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Auditions for OCC's Production of...

Parade  

Current Audition Opportunities

Monday, March 31| 5pm, at Orchard Ridge, J177

SHOW DATES: November 13, 14, 20 and 21, 2025

OCC is holding auditions for Parade, Jason Robert Brown's stirring and moving musical.

Amid religious intolerance, political injustice and racial tension, the stirring Tony Award-winning Parade explores the endurance of love and hope against all the odds. With a book by acclaimed playwright Alfred Uhry (Driving Miss Daisy) and a rousing, colorful and haunting score by Jason Robert Brown (Songs For a New World, The Last Five Years, Bridges of Madison County), Parade is a moving examination of the darkest corners of America's history.

In 1913, Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-raised Jew living in Georgia, is put on trial for the murder of thirteen-year-old Mary Phagan, a factory worker under his employ. Already guilty in the eyes of everyone around him, a sensationalist publisher and a janitor's false testimony seal Leo's fate. His only defenders are a governor with a conscience and, eventually, his assimilated Southern wife who finds the strength and love to become his greatest champion.

Daring, innovative and bold, Parade is filled with soaring music and a heart-wrenching story, offering a moral lesson about the dangers of prejudice and ignorance that should not be forgotten. Groups looking for powerful, moving theatrical experiences will need to look no further than this unforgettable show.

 CASTING ROLES:

  • Judge Roan: Serves as the Judge on the infamous trial. Motivated by bigotry and racism, he is dangerously committed to the ideals of the Confederacy. 
    • Gender: male
    • Age: older
    • Vocal range top: D4
    • Vocal range bottom: B2
  • Lucille Frank, Gentle and mousy, but resourceful and resilient. Despite her husband's feelings, she is a true Southerner through and through but can see through the deception. 
    • Gender: female
    • Age: 21 to 28
    • Vocal range top: G3
    • Vocal range bottom: E5
  • Leo Frank, Our story's tragic protagonist accused of murder. As National Pencil Factory Superintendent, Leo is neurotic and a serial pessimist. Though married to Lucielle, he is physically and emotionally displaced. 
    • Gender: male
    • Age: 25 to 35
    • Vocal range top: F4
    • Vocal range bottom: Gb2
  • Hugh Dorsey, Atlanta's District Attorney. He is a devout Christian, who is brute and manipulative at times. Hungry for political success and recognition.
    • Gender: male
    • Age: 35 to 45
    • Vocal range top: F4
    • Vocal range bottom: B2
Gov. John Slaton
  • As the Governor of Georgia, he is highly concerned with public perception. Flirtatious and fun at times. Strives to maintain his values.
    • Gender: male
    • Age: 35 to 45
    • Vocal range top: F4
    • Vocal range bottom: Bb2
  • Frankie Epps, A charming and simple man, he is Mary's devoted friend. Playful and flirtatious.
    • Gender: male
    • Age: 14 to 17
    • Vocal range top: Bb4
    • Vocal range bottom: Bb2
  • Mary Phagan, A factory worker at the National Pencil Factory who is murdered. She is very innocent but has moments of sassiness and playfulness.
    • Gender: female
    • Age: 13 to 18 (should read 13-15)
    • Vocal range top: D5
    • Vocal range bottom: Eb4
  • Mary Phagan's Co-Workers, three girls who testify at the trial. All must read young and all must sing. Essie, Iola Stover, Monteen
  • Jim Conley, A cleaning supervisor at National Pencil Factory. Secretly, he is a convict on the run. Pompous showman with a strong build. Black.
    • Gender: male
    • Age: 20 to 30
    • Vocal range top: Bb4
    • Vocal range bottom: D3
  • Newt Lee, He is the night watchman at National Pencil Factory. A bit too old to possess the job. Physically intimidating, but a gentle giant. Black.
    • Gender: male
    • Age: Older
    • Vocal range top: Db4
    • Vocal range bottom: Bb2
  • Britt Craig, A washed up reporter who can often be found three sheets to the wind. Weaselly and desperate for his 'big break.'
    • Gender: either
    • Age: 25 to 35
    • Vocal range top: G4
    • Vocal range bottom: Eb3
  • Ensemble
    • Chain Gang; Factory Girls (Essie, Iola Stover, Monteen); Guards/Policemen (Officer Ivey, Detective Starnes, Mr. Peavy); Residents Of Georgia (Angela, Judge Roan, Jurors, Luther Rosser, Minola Mcknight, Mrs. Phagan, Old Soldier, Reporters, Riley, Sally Slaton, Young Soldier)
  • Tom Watson,
    • the publisher of the Georgia paper. A behind the scenes influencer and mover and shaker.
    • Gender: Male
    • Vocal Range: Tenor
     
  • Mrs. Phagan, Mary's mother. Strong, compassionate, devastated.
    Gender: Female
    Vocal Range: Strong mix
  • Leo's Lawyer, doesn't need to sing.
Actors will be playing more than one role.

Note: we need a strong diverse mix of performers. The show explores both racial and religious biases.

For the audition, please prepare a SHORT song/selection in the style of Jason Robert Brown (contemporary musical theatre). Bring sheet music, clearly marked in a binder. The Musical Director, Frank Pitts, will be playing the audition.

If you cannot attend in person, please send a video link to Jennifer Little at jalittle@oaklandcc.edu before March 31

Contact Information

Jennifer Little
Faculty - Fine & Performing Arts
Theatre Lobby - Room J-277
(248) 522-3636