Audition Notice

Dogfight: The Musical

Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul | Book by Peter Duchan
Director Justin Stadnyk | Music Director Kelly Robinson | Choreographer Samantha Hutchings

Please include the following in your e-mail submission:.

1. Indicate preferred audition date and the character for which you would like to audition.

2. Folk auditioning for only ensemble should identify which principal role they would cover and may be asked to prepare the material for that role.

3. Please attach a current resume and headshot.

4. Pronouns.

5. For the role of Rose - Indicate any ability to play guitar & level of proficiency (ex. beginner, chords only, advanced). This skill is an asset but absolutely not a requirement for the role.

Please note:

• Dry Cold Productions is committed to diversity and inclusion. The creative team will consider all submissions. Actors of any ethnicity, ability, identity, neurodiversity, or orientation are encouraged to audition. (17+). You are encouraged to apply for the role that resonates most with you.

• In Person Auditions will be granted at the discretion of the creative team. Only those selected for an audition will be contacted. For those who cannot attend in person, self-tape auditions will be considered. Audition and rehearsal spaces are physically accessible. If you require specific access needs for your audition, please contact Donna Fletcher at fletcher_hickerson@shaw.ca.

• Manitoba residents or those with Winnipeg ties can only be considered.

• Equity members cast in this production will be engaged under a CAEA Tier I DOT Contract.

• Equity members will be given priority. Submissions by Non-Equity members are welcome.

• ***Proof of Vaccination & Booster Status must be attached with Audition Submission***

• Upon request, a read only copy of the Dogfight script will be available.

Audition Requirements

Actors will be asked to prepare character specific songs and sides from Dogfight. Strong actors/singers are encouraged to submit. An ability to move is an asset.

Dry Cold wants to see you at your absolute best so familiarity with the material is strongly advised. That said, feel free to hold the sides as they absolutely do not need to be memorized. An Accompanist will be provided, and all material will be seen. All audition material can be found at www.drycoldproductions.ca (see the bottom of this page) by Friday, December 20, 2024.

About the Show

The hauntingly beautiful musical, Dogfight, with a book by Peter Duchan and music & lyrics by Pasek and Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land, The Greatest Showman, Edges, James and the Giant Peach, A Christmas Story), was praised by countless critics, winning the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical. Based on the 1991 Warner Brothers film, Dogfight takes audiences on a romantic and heartbreaking theatrical journey that stays with you long after the performance. It's November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys' night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But, when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress whom he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion. Learn more about our production on our show page.

Character Breakdown

Eddie Birdlace

A Marine private first class. He is well respected and a natural leader amongst his comrades. Initially a hothead; a cocky smooth talker. He eventually sheds his brash exterior when he falls for Rose. Special note: Actor may be asked to cut hair short (“crew cut”). The role of Birdlace will include onstage intimacy so any actor auditioning for this role must be comfortable with the requirements of this role.

Vocal Range Top: A4
Vocal Range Bottom: A2
Male identifying, to play age 18-25 yrs. old

Rose Fenny

A diner waitress who dreams of life as a musician. She is a naturally shy girl, naive of the world around her. She becomes smitten with Birdlace and discovers a lot about her self-worth, self-respect, and confidence along the way. Special Note: The role of Rose will include onstage intimacy so any actor auditioning for this role must be comfortable with the requirements of this role. Ability to play guitar is an asset but not a necessity.

Vocal Range Top: E5
Vocal Range Bottom: G3
Female identifying, to play age 18-21 yrs. old.

Bernstein

A Marine private first class and Birdlace's good friend. A bit nerdy and very inexperienced with the opposite sex. Special note: Actor may be asked to cut hair short (“crew cut”).

Vocal Range Top: B4
Vocal Range Bottom: B2
Male identifying, to play age 18-25 yrs. old

Boland

A Marine private first class and Birdlace's closest friend. A poor Southern cad, he is the most vocal supporter of the dogfight and fairly crude in his behaviour and language. Special note: Actor may be asked to cut hair short (“crew cut”).

Vocal Range Top: B4
Vocal Range Bottom: B2
Male identifying, to play age 18-25 yrs. old

Marcy

Boland's date for the dogfight. She is a nearly toothless and homely sex trade worker. Crass and brash, but sneaky and cunning.

Vocal Range Top: Eb5
Vocal Range Bottom: F#3
Female identifying, to play age 25-35 yrs. old
Other Characters: Peggy

Mama

The owner of the local diner. She is unamused by the Marines' antics and protective of her daughter, Rose. Also plays other characters throughout.

Vocal Range: Flexible
Female identifying, to play age 35-50 yrs. old

Lounge Singer

Main male identifying adult figure. Plays lots of roles in the show, with the main one being the Lounge Singer.

Vocal Range: Tenor
Male identifying, to play age 30-50 yrs. old
Other Characters: Pete, Sergeant, Praying Drag Queen, Diner Patron, Waiter and Big Tony

Ensemble

Male identifying: Gibbs, Fector and Stevens – Vocal Range: D2-B4
Female identifying: Ruth, Librarian and Chippy (sex trade worker) – Vocal Range: Flexible

On-Stage Swing(s)

Two swings may be engaged for this production to cover the primary tracks. They will appear on-stage in ensemble numbers. Vocal ranges: reflect the roles listed above.

Important Content Warning

Dogfight deals frankly with serious and important subjects. We acknowledge some of these subjects may be triggering for some people. Please take care while considering your ability and comfort in dealing with these issues. In particular, you should note the following:

• The heart of the text deals with issues regarding body image and perceived attractiveness

• BIRDLACE and ROSE are required to kiss

• BIRDLACE appears to be struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after returning home from war

• BIRDLACE, BERNSTEIN and BOLAND visit a sex worker (CHIPPY) where sexual assault is implied Some scenes depict war themes, violence and death - including gun violence

• Some scenes and songs include coarse language and adult themes

• There is misogynistic content throughout the piece

Audition Sides

Eddie Birdlace

Music: Please prepare “BIRDLACE MUSIC #1 [COME TO A PARTY]” & “BIRDLACE MUSIC #2 [HOMETOWN HERO'S]”

Sides – Please prepare BIRDLACE SIDE #1 & SIDE #2. **You may be asked to cold read a very short secondary character scene in the audition**. In the event of being asked to attend a Call-back, in addition to the first audition material, you will be asked to prepare the “BIRDLACE CALLBACK MUSIC [COME BACK]” side.

Rose Fenny

Music: Please prepare “ROSE MUSIC #1 [NOTHING SHORT OF WONDERFUL]” & “ROSE MUSIC #2 [PRETTY FUNNY]”

Sides: Please prepare ROSE SIDE #1 & SIDE #2. **You may be asked to cold read a very short secondary character scene in the audition**. In the event of being asked to attend a Call-back, in addition to the first audition material, you will be asked to prepare the “ROSE MUSIC CALLBACK MUSIC [GIVE WAY]” music side.

Bernstein

Music: Please prepare “MARINES MUSIC #1 [SOME KINDA TIME]” & “MARINES MUSIC #2 [HOMETOWN HERO'S]”

Sides: Please prepare BERNSTEIN SIDE #1 & SIDE #2. **You may be asked to cold read a very short secondary character scene in the audition**.

Boland

Music: Please prepare “MARINES MUSIC #1 [SOME KINDA TIME]” & “MARINES MUSIC #2 [HOMETOWN HERO'S]”

Sides: Please prepare BOLAND’S SIDE #1 & SIDE #2. **You may be asked to cold read a very short secondary character scene in the audition**.

Mama

Music: Please prepare “FEMALE MUSIC #1 [TAKE ME BACK]” & “FEMALE MUSIC #2 [GIVE WAY]”

Sides: Please prepare “ADULT FEMALE (MAMA) SIDES #1”. **You may be asked to cold read a very short secondary character scene in the audition**.

Marcy

Music: Please prepare “MARCY MUSIC #1 [DOGFIGHT]” & “FEMALE MUSIC #2 [GIVE WAY]”

Sides: Please prepare MARCY SIDE #1 & SIDE #2. **You may be asked to cold read a very short secondary character scene in the audition**.

Lounge Singer & Others

Music: Please prepare “LOUNGE SINGER MUSIC #1 [BLAST OFF]” & “LOUNGE SINGER MUSIC #2 [THAT FACE]”

Sides: Please prepare ADULT MALE SIDE #1 & SIDE #2. **You may be asked to cold read a very short secondary character scene in the audition**.

Female Ensemble

Music: Please prepare “FEMALE MUSIC #1 [TAKE ME BACK]” & “FEMALE MUSIC #2 [GIVE WAY]”

Sides: Please prepare ENSEMBLE SIDE #1. **You may be asked to cold read a very short secondary character scene in the audition**.

Male Ensemble

Music: Please prepare “MARINES MUSIC #1 [SOME KINDA TIME]” & “MARINES MUSIC #2 [HOMETOWN HERO'S]”

Sides: Please prepare ENSEMBLE SIDE #1. **You may be asked to cold read a very short secondary character scene in the audition**.

Dry Cold wants to see you at your absolute best so feel free to hold the sides as they absolutely do not need to be memorized. That said, familiarity with the material is strongly advised. An Accompanist will be provided, and all material will be seen.