Do you have what it takes to star in a new version of West Side Story? If so, and if you’re able to get to New York City on April 29, 2018, then you might want to lineup to try out for the new feature film based on the classic Broadway musical.
Steven Spielberg and 20th Century Fox are holding an open casting call on Sunday, April 29th for the upcoming feature film which Spielberg is directing. Pulitzer Prize winner and Oscar nominee Tony Kushner wrote the adaptation of the award-winning 1957 musical. Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim wrote the original West Side Story, and Leonard Bernstein wrote the music.
According to the official casting call announcement, Spielberg’s looking to cast the lead roles of Maria, Anita, Bernardo, Tony and Riff. “Maria and Anita are Latina, Bernardo is Latino, and Tony and Riff are Caucasian. Those auditioning should be between 15 and 25 years old. They must be able to sing, and a strong dance background is required.”
The casting call will be open from 9am to 12pm at the Julia De Burgos Performance and Arts Center (1680 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10029). Sign-in opens at 9am.
Per the press release:
- Please prepare a short cut (16 bars) of a classic musical theatre song and bring sheet music. An accompanist will be provided.
- Please also bring a recent photo and resume with contact information stapled back-to-back to leave behind.
- If you cannot attend this open call, please email a video of yourself singing with your headshot, resume and contact information to [email protected].
Fox and Steven Spielberg will also be holding a West Side Story casting call in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, May 5, 2018.
The 1961 film adaptation of West Side Story starred Natalie Wood as Maria, Richard Beymer as Tony, Russ Tamblyn as Riff, Rita Moreno as Anita, and George Chakiris as Bernardo. The musical earned 11 Oscar nominations, winning 10 including Best Picture, Best Director (shared by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins), Best Supporting Actress (Rita Moreno), Best Supporting Actor (George Chakiris), and Best Music.
