Kelsay + Morales Company is currently accepting video submissions for the musical FROM HERE,
by Donald Rupe, produced by Renaissance Theatre Company.
SEEKING: Non-Union and Equity Musical Theatre Actor / Singers who are local to Orlando, FL.
Performers of all ethnic backgrounds, body types, and gender identities are strongly encouraged to submit.
Submission Deadline: Friday, February 9, 2024
FROM HERE
Producer: Renaissance Theatre Company
Writer: Donald Rupe
Arrangements and Orchestrations: Jason M. Bailey
Casting Director: Kayla Kelsay Morales
DETAILS: We are actively seeking actors who have strong connections to the Orlando community or have experience related to the material. For the Orlando run - actors must be local to Orlando, FL or have housing options. We are hoping to employ the same cast for the Off-Broadway run - details for that contract and casting process will be negotiated and communicated at a later date.
SALARY
Orlando Run:
Rehearsal Pay: $17 per hour
Show Pay: $80 per show
DATES: Rehearsals will start at the beginning of March
Orlando Show Dates: March 22nd - May 5th, 2024
Visit www.fromhere.com for show times and tickets!
ABOUT THE SHOW
Set in 2016 in Orlando, From Here tells the story of Daniel and his friend group, as well as his complicated relationship with his mother, Becca. It’s a coming-of-age story. Later in the show, things come to a halt in the early hours of June 12, 2016, when Daniel and his friends hear about the tragic shooting at Pulse nightclub. Like many people in Orlando and around the world, Daniel and his chosen family reflect on the tragedy unfolding in their community, and they are left with a changed perspective: "Nothing matters here except the people you choose to love, and, of course, the people who choose to love you back."
From Here is a tough show to describe, because it is a musical play that includes a 15-to-20 minute section that deals with characters who are learning of the horrific shooting at Pulse nightclub in 2016. Sometimes when people hear the words “musical” and “Pulse” in the same sentence, it (rightfully) conjures challenging ideas of what the show could be. We know that what happened at Pulse that night is not our story to tell, and we’d never attempt to tell that story; out of respect for victims and their families, we don’t discuss anyone who was in the club that night and we certainly don’t recreate or describe the horror that occurred. Rather, we focus on what happened in the city of Orlando in the days following what happened. We tell our own stories of why Pulse was such an important place to us in our formative years. We talk about the need for safe spaces. From Here is about lessons learned in times of loss. It’s about chosen family, and it’s about our city’s response to tragedy.
People create art about things that matter. Sometimes, Art is all we have; it’s the only way we know to process. Art can change the world. Sometimes, Art comes from tragedy. Think about the murals that people created in the days following what happened. An orchestra played an original piece that was composed in tribute to Pulse. Original music, dance pieces, and other local shows like The City Beautiful, Beautiful Together and O-Town: Voices from Orlando provided their own tributes to what happened that night. Shows like The Laramie Project, Angels in America, Come From Away, and Rent are lasting proof that sometimes Art allows us to reflect, learn, and remember.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
DANIEL (31 years old, male): Funny, troubled, the glue that holds his friend group together. Wears his emotions on his sleeve, even when isolating himself from those around him. At his heart, he just wants to love and be loved. The show's protagonist, Daniel is written for a baritone with a pop musical theatre tone. He should be a strong actor and strong singer. [THIS ROLE IS CAST - CASTING UNDERSTUDY/COVER]
BECCA (Daniel’s mother): Like Daniel, Becca wears her emotions on her sleeve. She’s funny, but jaded, and values being right. Underneath, though, she’s in pain and longs to reunite with her son, but seeks individuality as well. Strong Actor Singer with a high belt. [THIS ROLE IS CAST - CASTING UNDERSTUDY/COVER]
MICHAEL (Male): Daniel’s boyfriend at the top of the show. He’s charming, good-looking, and kind, even when he’s ending things with Daniel. He has a depth about him and he clearly cares for those around him, especially Daniel. Strong Actor who sings. Bari-tenor.
JORDAN (any gender, but has been played by a female-identifying actor) Strong comedic presence with a loud, brassy belt; she performs at a cabaret in the show with a loud Musical Theatre comedic number.
RICKY (Daniel’s new boyfriend): sweet, with the voice of an angel. It’s no surprise that Daniel falls in love with him. He’s proudly Puerto Rican. Strong Singer/Actor, he's sweet and seemingly innocent, with a youthful energy. Tenor.
ENSEMBLE: a diverse group of friends. The size of the ensemble may vary. These relationships are the heart of the piece.
UNDERSTUDY/COVERS: looking to cast 1-2 covers
For character and song references, check out this link HERE!
PREPARE:
Please prepare and submit a 32 bar cut or a short contemporary Musical Theatre selection that showcases strong storytelling.
TO SUBMIT:
Actors may submit their headshot, resume, and video submissions by clicking the button below. (Preferred method.) If unable to use the provided link, performers may submit by emailing the link to their submission video (YouTube or Vimeo link) and a PDF headshot and resume to hello@kelsaymoralescompany.com.
Submission Deadline: Friday, February 9, 2024