The Laboratory Theater of Florida’s award-winning education department offers a variety of classes, workshops, seminars, and camps to allow local actors to optimize their talents with a solid base of skills. This is just one of the reasons The Laboratory Theater of Florida is known as Thinking Theater ®
The Laboratory Theater of Florida: Education is the proud home of The Louise Wigglesworth Excellence in Playwriting Award, an award created to honor one of the co-founders of the Lab – the award-winning playwright Louise Wigglesworth, and Scripts Uncensored, a program dedicated to read and discussed banned scripts.
January 26th
Jesus Christ Superstar
Lyrics by Tim Rice, Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
On Sunday, February 23, from 6 pm – 9 pm, the Scripts Uncensored banned scripts reading group will meet for a group reading of the iconic rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar, moderated by Lab co-founder Annette Trossbach. . A discussion of the play, and why some wish for it to be removed from access follows the reading.
THE STORY:
From its electrifying score to its revolutionary storytelling, “Jesus Christ Superstar” continues to captivate audiences around the globe with its powerful message and unforgettable music. Set against the backdrop of Jesus Christ’s final days, this groundbreaking musical takes audiences on a riveting journey through faith, betrayal, and redemption. With its dynamic blend of rock, gospel, and contemporary music, “Jesus Christ Superstar” transcends the boundaries of traditional theater, creating an immersive experience that speaks to audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
“It is at the same time a nostalgic experience reflecting its late ’60s rock aura as well as a timeless and stirring study on power, politics and the frailties of humanity.” – Edmonton Journal
Characters:
Jesus Christ – Male – 20-35 – Baritenor (A2–G5) – Title role, leader of the twelve disciples, called the “Son of God” and the “King of the Jews.” Jesus has a difficult time accepting his fate without answers on why he must die. This role requires an actor who can show leadership, confusion, strength, vulnerability, and optimism, often at the same time.
Judas Iscariot – Male – 20-40 – Tenor (D3–D5) – One of the twelve apostles of Jesus, concerned for the poor and the consequences of Jesus’ fame. Judas believes in Jesus’ teaching but has started to grow weary of those in power coming after him and his followers. The role requires an actor who can show frustration, yearning, weakness, dismay, and pessimism, often at the same time.
Mary Magdalene – Female – 20-35 – Mezzo-Soprano (F3–E♭5) – A female follower of Jesus who finds herself falling in love with him. The role requires an actress who can show grace, stability, weakness, and compassion.
Pontius Pilate – Male – 30-50 – Tenor (A2–B4) – Governor of Judea who foresees the events of Jesus’s crucifixion from beginning to aftermath in a dream and finds himself being presented with that very situation. The role requires an actor who can show authority, rage, fragility, and fear.
Caiaphas – Male – 30-50 – Bass (C♯2–F4) – One of the main antagonists of the show. High priest who sees Jesus as a threat to the nation. He is a man in power who fears losing that power to Jesus. This role requires an actor who can show anger, power, and angst.
Annas – Male or Female – 20-40 – Countertenor (G2–D5) – One of the main antagonists of the show. Fellow priest at the side of Caiaphas who is persuaded by Caiaphas into seeing Jesus as a threat. Annas can seem more conniving than Caiaphas. This role requires an actor/actress who can show disgust, displeasure, and loathing.
Peter Simon – Male – 20-40 – Baritone (A2–G4) – One of Jesus’s twelve apostles; denies Jesus three times upon the night of Jesus’ arrest to save himself. Peter has an obsession with impatience. This role requires an actor who can show tenacity, worry, impatience, and regret.
Simon Zealotes – Male – 20-30 – Tenor (G3–B4) – One of Jesus’ twelve apostles; urges Jesus to lead his followers into battle against the Romans. Simon is under the belief that violence can solve all their problems. This role requires an actor who can show energy, youthfulness, and animosity.
King Herod – Male – Any Age- Baritone (C♯3–G4) – The King of Galilee; Jesus is brought to him for judgment after first being taken to Pilate. Herod is a comedic role. He starts very nonchalantly, and as his song progresses, he becomes more irritated when he doesn’t get his way.
Apostles – Male and Female – All ages – All Ranges – The Apostles will look as if from every walk of life. We will be casting both men and women as Apostles.
Ensemble – Male and Female – All Ages – All Ranges – The ensemble will play such roles as Prostitutes (both male and female), Buyers and Sellers in the temple, Lepers/Untouchables, Priests, Mob, Soul Sisters and Herod’s Harem.
This is a free event, but please register in advance!
by Annette Trossbach, Producing Artistic Director, The Laboratory Theater of Florida, using survey results from 100 SWFL theater artists involved in any theatrical production in southwest Florida (including high school, community, college, and professional theatrical productions) over the last ten years.
“I have had a Director stick his tongue down my throat. I have overheard a Director complaining about my personal boundaries to a cast member he is close with. I have seen text messages that my friends have gotten from a Director who wanted to get with them. And this was in a private high school. I know about intimacy choreographers. I’ve heard about them but I have never had the pleasure of working with one. I think it’s sorely needed in Fort Myers. PS. My experience in High school theatre arts has left me not sure if I even want to do theatre anymore.”
(One of the written responses to the survey)
Download the full report here.
