GENERAL INFORMATION
The Rocky Hock Playhouse is an “actor/singer theatre.” Casts are not always large which gives an ensemble feel to many productions. With regard to our musicals we employ individuals who play either leading, supporting, or chorus roles. Chorus members are offered a weekly stipend. Salaries are negotiated individually for professional actors cast in leading and supporting roles. Actors are sometimes extended contracts for multiple productions. We have had actors from 27 different states over the past 12 years and a number of them have returned many times to work at our theatre. Local actors are encouraged to audition. All actors are encouraged to notify the producers if they are interested in returning for future productions. Depending on their circumstances housing is sometimes available through the production company for actors who live out of the area. Auditions are open until all roles are filled and auditions are usually conducted privately unless otherwise announced. It is advisable to audition as early as possible so that you can be considered for the production(s) of your choice.
MISSION STATEMENT
Rocky Hock Playhouse and Emmerich Theatre Production Company Mission Statement:
The Emmerich Theatre Production Company, Inc., is an organization existing for the purpose of providing concerts, musicals, and dramatic productions at the Rocky Hock Playhouse in Washington, North Carolina. From time to time the company also produces musicals at other theatres and venues, and in a variety of churches of various denominations across the US, its territories, and around the world. The Playhouse is a ‘professional stock company theatre’ by definition. High moral standards are expected from all employees, interns, and volunteers. All musicals and plays performed under the control of the Emmerich Theatre Production Company, Inc., are moral and family oriented in nature. Our goal is to honor God through drama and music and to assure that each patron has an uncompromising and wholesome experience while attending professional quality ETPC productions.
AUDITIONING
MONOLOGUES
Please prepare two contrasting monologues from standard theatre literature, which are each no more than 2 minutes in length. Please do not use material you wrote yourself. No Shakespearian monologues please. And, monologues requiring southern accents should NOT be used. We generally produce biblical musicals. It is most valuable for us to see you perform monologues in which you use a general standard American accent.
SINGING
Sing 16 to 32 bars each of two contrasting songs (standard musical theatre only please). We are looking for a good solid technique, excellent range, good breath support, and to see if you can sing in tune. Everyone does not have to be a stellar soloist but we have to feel confident that you are trained and can sing well in chorus with others.
MOVEMENT
Include 90 seconds of choreography (stage movement) – any style. We do not expect our actors to all be amazing dancers for the most part (unless this is a specialty and you WANT to show off your ability in this area), but we do need to know that you can walk and chew gum at the same time! Be creative!
GENERAL NOTES
Actors who are unable to come to Edenton or Washington, NC to audition in person may audition by video (VHS, DVD, or Mini DV are all acceptable). When auditioning by video/DVD please do not sing a cappella if at all possible. Use either piano accompaniment or a sound track. (We love Amazing Grace but we beg you to use standard musical theatre songs to show us your vocal abilities.) If you audition by video/DVD be sure that the camera focuses on you both from the waist up – and with full body shots (from foot to top of head). Be sure that the accompaniment does not overpower your voice. Please check your finished product (VHS/DVD, or Mini DV) to be sure it plays on a machine other than the one on which it was recorded.
In all cases be sure to provide us with a current head shot and theatrical experience resume via e-mail immediately when applying for an acting or technical position. We also require 3 references. There is a place on the audition form to list references and their contact information. Be sure to tell the people you list that they may be contacted and why. Also, try to list cell phone numbers when possible…especially if you are listing instructors as references. They are often hard to track down because of studio and classroom obligations.
Auditions for all shows are open until roles are filled. If you are considering auditioning for us please schedule a personal audition early or arrange to make your audition video as soon as possible. Always write ahead and let us know when to expect your material.
Those auditioning in person should bring along an accompaniment CD or provide us with sheet music ahead of time. Please let us know in advance and an accompanist can be provided for you.
INTERNSHIPS
The Rocky Hock Playhouse welcomes college students and others who wish to fulfill an internship at a stock company theatre. All interns are paid a weekly stipend. We have had students fulfill requirements at our theatre from Purdue University, North Central University, Campbell University, East Texas Baptist University, University of Central Florida, Oklahoma Baptist University, Belmont University, San Diego State University, Spring Arbor University, Liberty College, Lynchburg College, Dordt College, Elizabeth City State Univeristy, Lees-McRae College, Catholic University of America, and Taylor University among others.
HOUSING
Men and women who are from out of town are typically housed in Edenton or Washington, NC in company provided accommodations. Most theatres do not provide housing but we do our best to help arrange for housing when possible. Actors who are housed by ETPC are asked to contribute eight hours of work each week in the company office.
TYPICAL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Tuesdays & Thursdays at 2:00pm
Saturdays at 10:30am, 2:00pm, and 6:00 pm.
There are 5 performances per week. Additional performances are occasionally added but these are generally specified in the actor’s contracts.
THE OWNERS
Theatre owners/producers/directors, Jeff and Gloria Emmerich, both hold Bachelors and Masters Degrees in music and theatre from San Diego State University in San Diego, California. The Rocky Hock Playhouse serves as an excellent situation for college students who need a legitimate internship and also for those seeking professional (non-Equity) experience. Libretto and sheet music are supplied to actors about 1 month prior to each production. Actors are paid for rehearsal week at the same rate as for the run of each production.
Please note that we are now accepting internship applications
for all 2010/2011 productions.
2010 Audition Notice
The producers are looking for interns for
the following:
2 women & 2 men for supporting and
There are many excellent leading and supporting roles in this show. In particular we need a lyric soprano for the leading female role of Ruth. And, a male character actor (with a good jewish accent) for the comic role of Ruben (the redeemer kinsman). The character of Ruth is strong, courageous, pleasant, and must be played by an actor who can age during the show from a teenager to a young woman in her late 20s. Ruben may be either slight or robust and should have a commanding speaking voice and the ability to break the 4th wall frequently and interact with the audience. He should have good rhythm and a pleasant singing voice as well.
Christmas Production
2011 Audition Notice The producers are looking for interns for
the following:
Approximately 6 women & 6 men for supporting and
leading roles - any ethnicity for each of the following 2010 musicals:
Fall Production
Under His Wings
(The Love Story of Ruth and Boaz) 
(Must be available September 20 – October 23, 2010)
A Night of Glory
(Must be available November 1 – December 18, 2010)
leading roles - any ethnicity for each of the following 2010 musicals:
On A Hill Far Away
(Must be available March 7 –
April 16, 2011)
Summer Production
Paul, the Apostle
(Must be available July 5 –
August 13, 2011)
Christmas Production
Fall
Production
Rocky Hock Gospel Jamboree
(Must be available September 12 –
October 15, 2011)
A Star in the East
(Must be available October 31 – December 17, 2011)
