New York City’s vibrant theater scene is on the hunt for a talented tenor to bring a compelling character to life. A unique chance has emerged for aspiring performers: a 29-hour developmental workshop for “Jon Virgin,” a new musical destined to challenge and captivate audiences.
The creative team, led by Gregory Paxton, is seeking a male tenor, ideally in his late 20s to early 30s, to embody the titular role of Jon Virgin. This intensive workshop, running from December 7th through December 12th, 2025, will be held at Ripley-Grier Studios in the heart of Manhattan.
A Story Rooted in Allegory and Magical Realism
Table of Contents
- 1. A Story Rooted in Allegory and Magical Realism
- 2. Workshop details and Compensation
- 3. ## Tenor Workshop Audition Breakdown & Preparation Guide
- 4. Tenor Singer Workshop for Jon Virgin’s “A New musical” in December: Beyond Staged Readings
- 5. Understanding the Opportunity: Jon Virgin & New Musical Advancement
- 6. Workshop Details: Dates, Location & What to expect
- 7. Who Should Apply? The Ideal Tenor Profile
- 8. Preparing Your Audition: Materials & Expectations
- 9. Benefits of Participating: Beyond the Resume Line
- 10. Real-World Example: The Power of Workshop Feedback
- 11. Practical Tips for success
- 12. Resources for Tenor Singers & Musical Theatre Professionals
“Jon Virgin” promises a fresh and thought-provoking theatrical experience. The narrative centers on a man, once ridiculed as “Round John Virgin,” who embarks on an remarkable journey after a provocative act. When the Angel Soji intervenes after an attack, Jon is transported to a fantastical realm, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
This production distinguishes itself by drawing parallels to seminal works like “Godspell” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” tackling complex societal and political issues. The musical’s allegorical narrative,steeped in the genre of magical realism,offers a daring reinterpretation of the customary Advent story.
Workshop details and Compensation
The workshop will consist of six rehearsals, each lasting six hours, from December 7th to December 12th. The final day will be dedicated to running through the material for a small group of creatives. Actors should be prepared for a demanding but rewarding collaborative process.
Participants will receive a stipend of $500 for their work throughout the six days, as well as an additional $120 to help offset commuting and travel costs.
| Element | details |
|---|---|
| Role | Jon Virgin |
| Vocal Type | Tenor |
| Dates | December 7 – 12, 2025 |
| Location | Ripley-Grier Studios, New York City |
| Stipend | $500 (for workshop) + $120 (travel) |
Did You Know? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of actors is projected to grow 9 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Pro Tip: When submitting your reel, showcase versatility. Include a variety of genres to demonstrate your range and adaptability.
Interested performers are encouraged to submit their materials,including links to reels highlighting diverse musical styles and a current resume,to Gregory Paxton at [email protected]. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the advancement of an exciting new work!
The workshop format has become increasingly popular in musical theater, allowing creators to explore and refine new works with the input of performers. It provides artists a safe space to experiment and develop their craft, ultimately contributing to the evolution of the art form. New musicals constantly seek dedicated artists like this, proving theater is a thriving and dynamic part of the modern arts community. This trend reflects a growing desire for original storytelling and innovative musical experiences.
What are your thoughts on the resurgence of allegorical musicals? Share your opinion in the comments below!
## Tenor Workshop Audition Breakdown & Preparation Guide
Tenor Singer Workshop for Jon Virgin’s “A New musical” in December: Beyond Staged Readings
Published: 2025/10/10 10:58:15 | By: marinacollins | Website: archyde.com
Understanding the Opportunity: Jon Virgin & New Musical Advancement
Jon Virgin, a highly respected name in musical theater development, is hosting an exclusive tenor singer workshop this December focused on bringing his latest, unnamed new musical beyond the typical staged reading phase.This isn’t just about singing the notes; it’s about character work, collaborative creation, and actively shaping a piece of theatre. This workshop is geared towards professional and advanced musical theatre performers specifically identifying as tenors. The focus is on intensive workshopping, not simply auditioning. Understanding Virgin’s process – known for its emphasis on actor input – is key to maximizing the benefit of this opportunity. He’s renowned for fostering a collaborative surroundings, making this workshop a unique chance to influence the final product.
Workshop Details: Dates, Location & What to expect
The workshop will run from December 8th – 14th, 2025, at the Theatre Row Studios in new York City. This intensive week will be broken down into several key components:
* Vocal Coaching: Dedicated sessions with a leading vocal coach specializing in legit tenor and musical theatre belting techniques. Expect exercises focused on stamina, range, and stylistic interpretation relevant to the musical’s score.
* Acting Thru Song: A meaningful portion of the workshop will be dedicated to acting technique specifically applied to musical performance. This includes scene study, character development, and exploring emotional truth within the songs.
* Musical Staging & Movement: Preliminary choreography and stage direction will be introduced, moving beyond static readings to explore physical storytelling. This isn’t a full-scale production, but a focused exploration of how the music translates to movement.
* Composition & Collaboration: Unique to Virgin’s process, participants will have opportunities to provide feedback directly to the composer and lyricist, potentially influencing minor adjustments to the score and lyrics. This is a rare chance for singer-actors to contribute to the creative process.
* Rehearsal & presentation: The week culminates in a private presentation of selected scenes for industry professionals. This isn’t a full performance, but a focused showcase of the workshop’s progress.
Who Should Apply? The Ideal Tenor Profile
This workshop isn’t for beginners.Jon Virgin is looking for experienced tenor singers with a strong foundation in musical theatre performance. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal candidate:
- Vocal Range: Comfortable and proficient in the standard tenor range (C3 – A4), with the ability to navigate challenging vocal passages.
- Acting Experience: Demonstrated ability to portray a range of characters and emotions convincingly. Dramatic acting skills are highly valued.
- Sight-Reading Skills: Strong music reading ability is essential, as participants will be working with new material.
- Improvisation skills: Comfort with improvisation and the ability to think on your feet are beneficial, given the collaborative nature of the workshop.
- Professionalism: A professional attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to collaborate are crucial.
- Genre Familiarity: While the musical’s genre is currently undisclosed, experience with contemporary musical theatre, golden age musicals, and opera (for vocal technique) is advantageous.
Preparing Your Audition: Materials & Expectations
The audition process is competitive. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:
* Two Contrasting Songs: Choose two musical theatre songs that showcase your vocal range, acting ability, and stylistic versatility.One song should be a ballad, and the other a more up-tempo number.
* Sheet Music: Bring clean, clearly marked sheet music in the correct key for the accompanist.
* Headshot & Resume: A professional headshot and resume detailing your performance experience.
* Cold Reading: Be prepared for a cold reading from scenes in the new musical. This assesses your ability to quickly interpret text and embody a character.
* Brief Introduction: Be ready to briefly introduce yourself and your experience.
Vital Note: Avoid overly-performed repertoire. Select songs that truly showcase you and your unique strengths.
Benefits of Participating: Beyond the Resume Line
This workshop offers benefits that extend far beyond a simple line on your resume.
* industry Exposure: The final presentation provides exposure to industry professionals, including casting directors, agents, and producers.
* Creative Collaboration: The opportunity to collaborate directly with the creative team is invaluable, fostering a deeper understanding of the musical theatre creation process.
* Skill Development: Intensive training in vocal technique, acting, and musical staging will refine your skills and expand your artistic toolkit.
* Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow musical theatre professionals and build valuable relationships.
* Potential for Future Involvement: participants might potentially be considered for future development and potential roles in the full production of the musical. This is a genuine opportunity to be involved from the ground up.
Real-World Example: The Power of Workshop Feedback
Jon Virgin’s previous work, “The Memory Keeper,” underwent significant revisions based on feedback from a similar workshop. Initial staged readings revealed that a key character lacked emotional depth. Through focused discussion with the actors, the creative team rewrote several scenes, adding nuance and complexity to the character’s motivations. This ultimately led to a more compelling and emotionally resonant production. This demonstrates Virgin’s commitment to incorporating performer insights.
Practical Tips for success
* Research jon Virgin: Familiarize yourself with his previous work and his approach to musical theatre development.
* Prepare Thoroughly: Don’t underestimate the importance of meticulous preparation for your audition.
* Be Open to Feedback: Embrace constructive criticism and be willing to experiment.
* Collaborate Actively: Engage fully in the collaborative process and share your ideas.
* Network Strategically: Take the opportunity to connect with fellow participants and industry professionals.
* Focus on Storytelling: Remember that musical theatre is about telling a story. Prioritize emotional truth and character development.
Resources for Tenor Singers & Musical Theatre Professionals
* The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS): https://www.nats.org/
* Backstage: https://www.backstage.com/ (Audition listings and industry news)
* Playbill: https://www.playbill.com/ (Musical theatre news and information)
* Theatre Row Studios: https://theatrerowstudios.com/ (Workshop location)
* Musical Theatre International (MTI): https://www.mtishows.com/ (Licensing and resources for musical theatre productions)
