Octet Auditions
Theatre Elision is seeking singer/actors for our fall 2027 production of Octet by Dave Malloy. We will only be considering and casting actors who live in the Twin Cities, are at least 18 years of age, and can work on a non-equity contract.
Synopsis
Octet is a chamber choir musical which "explores addiction and nihilism within the messy context of 21st century technology." Eight Internet addicts gather in a support group and share their stories, in a score for an a cappella chamber choir and an original libretto inspired by internet comment boards, scientific debates, religious texts, and Sufi poetry. The musical is structured around a series of hymns and "shares," as the group members explain their relationship to technology.
Premiered in 2019 at Signature Theatre in NYC. Won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical, Outstanding Director and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical. Won Drama Desk Awards for Best Music and Outstanding Ensemble. Won Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical. Won Obie Award for Collaboration on Music and Sound.
Soundtrack
Audition Process
Casting Requirements
Must be comfortable with extremely difficult, close a cappella harmonies, one voice to a part, and be highly independent in your learning of music. Experience with a cappella choral singing a plus.
Initial Screening
Initial screening auditions will be held Saturday, October 10th between 2-5pm.
Artists will be called for a choral audition in groups. This audition will take approximately 45-60 minutes.
Fill out this form to request an audition slot. Once we have organized our groups, you will receive an audition invitation with your time slot.
You can find the audition cut here.
You will be assigned a vocal part before auditions, and will be asked to sing with a group of other singers. We want to see how you learn material on your own, so there will be little to no group rehearsal in the room. While you will have multiple opportunities to sing the cut, we will not be teaching any of the parts the day of the audition. You can use the soundtrack as a general guide for shaping and tempo.
We will not be accepting video submissions for this production.
Callbacks
Callback invitations for individual characters will be made from the initial choral audition. Callback dates have not yet been determined, but you will receive at least one week’s notice before the callback. You will receive material from the show to prepare, which may include another choral piece.
Note: Some roles may be cast based on the initial screening.
Roles to be Cast
Note: Traditional vocal part assignments are being used to describe which part in the score each character will sing, but any gender identity may play any part. Keys cannot be changed, so the singer will be required to sing within the range written for the character. If you have questions, please feel free to email us at theatreelision@gmail.com.
JESSICA (Soprano 1, G3-G5)
White. Frenetic, uncentered; dealing with the aftermath of a viral
video. Craving a reset, away from the hate. Primary Solo: Refresh
VELMA (Soprano 2, F3-F5) The newcomer to the group. Full of energy, optimistic and good, but profoundly socially awkward. Grew up with the internet and technology. Primary Solo: Beautiful
KARLY (Alto 1, F3-F5) Smart, sharp. An actor frustrated by the inappropriate attention by men. Primary Solo: Solo
PAULA (Alto 2, D#3-F5) The leader of this evening’s meeting. Reserved and guarded, she struggles with her marriage but wears a face of serenity and wisdom. Primary Solo: Glow
TOBY (Tenor 1, C2-A4) A misanthropic conspiracy theorist. Too smart for his own good. Angry, unsettled, distrustful. Rants. Primary Solo: Actually
MARVIN (Tenor 2, C2-G#4) A highly educated neuro-chemist having a crisis of faith. Newly a parent. Even-tempered and pragmatic but overwhelmed by the limitless possibilities of the world. Primary Solo: Little God
PETER (Bass 1, C2-F#4) Awkward, dopey, endearing. Addicted to online gaming. Outwardly happy-go-lucky but masking some demons. Primary Solo: Candy
JIM (Bass 2, B1-D4) Insecure, socially isolated, depressed, bitter. Craves attention but feels like a failure. Primary Solo: Solo
One actor has been cast, but their role has not yet been determined.
Production Information
Creative Team
Director/Designer – Lindsay Fitzgerald
Stage Manager – Laina Grendle
Music Director – Harrison Wade
Vocal Director – Christine Wade
Schedule
First Day of Rehearsal – August 23, 2027
Technical Rehearsals – October 11-12, 2027
Dress Rehearsal – October 13, 2027
Performances – October 14-30, 2027, with possible extension to November 7, 2027
Compensation
$3,000 stipend, with an additional $100 per performance above the 12 scheduled.
We work hard to be an inclusive, supportive and welcoming organization, which includes our casting process. If this show speaks to you, we encourage you to audition and share your work with us.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at theatreelision@gmail.com