SOPA’S SUMMER 2026 PRODUCTION

ABOUT DROWSY CHAPERONE

When wealthy widow Mrs. Tottendale hosts the wedding of the year, she gets a lot more than a write-up in the society pages: Janet Van de Graaff, glittering starlet of Feldzieg’s Follies, is leaving the stage for love, a turn of events which horrifies the angry and anxious Mr. Feldzieg, whose chief investor has sent two gangsters disguised as pastry chefs to make sure he stops the wedding. Hiring Aldolpho, a Latin lover more vain than virile, to seduce the bride, is unsuccessful, as Janet’s chaperone, a drunken diva, gets herself mistaken for the bride and seduced in Janet’s place. It is left to the eager best man, George, to quite by accident break up the happy pair, when he sends groom Robert Martin out to the garden, blindfolded, and in roller skates. Such are the antics of The Drowsy Chaperone, a fictitious 1928 musical comedy. This magical piece of meta-theatre and playful, heartfelt parody of the 1920s musical comedy features a chirpy jazz age score by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison, and a lively, clever book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, both of which were Tony winners in 2006. The score boasts such tunes as the scenery-chomping “Show Off”, the sizzling and silly “I Am Aldolpho”, the double-entendre laden “Toledo Surprise”, and “As We Stumble Along”, that rousing anthem to optimistic alcoholism.

Show Dates


Wednesday, August 19th @ 7:00pm
Thursday, August 20th @ 7:00pm
Friday, August 21st @ 7:00pm
Saturday, August 22nd @ 1:00pm
Saturday, August 22nd @ 7:00pm
Sunday, August 23rd @ 3:00pm

This production will be held at
SHINE ON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
1200 Toro Grande Blvd #100, Cedar Park, TX 78613

*Dates/Times are subject to change until tickets are on sale.


ARTISTIC TEAM:

DIRECTOR/VOCAL DIRECTOR: Emily Calasopa
CO-DIRECTOR/CHOREOGRAPHER Alanna McElhanon

The Man in Chair: (or woman) The present-day narrator.  A deeply introspective agoraphobe with an encyclopedic knowledge of stage musicals, MIC offers factoids and opinions on both his own life and the musical we're watching.  He is defined by his own contradictions, ranging from soft-spoken to passionate and from turmoil to detachment.  Seeking strong character actor capable of understatement; minimal singing. (NON SINGING)

Janet Van de Graaff: (30s) Star of Feldzieg’s Follies who is conflicted about giving up her life on the stage to marry Robert Martin. Attractive, vivacious, outgoing personality. She loves being the center of attention and is the consummate 1920s starlet. Strong movement and special skills (acrobatics, juggling, etc.) a plus. Vocal range: Alto with big belt (G3-E5)

Robert Martin: (30-40) The groom-to-be who is deeply in love with Janet. He is the token 1920s leading man – debonair, dashing, and a matinee idol. He is cheesy, cheerful, and optimistic. Must be able to tap dance and roller skate.Vocal range: Tenor (C3 – Ab4)

The Drowsy Chaperone: (40s-50s) Janet’s alcoholic confidante. Care-free, often because she is drunk. An experienced “woman of the world” who couldn’t care less what the world thinks. A melodramatic diva to be reckoned with who gleefully chews the scenery and steals just about every scene she is in. Great comedic role. Think Liza Minnelli meets Tallulah Bankhead. Vocal range: Alto with strong belt (F3-D5)

Aldolpho: (40s) Latin lothario. A womanizing cad who is very impressed with himself. He is confident, vigorous, and a buffoon. Vaudeville-style acting and fake Spanish/Italian accent required. Should have great comic timing. Vocal range: Bass/Baritone + great falsetto (A#2-G4)

Mrs. Tottendale: (45-60) A wealthy widow and host of the wedding. She is flighty, eccentric, often times forgetful, and funny. She is absolutely charming, bubbly and oblivious to the confusion her behavior generates in other people. Vocal range: Alto character voice (G3-Db5)

Underling: (50s-60s) Mrs. Tottendale’s unflappable butler and manservant. He is stoic, dry-humored and sarcastic. A cross between Arthur Treacher and Niles the butler from The Nanny. Vocal range: Tenor character voice (Ab2-G4)

Mr. Feldzieg: (40s-50s) Harried producer who will do anything to stop the wedding in order to keep Janet in the Follies. He is nervous, sarcastic, impatient, overbearing, and insensitive. Vocal range: Baritone (Db3-Db4)

Kitty: (30s) 1920s dumb blonde chorine. She is Mr. Feldzieg’s companion and will do anything to be a leading lady. A cross between Norma Cassady from Victor Victoria and Lena Lamont from Singin’ in the Rain. Vocal range: Soprano comedic belt (Bb3-F5)

George: (30s-40s) Robert’s anxious best man. He is loyal, sincere, and nervous. Makes looking out for Robert’s interests his top priority so that the wedding will come off without a hitch. Must be able to tap. Vocal range: Tenor (F3-Bb4)

Gangsters 1 & 2: (30s-40s) Two jovial gangsters who are posing as pastry chefs. Typical 1920s Broadway gangsters full of word play and stylized movements. Good comic timing and dancing skills required. Vocal range: Tenor (Db3-Gb4)

Trix the Aviatrix: (35-50) The brave and brash female aviator. She is sassy, sleek and a take charge kind of gal. Preferably an African American actress as originally cast. May double in the ensemble. Vocal range: Alto (Ab3-Eb5)

Ensemble: (20-40) A strong, dancing/singing ensemble consisting of 2 men and 2 women. Vocal range: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass


DETAILS ABOUT SOPA AUSTIN’S SUMMER
2026 PRODUCTION OF THE DROWSY CHAPERONE

‍ ‍Auditioners that are interested in taking part in our Summer 2026 Production of The Drowsy Chaperone - must read thru and sign off on the entire process before auditioning.

  • NO refunds will be given once cast list has been posted for any reason.

  • This is an AUDITION ENTRY production. It is possible that not all who audition will be cast. We ask that those who audition have some theater experience before auditioning. This production will be very intensive (pre-professional) and will push all to shine their brightest.

  • AUDITIONS for our Summer 2026 production will take place Thursday, July 9th starting at 6:00pm at SOPAC (1200 Toro Grande Blvd #100, Cedar Park, TX 78613). Video submissions are acceptable and due by end of day on 7/7. Email via public viewing google drive link to Emily@shineonperformingarts.org with the subject line: Drowsy Chaperone Audition - (Your Name)

  • CALLBACKS are July 10th from 6:00pm-9:30pm. Possible second callbacks - July 11th from 11:00am-4:30pm.

  • The Artistic Team will determine who they would like to call back based on auditions.

  • We may double cast some roles. This includes casting swing or understudies. Please indicate if you will accept these roles on the form.

  • Please be prepared for dancing at callbacks.

  • THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is our Summer Stock production. We will have a strict set of rules for all stages of this show. Auditioners must be age 13+ in order to audition. No one under the age of 13 will be considered. We have no roles for children, as the show is mostly for older teens and adults who can hold harmonies and handle the intense storyline and responsibilities of memorizing a show without weekly rehearsals.

  • There is a $75 Production fee charged to help cover the costs of cast t-shirts, specialty makeup, wigs and costumes, props, etc. 

  • REHEARSALS will be very intensive and few. It is extremely advantageous to already know the materials before auditions and callbacks. Rehearsals are listed in the Rehearsal Schedule Below. There will be MANDATORY rehearsals where ALL students are called starting August.

  • We will work around conflicts when we are able, so please list any possible conflicts.

  • Rehearsals will be held at the SOPAC.

  • Cast will receive a detailed rehearsal calendar shortly after casting. Please list all possibly conflicts in audition form.

  • Cast must attend all rehearsals they are called for unless sick, or they have a listed conflict. Not attending rehearsals that you do not have a listed conflicts form could result in dismissal from scenes or the show. We will not accept conflicts after the show has been cast.

  • AUDITIONS - July 9th starting at 6:00pm
    CALLBACKS - July 10th starting at 6:00pm
    POSSIBLE CALLBACKS - July 11th - 11:30pm - 4:30pm

  • REHEARSALS
    Read Thru/Sing Thru July 13th - staring at 6:00pm
    July 18th - 11:00am - 5:30pm (Dance)
    July 19th - 2:00pm - 6:00pm (Dance)
    POSSIBLE - July 21st - 5:30pm - 9:30pm (Dance)
    POSSIBLE - July 23rd - 5:30pm - 9:30pm (Dance)
    July 27th - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
    July 28th - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
    POSSIBLE - July 29th - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
    July 30th - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
    July 31st - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
    August 1st - 11:00am - 5:30pm
    August 3rd - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
    August 4th - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
    POSSIBLE - August 5th - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
    August 6th - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
    August 7th - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
    August 8th - 11:00am - 5:30pm
    August 10th - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
    August 11th - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
    POSSIBLE - August 12th - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
    August 13th - 5:30pm - 9:30pm


    MANDATORY DRESS/TECH REHEARSALS:
    August 14th - MOVE-IN - 5:30pm-9:30pm
    August 15th - DRESS - 9:00am-6:00pm
    August 16th - DRESS - 2:00pm-10:00pm
    August 17th - DRESS - 5:00pm-10:30pm(ish)
    August 18th - DRESS - 5:00pm-10:30pm(ish)

    THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
    Show Dates:
    Wednesday, August 19th @ 7pm - POSSIBLE
    Thursday, August 20th @ 7pm
    Friday, August 21st @ 7pm
    Saturday, August 22nd @ 1pm
    Saturday, August 22nd @ 7pm
    Sunday, August 23rd @ 3pm




AUDITION DETAILS

  1. Please fill out the AUDITION FORMno later than 7/7/2026

  2. For this production, we are asking that you prepare a verse and chorus (no more than 90 seconds) of a song of your choice from the show. This song should be for the character you most see yourself as. You get to choose the song, the cut and the character you portray. We also ask that you have a back up song available with your back up character choice in case the Artistic Team would like to see more. If you are auditioning for ensemble please choose a song from a similar type of show. Even if you are auditioning for Feature Dance Ensemble we need you to sing an audition song.

  3. Submit a headshot - This can be a nice cell phone photo of you

  4. Submit a resume - If you have a resume, we ask that you submit it on the audition form

  5. Submit your songs - For this show we ask that you edit and upload your own mp3 song selections that you choose to audition with. YOU MUST SELECT SONG CUTS FROM THE SHOW YOU ARE AUDITIONING FOR. Remember: Song Option #1 is your first character/song choice and Song Option #1 is your second character/song choice. Please select a cut from the ensemble or a different show if you do not have a certain character you are going for. NOTE: Longer audition songs are not always better. Be smart and concise and NAIL it!

  6. Know the show - We will not spend time teaching songs at callbacks.

  7. FOR AUDITIONS: Please wear an outfit that shows you are taking this audition seriously. No pajamas, oversized clothing, hoodies, torn jeans, etc. The Artistic Team does notice. Please do not cosplay or Disneybound style your audition. No giving obvious nods to the character you want to get. This is not professional. Be prepared for dance auditions.

  8. FOR CALLBACKS: Please wear dance clothing (leotards, leggings, sweats, close fitting shirts, etc), dance shoes - bring jazz shoes. Have your hair pulled back out of your face (Male and Female).


PARENT COMMITMENT


Our Summer Stock show will have an elevated production level and may require more intensive participation for those who are interested in earning parent passes.

Parents, older siblings or close relatives who reach 25+ hours of service will receive a parent pass to see their student in the show for FREE!! Serving is a huge blessing to SOPA and to the students as they learn and grow. We know you will also have a chance to have your gifts and talents SHINE!

Here are some of the committees you can serve on!

  • Costumes

  • Concessions

  • Advertising

  • Marketing

  • Hair/Makeup/Wigs

  • Sets

  • Props

  • Front of House

  • Errands

  • Program

  • Fundraising

  • Photography

  • Returns

  • Cast Party

Please see our PARENT TEAM FORM to learn more about the show needs and how you can assist! Not all teams listed on the Parent Team Form will be utilized this show.

***If you have served on a team with SOPA Austin in the past, please know that we have made some changes for this production to help each person find their space to serve! We are confident that you will be able to find your place to shine too!

INTERESTED IN BEING A TEAM LEAD?

We have leads for all committees. If you are interested in being a team lead for any of the committees above you can fill out this form. You will need to train during this Spring 2024 session and then commit to the entire 2024/2025 season. Leads do not need to have students actively participating in order to serve. You are the go to person for your Team. You will need to coordinate your team each show, direct them on the tasks, be available for answering questions and be the go between for the Artistic Teams and the Exec. Artistic Director.

Team Leads are given (1) class tuition each session (Fall, Winter, Spring) to be used for any SOPA Austin class and (1) VIP table to a show date of their choosing (based on availability) as a thank you!