News Release

BRISTOL — Elkhart Civic Theatre will hold auditions for its production of Fiddler on the Roof at 6:30pm on Wednesday, May 15th and Thursday, May 16th at Saint Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 411 W Vistula St., Bristol.

Performances will be held July 26th and 27th and August 2nd, 3rd and 4th at the Bristol Opera House.

Auditions will consist of vocals and choreography followed by a round of callbacks that will include cold readings from the script as well as some additional vocals. Auditioners do not need to prepare anything. All materials will be taught at auditions. Please bring a list of all potential conflicts from May 20th to August 4th.

Fiddler on the Roof is directed by Brock Butler, assisted by Dolly Stephenson with vocal direction by Liesl Bell and choreography by Matthew Manley.

About the show: Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill in them traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof’s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality, and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy, and sadness.

Character Descriptions: (Ages listed are merely a guide. All casting decisions are at the discretion of the directing team. Please also note that while Fiddler on the Roof is set in early 20th century Russia, we are seeking a diverse company of actors that reflects the world we live in today.)

• Tevye: The likeable, hard-working, pious dairyman who always tries to see the positive side of life. He is a proud patriarch and father of five daughters, closely raised according to the old scriptures. 40-50s; Bass-Baritone
• Golde: Tevye’s strong-willed wife who wishes for her daughters to have good husbands and live easier than she and Tevye. 40-50s; Mezzo-Soprano
• Tzeitel: Tevye’s eldest daughter, who is madly in love with Motel. She is loyal to her family but typically challenges the town’s traditions. 18-25; Mezzo-Soprano
• Hodel: Tevye’s second eldest daughter, who becomes involved with Perchik. She eventually leaves Anatevka to join Perchik in Siberia. 18-25; Mezzo-Soprano
• Chava: Tevye’s middle daughter who loves to read. Falls in love and runs off with Fyedka, a Russian soldier. 16-20; Mezzo-Soprano
• Shprintze: Tevye’s fourth eldest daughter who takes lessons at home from Perchik. 9-13; Alto
• Bielke: Tevye’s youngest daughter. Takes lessons at home from Perchik. 8-12; Alto
• Yente: The meddling matchmaker. She is a widow and village busybody who knows all the town gossip. 50-60s; Alto
• Motel: The poor and meek tailor who shares a deep love with Tzeitel. Sensitive and nervous, but sincere and friendly. 18-25; Tenor
• Perchik: The outspoken student and visitor to Anatevka, who constantly challenges the traditions of the town. He eventually falls in love with Hodel. 20-30; Tenor
• Fyedka: A strong, young Russian soldier who sees past his military obligations and falls in love with Chava. He challenges Tevye’s imposed silence. Non-singing role but may have a solo in L’chaim. 18-25
• Lazar Wolf: The feisty, brawny butcher and the town’s wealthiest citizen who wishes to marry Tzeitel. 40-50s; Baritone
• Villagers: This group is vital to creating the feeling of community in Anatevka. Several featured roles will be cast from this ensemble including The Rabbi, his son Mendel, Nachum the beggar, the Constable, Avram the bookseller, Mordcha the innkeeper, Grandma Tzeitel, Frumah-Sarah and more.
• For the ensemble we are seeking 15-20 actors ages 8-80.

Elkhart Civic Theatre auditions are open to all and no fees are charged for participation in any ECT production.