BARE: A Pop Opera
BARE is a powerful, contemporary rock musical that follows a group of high school seniors at a Catholic boarding school in the 1990’s as they navigate the complex terrain of self-discovery, love, and identity. At the heart of the story are Jason and Peter, two students who grapple with their forbidden love while contending with the oppressive expectations of their religious school, their peers, and their families. As they search for acceptance, the students wrestle with their beliefs, their desires, and the weight of societal pressures, all while confronting their personal fears and hopes for the future.
BARE is an exploration of sexuality, mental health, and the longing for connection, set against a backdrop of soaring melodies and emotional ballads. The musical’s score, with its mix of pop, rock, and heartfelt anthems, speaks directly to the hearts of today’s audience—offering a blend of emotional depth and unforgettable music that resonates with anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in.
Actors must be 18+ to audition.
Book by JON HARTMERE and DAMON INTRABARTOLO
Music by DAMON INTRABARTOLO
Lyrics by JON HARTMERE
Characters
Pay for actors is between $1,000-$2,500 stipend
Actors can apply for gas stipend if out of town, separate from stipend.
JASON: (He/him - 18) handsome golden child of St. Cecilia’s senior class
PETER: (He/him - 18) Introspective, Jason’s clandestine boyfriend
IVY: (She/her - 18) The popular girl, secretly insecure
NADIA: (She/her - 18) Jason’s sardonic twin sister - Plus Size Performer
MATT: (He/him - 18) studious, pious, Jason’s academic rival
LUCAS: (He/him - 18) The school’s fun-loving purveyor of altered reality
TANYA: (She/her - 18) Lucas’s girlfriend, the chill and fun party girl
KYRA: (She/her - 18) student, flirtatious
DIANE: (She/her - 18) student, very naive
RORY: (He/him - 18) student, sarcastic
ZACK: (He/him - 18) student, jock type
ALAN: (He/him - 18) student, nerdy
CLAIRE: (She/her - Late 30's - Early 50's) Peter’s mother
SR. CHANTELLE: (She/her - Late 20's+) Nun, wise, no-nonsense - African American Performer
PRIEST: (He/him 30's+) St. Cecilia’s headmaster
Pronouns of actors are different than pronouns of characters and actors do not have to audition for a character of their chosen pronouns. Actors can choose who to audition for what pronouns they are comfortable playing.
Only African American Performers will be considered by SR. CHANTELLE.
Only Performers who are interested in the role of NADIA who is a Plus Size individual will be considered for the role.
CONTENT WARNING:
Harsh language along with one homophobic slur. Intimacy Coordinator will be present.
Intimacy between Jason and Peter (Kissing) and Jason and Ivy (Kissing). Intimacy Coordinator will be present.
If you have any questions about this please email lexbolsinger@effinartist.com.
Audition Information
Auditions will take place May 24th in Salem, Oregon. Audition form/sign-ups will go up April 24th. Auditions will be time slotted May 24th, video auditions will also be accepted up until May 23rd. We won't start accepting videos until April 24th.
We do ask that people are available during Callbacks which will take place in-person May 26th. If you are unavailable for in- person callbacks there is an alternate video option that you can select in audition form.
We ask for auditions you bring 2 songs that are at least 16-32 bars per song similar to BARE: A Pop Opera. If you would like to sing a song from the show. You are also more than welcome to do so. We just ask you pick something that showcases your singing and acting range.
Callbacks will have both singing and dance callbacks, everyone in callbacks will do both of them. We will then cut a few folks to do chemistry reads. THOSE WHO ARE CUT FROM CALLBACKS ARE STILL CONSIDERED! However if you are not invited to callbacks via email, you will receive an email thanking you for your time. Regardless you will receive an email the morning or early afternoon of May 25th.
CASTING, everyone in Callbacks will receive an email by May 28th of our decision and either receive an offer or thank you for your time.
Rehearsal/Performance Schedule
Rehearsals will start July 6th in Salem, Oregon. Rehearsals are Sundays-Wednesday from 6:30pm-9:30pm.
Performances are September 3rd-5th, 10th-12th, 17th-19th starting at 7:30pm with Matinees at 2pm on the 5th, 12th, and 19th. We ask that all actors and crew have no conflicts August 30th onwards.