Description:

The Legend of Georgia McBride, by Matthew Lopez, will be directed by DONTERRIO (He/Him/His), with consultation by Honey West (She/Her) and Shaun White (He/Him/His). Seeking fully vaccinated/boosted adult actors, comediennes, and drag performers.

A Word From Your Director: If you've ever applied for a job, you've probably come across the EEO Questionnaire. It's the Questionnaire where you have to boil down your existence into 5 checkboxes: race, gender, national origin, disability, and religion. Although these questions are meant to eliminate hiring bias, they leave little room for those of us who live our lives just outside of these 5 boxes. Our production of The Legend of Georgia McBride is a show about thinking outside of the box and challenging societal norms. In this show, we see a group of Floridians (whose lives are spinning slightly out of control) let go of what society says is right and allow space for a life that is just outside the box (which eventually slows them down).

"Drag is another word for resistance. Drag occurs when an object moves through fluid and, as in Calder's mobiles, air-creating a force in the opposite direction of the airflow. In the mobiles, the suspended forms block the air movement, causing them to rotate. Drag eventually slows them down." - Gallery Label 2008 on Alexander Calder "Mobile" c.1932

I am not using the verbiage from the Alexander Calder piece to define the history or meaning of drag. I am using it to artistically translate the events of the play. The lives of the characters in the play are like a "Mobile" hanging in the air spinning in the wrong direction. Not until Miss Tracy Mills and Rexy show up with "Drag" does this "Mobile" start to spin in the opposite more progressive direction.

Audition Dates:
By online submission of audition materials only. Audition submission deadline Fri 11/11, 2022 at 1pm.

Callback Dates:
Friday, November 18, 2022 - 6:00-10:00pm
Saturday, November 19, 2022 - 1:30-5:30pm

Callback & Performance Location:
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
111 W. Campbell Street
Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Pay:
Rehearsals - $400 Flat rate for leads & understudies (Understudy for Miss Tracy Mills & Rexy/Jason gets $500 r/s)
Show - $60 Per show performed
29 shows total
Travel stipend applications available

All artists must record the full packet associated with the character they are auditioning for. If they don't own heels, they can record their lip sync video without. Please contact us for access to a reading copy of the script if desired.

The Legend of Georgia McBride Description:
Times are tough for Elvis impersonator Casey; he's young, he's broke, his landlord's knocking at the door, and he's just found out his wife is going to have a baby. To make matters even more desperate, he is fired from his impersonating gig in a run down, small-town Florida dive bar. When bar owner Eddie brings in a struggling drag show, led by Miss Tracy Mills, to replace him, Casey finds that he has a whole lot to learn about show business - and himself. After reluctantly filling in as Edith Piaf for one of the girls, he trades his sequined jumpsuit for a sequined dress. Casey evolves his new act into a drag persona that is uniquely his, finally discovering success. This heartwarming tale explores the transformation that happens when individuality is encouraged and embraced. This music-filled, fierce, fabulous showbiz comedy celebrates finding your voice and singing your own song.

The Legend of Georgia McBride Character Descriptions: All actors will play multiple roles and understudy roles internally, so a demonstrated ability to portray characters with distinctive traits will be a positive as long as this facility combines with a feeling of authenticity to the story moment and honesty in intentions.

Casey (Age Range: 20-25) is a singer-songwriter who makes less than a living being an Elvis Impersonator at a dive bar called Cleo's. Casey is a dynamic and entertaining performer, a heterosexual male who would never think about stepping outside of the box of societal norms. With that said, he is loving and has a huge heart, but he could use some help in the department of being an adult.
What We Are Looking For: We are interested in artists of all shades, types, and sizes with charisma and advanced guitar/songwriting chops. This artist must be comfortable doing drag and being shirtless. We really would like to see all body types for this role. Strongly encouraging performers of color to audition as well.

Jo (Age Range: 20-25) is a woman of color from Tennessee living out of a trailer with her boyfriend Casey in Florida. OH, YEA! She just found out she's pregnant, and Casey just lost his job. Jo probably rocks a natural on Monday, a full lace on Tuesday, box braids on Wednesday, and if she feels like it, she might give you an "Eryka Babu headwrap" Thursday through Sunday. She's a leader, and society expects a particular type of toughness from her because she is a woman. She yearns to step outside of that box and be allowed to connect with her softer side.
What We Are Looking For: We are interested in comediennes of color. This artist must be able to land a joke but also have the ability to dig into the subtleties of the characters. Strongly encouraging full-figured performers to audition.

Miss Tracy Mills (Age Range: 30s-40s) is a Drag Performer at the top of her game with the charm of a Southern Belle and the performance ability of an ICON. Tracy is the type of person who can get you together instantly with a smile. Tracy is living her truth and cannot be defined by societal norms.
What We Are Looking For: We want a drag performer that can dig into the classics such as Judy, Liza, and Shirley Bassey and also dig into dramatic scenes out of drag. Ultimately, we are looking for superstar Chicago Drag Performers with serious acting chops. This artist must be a drag performer at the top of their game who is an impeccable actor. Open to all ethnicities. Strongly encouraging actors of mixed race to audition

Rexy/Jason (Age Range: 20-25) Rexy is the young alcoholic hot mess of a queen that Miss Tracy Mills brings along to perform at Cleo's. She represents where drag is today. Rexy is incredibly inventive and forward-thinking, with a personality to match. Although she may appear a hot mess, she knows her history and lives in her truth. Jason is the boyfriend of the landlord of the trailer park where Casey and Jo live. He is also good friends with Casey. He is your typical "heterosexual bro," who surprisingly isn't afraid of stepping outside the box and trying new things.
What we are looking for: This artist MUST be able to do drag, walk in heels, and roller skate. Strongly encouraging all ethnicities, body types, and sexualities for this role.

Eddie (50+) is the owner of the dive bar Cleo's. Overworked and underpaid, Eddie has no idea/interest in how drag works, but he is all for the money it could bring in. He is a businessman who will do whatever it takes to save his business.
What We Are Looking For: Strongly encouraging mature cisgender female performers who can play male and then flourish as a Bio Queen in the show's Big Finale. Also open to mature cisgender male performers who are comfortable doing drag in the Big Finale.

Understudy Tracks as follows:
Casey Understudy
Jo & Eddie Understudy
Miss Tracy Mills & Rexy/Jason Understudy