We are thrilled to be working with MTI, iTheatrics, and Shaina Taub to help develop this title for youth performers!
Book, Music and Lyrics
by SHAINA TAUB
Suffs is the Tony Award®-winning musical that made history on Broadway, with creator Shaina Taub becoming the first woman to ever independently win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in the same season.
The women of the American suffragist movement (“Suffs” for short) were brilliant, but as they fought tirelessly for the right to vote, they were also flawed, stubborn, passionate and funny. Suffs tells their story: the remarkable friendships, the heartbreak, and how this movement brought them together — or, in some cases, tore them apart. Boldly exploring a struggle for equality that’s far from over, Suffs is a “theatrical masterpiece that demands to be seen” (Forbes) and a reminder that progress is always possible but never guaranteed.
Seeking performers ages 18 and under to bring this beautiful musical to life!
WHO
We're looking for performers ages 18 and under! All roles are open to performers of all backgrounds and identities unless specifically stated. We aim to cultivate a diverse and inclusive community both onstage and off.
WHERE
All rehearsals and performances will be held at JCC Metrowest: 760 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ.
WHAT TO PREPARE
Auditioners are welcome to prepare a brief song of their choosing (1 minute or less) that shows vocal range and personality. Please bring clearly marked sheet music (in a binder) for our accompanist.
You are also welcome to sing one of the options provided below!
WHEN
Auditions :
September 7 and 10
Callbacks:
September 13 and/or 14 (by invitation)
Rehearsals:Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 5:30-8:30 and Sundays between 10:00-4:00 beginning October 5.
Not everyone will be called for every rehearsal and not everyone will be called for the full duration of each rehearsal. Some roles may be double cast but all performers will have a minimum of 3 performances.
Tech:
December 7-11
Performances:December 12-21
Participation Fee
There will be a participation of $595
Includes: 60+ hours of instruction, professional production photos, and a chance to be a part of a fully staged, brand-new fully designed musical.
We will never turn a performer away due to financial need. If cost is a prohibitive factor for you, please let us know this on your form and we will work with you to discuss scholarship and payment plan options available as needed.
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Audition Materials
Please prepare one of the song options below OR prepare a contemporary or classic musical theatre song (60 seconds or less) of your choosing. If you are bringing your own song, please make sure to provide clearly marked sheet music in a binder.
You are also welcome to sing one of the options provided below!
Role Breakdown
ALICE PAUL – A young Suffragist who fervently believes it’s her destiny to “finish the fight” of Women’s Suffrage and will do whatever it takes to bring that about. Dedicated to the point of being a relentless, yet a passionate, unconventional leader.
CARRIE CHAPMAN CATT – A respected leader of the Women’s Suffrage movement. Fiercely intelligent, tireless and channels her passion into charm and a polite mask but is a warrior underneath.
INEZ MILLHOLLAND – A glamorous socialite and lawyer, with an equally dazzling intelligence and intellect. Her effortless charisma leads her to become a public figurehead for the Suffs, and her steadfast friendship makes her an essential anchor for Alice Paul, but her elegant exterior masks her private struggles.
IDA B. WELLS – Black. A journalist, activist, and prominent Suffrage leader. Outspoken, radical, brilliant, focused, and dedicated to her cause. Not afraid to speak truth to power.
LUCY BURNS – Alice’s best friend and fellow Suff. Warm, supportive, kind. Has a strong wit and sense of humor that she uses to diffuse prickly situations. An essential member of the team, but content to be behind the scenes and away from the limelight.
RUZA WENCLAWSKA – A Polish immigrant who came to America at age 7. Speaks with a Polish dialect. A former factory worker turned labor and immigrant’s rights activist, and a dedicated Suff. Resourceful and determined. Brave. Bluntly outspoken, with a frank, dry and straightforward sense of humor.
DORIS STEVENS – A student from Nebraska. A bright light, and a true nerd. Her brains and tireless work ethic make her essential to the cause. The youngest of the group, she’s everyone’s little sister. Optimistic, brave, sweet, and kind, but in no way a pushover.
WOODROW WILSON– The president of the United States. Confident, entitled, feels he knows best. Used to being in charge and unquestioned. A brazen showman who loves to be the center of attention.
DUDLEY MALONE – Woodrow Wilson’s young protégé and his new Chief of Staff. Genuinely quirky and nerdy. Extremely intelligent, but also endearing and sweet, with an awkward charm and a goofy sense of humor. Dudley transforms over the show into a mature man and Suff.
ALVA BELMONT – A millionaire divorcee and New York socialite. Formidable, imperious, and larger than life. Speaks her mind with a frank and upfront sense of humor.
PHOEBE BURN – A rich Southern widow, and mother to Senator Harry Burn. Warm, kind, practical, unadorned
HARRY BURN – Senator with a soft spot for his mother.
MARY CHURCH TERRELL – Black. A longtime Black Suffragist leader and professor. Her willingness to move within white circles becomes a point of contention between her and Ida B. Wells.
MOLLIE HAY– Intelligent. Patient and warm but also extremely passionate and outspoken about her political beliefs and ideals. The romantic partner and professional associate to Carrie Chapman Catt (a major leader in the Women’s Suffrage movement).
PHYLLIS TERRELL –Black. Mary Church Terrell’s young daughter.
ROBIN – A firebrand young second-wave feminist college student in the 1970’s. Passionate, idealistic, enraged at the status quo. Believes that radical women’s revolution is the only way forward.
MAJOR SYLVESTER – The chief of police.
MRS. HERNDON – Prison matron.
DOCTOR WHITE – Prison doctor.
ENSEMBLE – Washwoman, Speaker of the House, Mailman, Suffs, Passersby, and more!
What is a pilot production?
We are thrilled to work directly with Music Theatre International and the creators of this musical to help develop this new adaptation. Once a new adaptation is written and workshopped, MTI then selects a limited number of groups to produce the show to make sure everything is perfect before getting released into the licensing catalog. Cast members in these productions get to originate roles in this new version, perform for the MTI executive team and the creative team, and play an important part in guiding the future of this title!
SUFFS JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).