Auditions

About the Show

RIP – A Musical Comedy of Life & Death speaks to regret and redemption. At the McCobb Mortuary, a lonely attendant seeks purpose in his life, while The Dead regret their failings and yearn for redemption. It’s a fun frolic, with love, laughter, and suspense… and a twist at the end.

The show was featured in a staged reading workshop at Sunstone Studios MKE in April 2022.

Schedule

Rehearsals - Monday through Wednesday evenings beginning June 10th, 2024, with longer days on Sunday. (Rehearsal calls will be adjusted to accommodate production needs, as well as conflicts, within reason.) 

Rehearsal Facility - The Brick House in Riverwest (on the 15 and 22 bus lines)

Tech week - July 10th to 14th (evenings) 

Final Dress Rehearsal - Tuesday, July 16th

Opening Night - Wednesday, July 17th

Performance Dates - July 17th to 28th, Wed to Sat  at 7pm, Sun at 4pm 

Performance Space - Next Act Theatre (255 S Water St, Milwaukee)

Virtual Submissions

Auditions are now completed. Thank you for your interest.

Participants must submit a video of five minutes or less that includes the following:

• a slate of your name and the titles of the pieces being presented;

• a 32-bar vocal selection from contemporary musical theatre (with either live or pre-recorded accompaniment; NO a cappella, please); and

• a monologue from a contemporary play or musical.

To submit, please complete the online form below, including uploading a headshot and resume. Videos may be uploaded via the form or linked to a site such as YouTube or Vimeo. (Please do NOT email your video submission.)

Please note:

• If you submitted virtually for either the Milwaukee Diversity General Auditions or the Milwaukee General Auditions, you do NOT need to submit a separate virtual audition directly to us. (We will contact you if interested.)

• If you submit a virtual audition, you do NOT need to also sign up for an in-person audition below. Please note that you may be asked to come in-person for a callback during the week of April 21st.

Casting Breakdown

The Living

• George McCobb, the aging mortuary owner (baritone or bass, F3 to B5)*

• Vic Fenestra, the mortuary attendant (tenor, A4 to A5)

• Gina DeVon, a woman who works in hospice (doubles with Chrissie)

• Margaret McCobb, George’s younger wife (doubles with Doris)*

• Julia Huckabee, older sister of one of The Dead (soprano, D4 to F5)*

The Dead

• Emily Huckabee, a single mother (soprano, D4 to F5)*

• Doris Kitrik, an older widow with dementia (mezzo-soprano or alto, F3 to C5)

• RJ, an older wealthy businessman (baritone or tenor)

• John Doe, a young man (bass-baritone, B4 to B5)

• Chrissie, a teenage drug addict (soprano, C4 to Ab5)

*All roles include some dancing, but marked roles include additional choreography moments.