PENN STATE THESPIANS’ SPAMALOT
FROM THE DIRECTOR:
Get ready for the adventure that is SPAMALOT! Along the journey we'll endure outrageous humor,
comedic dances, and good old fashioned fun. Regarding the doubling/gender of roles: we are not
planning to double all the roles as labeled in the script. There will be a troupe of actors dedicated to
roles that do not sing nor dance. To provide more opportunities for women, most roles are dependent
on talent rather than biological assignment. The size of the singing and dancing ensemble will be
determined after auditions.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
LEAD ROLES
King Arthur (Late 30s - 60s): The King of England who sets out on a quest to form the Knights of the
Roundtable and find the Holy Grail. Great Humor. Good singer. Strong male with immaculate stage
presence. Baritone
Sir Robin (30s - 40s): A Knight of the Roundtable. Ironically called 'Sir Robin the Brave', though he
couldn't be more cowardly. Joins the Knights for the singing and dancing. Comedic actor who can convey
flat humor as well. Baritone.
Sir Lancelot d/b/a LANCE (30s - 40s): A Knight of the Roundtable. He is fearless to a bloody fault but
through a twist of fate, does discover his 'softer side'. Baritone. Instinctive male with a versatile skill set.
Patsy (30s - 40s): King Arthur's horse and servant. Underappreciated but always longing for King Arthur's
approval. Good, funny, physical mover with some tap dancing. Male or Female
Sir Galahad (30s): A Knight of the Roundtable. Begins as Dennis, a lower class 'mud gatherer' who
becomes Knighted and transforms into the dashing Sir Galahad. Articulate male actor with a prideful
disposition. Tenor
Sir Bedevere (20s - 40s): A Knight of the Roundtable. An inept scholar. Baritone w/ no solo singing.
The Lady Of The Lake (20s - 30s): A Diva. Strong, beautiful, possesses mystical powers. The leading lady
of the show. Great singing voice is essential, as she must be able to sing effortlessly in many styles and
vocal registers. This female needs to understand their voice and know how to use it as a tool of comedy.
Must also possess strong vocal health.
The Minstrels (20s - 30s): A company of two males and two females who will lead the audience through
our journey. This company will act as storytellers and replace the roles of The Historian, The Mayor, The
Two Guards, and God. These performers must have excellent comedic timing and possess strong acting,
singing, and dancing abilities. This company will have ample stage time and must be responsible
performers.
SUPPORTING ROLES
Prince Herbert (21-35): The hopeful and frilly prince who loves to sing and pines for his love atop a
tower. Will double as Sir Not Appearing & Sir Bors. Tenor.
Acting Troupe Performer 1: Plays The French Taunter, an arrogant, condescending, over-the-top
Frenchman. Will triple as Tim the Enchanter, a ghostly being with a Scottish accent and Concorde, Sir
Lancelot's horse. This actor MUST be great with character voices and accents.
Acting Troupe Performer 2: Will play Prince Herbert's Father, a wealthy, brutish Yorkshireman man at
odds with his sensitive son. Also will play The Black Knight who is always ready to duel despite multiple
injuries.
Acting Troupe Performer 3: Will play Dennis Galahad's Mother, a shrill peasant woman. Will double as
a French Guard
Acting Troupe Performer 4: Plays Brother Maynard, a long-winded monk and a French Guard.
Ensemble Members will sing and dance in large numbers. Featured Ensemble Members will have the
opportunity to perform as Not Dead Fred, The Grail Guide, The Dancing Monk, The Dancing Nun, A Male
Dancer, The Knight of Ni and possibly more.
AUDITION INFORMATION:
This is an open call. There is no appointment necessary. It is encouraged that those auditioning fill out
the electronic audition form prior to arrival.
Dress comfortably. You will be asked to wear a self-adhesive number badge, which should not be
applied to leather, suede, velvet, corduroy, vinyl, plastic, or silk.
Please prepare a 30 to 60 second song selection. Singing will be done a capella but starting pitches will
be available if needed. Pick something that showcases your vocal strengths. If you are unsure on what
to sing or would like feedback feel free to attend our Vocal Workshop.
Monologues should be comedic and last anywhere between 45 seconds to 2 minutes. Following that, it
is possible that cold readings may take place.
FAQ:
Q: Do I have to be off-book for auditions
A: You may choose to prepare for auditions how you like, we'll be judging off you based on your
talent.
Q: Do I have to audition in an accent?
A: Surprise me! In the spirit of Monty Python, we will disregard how good or bad your English upper
or working class accent is. In fact the worse, or more caricaturish it is, the funnier. So HAKUNA
MATATA.
Q: Am I allowed to audition with something from the show?
A: My philosophy is "If you want something then go after it! Do what your heart tells you!" We'll be
looking at the quality of whatever you choose to perform.
Q: Do I have to dance?
A: You'll only be required to dance if you are called back but anyone is welcome to the dance
workshop!