Hilo Community Players announce auditions for upcoming rock musical production

Hilo Community Players is bringing 8-time Tony Award winner and groundbreaking modern rock musical “Spring Awakening” to the Keawe Theater stage in downtown Hilo and is looking for talented actors — seasoned or newer to the stage — to bring the show to life.

“Spring Awakening” tells the story of a group of young people in late 19th century Germany struggling to find their voices in a world determined to silence them. It follows the teenagers as they navigate first love, sexual awakening, friendship, identity, family expectations and pressures of growing up.

“As curiosity collides with repression and fear, these young people search for truth in a society that refuses to answer their questions,” said the Hilo community theater troupe in announcing its upcoming auditions. “Heartbreaking, funny, rebellious and deeply moving, ‘Spring Awakening’ remains one of the most powerful and relevant musicals of the modern era.”

This bold, raw and deeply human production explores the chaos of growing up, fear of not being heard and desperate need for connection.

It blends emotional storytelling, intimate performances and a contemporary folk-rock sound to create something haunting, vulnerable and alive.

Auditions are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. July 2 and 7 at Keawe Theater, located at 280 Keawe St., in Hilo. Callbacks, if necessary, will be by invitation only and are planned for 7:30 p.m. July 14.

Performances of “Spring Awakening” will be September 11-13, 19-20 and 24-27.

CONTENT ADVISORY

The musical is a mature exploration of adolescence, identity, sexuality and consequences of silence. It contains themes and depictions involving sexual awakening, sexual content, pregnancy, abortion, physical and sexual abuse, incest, masturbation, depression, suicidal ideation, suicide, grief, strong language and emotional trauma.

Those who want to audition should carefully consider the nature of the material.

All simulated intimacy and moments of violence will be approached with professionalism and care. Intimacy and fight choreography will be used as needed to create a safe, respectful and consent-based rehearsal environment for all artists.

Performers ages 18 years old and older are encouraged to audition.

Performers 16 or 17 years old also can audition; however, written consent from a parent or guardian is required. Actors younger than 16 years old will not be considered because of the show’s mature nature.

Parents and guardians should be fully aware of the mature themes and content explored in the production.

HILO COMMUNITY PLAYERS APPROACH

One of the things that makes “Spring Awakening” so special is that the music doesn’t just accompany the story; it is the story. Many of the songs reveal what the characters cannot say out loud, making the music one of the most important storytelling tools in the show.

Hilo Community Players seeks performers who can tell a story through song. It is most interested in actors who can communicate truth, vulnerability and connection through the music.

The show also uses a more contemporary pop rock/folk rock sound that feels honest and emotionally grounded rather than overly polished or traditional Broadway. Some moments in the show are intimate and vulnerable, while others explode with the energy of a live rock concert.

“We are looking for performers who can live comfortably in both of those worlds,” the community theater group said.

The ability to listen, blend, harmonize, maintain rhythm and timing and support one another is just as important as individual vocal ability because “Spring Awakening” is such an ensemble production. Some of the most powerful moments in the show happen when voices come together to create a shared emotional experience.

Performers who are emotionally available and willing to be vulnerable are most important; the strongest auditions won’t necessarily be the loudest or most impressive vocally, they’ll be those that feel vulnerable and honest.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Dynamic actors/singers are sought for this production; however, while strong, healthy vocal technique is encouraged and always a priority, authenticity, emotional connection and truthful storytelling are more important than perfection.

Arrive early to fill out audition forms. Also, come physically and vocally warmed up and ready to dive right into auditions. Dress comfortably and bring water to stay hydrated.

Auditioner guidelines:

• Be prepared to sing one 32-bar cut — about 1 minute — of a contemporary musical theatre, folk rock, pop rock, alternative, indie, or singer-songwriter selection.
• Do not prepare a song from “Spring Awakening” or any Golden Age musical theatre material, overly comedic songs or songs that show volume but not vulnerability.
• Songs by artists and writers such as Jonathan Larson, Sara Bareilles, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, Steven Sater/Duncan Sheik style-adjacent music or similar contemporary styles are encouraged.
• Bring clearly marked sheet music in the correct key for live accompanist.

Performers could also be asked to:

• Perform a brief vocal range check.
• Sing a redirected portion of their audition selection.
• Participate in a movement section.
• Read from scenes (sides) from the script.
• Participate in ensemble work and group activities.

The Hilo Community Players production will favor a raw, emotionally connected vocal sound instead of a traditionally polished musical theatre sound and is especially interested in performers who can balance vulnerability and intimacy with the energy and urgency of a live rock concert.

Headshots and résumés are encouraged but not required.

REHEARSAL COMMITMENT

Rehearsals begin shortly after casting and will primarily take place during evenings and weekends.

Performers should be prepared for a significant rehearsal commitment because the show is highly collaborative and ensemble-driven. Consistent attendance at rehearsals is essential to the production’s success.

Be prepared during auditions to list all known conflicts.

CANNOT ATTEND AUDITIONS?

Contact Hilo Community Players as soon as possible if you have a legitimate conflict preventing you from attending either audition date and still want to try out. Every reasonable effort will be made for an alternate audition arrangement if and when circumstances allow.

Email to hilocommunityplayers@gmail.com to explain your situation and availability.

WHO SHOULD AUDITION?

Actors of all ethnicities, body types, abilities, gender identities and backgrounds are encouraged to audition.

If this story speaks to you and you’re willing to work hard and collaborate generously, we’d love to see you at auditions whether you’re a seasoned performer or newer to the stage.

“Come ready to tell a story, take risks and create something powerful together,” said Hilo Community Players in its audition announcement. “We’re excited to meet you!”

Additional information, including available parts, can be found on the Hilo Community Players website. Email to hilocommunityplayers@gmail.com with any questions.