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AUDITION MATERIALS

Thank you for your interest in the

upcoming production of

Oliver Jr.

Pre-registration for auditions is available at:

https://www.cityofnovi.org/services/parks,-recreation-and-cultural-

services/cultural-arts/theatre

Audition Material (including Music)

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1EFPed3J5rncPhYFuJjXUWQpn

xRE_Mci0?usp=sharing

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CHARACTER SUMMARY

Mr. Bumble Mr. Bumble Runs Mr. Bumble runs the workhouse where Oliver finds himself in the beginning of the show. He is cold,

cruel, and he doesn’t care one bit about the boys in his workhouse.

Widow Corney

Widow Corney runs the workhouse along with Mr. Bumble. She is cold and calculating, like Mr. Bumble, and only cares that the work gets done and puts money in her pocket.

Oliver Twist

The whole plot of the show revolves around Oliver. Oliver is intelligent and kind, but he is not afraid to stand up for himself when the situation calls for it. He longs

for a family and escapes to London to try to make his fortune – though he has no idea what adventures await him there!

Artful Dodger The Artful Dodger, a.k.a. Jack Dawkins is one of the most famous characters in literature. He is charming, upbeat, and charismatic. Though Dodger works for Fagin as a thief, he is the first

person to show Oliver real kindness and gives him a place to belong.

Fagin Fagin recruits, trains, and manages a gang of child-thieves. Though he claims he cares for each of his children, providing them food and shelter and characteristically calling them “my

dear,” he’s really only concerned with the money they bring in.

Nancy Nancy is an adventurous young lady with a heart of gold who has fallen in with the wrong crowd. She is kind and she immediately takes Oliver under her wing. Unfortunately, she is

involved with Bill Sikes, who is a troublesome person.

Bet Bet is a friend of Nancy’s who shares her spirited nature and sense of adventure. Like Nancy,

Bet has a kind heart but has fallen upon hard times.

Mr. Brownlow Mr. Brownlow is a sweet man who takes Oliver in, even after Oliver has picked his pocket.

Oliver is familiar to Mr. Brownlow immediately, even though he has no idea that Oliver is his grandchild.

Bill Sikes Bill Sikes is a villain. He is mean, selfish, and ruthless, and he always looks out for number one. He bullies everyone around him, especially Nancy, and is paranoid, always afraid that

people will betray him.

Other Characters and Ensemble

Mr. & Mrs. Sowerberry, Charlotte, Claypole, Mrs. Bedouin, Dr. Grimwig, Chairman, Milkmaid, Strawberry Seller, Knife Grinder, Rose Seller, Old Sally, Matron, Children, Workhouse Governors, Servants, Deliver Person, City Dwellers, Fagin’s Gang, Police, Customers,

Street/Market Sellers, Crowds, Lamplighter

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Please note: You will be considered for all parts regardless of the character that you read at auditions. Please pick a

reading that you feel most comfortable with and add whatever characteristics you like.

Please prepare ONE acting piece and ONE song from this packet.

You will be taught a short dance before you audition.

K/1st/2nd Grades If you would like to do one of the readings below - please do. But it is not required for this age! We just

want to see their confidence and clear speaking voice.

● Tell us a joke. Describe your last birthday cake. Talk about your last vacation. What your favorite

toy and why.

● Sing a song (20-30 Seconds) – “Happy Birthday”, “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”, “Mary Had a Little

Lamb”

3rd - 9th Grade Please pick ONE of the the readings below (you will still be considered for other parts).

Dodger: Then accommodate you shall be me young mate. (Bows to Oliver.) There’s a certain place and I know a respectable old gentleman as lives there, what’ll give you lodgings for nothing. Mister Fagin. That’s his name. Mister Fagin. By the way if I’m introducing you to Fagin I better know who you are, me old china. My name is Jack Dawkins. Better known among me more intimate friends as the Artful Dodger. Come to think of it, I ain’t got no intimate friends. Still, what’s the difference? You're coming with me.

Mr. Brownlow: I haven’t the faintest idea. He was arrested for stealing my pocket handkerchief. And when the shopkeeper told us what really happened and he was released by the magistrate, I brought him here to make what amends I could. (Tips his hat.) But I must confess, I find myself strangely attached to the child. He’s an orphan. And yet... It's strange. There’s something in that boy's face... I can’t explain it , but somewhere I’ve seem to have seen him before... somewhere a long time ago.

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Nancy: Oh! my dear brother. I’ve found him! Oliver, oh Oliver! My dear little brother. (Hugs Oliver.) Where have you been? We’ve been worried out of our heads. Oh, he ran away two weeks ago from his parents who are hard working, respectable people, and went and joined a set of thieves and bad characters. Almost broke me mother’s heart. Fagin: I don’t believe it! You’re a clever boy, my dear! I never saw a sharper lad! Here’s a shilling for you. (He reaches into his pocket and pulls it out empty) I have to go to the bank. Now, bedtime all of you. Here my dear, sleep by the warm. Alright. Alright. Settle down. Dodger! Take your hat off in bed! Where’s ya manners? Yes, Oliver you are quite the gentleman now. You’ve got a home, a profession, and a shilling.....on credit. If you go on this way, you will be the greatest man of all time.

Oliver:

Hello! Can you tell me how to get to the centre of London? I’ve been walking for seven days. I’m starving. (Grabs stomach, as if in pain) Tired too. I’m an orphan. I had a mother, but she died. I lived in an orphanage, but they threw me out. Now I don’t know where to go but one day I am going to be rich and live in a big mansion in the centre of London. For now, I need to look for a job to get some money. And somewhere to live. By the way, my name is Oliver. Oliver Twist.

Mrs. Sowberry:

Dear me, he’s very small. (Pats Oliver on head) You dare say he will grow, but it will be on our vitals and our drinks. They're a waste of time, these workhouse boys. They always cost more to keep than what they’re worth. What’s your name, boy? Oliver. Oliver Twist? An orphan, then. Very well, then, junior coffin-follower . . . that’s your job.

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Music Selections below. Performers can select any of the songs below.

Consider Yourself

Measures 36-66: Start at “If it should …” (in music 0:34 - 1:03)

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As Long as He Needs Me Measures 18-36 - Start at “If you are ...:” (in music - 00:50 - end)

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Who Will Buy (Part 2)

Measures 3-50 (in music - beginning - 00:48)

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