FIDDLER ON THE ROOF 2023 | AUDITION INFORMATION PACK 2023

About MLOC
MLOC was first established as the Mordialloc Philharmonic Society in 1945, operating as a choral society
until the 1970s when as the Mordialloc Musical Society, the group began staging full musical comedy
productions. We are a not-for-profit community theatre company based in Melbourne, performing
musical theatre productions twice-yearly. Our focus is on quality and fun. We pride ourselves on
providing members of the community with the opportunity to join a team of creative, enthusiastic
people to produce high quality musical theatre entertainment.

MLOC produces shows that give a lot of people the opportunity to get involved. Our Shows are fun to be
involved in, we create supportive surroundings for both new, experienced theatre and non-theatre. It is
a place for people to express their creativity and develop all aspects of their artistry.

MLOC Productions operates on the lands of the Boon Wurrung People. We acknowledge their culture is a living one, which relates to their
ongoing connection to all things living and non-living on land, sea and sky. We pay our respect to their elders past, present and emerging.
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MLOC locations for Fiddler on the Roof
Our auditions and first rehearsal will be held at ‘The Studio’ at
The Alex Theatre St Kilda →

← Our performances will be at The Alex Theatre, St Kilda

Most rehearsals in 2023 will be at Parkdale Church Hall or Uniting Church Hall Heatherton.

MLOC presents Fiddler on the Roof

Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof is
the brainchild of Broadway legends, Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince;
songwriters, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick; and bookwriter, Joseph Stein.
Touching audiences worldwide with its humour, warmth and honesty, this
universal show is a staple of the musical theatre canon.

Set in the little village of Anatevka

(which is a real town, just out of
Kyiv), the story centres 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
them with traditional values in the face of changing social
mores and the growing anti-Semitism of The Czarist Russia
Empire. 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.

Production Team
Directors: Adrian Glaubert and Sarah Cossey Glaubert
Musical Director: Kent Ross
Vocal Director: Adrian Glaubert
Choreography: Bridie Clarke and Sarah Cossey Glaubert
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A note from the directors
The current geopolitical situation in Ukraine following Russia’s unwarranted invasion has seen the
sudden migration of thousands of Ukrainians, who like the Jews of Anatevka in this story, were forced to
flee, or stay and fight for their homeland and their basic human right to live freely. It is because of this
that Fiddler on the Roof is more relevant than ever, and we are sincerely privileged to bring this sadly
universal story of displacement to The Alex Theatre in 2023 with MLOC.

It is with great pleasure that we have partnered with Australia’s premier academy for Ukrainian Cossack
dancing and folk ballet - The Lehenda School - for this production. Selected senior students will feature
in dance numbers in this show, potentially including young refugees from current day war torn Ukraine
who now dance with Lehenda. The Lehenda School and its company, Lehenda Ukrainian Dance
Company, exists to ensure that Ukraine's rich and ancient theatrical culture continues to thrive and exist
in Australia.

Regarding casting, we aim to double cast ALL MAJOR LEAD ROLES (where possible) in this show for a
number of reasons.

First and foremost, the last couple of years have shown us how we need to protect ourselves and our art
from heartbreaking show cancellations due to illness, so by having two strong casts we will ensure that
no matter what, the show will go on!

Secondly, we want to give as many people the opportunity to perform. We have a large number of shows
and the theatre seats approximately 450 people per show. It is important that our leads are not fatigued
and that our audience wants to come back to see the show again!

What we expect of our cast

The show fee of $170 is payable by all members of the cast. The fees will cover your rehearsal material,
show insurance, and membership to MLOC.

Cast specific show merchandise will be available for purchase during the rehearsal period. Show fees
need to be paid before or at the first rehearsal.

Cast members are expected to attend every rehearsal unless they are told specifically they are not
required. The general rehearsal schedule is included in this audition pack. Please read it carefully. You
must let us know if you are involved in any activity that may prevent you from attending any of the
scheduled rehearsals.

If in our opinion you are absent from too many rehearsals you may be disadvantaging other members of
the cast, and yourself. If you need to miss a rehearsal because you are sick or for some other unexpected
reason you must let the show manager and director know by sms or phone call. You may be excluded
from the show if we believe that you are not attending adequate rehearsals.

MLOC and its partners will be promoting the show extensively on traditional media, outdoor advertising
and social media. But we need our cast to help us sell tickets. You will be given flyers, posters and digital
links (including socials!) which you will be asked to distribute within your community to promote the
show.
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Auditions

We are looking for people who will bond together and support each other to create an amazing show but
also to create a great community and lifetime memories for you and the audience.
We conduct closed, individual singing and acting auditions. They will be recorded for casting purposes only,
and destroyed once casting is complete.

To audition for Fiddler on the Roof you must:

1. Sign up for an audition via this Trybooking link

2. Complete an Audition Form, either via THIS LINK or in person at your audition
3. Submit a Performance CV via the above link, email it to fiddler@mloc.org.au, or bring printed copies
to your audition

If you have any difficulties with your audition booking please email fiddler@mloc.org.au

Auditions will be held in ‘The Studio’ at The Alex Theatre, St Kilda - there will be signage specific to
auditions, and someone from MLOC will greet you when you arrive.

Once you have booked your audition, you will receive email confirmation from Trybooking advising you of
the exact time, date and location of your audition. If you do not receive this, please email us.

Audition Dates:
● Tuesday the 8th November: 7pm to 10pm
● Thursday the 10th November: 7pm to 10pm
● Sunday the 13th November: 2pm to 10pm
● Tuesday the 15th November: 7pm to 10pm
● Thursday the 17th November: 7pm to 10pm

If you are successful in your individual audition, you will be required to attend one of the dance/movement
calls on Sunday the 20th November, at either 2 or 3pm.

Call backs for named roles only:

● Sunday 20th November (after dance/movement calls): 5.00pm to 10:00pm (we will provide you
your specific call time if successful for a call back)

We may have limited movement auditions and callbacks. Please note that not everyone will be called back.
Being called back (or not being called back for that matter) is not an indication that you are being offered a
specific role.

Vocal Audition Guidelines:

● Please prepare two contrasting songs; an up tempo song and a ballad, to be sung in the style of the
show but please do not sing a song from the show.
● We will ask you to perform 32 bars from your preferred song first. You may (or may not) be asked to
perform your selected songs in their entirety
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● Prepare sheet music in the correct key for the audition pianist and please clearly mark the 32 bars
of each song that you plan to perform.
● Ensure that the sheet music is readable for the audition pianist.
● Provided that you arrive early you will be given the opportunity to talk through your songs with the
audition pianist before your audition.
● You may bring your own piano accompanist if you prefer
● Do not bring backing tracks and please do not ask the audition pianist to transpose your music for
you.

Acting Auditions
You will be asked to read dialogue for the character(s) you are auditioning for. The audition panel may ask
you to read for a variety of characters. Audition dialogue is at the end of this document.

Dance/Movement Auditions
All cast members will be required to perform basic movement in the production, and a simple movement
audition will be scheduled for required auditionees following a vocal and reading audition. If you are called
for a movement audition, please wear comfortable clothing and suitable shoes (sneakers are fine).

We are partnering with The Lehenda School for this production as they are an authentic Ukrainian Cossack
dancing academy. However, if you wish to perform as a feature dancer this may be possible however you
will also be expected to sing in the chorus. Experience in acrobatics, Cossack dancing or similar (such as
Character) would be an advantage, however we are keen to utilise the unique skills of each performer.
Please wear appropriate clothing and soft soled dancing shoes (such as Jazz shoes).

Call Backs (if required)

You will be notified if you are needed for a call back. Not being called back does not necessarily mean you
didn’t get a role. If you are called back but don’t attend the call back, you will not be cast in the show.

During call backs you will be asked to perform a song and dialogue from the show. You will be grouped with
other potential cast to show chemistry. Interacting with your fellow auditionees is important.

Any new material required for callbacks will be emailed prior to callbacks.

Notes for auditionees

We want you to do well! Please prepare for your audition. We know that auditions are nerve wracking, but
try to be confident. The audition panel is there to support you, not to judge you.
If you are not cast it is not a reflection on your talent or skill. We are looking for people who work well
together and represent our vision for each character.

Cast Announcement
Phone calls are made by the production team the day after call backs. If we do not talk to you within 1 hour
of trying to contact you, we may offer your role to somebody else. Please make sure your phone is on,
charged and the ringer volume is loud enough for you to hear.
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Character Descriptions

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.
Gender: Male
Stage Age: 45 to 60
Vocal range top: F4
Vocal range bottom: Ab2

Golde*
Tevye's strong-willed wife who wishes for her daughters to have good husbands and live easier than she
and Tevye.
Gender: Female
Stage Age: 40 to 50
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: A3

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.
Gender: Female
Stage Age: 18 to 25
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Hodel*
Tevye's second eldest daughter, who becomes involved with Perchik. She eventually leaves Anatevka to join
Perchik in Siberia.
Gender: Female
Stage Age: 18 to 23
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Chava*
Tevye's middle daughter who loves to read. Falls in love and runs off with Fydeka, a Russian soldier.
Gender: Female
Stage Age: 15 to 20
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3
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Shprintze
Tevye's fouth eldest daughter who takes lessons at home from Perchik.
Gender: Female
Stage Age: 9 to 13
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Bielke
Tevye's youngest daughter. Takes lessons at home from Perchik.
Gender: Female
Stage Age: 8 to 12
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Yente*
The meddling matchmaker. She is a widow and village busybody who knows all of the town gossip.
Gender: Female
Stage Age: 50 to 60
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: F3

Motel*
The poor and meek tailor who shares a deep love with Tzeitel. Sensitive and nervous, but sincere and
friendly.
Gender: Male
Stage Age: 18 to 25
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: E3

Perchik*
The outspoken student and visitor to Anatevka, who constantly challenges the traditions of the town. He
eventually falls in love with Hodel.
Gender: Male
Stage Age: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: E4
Vocal range bottom: B2

Lazar Wolf*
The feisty, brawny butcher and the town's wealthiest citizen who wishes to marry Tzeitel.
Gender: Male
Stage Age: 40 to 50
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: C3
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Avram
Runs the local bookshop and keeps the town advised of all the news in the area.
Gender: Male
Stage Age: 40 to 60
Vocal range top: Eb4
Vocal range bottom: D3

Grandma Tzeitel*
Golde's deceased grandmother, who endorses the marriage between Tzeitel and Motel.
Gender: Female
Stage Age: 60 to 75
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: C#4

Fruma-Sarah*
Lazar's Wolf's deceased first wife. She becomes enraged when her husband plans to wed Tzeitel.
Gender: Female
Stage Age: 35 to 45
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Constable
Russian military official stationed near Anatevka who knows the villagers well, however he has superficial
relationships with the villagers.
Gender: Male
Stage Age: 35 to 45

Fyedka*
A strong, young Russian soldier who sees past his military obligations and falls in love with Chava. He
challenges Tevye's imposed silence.
Gender: Male
Stage Age: 20 to 25

*indicates roles that will be double cast, and performers will be expected to perform in the ensemble when
they are not performing a lead role
**indicates a role that will be double cast, but performing in the ensemble on their off-shows is not
expected
NON LEAD ROLES: Various positions for swing/ensemble/dancers

Rehearsal Requirements:
You may be required for all rehearsals.  If there are any dates during the rehearsal period you will be
unavailable you must advise us on your audition form. This includes any dates you may also be late to a
rehearsal (eg work commitments). A detailed rehearsal schedule will be given to you at the induction night.
Where possible costume fittings will be scheduled to coincide with rehearsal times but this may not always
be possible. Therefore, you may be required for additional costume fittings.
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Schedule
Thursday 15th December 2022, 7-10pm: The Alex Theatre, St Kilda

Cast induction and welcome (including head shots, promotional photos, costume measurements,
distribution of scripts & scores, read through of the show, general admin)

Tuesday February 7th 2023 and then each TUESDAY & THURSDAY from 7-10pm
Parkdale Church Hall
Full cast rehearsal (excluding The Lehenda School), unless otherwise advised
NB: We will break for the Easter/Passover School Holidays

Sunday rehearsals: February 5th and 19th, March 5th and 19th, April 30th and then each Sunday following

Production week (The Alex Theatre):

Sunday July 30: Bump In & Tech Rehearsal
Monday July 31: Dress Rehearsal 1
Tuesday August 1: Dress Rehearsal 2

Show season
Wednesday August 2 (Preview and Fundraising Performance): 7.30pm-10.30pm (5.30 call)

Thursday August 3: 7.30pm-10.30pm (5.30 call)

Friday August 4 SCHOOLS MATINEE: 11am-2pm *NOT CONFIRMED*

Saturday August 5: 7.30-10.30pm (5.30 call)

Sunday August 6: 1-4pm Matinee (11.30 call) & 7.30-10.30pm (5.30 call)

Wednesday August 9: 7.30pm-10.30pm (5.30 call)

Thursday August 10: 7.30pm-10.30pm (5.30 call)

Friday August 11 SCHOOLS MATINEE: 11am-2pm *NOT CONFIRMED*

Saturday August 12, 7.30-10.30pm (5.30 call)

Sunday August 13: 1-4pm Matinee (11.30 call ) & 7.30-10.30pm (EVENING SHOW PENDING DEMAND)

A DETAILED REHEARSAL SCHEDULE WILL BE POSTED ONCE THE SHOW IS CAST

BY AUDITIONING FOR THIS SHOW YOU CONFIRM YOUR AVAILABILITY FOR THE ENTIRE
DURATION OF SHOW WEEK AND AT LEAST 80% OF ALL REHEARSALS
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Audition Dialogue

TEVYE: Motel keeps talking about a sewing machine. I know you’re very busy, God – wars and revolutions,
floods, plagues – all those little things that bring people to You – couldn’t You take a second away from your
catastrophes and get it for him? Oh, and while you’re in the neighbourhood, my horse’s left leg ...Am I
bothering You too much? I’m sorry. As the good book says ... Why should I tell you what the good book
says?

PERCHEK: Horrible things are happening all over the land ... pogroms, violence; whole villages are being
emptied of their people. And it’s reaching everywhere, and it will reach here. I have work to do. The
greatest work a man can do. Before I go... there is a certain question I wish to discuss with you, A political
question. The question of marriage. And I personally am in favour of it. Do you understand?

MOTEL: Reb Tevye, may I speak to you? I would like to speak to you about your problem. I think I can help.
Reb Tevye, I hear you are arranging a match for Tzeitel. I have a match for Tzeitel. A perfect fit. Like a glove.
This match was made exactly to measure. (Tevye shouts at Motel). Please, don’t shout at me. Who is it, you
ask? It’s me – myself. As for being my own matchmaker, I know it’s a little unusual. Times are changing, Reb
Tevye.

FYEDKA: I’ve often noticed you at the booksellers. Not many girls in this village like to read...Would you like
to borrow thus book? Let me tell you about myself. I’m a pleasant fellow, charming, honest, ambitious,
quite bright and very modest. Go ahead, take the book. After you return it, I’ll ask you how you like it, and
we’ll talk about it for a while. Then we’ll talk about life, how we feel about things and it can all turn out
quite pleasant.

LAZAR WOLF: Tevye, this is very important to me. I’m lonesome. I’m talking about your daughter Tzeitel, I
see her in my butcher shop every Thursday. She’s made a good impression on me. I like her. And as for me,
Tevye, as you know, I’m pretty well off. I have my own house, a good store, a servant. Look Tevye, why do
we have to try to impress each other? Let’s shake hands and call it a match.

GOLDE: It’s almost Sabbath. When will Papa be home? All day long riding on top of his wagon like a prince.
Yes, I know he works hard, but his horse works harder! And you don’t have to defend your Papa to me, He
could drive a person crazy. Shprintza, go bring me some more potatoes. Chava, did you finish milking?
Tzeitel, stop complaining about the kind of men Yente finds. A poor girl without a dowry can’t be so
particular. You want hair, marry a monkey.

YENTE: Well, I must prepare my poor Sabbath table, so goodbye Golde, and it was a pleasure talking our
hearts out to each other. Oh! I’m losing my head. Of course, the news. It’s about Lazar Wolf, the butcher. A
good man, a fine man, And I don’t have to tell you that he’s well off. But he’s lonely, the poor man. To make
it short, out of the whole town, he’s cast his eye on your Tzeitel.

TZEITEL: A match?? The butcher? Lazar Wolf? I know you think it is a blessing, but, Papa, I don’t want to
marry him. I can’t marry him. I can’t! Papa, if it’s a matter of money, I’ll do anything. I’ll hire myself out as a
servant. I’ll dig ditches, I’ll haul rocks; only don’t make me marry him, Papa, please don’t force me. I’ll be
unhappy all my days... Oh, thank you Papa!
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HODEL: Papa...Perchek has been arrested and convicted, but he did nothing wrong. He is in a settlement in
Siberia. He did not ask me to go to him. I want to go. I don’t want him to be alone. I want to help him in his
work. It is the greatest work a man can do. Papa, I promise you, we will be married under a canopy.
Goodbye, Papa, God alone knows when we shall see each other again.

CHAVA: Papa, Fyedka and I have known each other for a long time and I ... Papa, don’t turn away. Look at
me Papa, He has a name... Fyedka is not a creature...Fyedka is a man. Papa, the world is changing, I know
you think some things will never change, but we don’t feel that way. Fyedka and I want to be
married...Papa, I won’t be silenced...Papa don’t walk away...(calling after him) Papa?

BIELKE & SHPRINTZE: Mama, where should I put these logs? Have you seen Chava? Is she’s in the barn
milking and when will Papa be home? It’s almost Sabbath. Look Mama, I can see Yente’s coming down the
road. Maybe...she’s finally found a good match for Tzeitel. Mama, can I go out and play after I hang up the
washing? Please, Please...