Character Breakdown

FANNY BRICE (18-30, Female presenting. Jewish.) The star of the Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway with a wonderful sense of humor. Former ‘ugly duckling’. From New York’s lower east side, quirky, fearless, comedic finesse. Strong singer, dancer, and actress. A true triple threat.

Voice range: Mezzo- Soprano. Dance: Strong dancer

NICK ARNSTEIN (24-45, Male presenting.) Good-looking but unsuccessful gambler. The love of Fanny’s life. Suave, sophisticated, and incredibly charming.

Voice range: Baritone. Dance: Mover

EDDIE RYAN (20-40, Male presenting.) A song and dance man and Fanny’s closest friend who secretly loves her. Good comic timing, bright, energetic, sincere

Voice range: Baritone. Dance: Strong dancer, tap dance

MRS. BRICE (50+, Female presenting.) Fanny’s sharp-tongued but sympathetic mother. Tough Brooklyn/Jewish mother, dry humor.

Voice range: Mezzo-Soprano. Dance: Mover

EMMA (18-40, Female presenting.) Fanny’s dresser and confidante, the voice of reason, meek yet strong

Voice: will sing in ensemble, no specific range required Dance: will dance in ensemble, dancer

MRS. STRAKOSH (40+, Female presenting.) Pessimistic Jewish mother. Mrs. Brice’s poker playing friend and neighbor. Strong, shrill, yet funny

Voice range: Mezzo-Soprano. Dance: Mover

FLORENZ ZIGFIELD (35+, Male presenting.) The famed Broadway producer. Elegant and distinguished, imposing, resonant. The producer of the Ziegfeld follies.

This is a non-singing, non–dancing role.

MRS. MEEKER (40+, Female presenting.) Another of Mrs. Brice’s cohorts, a comedienne. Adds to the shenanigans of Mrs. Brice’s quartet.

Voice range: Mezzo-Soprano. Dance: Mover

MRS. O’MALLEY (40+, Female presenting.) The fourth in Mrs. Brice’s quartet of friends. Irish accent

Voice range: Mezzo-Soprano. Dance: Mover

MR. RENALDI (30+, Male presenting.) Theatrical agent that has a bite to him. Voice range: Spoken Dance: N/A

MRS. NADLER (30+, Female presenting.) Mrs. Brice’s neighbor. Always sticks her nose in other’s business.

Voice range: Mezzo- Soprano Dance: Mover

TOM KEENEY (30+, Male presenting.) A tough Vaudeville producer who gives Fanny her first break.

This is a non-singing, non-dancing role.

FEATURED DANCERS (16+) There are several musical numbers that require strong dancers. These dancers would also sing in the ensemble and be part of the full group numbers.

Voice: Soprano, Mezzo- Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, or Bass

Dance: very strong dancers; tap experience is a bonus

ENSEMBLE (variety of ages and genders) Ensemble roles included both Keeney and Ziegfeld choristers, plus Henry Street people and various other smaller roles within the show. The ensemble is involved in many aspects of the show and are part of many large musical numbers. 

Voice: Soprano, Mezzo- Soprano, Tenor, Baritone, or Bass

Dance: strong dancers; tap experience is a bonus

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Audition Requirements:

• In-person auditions for Funny Girl will take place in ten minute timeslots.

• Any auditioners wanting to be considered for a lead or speaking role will be provided with scenes to read at their audition.  

• Video Auditions:

  • If you cannot attend auditions, you may submit a video audition to chailifeyyc@gmail.com

  • Please save the video to YouTube, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc and send a link. Video submissions are due by 8:00pm on Thursday, August 13th.

  • Video auditioners are asked to sign up for a video audition on the Sign Up Genius, so we can email you any audition materials.

• Audition Form:

  • Auditioners are asked to complete an online audition form, with an acting resume and headshot.

  • If you select Lead role, you will be sent sections of the script to prepare for your audition.

  • If you do not have a resume or headshot, that is ok.  Complete the form as best you can.

  • Please ensure you click the link on the website to complete the form.

• Song Requirements:

  • Please prepare two contrasting songs, approximately 1 minute each, from "Golden Age" musicals.

  • No matter what you choose to sing, bring your best character performance to your audition song!

  • Please do not sing a song from Funny Girl.

  • Bring your music on your phone, or email in advance to chailifeyyc@gmail.com.

  • ​There will be no accompanist. Acapella auditioners will not be accepted.

• Selected auditioners will be requested to attend an in-person callback on Sunday, August 16th, to sing, dance, and read with other performers.

Chai Life Productions encourages individuals of all ethnicities, genders and experiences to audition!

Questions?
Email us at chailifeyyc@gmail.com