
AUDITIONS
Stray Dog Theatre (SDT) is holding non-Equity auditions for Aaron Copland’s The Second Hurricane with Libretto by Edwin Denby.
Please carefully read all information below to ensure you understand everything we will need from you as part of this audition process.
As always, SDT honors diversity and non-traditional casting practices.
Auditions will be scheduled in half hour blocks allowing you to have a predetermined audition time. Once you have been assigned a time you WILL NOT be able to reschedule. If you miss your scheduled time or are unable to secure an appointment for a date/time you are available, you may join an in-person waitlist on any of the audition dates. We will do our best to see you in the order you arrived as time allows, but we cannot guarantee those on the in-person waitlist will be seen.
TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION
Email auditions@straydogtheatre.org (No phone calls, please.)
Please note that this is not an automated email and may take up to 48 hours to receive a response.
Email will be the primary means of communication throughout the Audition process so please be sure to use an email address to which you have regular access. Also be sure to check your spam folders and/or clear “auditions@straydogtheatre.org" in your email software to prevent missing out on communication.
Include:
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Your Name
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Parent/Guardian Name (for anyone under age 18)
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Contact Phone Number
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Preferred Audition Time(s)
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Please include multiple options in the event your first choice is not available.​
If you have any problems or questions please email auditions@straydogtheatre.org. No phone calls, please.
AUDITIONS
Auditions will be held on:
Saturday, April 5, 2025 - 10:00AM to 3:00PM
Monday, April 7, 2025 - 6:00PM to 9:00PM
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 6:00PM to 9:00PM
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CALLBACKS
All Callbacks will be held Monday, April 14, 2025 - 6:00PM to 10:00PM.
Everyone being called back will receive an email from auditions@straydogtheatre.org on/before Thursday, April 10, 2025. This email will include material we would like you to prepare for your callback. Please Note: You may be in consideration for a role even if you are not called back.
Callbacks will be held in person at Tower Grove Abbey (2336 Tennessee Avenue, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104). Callbacks will be scheduled throughout the indicated time and you will be given specific times if you are called back.
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HOW TO AUDITION
Location: Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee Ave., Saint Louis, Missouri 63104 (Off-street parking at lot north of the Abbey.)
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Please arrive early to complete necessary paperwork.
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Bring one copy of your headshot and resume.
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Prepare two contrasting 32-bar cuts of a classical piece or operatic musical theatre song that showcases your vocal abilities. Accompanist provided. Bring sheet music, marked and in the appropriate key. No recorded tracks or a cappella. You will be stopped after 32 bars. You may be required to demonstrate belt and range or asked to read sides from the shows.
We may see all we need from you at your general audition, and you may be considered for a role without being invited to callbacks. However, if you are called back, it is essential that you attend in order to be considered for roles. Please make yourself available in advance to ensure that you can attend in the event we need to see you. We see a high volume of actors over a very short time; attending callbacks is the best opportunity to make an impression.
The SDT pay scale per production for non-Equity actors in a Principal Role is $400, and $300 for actors in a Supporting Role. This stipend covers rehearsals, performances, and special events. (Special events may include: media interviews, fundraising parties, etc.) If considered, Actors’ Equity members are paid according to the Special Appearance Contract.
Please be aware that SDT is a professional organization and expects professional work etiquette from actors and technical crew. Basic rules of time management for calls, honoring off-book deadlines, and memorizing lines/music exactly as they are written in the script are some of the professional requirements expected. Please take note of these requirements before accepting a role.
FOLLOW UP
Everyone who auditions will receive a follow up email on/by Wednesday, April 23, 2025 with news of their status in the casting process.
Casting Authority: Gary F. Bell
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THE SECOND HURRICANE
Music by Aaron Copland with Libretto by Edwin Denby
The Second Hurricane is a youth opera with both youth and adult singers/actors. Set during the Great Depression, The Second Hurricane tells the story of high school students who become trapped on an island while working to rescue the victims of a hurricane. During the adventure, the students learn tolerance, courage, and the spirit of freedom in a time of danger.
Coming in at just over an hour, The Second Hurricane premiered on April 21, 1937, at the Henry Street Settlement Playhouse in New York City. Orson Wells directed the premiere. Leonard Bernstein staged a production in 1942, which was also staged again at the Henry Street Settlement Playhouse by Tazewell Thompson in 1985, featuring unique backdrops by renowned artists Elaine De Kooning and Willem De Kooning.
Performances: Opens August 7, 2025, and closes August 30, 2025.
8:00 pm Thursdays through Saturdays, and Sunday Matinees on 8/10, 8/17, and 8/24 at 2 PM.
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First Rehearsal: June 29, 2025. Must rehearse through Independence Day. Evenings and weekends.
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CAST
PRINCIPAL CAST
The Students
The ages of the six principals are between 13 and 18. Jeff is about 8.
Butch - Popular and smart, the class president – Tenor – (F3-E4)
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Gwen - Brave, resolute, studied nursing – Contralto – (C4-Db5)
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Queenie – Tough, very bright, has studied nursing – Soprano – (A3-A5)
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Fat – Strong, a football player – Bass – (G2-C4) (optional E4)
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Gyp – Class clown, Fat’s younger brother – Baritone (B3-E5)
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Lowrie – Class intellectual, has a radio operator’s license – Tenor – (B2-D4)
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Jeff – A young farm boy – Soprano – (C4-G5)
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SUPPORTING CAST
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The Pupils Choir
Ages 13-19
12 singer/actors are needed – 3 for each vocal part
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Soprano (D4-A5)
Alto (B3-F5)
Tenor (D3-G#4)
Bass (Bb2-E4)
The Adult Choir
Ages 25+
​12 singer/actors are needed – 3 for each vocal part
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Soprano (B3-A5)
Alto (G3-E4)
Tenor (C3-G4)
Bass (G2-E4)