Directed by Laurel Aiello and Beth Woodruff
Produced by Melanie McBurney
Dates & times
Monday, March 31 and Tuesday, April 1
6:30 to 9 p.m.
Location
Pull-Tight Theater
112 2nd Avenue South
Franklin, TN 37064
Performance dates
June 6-8, 11-15, 18-21
Audition songs
Prepare one song from The Spitfire Grill listed under each character below for which you plan to audition. You are responsible for only the measures indicated. Click or tap “Audition Cut” to hear and rehearse with a piano accompaniment. This will be the same cut our piano accompanist will use for the audition. Click or tap “Sheet Music” to see the score for your selection.
Percy (mezzo with belt to D):
“Ring Around the Moon,” ms 18-67
Audition Cut | Sheet Music
Hannah (character mezzo/alto):
“Forgotten Lullaby,” ms 7-71
Audition Cut | Sheet Music
“Something’s Cooking,” ms 1-68
Audition Cut | Sheet Music
Joe (folksy tenor to G/A):
“Forest for the Trees,” ms 33-66
Audition Cut | Sheet Music
Shelby (soprano with belt to D):
“When Hope Goes,” ms 64-111
Audition Cut | Sheet Music
Caleb (folk/rock baritone to G):
“Diggin’ Stone,” ms 39-90
Audition Cut | Sheet Music
Effy (mezzo/alto):
“Something’s Cooking,” ms 1-68
Audition Cut | Sheet Music
Details
Sides from the book are available for downloading below, with highlighted sections to be used in auditions. There will also be other random cold readings from the script.
Headshots and resumes are helpful, but not necessary.
Actors are welcome to come both nights, but we will read new people first on Monday.
Bring a list of conflicts for April and May. We cannot accept conflicts with performance dates.
Sides
- Joe and Hannah
- Caleb and Shelby
- Caleb, Shelby and Percy
- Effy and Joe
- Percy and Joe
- Percy, Shelby and Joe
Character descriptions
Perchance Talbott – early 20s – “Percy” – Recently released after five years in prison. Originally from southern Appalachia, she should have a slight Southern lilt. She has a hard edge from her prison experience, but is strong, determined, kind and capable. When she begins working at the Spitfire, she is totally clueless, but learns quickly. A strong folk/country belt to “D”, some head voice required.
Hannah Ferguson – 60 to 70 – Gray-haired and flinty. Owner of the Grill. A tough exterior with a sharpness bordering on bitterness. Very no-nonsense. Later in the play, we discover she is harboring a secret, personal tragedy. Mezzo/alto chest range.
Shelby Thorpe – mid-30s – Sweet, almost ethereal demeanor. Very shy. Her husband, Caleb, dominates her. Becomes a friend to Percy. Folk soprano with strong high belt to “D”.
Caleb Thorpe – early 40s – Out-of-work foreman at the local stone quarry. Earnest, frustrated, clinging to a past he cannot recreate. Solid, folk-rock voice. (Top “G”)
Sheriff Joe Sutter – 20s to 30s – Small-town policeman with restless intensity and an undercurrent of regret for unfulfilled dreams. Folk tenor to “G” (touches on “A”)
Effy Krayneck – Any age – Postmistress and busybody. Sharp-tongued and prying. Mezzo/alto chest range. (Close harmony)
The Visitor – Mid-40s – A mysterious figure who never speaks.
The Spitfire Grill is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
