How to Dance in Ohio

AUDITIONS FOR:

HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO

Beck Center in Lakewood, OH is excited to announce auditions for the regional premiere production of “How To Dance In Ohio” (Music by Jacob Yandura and Book and Lyrics by Rebekah Greer Melocik).

Beck Center’s production of “How To Dance In Ohio” is one of the very first since the musical had its Broadway run in 2023/2024, and is based on the 2015 documentary of the same name. Variety.com stated “It’s a big-hearted, earnest musical…..(with) characters who find safety in routines, rules and control but also recognize the need to break free.”

This is an extraordinary musical for our time….sweet, informative and immersive. It reminds us that we all coexist, and that empathy and understanding provide the roadmaps for us all. Beck Center is extremely proud to shepherd this production and share it with NE Ohio audiences for our holiday season. It’s perhaps not your typical holiday fare---but perhaps it should be.

“How To Dance In Ohio” features a cast of 14….7 of whom are characters on the Autism spectrum. For these seven roles (character age ranges 16 thru 24) Beck is seeking performers who identify as being on the Autism spectrum. Of the 7 remaining roles, one is younger (age 22), and the rest are performers in the age range of 35 to 55 or so. There will be Two (2) Equity contracts available for this production. All non-equity actors 18 and over receive a stipend for their participation. One Male and one Female Swing/Understudy will also be cast…and will not necessarily need to identify as being on the spectrum.

“How To Dance In Ohio” performs on the Senney Main Stage beginning December 4th. The production closes on January 3rd, 2027. There is a full 6 day break in performances surrounding the Christmas holidays. Performances are generally Thursdays through Sundays.

Rehearsals for the production will begin on or around October 24th.

Open Call Auditions dates will be Sunday, September 20th and Monday, September 21st and will be available by appointment. To make your appointment, please call Beck Center Patron Services at 216-521-2540 during regular business hours. Performers will be given a specific timeslot, and are asked to prepare one (1) musical theatre selection not to exceed 2 minutes. Time will also be allotted for the production staff to get to know the auditioner. Please bring sheet music in your key. An accompanist will be provided. While a capella auditions are not encouraged, they will be permitted for these auditions if you need to sing unaccompanied.

Callbacks will occur Oct. 3rd/4th. Performers chosen to attend callbacks will be alerted via email following the Open Call audition process.

Roles for “How To Dance In Ohio”---

DREW—18, he/him, Autistic, a bit formal, craves structure, is looking for deeper connections in life---possibly romantic, on track to go to his dream college. Mid-Range Tenor.

MARIDETH—18, she/her, Autistic, raised by a single dad, loves facts, hates shoelaces, doesn’t like to be touched, is anxious in new social settings. Alto with a strong mix.

CAROLINE—19, she/her, Autistic, perky and positive, goes to community college, is best friends with Jessica, is obsessed with her boyfriend. Soprano with a strong mix.

JESSICA—20 she/her, Autistic, wants to live on her own someday, loves fantasy but is surprisingly practical, has a flair for drama. Full-voiced mezzo-soprano.

MEL—24, she/he/they, Autistic, the oldest member of the group, a natural leader, a “seeker” into self-help and mindfulness, works at a pet shop. Alto/tenor.

REMY—16, he/she/they, Autistic, loves cos-play, wants a career in the arts, makes how-to costume and makeup tutorial videos online. Tenor/alto.

TOMMY—22, he/him, Autistic, funny, self-conscious, earnest, wants to get his driver’s license to have more independence. Mid-to-high baritone.

DR. EMILIO AMIGO—40s/50s, he/him Cuban-American, founder of Amigo Family Counseling, charismatic, empathetic, a clinical psychologist recovering from a divorce. High baritone.

ASHLEY AMIGO—22, she/her, Cuban-American, Amigo’s daughter, driven but at a crossroads, empathetic, a dancer recovering from an injury. Mezzo with a strong mix.

JOHANNA (And Others)—40s/50s, she/her, Caroline’s mother, perky and positive, keeps a watchful eye over her daughter, artsy mom vibes. Powerful mezzo-soprano.

TERRY (and Others)—40s/50s, she/her, Jessica’s mother, patient, gives her daughter lots of space, has a flair for drama, cool mom vibes. Powerful mezzo-soprano.

MICHAEL (and others)—40s/50s, he/him, Marideth’s father, blue-collar, doing his best as a single dad, is anxious in new social settings. Mid-to-high tenor.

AMY (and Others)—40s/50’s, she/her, Drew’s mother, refined, a housewife with a master’s degree, adept at managing her husband and son’s needs. Soprano.

KURT (and Others)—40s/50s, he/him, Drew’s father, white collar, conservative, has high expectations for Drew. Mid-to-high baritone.

Please feel free to address any questions to Artistic Director (and director of this production) Scott Spence by emailing him at either scotts@beckcenter.org or scottdavidspence@gmail.com. Otherwise please call 216-521-2540 to make your appointment for your Sept. 20th or 21st audition slot.

Additional staff for this production include Sarah Nelson (Musical Director), Caitlin Reilly Miller (Choreographer) and Libby White (Production Stage Manager).