This production is directed by Elizabeth "Beth" Craven. Information about Beth can be found at by CLICKING THIS LINK: 

ABOUT THE PLAY

A Real American Musical (from the playwright's website)
"Woody Guthrie’s American Song—an ensemble musical based on Guthrie's songs and writings—had its world premiere on July 20th, 1988. Twenty-four years later, the show opened in a concert staging at the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley, California, to coincide with Woody’s 100th birthday on July 14, 2012. The show exploded from the stage, and if anything, felt more urgent and more exciting than it had nearly a quarter century ago. Woody’s message hasn’t lost a drop of relevance, and his music still packs a wallop."

The ensemble of five actors and three musicians take us on a journey from California to the New York Island, from the redwood forests to the deep sea waters, from 1920s Dust Bowl to New York City’s 1940s Bowery, this play is made for you and me. The audience follows Woody from his origins in Okemah, Oklahoma all the way to his early demise of Huntington's disease.

The score for WGAS contains thirty of Woody Guthrie’s songs that are brilliantly arranged for multiple voices by Jeff Waxman in a complex composition that retains the authentic impact of the original folk music while adding bursts of gospel and blues harmony.

For further information, contact Elizabeth Craven, Director at ehcraven@gmail.com

REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE DATES

Rehearsals begin on or near November 15, 2025 at the Mercury Theatre (formerly the site of Cinnabar Theatre), 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma.

Performances take place January 9 to January 25th. 

Actual performance dates are: January 9, 10, 11 (mat. 2pm), 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25. (All performances at 7:30 except the Jan. 11 matinee)

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ACTOR COMPENSTION: This is a volunteer position. To support your participation, Mercury Theatre will provide an expense reimbursement of up to $595, payable after the production’s completion."

 

AUDITION DETAILS

There are two audition dates:

Sunday, October 19 from 3:00PM - 5:00PM (in the main theatre)

Tuesday, October 21 from 6:00PM - 8:30PM (in the studio)

WHAT TO EXPECT: The audition will consist of a readings from the script. Several PDF excerpts are attached to this form and may be downloaded and/or printed out as a PDF document. Keep scrolling to find them. You will only be asked to read a portion of each of these monologues as they are lengthy.

SINGING: We are asking that you prepare a song for your audition, something that reminds you of the folk eras of the play 1930s - 1940s. It can be a song from the score (list provided) or one of your choice. We only need about a minute of singing so please plan accrdingly. You may sing with our accompanist or accompany yourself on the guitar. Please provide sheet music if you want to be accompanied.

LINK TO LIVE RECORDING FILES BELOW: 

WOODY GUTHRIE'S AMERICAN SONG: LIVE AT THE FREIGHT AND SALVAGE COFFEEHOUSE

DO YOU PLAY THE GUITAR? If the answer is yes, then you are invited to bring your instrument and show us a little ditty of your choosing. You do not have to play in order to be in the show, however.

WHAT TO WEAR: You may wear most anything you deem appropriate for the the show. Characters are living during the Dust Bowl era in America and later in New York City in the 1940's. Each actor plays a variety of roles and will at times don the role of the Folksinger (Woody Guthrie)

WHO ARE YOU AUDITIONING FOR? Present at your audition will be the show's director (Beth Craven) and the play's Musical Director. 

 

CHARACTERS YOU ARE AUDITIONING FOR

MEN’S ROLES:

• FIRST YOUNG MAN (FYM) age range 20s to 30s; Characters: SEARCHER, CISCO (guitarist preferred); Vocal range: Baritone
• SECOND YOUNG MAN (SYM) Age range: 30s to 40s; Characters: FOLKSINGER, HOBO BOY (guitarist preferred); Vocal range:Tenor
• MAN (M) - 50s-60s; Characters: WRITER, DAD, CRIPPLE WHITEY; Vocal range: bass

WOMEN’S ROLES:

• WOMAN (W) - Age range; 30s and up; Characters: MAMA, SALOON SINGER, HOBO   WOMAN, Vocal range:mezzo-soprano
• YOUNG WOMAN (YW) Age Range 20s - 30s; Characters: DAUGHTER, HOBO GIRL,   BOWERY GIRL (simple guitar skills preferred); Vocal range: soprano
  
  

The vocal style of this musical is much more in the folk/blues/gospel styles than it is traditional musical theater. 

MUSICIANS (3 to 5 players) The show is scored for three musicians, who cover guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, harmonica, acoustic bass, and possibly some piano. Over the years, other instruments used have included include dobro, dulcimer, mandocello, whistle, musical saw, etc. The musical director has flexibility, based on taste and the talents of the ensemble.

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Time and Place: America in the 1930s and 1940s and today.

AUDITION MATERIALS  

LINK TO LIVE RECORDING FILES:

To help you prepare we include a link to songs from the live recording of the show

WOODY GUTHRIE'S AMERICAN SONG: LIVE AT THE FREIGHT AND SALVAGE COFFEEHOUSE