Audition Notice:

PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES
by John Foley, Mark Hardwick, Debra Monk, Cass Morgan, John Schimmel and Jim Wann

Directed by Scott Scaffidi
Co-Direction &Choreography by Mandi Lynn Griffith
Musical Direction by Joe Janover

Auditions: Sunday, January 10th (2027) from 5-8pm
Callbacks: Monday, January 11th (2027) from 6-10pm
+scroll to the bottom for video submission information if you’re unable to make the initial call

***BLACKFRIARS HAS A MISSION TO HIRE LOCAL ARTISTS ONLY--WE DO NOT PROVIDE MEALS, HOUSING, OR TRANSPORTATION***

THE AUDITION:
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY — please email info@blackfriars.org to schedule your appointment no later than Friday, January 8th at 12pm (noon).

Auditions will start with a dance call at 5pm. We will then have you sing/play in the order in which you arrive and sign in.

Please arrive familiar with the musical and the characters. There is a link to a PDF of the script and score at the bottom of this page.

THE NITTY-GRITTY:
We will start with a dance call at 5pm and then play/sing in the order in which you arrive and sign up. Please prepare two 16- to 22-bar cuts of musical theatre selections in the style of the show that display your comfortable vocal range and strong character/acting choices (uptempo rock/blues/country suggested). Come with sheet music in a binder and in the correct key. Please do not sing from the show, and do not sing a cappella. Singers may accompany themselves on their instrument, if preferred. You may only be asked to sing one piece. Appropriate dance attire includes sneakers, character shoes/boots, jazz shoes, jazz sneakers/boots, or ballet slippers.

***This piece requires that the actors also function as the band, and the proficiency level for all must be expert. We will ask that everyone attending please bring in an instrument of your choice from the selections listed: guitar, bass (upright and electric), banjo; in the interest of time, percussionists interested in being considered for a role, please provide video of yourself playing a drum kit, if you have it). See below for character listings including their original instrument pairings.

Please bring a headshot/photo, resume, and your calendar to complete the rehearsal conflicts (YOU MUST FILL OUT A COMPLETE CONFLICT CALENDAR AT AUDITIONS).

THE PROCESS:
Rehearsals: begin as early as March 21st, 2027
Tech: May 8-13 (NO WEEKEND/EVENING CONFLICTS)
Shows: May 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 (NO CONFLICTS)
*Hold dates: May 15, 22, & 29 at 2PM (NO CONFLICTS); all cast/performance crew stipends increased by $50 per added hold date performance.

***Blackfriars rehearses 4-6 times/week on nights and weekends; final rehearsal schedule dependent upon cast/team conflicts
***Blackfriars performs Thurs/Fri/Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun at 2:00 p.m. Call time for actors in a musical is 90 minutes to curtain.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN: Casting 6 actors of varying ages/ethnicities/genders. All actors 18+. One-time honorarium for all artists: $1,000.

JIM (LEAD GUITAR) — male, any ethnicity, 20’s-40’s | The unofficial front-man and primary storyteller. He is an easygoing, folksy guy who chats directly with the audience.

JACKSON (RHYTHM GUITAR) — male, any ethnicity, 20’s-40’s | The rhythm guitarist and resident "Lover Boy." He is highly popular with the ladies and handles lead vocals on several upbeat, country-rock tracks.

L.M. (PIANO & ACCORDION) — THIS ROLE IS CAST | The quirky, piano-playing maestro who is slightly awkward but a musical genius. He enjoys experimenting with unique percussion and is prone to daydreams about icons like Dolly Parton.

EDDIE (BASS) — male, any ethnicity, 20’s-40’s | The bass player with a deep appreciation for the finer things in life, such as cold beer, fishing, and simple living.

PRUDIE CUPP (PERCUSSION*) — female, any ethnicity, 20’s-40’s | One-half of the sister duo running the Double Cupp Diner. She is a friendly, home-cooking waitress who enjoys the company of the neighboring gas station boys.

RHETTA CUPP (PERCUSSION*)— female, any ethnicity, 20’s-40’s | Prudie's older and slightly more commanding sister. She is a fiercely proud, big-hearted waitress known for her powerhouse vocals and culinary pride.
THERE IS NO ENSEMBLE IN THIS SHOW

*Prudie & Rhetta add auxiliary percussion on found items and tambourines—they are the only members of the cast who do not have to be professional-level musicians.

There can be no conflicts during tech or performances. If you are involved in another show that overlaps with any part of this process, please email us the conflicts at info@blackfriars.org prior to signing up for auditions. Questions? Please email us at info@blackfriars.org. INITIAL AUDITIONS & CALLBACKS will take place at Blackfriars Theatre, 795 E Main St, Rochester 14605.

VIDEO AUDITIONS

If you cannot make initial auditions and wish to submit a video audition, please submit to info@blackfriars.org with subject line, “Pump Boys video submission” no later than Friday, January 8th (2027) at 12:00 p.m., noon. Please provide video of yourself singing TWO 32-bar musical theatre selections that show range and strong acting choices (please sing in the style of the show—uptempo rock/country/blues choices suggested). Please also provide a video displaying your instrumental proficiency on one of the instruments listed above. If you're not available for callbacks, we may request additional material to record and send in by 8:00 p.m. on January 11th.