Western Reserve Playhouse in Bath, Ohio are holding auditions for our youth Main-Stage Production The Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest)

Adapted by David S. Craig. Based upon the novel by Michael Ende

The Neverending Story (Atreyu and the Great Quest)

Adapted by David S. Craig Based on the novel by Michael Ende

Directed by Shley Snider

Performances: August 26-28 & September 2-3, 2022 (Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sunday, August 28 at 2PM)

Synopsis

Told with all the thrills of a classic adventure, the story begins with Bastian, a lonely boy, who stumbles into a curious bookshop where he discovers a curious book—The Neverending Story. Bastian hides in the attic of his school and begins to read, and a huge adventure surges into life. Fantastica, a land of stories, is being destroyed by the Nothing. The Childlike Empress has chosen Atreyu, a young hunter, to be the Hero of the Great Quest. Atreyu, an orphan, is an unlikely choice, but he accepts and, with his horse and companion, Artax, rides to face the menace. First, he experiences the Nothing and discovers its thoughtless destruction. Then he is guided by a dream to the Swamps of Sadness where he meets Morla, the Ancient One, who reveals another solution. He must find the Childlike Empress a new name. With this new direction, Atreyu faces Ygramul the Many, befriends Falkor the Luck Dragon, and solves the riddles of the three magic gates to meet Uyulala. From her he learns that only a human child can give the Empress a new name. In despair he faces his final test—the werewolf Gmork—and returns to the Childlike Empress without a new name. However, his quest has attracted a human child. It is Bastian himself who calls out a new name for the Empress, and the story rushes to its triumphant and moving conclusion. Commissioned by Seattle Children's Theatre and Imagination Stage.

When: Saturday June 11th, 2022 from 1-4PM

Sunday June 12th, 2022 from 1-4PM

Where: Western Reserve Playhouse 3326 Everett Rd, Bath, OH 44286

Show Dates: August 26, 27 28, 2022 and September 2 & 3, 2022

Callback: If needed, will take place as needed .Callbacks will be in person at the theater. Come dressed to move.

Those auditioning will be asked to have prepared a 30-second comedy or fantasy monologue, preferably where you are playing a character that is energetic or full of movement. Monologues should be memorized. Connection to character, ability to memorize, and the actor’s movement will all be assessed, so choose a monologue that requires lots of energy! You may choose a speech from a play or from a movie.

Please bring a headshot or photo and a resume if you have one.

The character descriptions below should NOT be taken as literal guidelines for casting. They offer a very broad outline to give a rough idea of character types.

Before auditioning, actors are strongly encouraged to read the play, book or watch the movie.

Roles are open to all ethnicity and gender identities.

We will work with all actors and will accept video auditions as well. Unlisted YouTube links or Vimeo links are the preferred method of sharing your video content. Please be sure your share settings are correct before sending. Please avoid sending large video files to download. Please do not exceed 3 mins total in your video. Also include headshots and resumes and email links to august@thewrp.org All audition videos should be submitted no later than 5/25/22.

You will be asked to sign for and accept your role if cast.

Cast members should arrive at their first rehearsal with all of their lines memorized.

In person rehearsals will begin the first week of August and only be 4 weeks including tech week. There will be additional zoom meetings or small group zoom meetings to go over characters before rehearsals start.

No equity contracts offered at this time.

The following roles are available. All parts except Bastian will also play additional small roles. All roles are open to actors of all genders, races, and ethnicities.

Casting ages 11-18 for youth parts and see breakdown for the two adult parts listed below. (These adult parts would be a great time for parents to get involved too!!!)

BASTIAN - a bullied child who finds an escape in reading.

BULLY #1

BULLY #2

BULLY #3

ATREYU - a young warrior in Bastian’s book and the story’s hero.

FALKOR - A luck dragon with a sassy attitude.

YGRAMUL - A terrifying spider-like creature with five heads.

ARTAX - Atreyu’s faithful horse and best friend.

MORLA - a lazy tortoise-like creature and the most ancient being in Fantastica.

ENGYWOOK - a friendly gnome who believes he is a great scientist.

URGL - his wife who loves to pick on him.

THE CHILDLIKE EMPRESS - Ruler of Fantastica.

ENSEMBLE (AGE RANGE 11-18)

Additionally, the following roles are available for adult actors. Adult actors will not be required to attend all rehearsals.

FATHER/GMORK - male presenting, 30-50, strong movement skills.

BOOKSELLER - male presenting, 40+, friendly and mysterious.

Adult actors may email interest to director Shley Snider at thatswhatshleysaid@yahoo.com to discuss the roles and set up an audition if needed.