Manchester Opera House will host open auditions for children and adult performances to play Motown artists in a production of Motown The Musical.
Motown The Musical embarks on its first ever UK and Ireland tour this autumn, whilst the show continues to play at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre.
The producers are looking for black and mixed-race boys, aged between 8-13 with unbroken voices and under 4’11” to play Little Michael Jackson, Little Stevie Wonder and Little Berry Gordy. Children auditionees will be taught a short dance routine and the song I Want You Back. Please bring trainers, comfortable clothes to dance in and plenty of water.
In addition, producers are also looking for black and mixed-race male and female performers aged over 18 to portray the iconic stars of the Motown era. They must have fantastic singing voices with dance/movement and acting skills. Auditionees need to prepare two Motown songs with the sheet music (no backing tracks) and will need to bring a CV and recent photograph/headshot.
Speaking about putting holding open auditions, Charles Randolph-Wright, Director of Motown the Musical commented, “Not only will you get to play Michael Jackson, you will also step into the shoes of young Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder. We are looking for boys who have excellent singing and acting skills and of course, you must also be able to move like Michael!”.
Natalie Gallacher at Pippa Ailion Casting, Casting Director of Motown the Musical said “Since we opened the show in London we have had the pleasure of working with some great children. We are now looking for the next group of boys from across the UK to join us in our brand-new tour to play one of the most iconic roles in the music industry, Michael Jackson. If you are male, black or mixed race, aged 8 to 13 years old, then we would love to see you at our open auditions. We are also always excited to find brand new undiscovered talent for our adult company. If you’re black or mixed race, aged over 18 and have a passion for singing and performing we’d love to see you”.
When are auditions for Motown The Musical being held?
Open auditions for Motown The Musical are being held on Saturday 16 June at Manchester Opera House. Children’s auditions will be from 10.00am-1.00pm with registration from 9.00am to 10.00am. Adult auditions will be from 2.00pm to 5.00pm with registration from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.
image of The Jackson Five in Motown the Musical courtesy Tristram Kenton
