Casting Call: 'The Secret Garden'

Auditions will be held for "The Secret Garden" at Kelsey Theater this June.

Set in the early years of the 20th century, Mary Lennox, a stubborn English girl born and raised in British India, is orphaned by a cholera outbreak when she is eleven years old.  With everyone and everything familiar to her now gone, Mary is sent to live in Yorkshire, England, with relatives she has never met. Amidst her grief and bewilderment, Mary's own personality begins to blossom as she and a young gardener bring new life to a neglected garden, as well as to her sickly cousin and heartbroken uncle.

Auditionees will need to bring a resumé, headshot and a list of all known personal conflicts between June 29 and October 19. They should also prepare a song in the style of the show. An accompanist will be provided.

Auditions for adults will be 7-10 p.m. June 16 and 19, and 6-10 p.m. June 22. Auditions for children will be 7-10 p.m. June 18 and noon-4 p.m. June 22. All auditionees must have turned at least eight years old by January 1, 2014. Callbacks will be held as needed. Audition appointments are encouraged but not required.

Archibald Craven (Tenor, 30-45)	The brooding master of Misselthwaite Manor who suffers from a crooked spine and serious depression since the death of his wife, Lily, ten years ago. Archibald is a reclusive man who is unable to face his sickly son, Colin, who is a painful reminder of his late wife. By show's end, Archibald undergoes a drastic change in both his spirit and his health.
Martha (Mezzo/Belt, 18-30)	A maidservant who befriends Mary, she is charmingly frank and has a levelheaded approach to all aspects of life. Her simplicity and kindness are a great help in Mary's adjustment to her new home.
Mary Lennox (Mezzo, 9-14)	A young girl who, after the death of her parents in India, is sent to live with her Uncle Archibald, whom she has never met, in Yorkshire, England. Mary's character evolves dramatically throughout the course of the play - from a spoiled, unloving girl to one who is affectionate and spirited.
Dickon (Tenor, 16-25)	Martha's brother. A friendly, soft-spoken and adventurous young man. Finds joy in being outdoors and has a special connection with plants and animals.
Dr. Neville Craven (Baritone, 30-45)	Archibald's cynical younger brother. A weak man with a cold disposition, Neville is resentful of both Lily's love for Archibald and Colin's inevitable inheritance of Misselthwaite.
Ben Weatherstaff (Baritone, 50-70)	A gruff, elderly gardener who is only permitted to stay at Misselthwaite because he was a favorite of the late Lily Craven. Although he is rather course, Ben is fundamentally kind-hearted and loyal.
Capt. Albert Lennox (Tenor, 25-45)	Mary's warm and loving father, now deceased. He appears throughout the play in both flashback and as a ghost.
Fakir (Tenor, 18-40)	An Indian mystic and servant in the Lennox household, now deceased. He appears throughout the show as a ghost.
Lt. Peter Wright (Baritone, 20-35)	An officer of Captain Lennox's unit in India, now deceased. He appears throughout the play in both flashback and as a ghost.
Lt. Ian Shaw (Bari-Tenor, 20-35)	An officer of Captain Lennox's unit in India, now deceased. He appears throughout the play in both flashback and as a ghost.
Major Holmes (Bass baritone, 30-50)	An officer of Captain Lennox's unit in India, now deceased. He appears throughout the play in both flashback and as a ghost.
Claire Holmes; Voice: Soprano; Stage Age: 25-40)	Major Holmes' wife, now deceased. She appears throughout the play in flashback and as a ghost.
Major Shelley (30-50)	The army officer who escorts the orphaned Mary to England.
Lily Craven (Soprano, 25-40)	Archibald's beautiful and gentle wife, now deceased. She appears throughout the play in both flashback and as a ghost. Though she still loves him, Lily understands that he must learn to let her go and move on. She represents an absent ideal.
Mrs. Medlock (30-50)	The strict housekeeper of Misselthwaite Manor. Shows little warmth.
Rose Lennox (Mezzo, 25-45)	Mary's vain and selfish mother, now deceased. Lily Craven's sister.
Ayah (Alto, 18-40)	Mary's Indian nanny, now deceased. She appears throughout the play as a ghost.
Alice (Soprano, 25-40)	An aristocratic friend of Rose Lennox - now deceased. She appears throughout the play as a ghost.
Mrs. Shelley, (Alto, 30-50)	Major Shelley's wife.
Mrs. Winthrop (30-50)	A school headmistress who believes in strong discipline.
Colin Craven (Boy soprano, 9-14)	Archibald's invalid son; his birth the cause of Lily's death. Colin's childhood has been bedridden and lonely - with his obliging servants and sullen doctor uncle as his only company. These circumstances have left Colin overbearing and dejected but because of Mary's friendship, he soon finds hope and joy in his life.
Children Chorus (9-15)	Consists of 6-8 children.

Performances will be at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays October 10-17.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information, contact thesecretgardenatkelsey@gmail.com.