditions in person are welcome to submit a video audition to tarzan@sloctheataer.org by 7:00 pm on Wednesday for consideratino***
Location: SLOC Musical Theater, Education Building 418 Liberty St., Schenectady, NY 12305
Free parking is available in the city owned lot across the street. Please enter through the left front door facing Liberty Street.
Performance Dates: November 3-5, 2023 and November 9-12 , 2023 (Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 3 pm) SLOC Mainstage, 427 Franklin Street, Schenectady, NY 12305
What to Prepare:
● Please prepare 16 to 32 bars of music from a Broadway show – ideally in a style similar to the show or from the show itself.
● An accompanist will be provided, so please have sheet music in the correct key.
● Readings from the script will be provided at auditions.
● Please bring appropriate dance clothing/shoes as everyone will participate in a dance call during auditions.
Rehearsals:
● Rehearsals will be held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, and on Sunday afternoons 2:00 pm-5:00 pm. This is subject to change based on cast/crew availability.
● Rehearsals will begin on Monday, August 21, 2023
● There will be a photo shoot day TBD based on cast/crew availability.
● Attendance is mandatory for Theater Clean-Up Day (Morning of Saturday, October 28, 2023 ) and Tech Week (Sunday, October 29 – Thursday, November 2) as well as all performances.
About The Show:
Based on Disney’s epic animated musical adventure and Edgar Rice Burrough’s “Tarzan of the Apes,” Tarzan features heart-pumping music by rock legend, Phil Collins, and a book by Tony Award-winning playwright, David Henry Hwang. High-flying excitement and hits, like the Academy Award winning “You’ll Be in My Heart,” as well as “Son of Man” and “Two Worlds,” make Tarzan an unforgettable theatrical experience. Washed up on the shores of West Africa, an infant boy is taken in and raised by gorillas who name him Tarzan. Apart from striving for acceptance from his ape father, Tarzan’s life is mostly monkey business until a human expedition treks into his tribe’s territory, and he encounters creatures like himself for the first time. Tarzan struggles to navigate a jungle, thick with emotion, as he discovers his animal upbringing clashing with his human instincts.
CHARACTERS
Please note that all roles will be cast with actors entering grades 9 through 12 in September except for Young Tarzan and Young Terk, who should appear 8 to 12 years old. Gender identity noted below is for the character and does not necessarily need to reflect the gender identity of the actor playing that character.
Kala (female identifying) · A gentle mother ape. Kerchak’s mate and Tarzan’s protector. · Vocal range: E3 to Eb5
Kerchak (male identifying) · The gruff leader of the gorillas and Kala’s mate. · Vocal range: Ab2 to Gb4
Leopard (any gender identity) · A fierce carnivore that threatens both gorillas and humans.
Young Tarzan (male identifying) · An innocent young boy. Loses his parents and is raised by the apes. · Age: 8 to 12 · Vocal range: C3 to E4
Young Terk (any gender identity) · A sarcastic adolescent ape. Tarzan’s best friend. · Age: 8 to 12 · Vocal range: G3 to B4
Terk (any gender identity) · A sarcastic ape and Tarzan’s best friend. · Vocal range Eb3 to B4
Tarzan (male identifying) · A vulnerable, fearless young man raised by apes. Terk’s best friend who falls in love with Jane. Our story’s protagonist. · Vocal range: B2 to Bb4
Jane (female identifying) · An adventurous young English botanist. She falls in love with Tarzan. · Vocal range F#3 to F5
Porter (male identifying) · A bumbling English professor of biology. Jane’s father. · Vocal range: B2 to C4
Clayton (male identifying) · A brutish, greedy hunter and guide. Leads Jane and Porter’s expedition.
Ensemble (all gender identities) · Apes; Expedition Crew, etc
SLOC Musical Theater pledges to continue to advocate for, and is aiming to build, a diverse cast reflective of the Schenectady community. Any and all ethnicities, BIPOC actors, actors of all gender identities, and abilities are encouraged to audition for all roles. Please join us! Effective June 23, 2023: Vaccinations for cast, crew, staff, and volunteers are not required. If you have any questions, please contact Producers Elizabeth Corey and Christine Meglino at tarzan@sloctheater.org Thanks very much!