Narrator – female any age. We may consider splitting the role to accommodate a lower and a higher voice. A woman not of the time or place of the action. The Narrator tells the story through word and song, guiding the audience gently through the story of Joseph and his brothers. Audition pieces “Prologue” and “Jacob and Sons”
Pharaoh – Male over 30. The most powerful man in Egypt, Pharaoh is considered a god on earth. When Joseph interprets his dreams, he promotes him to one of the highest positions in his government. Pharaoh is portrayed as an Elvis Presley-style figure. Audition piece “Song of the King”
Jacob – Male over 40. The father of twelve sons, Jacob definitely favors Joseph. At times he may appear unfair and shallow, but he is, more importantly, the prophet who recognizes the future and the calling of Joseph, thus saving the House of Israel. Audition piece - any one of “Any Dream Will Do”, “Close Every Door” or “Those Canaan Days”
Joseph – Male under 30. Obviously his father’s favorite, Joseph early on shows a talent for interpreting dreams and telling the future. This gets him into trouble with his brothers when he predicts his future will include ruling over the other eleven. However, it saves his life when in Egypt he correctly interprets Pharaoh’s dreams. In the end he has risen to a great position of power, but he still forgives his brothers and brings his family to Egypt. Audition pieces – “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door to Me”
Joseph's Eleven Brothers: Although acting usually as a group, they each have their own different personalities, talents, and flaws. As a group they sell Joseph into slavery, but as individuals they deal with the following years and how they can make amends. They sing and dance their way through many situations and places. The performers also double as Egyptians in many cases. Audition piece for brothers (not Reuben, Simeon or Judah) any one of the following – “Any Dream Will Do”, “Close Every Door” or “Benjamin Calypso”.
Reuben: Eldest son of Jacob; showed kindness to Joseph and was the means of saving his life when his other brothers would have put him to death. Audition piece – “One More Angel in Heaven” in country and western style.
Simeon: Second son of Jacob; detained by Joseph in Egypt as a hostage. Audition piece – “Those Canaan Days”.
Levi: Third son of Jacob, by Leah; he went down with Jacob into Egypt.
Judah: Fourth son of Jacob; he pleads with Joseph when Benjamin is falsely arrested for theft of a goblet; one of his descendants was to be the Messiah. Audition piece – “Benjamin Calypso” in reggae style.
Dan: Fifth son of Jacob; the tribe of Israel descended from him.
Naphtali: Sixth son of Jacob, by Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid.
Gad: Seventh son of Jacob, by Zilpah, Leah's handmaid; brother of Asher.
Asher: Eighth son of Jacob.
Issachar: Ninth son of Jacob.
Zebulun: Tenth son of Jacob; he had three sons.
Benjamin: Twelfth son of Jacob. Joseph accuses him of stealing the golden cup. After Joseph went missing Benjamin was beloved.
11 wives – 3 have featured singing roles. Audition piece – any one of “Prologue”, “Jacob and Sons” or “One More Angel in Heaven”
Potiphar – Male over 40. A powerful and rich Egyptian, Potiphar purchases Joseph and puts him to work in his household, where he soon realizes that Joseph is honest, hard-working, and a great addition to his pool of help. When he grows suspicious of his wife and Joseph, however, he grows angry and has Joseph thrown into prison. Audition piece is the same as the brothers; any one of the following – “Any Dream Will Do”, “Close Every Door” or “Those Canaan Days”
Mrs Potiphar – Female over 30. Beautiful and scheming, Mrs. Potiphar tries to seduce Joseph (unsuccessfully). However, she does manage to rip off much of his clothing just as her husband comes into the room, thus condemning him to prison. Audition piece – any one of “Prologue”, “Jacob and Sons” or “One More Angel in Heaven”
Butler – “Go Go Go Joseph” p 95 or any of the brothers’ pieces
Baker - “Go Go Go Joseph” p 95 or any of the brothers’ pieces
Children’s Chorus - Audition piece for children either of the following – “Any Dream Will Do” or “Close Every Door” Ensemble – Audition piece is any one of “Prologue”, “Jacob and Sons” or “One More Angel in Heaven”
Unless you stipulate non-dancing ensemble, everyone will need to do a dance audition. There will be different levels of complexity offered depending on your skill and experience. Please bring dance shoes with you to the audition. Your dance audition will be separate to the vocal audition and will be taught in groups but performed individually. | |
