<div dir="ltr"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Auditions at Near West Theatre<br>Ages 16 & Up</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Directed by David Turner<br>Musical Direction by Bret Tassone<br>Choreography by Kristy Cruz & Kirk Eichelberger</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u><span style="color:black">Audition Information</span></u><span style="color:black"><br>Auditions: Tuesday, February 10; Wednesday, February 11; Thursday, February 12<br>Time: 7:00–10:00 PM (All auditioners must stay for the full time)<br>Callbacks (by invitation only): Saturday, February 14, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u><span style="color:black">Performance Dates</span></u><span style="color:black"><br>April 17, 18, 24, 25, 26<br>May 1, 2, 3</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u><span style="color:black">Additional Audition Information</span></u><span style="color:black"></span></p><ul type="disc" style="margin-bottom:0in"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;color:black;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">You must be at least 16 years old to audition</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;color:black;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">You must register to audition</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;color:black;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">No headshot or résumé required</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;color:black;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">No preparation needed</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 12pt;color:black;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif">Auditions are group-based and include theatre games, improvisation, movement, and characterization</li></ul><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u><span style="color:black">About The Show</span></u><span style="color:black"><br>Jamie New is 16 years old and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. He doesn’t quite fit in and feels terrified about the future, but Jamie is destined to become a sensation. With the support of his brilliant and loving mother and his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, defeats bullies, and emerges from darkness into the spotlight.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Book & Lyrics by Tom MacRae<br>Music by Dan Gillespie Sells<br>>From an idea by Jonathan Butterell</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><b><span style="color:black">EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE</span></b><span style="color:black"> is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.<a href="http://www.concordtheatricals.com/" target="_blank" style="color:blue"><span style="color:black"> </span></a></span><u><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)"><a href="http://www.concordtheatricals.com/" target="_blank" style="color:blue"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)">www.concordtheatricals.com</span></a></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u><span style="color:black">Casting Statement<br></span></u><span style="color:black">Near West Theatre is committed to diverse, inclusive casting. We welcome artists of all backgrounds and will cast without regard to disability, race, age, sexual orientation, color, gender identity, national origin, ethnic origin, or any other protected characteristic. We strive for authentic representation and are dedicated to ensuring marginalized groups are fully and thoughtfully included.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">This production is open to participants ages 16 and up. The show explores themes of gender expression, identity, and bullying. We are committed to fostering a respectful, supportive environment for all cast, crew, and audience members. Our goal is for every cast member to feel safe, seen, and celebrated throughout the process.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><u><span style="color:black">Character Breakdown<br></span></u><span style="color:black">Jamie New – Tenor (B2–C5)<br>All ethnicities; male-identifying or non-binary performers<br>Bold, witty, and resilient teenager discovering confidence and self-expression. Strong comic timing, emotional honesty, and major stage presence required. Includes drag performance and movement in heels; prior experience helpful but not required. Performer must be open to coaching and rehearsal support.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Margaret New – Mezzo-Soprano (F3–F5)<br>All ethnicities; female-identifying performers<br>Jamie’s fiercely loving and protective mother. Strong vocal storytelling with the ability to balance humor and deep emotional vulnerability.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Ray – Alto (A3–D5)<br>All ethnicities; female-identifying performers<br>Sharp, funny, and fiercely loyal. Jamie’s biggest champion. Requires strong comedic instincts, warmth, and confidence.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Hugo Battersby / Loco Chanelle – Baritone / Bass-Baritone (F2–B3)<br>All ethnicities; male-identifying, non-binary, or gender-expansive performers<br>Former drag performer turned mentor. Grounded authority, warmth, and presence required. Includes drag performance; experience welcome but not required.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Miss Hedge – Mezzo-Soprano (A3–E5)<br>All ethnicities; female-identifying performers<br>Strict, authoritative teacher who values conformity. Requires strong vocals and commanding character work.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Pritti Pasha – Alto / Mezzo-Soprano (G3–E5)<br>South Asian or Middle Eastern heritage encouraged; female-identifying performers<br>Jamie’s intelligent, grounded best friend. Emotional honesty, warmth, and strong vocal ability required.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Dean Paxton – Baritone / Tenor<br>All ethnicities; male-identifying performers<br>A school bully whose bravado masks insecurity. Requires emotional range and the ability to show growth.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Becca – Soprano / Mezzo-Soprano / Alto<br>All ethnicities; female-identifying performers<br>Loud, outspoken, unapologetic. Bold energy and strong comic timing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Bex – Soprano / Mezzo-Soprano / Alto<br>All ethnicities; female-identifying performers<br>Cheeky, high-energy, and irreverent. Strong ensemble work and comedic presence.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Fatimah – Soprano / Mezzo-Soprano / Alto<br>Muslim performers encouraged; female-identifying performers<br>A student navigating faith, identity, and self-expression. Requires warmth and honest character work.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Vicki – Soprano / Mezzo-Soprano / Alto<br>All ethnicities; female-identifying performers<br>Featured student ensemble role.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Mickey – Tenor / Baritone / Bass-Baritone / Bass<br>All ethnicities; male-identifying performers<br>Featured student ensemble role.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Sayid – Tenor / Baritone / Bass / Bass-Baritone<br>Middle Eastern or South Asian heritage encouraged; male-identifying performers<br>Featured student ensemble role.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Cy – Tenor / Baritone / Bass / Bass-Baritone<br>All ethnicities; male-identifying performers<br>Featured student ensemble role.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Levi – Tenor / Baritone / Bass / Bass-Baritone<br>All ethnicities; male-identifying performers<br>Featured student ensemble role.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Sandra Bollock – Tenor / Baritone / Bass-Baritone / Bass<br>All ethnicities; performers comfortable with drag presentation<br>A seasoned drag queen with a big personality and strong comic timing.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Tray Sophisticay – Tenor / Baritone / Bass-Baritone / Bass<br>All ethnicities; performers comfortable with drag presentation<br>Dry, sarcastic, sharp-witted.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Laika Virgin – Tenor / Baritone / Bass-Baritone / Bass<br>All ethnicities; performers comfortable with drag presentation<br>World-weary, warm, and grounded.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Jamie’s Dad – Non-singing role<br>All ethnicities; male-identifying performers<br>Jamie’s estranged father. Requires emotional restraint and realism.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Ensemble<br>All ethnicities, gender identities, and gender expressions encouraged to audition.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><span style="color:black"><br>To register to audition, visit: </span><u><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)"><a href="https://www.nearwesttheatre.org/audition-notice-everybodys-talking-about-jamie" target="_blank" style="color:blue"><span style="color:rgb(17,85,204)">https://www.nearwesttheatre.org/audition-notice-everybodys-talking-about-jamie</span></a> </span></u><span style="color:black"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in;font-size:12pt;font-family:Aptos,sans-serif"><br></p></div><div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-repeat:initial"><span style="color:rgb(112,48,160)"><br></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-repeat:initial"></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>