Victorian Lyric Opera Company

Auditions for The Bravado, A more Humane Mikado

The Bravado

A More Humane Mikado

Auditions: March 7 & 8

Bethesda Presbyterian Church

?Video Auditions Accepted through March 8 at 10:00 PM

Stage Director: Christopher Fotis

Music Director: Stevie Miller

Performances

June 20-22

Friday and Saturday at 8pm

Sunday at 2pm

Bender JCC Auditorium

6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852

Synopsis

The Bravado is a theatrical reimagining of The Mikado, set in the GSU (Gilbert and Sulli-verse)—a world where classical theatrical singing is law and crooning is the highest punishable offense. Amidst a whirlwind of romantic entanglements, mistaken identity, and absurd legal antics, the show pulls the audience into the life of a singer, exploring the rich legacy of theatrical performance. Though strict rules govern their society, many characters secretly have a soft spot for crooning, adding layers of irony to the spectacle. Bursting with campy melodrama and operatic grandeur, The Bravado both celebrates and satirizes the ever-evolving state of the arts. The show will be in a semi-staged concert format.

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*Content Note: The Bravado contains themes of death and suicide, presented in a satirical and operetta-style context. While handled respectfully with theatricality and humor, these themes may still be sensitive for some audiences.

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Audition Information & Roles

?Dates

Friday, March 7, 2025 - 7:00 - 10:00pm

Saturday, March 8, 2025 - 7:00 - 10:00pm

Callbacks (by invitation only)

Monday, March 10, 2025 - 7:00 - 10:00p,

?Location

Bethesda Presbyterian Church

?7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda, MD 20814

If you are unable to attend live auditions - video auditions will also be accepted. The video submission deadline is March 8 at 10 pm. See below requirements for more instructions.

Audition Requirements???

Principals????:

Prepare the designated excerpt from The Mikado and/or a song of your choice?

?Ideal songs show strong character lyrical singing and clear English diction

Agility and patter are a bonus and will be necessary for this show

Prepare the designated dialogue for your intended characters

Memorization is not required

Chorus:

Prepare 1-2 of the provided excerpts in your voice part and 1 patter excerpt

Memorization is not required

Video Requirements:

Please use the above requirements to prepare your video audition. Videos should be posted to YouTube or another video hosting platform and links shared in your audition form.

*Excerpts will be provided to you in your audition appointment confirmation*

Character Breakdown

The Bravado of GSU (formerly The Mikado) - Bass F2 - D4 (E2 &E4 opt) - The Ruler of Gilbert & Sulli-verse

Ingénu (formerly Nanki-Poo) - Tenor C3 - A4 - The son of the Bravado. Disguised as a wandering musician. In love with Rhythm.

Echo (formerly Ko-Ko) - Baritone G2 - F4 - Lord High Executioner of GSU. Formerly imprisoned for crooning.

Oom-Pah (formerly Pooh-Bah) - Baritone A4 - E4 (F#4 opt) - Lord High Everything Else.

Pitch-Pipe (formerly Pish Tush) - Baritone A2 - E4 - A noble lord. Notoriously used a pitch pipe.

Rhythm (formerly Yum-Yum) - Soprano C4 - B5 - Betrothed to Echo, but loves Ingénu. Secret history of crooning.

Hear-Me-Sing (formerly Pitti-Sing) - Mezzo G3- F5 - Friend of Rhythm.

Up-Bo (formerly Peep-Bo) - Treble B3 - F5 (D4-D5 mostly) - Friend of Rhythm.

Kadenza (formerly Katisha) - Contralto G3 - E4 - A fiercely bold voice teacher. Promised to Ingénu.

?ENSEMBLE/CHORUS: 24-30 singers

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass

?**Intimacy Note: Consent-forward intimacy will be incorporated into the staging and choreography for the roles of Rhythm, Ingénu, Kadenza, and Echo. This may include staged kisses, embraces, and other close interactions, all of which will be carefully coordinated to ensure a professional, respectful, and comfortable rehearsal environment.

Rehearsal Information

Rehearsals begin Friday, March 14, 2025

Sunday, Monday and Fridays; Evenings

Bethesda Presbyterian Church

7611 Clarendon Rd, Bethesda, MD 20814

Tech Week (Mandatory Attendance)

Sunday, June 8th and Monday -Tuesday, June 16-17; Evenings

Bender JCC Auditorium

6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD 20852

Standard Information and Disclosures

All roles are open and unpaid.???