Imagine Theatre presents:
About The Production (Artistic Team, Artistic Vision, Summary & Characters)
Show Summary
Mary Poppins is the story of the Banks family who live in a big house in London on Cherry Lane. Things are not going well for the family, the children, Jane and Michael, are out of control and are in need of a new nanny. Jane and Michael have their own ideas about what sort of caretaker they should have, while their parents—and in particular Mr. Banks—are insistent on someone strict for the job. When a mysterious young woman named Mary Poppins appears at their doorstep, the family finds that she’s the answer to their prayers, but in the most peculiar way. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones she has a profound effect upon. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “anything can happen if you let it.”
Mary Poppins is the story of the Banks family who live in a big house in London on Cherry Lane. Things are not going well for the family, the children, Jane and Michael, are out of control and are in need of a new nanny. Jane and Michael have their own ideas about what sort of caretaker they should have, while their parents—and in particular Mr. Banks—are insistent on someone strict for the job. When a mysterious young woman named Mary Poppins appears at their doorstep, the family finds that she’s the answer to their prayers, but in the most peculiar way. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones she has a profound effect upon. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “anything can happen if you let it.”
Artistic and Leadership Team
A Note About Artistic Direction For Mary Poppins:
Mary Poppins is the story of a family that looks all put together from the outside, but is falling apart on the inside. Mr. Banks is hard working, but his work creates stress that impacts his relationship with his wife and family. Mrs. Banks is trying to live up to her husband's expectations, but feels like she is falling short and losing herself. Their children, Jane and Michael, are desperate for love and attention and attempt to get this by acting out.
When Mary Poppins arrives, she has her work cut out for her! With the help of her good friend, Bert, Mary Poppins takes the Banks family on adventures with statues that come to life, a talking shop that sells conversations, dancing chimney sweeps, and so much more! Mary Poppins and her friends teach not only the children, but also the parents, life lessons that can transform their lives forever.
Join us in bringing this beautiful story to life that can help us all learn that we can change our perspective, grow in love and understanding, and be better versions of ourselves
- Director - Shanae Tullis
- Assistant Director - TBA
- Choreographer - TBA
- Music Director - TBA
- Tech Director - Johnathan Billington
- Stage Manger - TBA
- Production Coordinator: Kim Wallace
A Note About Artistic Direction For Mary Poppins:
Mary Poppins is the story of a family that looks all put together from the outside, but is falling apart on the inside. Mr. Banks is hard working, but his work creates stress that impacts his relationship with his wife and family. Mrs. Banks is trying to live up to her husband's expectations, but feels like she is falling short and losing herself. Their children, Jane and Michael, are desperate for love and attention and attempt to get this by acting out.
When Mary Poppins arrives, she has her work cut out for her! With the help of her good friend, Bert, Mary Poppins takes the Banks family on adventures with statues that come to life, a talking shop that sells conversations, dancing chimney sweeps, and so much more! Mary Poppins and her friends teach not only the children, but also the parents, life lessons that can transform their lives forever.
Join us in bringing this beautiful story to life that can help us all learn that we can change our perspective, grow in love and understanding, and be better versions of ourselves
Characters
Bert
The narrator of the story, is a good friend to Mary Poppins. An everyman, Bert has many occupations, including hurdy-gurdy player, sidewalk artist and chimney sweep. Bert watches over the children as well as the goings on in Cherry Tree Lane. He has charm, speaks with a Cockney accent and is a song-and-dance man.
George Banks
The father to Jane and Michael Banks, is a banker to the very fiber of his being. Demanding "precision and order" in his household, he is a pipe-and-slippers man who doesn't have much to do with his children and believes that he had the perfect upbringing by his nanny, the cruel Miss Andrew. His emotional armor, however, conceals a sensitive soul. A baritone, George may speak-sing as necessary.
Winifred Banks
George's wife and Jane and Michael's mother. A former actress, she is loving and distracted homemaker who is busy trying to live up to her husband's desire to obnly associate with "the best people" as well as be the model wife and mother. She suffers from the conflicting feelings that she's not up to the job of "being Mrs. Banks," yet, she is, and more. She has great warmth and simplicity to her tone.
Jane
The high-spirited daughter of Mr. and Mr. Banks, is bright and precocious but can be willful and inclined to snobbishness.
Michael
The cute and cheeky son of Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Excitable and naughty, he adores his father and tries to be like him. Both he and Jane misbehave in order to get the attention of their parents.
Katie Nanna
Jane and Micahel's nanny at the beginning of the show. Overwhelmed and upset, she has absolutely had her fill of the Banks children.
A neighborhood fixture who is respected by and observant of households on his beat.
Miss Lark
The haughty next-door neighbor of the Banks family who treats her dog, Willoughby, as if her were child.
Admiral Boom
A retired Royal Navy man and neighbor of the Banks family. A physically large man with a loud and booming voice, he speaks in Navy jargon and has a soft spot for his neighbor, Miss Lark. Can be any vocal range as needed.
Mrs. Brill
The housekeeper and cook for the Banks family. Overworked and harrassed, she's always complaining that the house is understaffed. Her intimidating exterior is a cover for the warmth underneath. Mrs. Brill doesn't have a high opinion of nannies in general and Mary Poppins in particular. She does not have to be a strong singer.
Robertson Ay
The houseboy to the Banks family. Lazy, sleepy and grumbling, he never gets things right and believes himself to be useless. He doesn't do a lot of singing, but his "Spoonful" solo can be a fun surprise.
Mary Poppins
Jane and Michael Banks's new nanny. She is extraordinary and strange, neat and tidy, delightfully vain yet particular, and sometimes a little frightening but always exciting. She is practically perfect in every way and always means what she says. A mezzo soprano with strong top notes, she should be able to move well. She can have a more traditional soprano sound, but precision and diction is the key.
Park Keeper
Uniformed and officious, he makes sure no one breaks park regulations. His life is defined by rules, but he secretly hankers after his childhood.
Neleus
The statue of a young boy posed with a dolphin in the park. Neleus was separated from his father, Poseidon, and misses him very much. A small and lonely being, he is very happy to befriend Jane and Michael. This role is a wonderful opportunity to feature one of the strong dancers in your ensemble.
Bank Chairman
The head of the bank where Mr. Banks is employed, is an Edwardian stuffed-shirt. He can speak/sing his lines if necessary.
Miss Smythe
The Bank Chairman's humorless secretary.
Von Hussler
A businessman seeking a loan from the bank for a shady business deal.
John Northbrook
An honest business man seeking a loan to build a factory for his community.
Bird Woman
Covered in a patchwork of old shawls, and her pockets are stuffed with bags of crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her crumbs to passersby, who ignore her as if she doesn't exist. Sings "Feed the Birds." There can be a gruff, folksy quality to her voice that relfelcts the hardness of her life.
Miss Andrew
George's overbearing and scary nanny. With her bottle of nasty-tasting brimstone and treacle to keep naughty children in line, she is a bully who only knows one way of doing things - her way. A soprano with an alto belt, there can be some heaviness to her voice along with range.
Mrs. Corry
Owns a "Talking Shop" that sells conversations and gingerbread. She is a mysterious woman of great age.
Ensemble: Children's Toys Ensemble (including Valentine, Teddy Bear, Mr. Punch, Doll), Chimney Sweeps, Statues, Park-goers, Talking Shop Customers (including Annie, Fannie), Bank Ensemble, and other ensembles as decided by the Creative Team.
Characters
Bert
The narrator of the story, is a good friend to Mary Poppins. An everyman, Bert has many occupations, including hurdy-gurdy player, sidewalk artist and chimney sweep. Bert watches over the children as well as the goings on in Cherry Tree Lane. He has charm, speaks with a Cockney accent and is a song-and-dance man.
- Vocal range: B2 - F#4
- Cockney Accent Preferred
George Banks
The father to Jane and Michael Banks, is a banker to the very fiber of his being. Demanding "precision and order" in his household, he is a pipe-and-slippers man who doesn't have much to do with his children and believes that he had the perfect upbringing by his nanny, the cruel Miss Andrew. His emotional armor, however, conceals a sensitive soul. A baritone, George may speak-sing as necessary.
- Vocal Range: Bb2-Eb4
- RP Accent Preferred
Winifred Banks
George's wife and Jane and Michael's mother. A former actress, she is loving and distracted homemaker who is busy trying to live up to her husband's desire to obnly associate with "the best people" as well as be the model wife and mother. She suffers from the conflicting feelings that she's not up to the job of "being Mrs. Banks," yet, she is, and more. She has great warmth and simplicity to her tone.
- Vocal range: A3-D5
- RP Accent Preferred
Jane
The high-spirited daughter of Mr. and Mr. Banks, is bright and precocious but can be willful and inclined to snobbishness.
- Vocal range: A3-F#5
- RP Accent Preferred
Michael
The cute and cheeky son of Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Excitable and naughty, he adores his father and tries to be like him. Both he and Jane misbehave in order to get the attention of their parents.
- Vocal range: A3-E5
- RP Accent Preferred
Katie Nanna
Jane and Micahel's nanny at the beginning of the show. Overwhelmed and upset, she has absolutely had her fill of the Banks children.
- Any Regional UK Accent Preferred
A neighborhood fixture who is respected by and observant of households on his beat.
- Any Regional UK Accent Preferred
Miss Lark
The haughty next-door neighbor of the Banks family who treats her dog, Willoughby, as if her were child.
- RP Accent Preferred
Admiral Boom
A retired Royal Navy man and neighbor of the Banks family. A physically large man with a loud and booming voice, he speaks in Navy jargon and has a soft spot for his neighbor, Miss Lark. Can be any vocal range as needed.
- RP Accent Preferred
Mrs. Brill
The housekeeper and cook for the Banks family. Overworked and harrassed, she's always complaining that the house is understaffed. Her intimidating exterior is a cover for the warmth underneath. Mrs. Brill doesn't have a high opinion of nannies in general and Mary Poppins in particular. She does not have to be a strong singer.
- Vocal range: F#3-D#5
- Cockney Accent Preferred
Robertson Ay
The houseboy to the Banks family. Lazy, sleepy and grumbling, he never gets things right and believes himself to be useless. He doesn't do a lot of singing, but his "Spoonful" solo can be a fun surprise.
- Vocal range: F3-G#4
- Cockney Accent Preferred
Mary Poppins
Jane and Michael Banks's new nanny. She is extraordinary and strange, neat and tidy, delightfully vain yet particular, and sometimes a little frightening but always exciting. She is practically perfect in every way and always means what she says. A mezzo soprano with strong top notes, she should be able to move well. She can have a more traditional soprano sound, but precision and diction is the key.
- Vocal range:Gb3 - C6
- RP Accent Preferred
Park Keeper
Uniformed and officious, he makes sure no one breaks park regulations. His life is defined by rules, but he secretly hankers after his childhood.
- Cockney or other Regional UK Accent Preferred
Neleus
The statue of a young boy posed with a dolphin in the park. Neleus was separated from his father, Poseidon, and misses him very much. A small and lonely being, he is very happy to befriend Jane and Michael. This role is a wonderful opportunity to feature one of the strong dancers in your ensemble.
- RP Accent Preferred
Bank Chairman
The head of the bank where Mr. Banks is employed, is an Edwardian stuffed-shirt. He can speak/sing his lines if necessary.
- Vocal range: C3-D4
- RP Accent Preferred
Miss Smythe
The Bank Chairman's humorless secretary.
- RP Accent Preferred
Von Hussler
A businessman seeking a loan from the bank for a shady business deal.
- German Accent Preferred
John Northbrook
An honest business man seeking a loan to build a factory for his community.
- Northern UK Accent Preferred
Bird Woman
Covered in a patchwork of old shawls, and her pockets are stuffed with bags of crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her crumbs to passersby, who ignore her as if she doesn't exist. Sings "Feed the Birds." There can be a gruff, folksy quality to her voice that relfelcts the hardness of her life.
- Vocal range: Gb3-C5
- Any Regional UK Accent Preferred
Miss Andrew
George's overbearing and scary nanny. With her bottle of nasty-tasting brimstone and treacle to keep naughty children in line, she is a bully who only knows one way of doing things - her way. A soprano with an alto belt, there can be some heaviness to her voice along with range.
- Vocal range: Gb3-F5
- RP Accent Preferred
Mrs. Corry
Owns a "Talking Shop" that sells conversations and gingerbread. She is a mysterious woman of great age.
- Accent outside of the UK Preferred. This accent doesn't not have to be precise and can keep the audience wondering where she is from.
Ensemble: Children's Toys Ensemble (including Valentine, Teddy Bear, Mr. Punch, Doll), Chimney Sweeps, Statues, Park-goers, Talking Shop Customers (including Annie, Fannie), Bank Ensemble, and other ensembles as decided by the Creative Team.
Important Dates (Audition/Callbacks, Rehearsals, Shows, etc.)
Auditions:
Date:
*Time-slots open for sign up below.
Callbacks:
Date: Saturday, June 8th, 9:00am-1:00pm
Location: Oak Grove United Methodist Church (14700 SE Rupert Dr, Oak Grove, OR 97267)
Required Parent/Guardian Meeting:
Rehearsals:
Tech Week - Required for Cast & Crew
Location: TBA - A Milwaukie area High School anticipated.
Detailed schedule to be shared prior to Tech Week.
Performances - Required for Cast & Crew
Location: TBA - A Milwaukie area High School anticipated.
Date:
- Thursday, June 6th, 6:00-8:00pm
- Friday, June 7th, 6:00-9:00pm
*Time-slots open for sign up below.
Callbacks:
Date: Saturday, June 8th, 9:00am-1:00pm
Location: Oak Grove United Methodist Church (14700 SE Rupert Dr, Oak Grove, OR 97267)
Required Parent/Guardian Meeting:
- Meeting 1 - June 14th, 7pm.
- This meeting is during rehearsal time. This meeting is about building connections, forming committees, etc. Each cast member must have one representative present.
- Meeting 2 - TBA
- This meeting prepares us for the coming production run by breaking into new committees (green room, concessions, etc.) Each cast member must have one representative present.
Rehearsals:
- Wednesday Evenings, 6-9pm (starting June 19th)
- Friday Evenings, 6pm-9pm (starting June 14th)
- Saturdays, 9am-1pm (starting June 15th)
- Location: 14700 SE Rupert Dr, Oak Grove, OR 97267 (Oak Grove United Methodist Church)
Tech Week - Required for Cast & Crew
Location: TBA - A Milwaukie area High School anticipated.
Detailed schedule to be shared prior to Tech Week.
- Move-In: July 28th, 1:30pm-9:00pm (All must attend.)
- Tech Week Rehearsals: Monday-Thursday, 7/29-8/1, 6pm-9:15pm (Call Times)
Performances - Required for Cast & Crew
Location: TBA - A Milwaukie area High School anticipated.
- Friday, Aug. 2nd at 7pm (Call Time 6pm)
- Saturday, Aug. 3rd at 2pm*(POSSIBLE ADDED PERFORMANCE, Call 1pm)
- Saturday, Aug. 3rd, 6pm (Call Time 5pm)
- Sunday, Aug. 4th at 2pm (Call Time 1pm)
- Friday, Aug. 9th at 7pm (Call Time 6pm)
- Saturday, Aug. 10th at 2pm and 7pm (Call Time 12pm for cast photos.)
- Sunday, Aug. 11th at 2pm (Call Time 1pm) (Cast/Crew Party after performance, until about 8pm)
General Requirements, Health/Safety & Committee Expectations (Fees, Show Committees, etc.)
Requirements To Be In The Show
- Age: This production is open to actors ages 8+ (Adults welcome & needed!)
- Rehearsals: Must attend all required rehearsals (dates above) and submit dates for general rehearsals that can not be attended
- Fees: Due to operations cost, a production fee is required. $140 per individual (all ages), OR $120 per individual when 3 or more members of one family are in the cast. Fees are due by the second weekend of rehearsals.
- Committee Requirement: Each cast member must have one volunteer join a show committee.
Fees/Cost
- What Do We Get With The Production Fee? A show sticker, digital link to photos, and 1 comp (free) ticket. (Max of 3 comp tickets per family unit) When paying for the production fee, cast members are given the opportunity to purchase a show shirt (not required), and other additional items (Show Posters, digital recording, show button, etc.).
- Scholarships: Scholarships are available for any Imagine Theatre program, including production fees. View our Scholarship Guidance document, and the required steps, here!
- What is a Production Fee For? Production Fees are in place to assist in covering the expenses of putting on a show. For additional information on Production Fees, see our General Information.
Show Committees Requirement
Imagine Theatre cast member's are expected to have one adult (typically a parent, relative, or guardian) participate in Show Committee(s). Shows take lots of work, plus show committees are a fun way to meet other families and bond as a community!
More information about the show and committees will be discussed at the required committee meeting. Committee members will communicate their schedule and skills for committee placement consideration.
Read about volunteer/parent/guardian involvement expectations here
*Note some info in this document may reference students, as it is the document used for our youth theatre programs. Basic info still applies.
More information about the show and committees will be discussed at the required committee meeting. Committee members will communicate their schedule and skills for committee placement consideration.
Read about volunteer/parent/guardian involvement expectations here
*Note some info in this document may reference students, as it is the document used for our youth theatre programs. Basic info still applies.
Student Expectations & Code of Conduct *Note some info in this document may reference students, as it is the document used for our youth theatre programs. For Summer '24 this applies to youth in the cast, and adult expectations will be communicated at the first rehearsal.
Imagine's Student Expectation & Code of Conduct communicates the expectations of students who participate in Imagine Programming. This covers electronic/cell phone expectations, behavioral expectations, and general safety considerations. Students and families/guardians will be required to sign the Student Expectations document, affirming that they have read it and agree to uphold these standards.
Health & Safety
- Masks are optional.
- Vaccinations are encouraged but not required.
- Read our Communicable Disease Management Plan Here.
- *Imagine Theatre reserves the right to change guidance as it sees fit.
Crew, Backstage, & Tech Opportunities
We are looking to fill the following crew roles for this production of Mary Poppins. If you are interested in any of these roles, please complete the Crew form below.
Crew must attend Move-In, ALL of tech week, and each performance dates/times as listed above. Other rehearsals (such as stumble throughs) may be added in coordination with the crew team's schedules.
Assistant Stage Manager (ages 14+): The Assistant Stage Manager is responsible for assisting the Stage Manager in helping keep track of cast members, blocking, set movement and miscellaneous details during rehearsals and production of a stage performance. They also attend all rehearsals and shows as well as move in day at the theater. The Assistant Stage Manager will need to arrive 15 minutes before all call times.
Crew Chief (Ages 14+):
Backstage crew lead.
Light Board Operator (ages 13+): The Light Board Operator is responsible for operating the light board during all performances. Performs daily light checks at the beginning of all technical rehearsals and performance call times to ensure that all lighting equipment is working properly.
Spot Operator (ages 12+): The Spot Operator will be responsible for all spotlight cues during all performances. Performs daily light checks at the beginning of all technical rehearsals and performance call times to ensure that the spotlight is working correctly.
Stage Crew (ages 12+): Crew members assist with props, moving set pieces, charging glow tape, cleaning, etc.
Crew must attend Move-In, ALL of tech week, and each performance dates/times as listed above. Other rehearsals (such as stumble throughs) may be added in coordination with the crew team's schedules.
Assistant Stage Manager (ages 14+): The Assistant Stage Manager is responsible for assisting the Stage Manager in helping keep track of cast members, blocking, set movement and miscellaneous details during rehearsals and production of a stage performance. They also attend all rehearsals and shows as well as move in day at the theater. The Assistant Stage Manager will need to arrive 15 minutes before all call times.
Crew Chief (Ages 14+):
Backstage crew lead.
Light Board Operator (ages 13+): The Light Board Operator is responsible for operating the light board during all performances. Performs daily light checks at the beginning of all technical rehearsals and performance call times to ensure that all lighting equipment is working properly.
Spot Operator (ages 12+): The Spot Operator will be responsible for all spotlight cues during all performances. Performs daily light checks at the beginning of all technical rehearsals and performance call times to ensure that the spotlight is working correctly.
Stage Crew (ages 12+): Crew members assist with props, moving set pieces, charging glow tape, cleaning, etc.
Audition, Callbacks, & Casting (How to Sign Up & What to Expect)
How to Audition:
What Are Auditions & Callbacks Like?
- Fill out the form - Here. Please note that a headshot (required for all ages) and a theatrical resume (for ages 12+, it is okay if yours is blank!) is requested on the form. Resources about creating a theatrical resume here.
- Sign up for an audition slot - Here. 5 minute slots are available for sign up.
- Prepare A Song: Please come prepared with 16-32 bar except of a musical-theatre-show song (this is approximately 1-minute in length). Bring your own accompaniment (instrumental/karaoke, no vocals) on a phone/tablet, please bring appropriate dongles. You may also opt to bring an accompanist.
- Required for ages 12+ - Prepare A Monologue: Prepare a monologue, from a published theatrical work, that is no more than 1minute in length. Ages 8-12 should present a monologue if they would like to be considered for a lead/named role.
What Are Auditions & Callbacks Like?
- WHEN ARRIVING: Please arrive to auditions 15min before your time slot to check in and make sure all your information is in order. If you did not provide one then a headshot will be taken.
- AUDITIONING: These are closed auditions - only one auditionee will enter the room at a time. In the room with them will be the Artistic Team. When walking in, hand your accompaniment device to the audio person, cued up to the spot you want to begin singing. Stand on the marked spot and you will be cued to begin. When prompted, “slate”, (name, age, song selection/composer/musical.) After the song you may then begin your monologue.
- CALLBACKS: Callbacks will be requested at the discretion of the Directors. If you are called back, you will receive notice before 11pm on Friday. Callbacks will be held the following Saturday from 9am-1pm at Oak Grove UMC. You will be notified if you are to attend the entire time, or just a portion thereof. If you are NOT called back, that does not mean you are not getting considered for a part. Being “called back” simply means the directors would like to see you read/perform something specific. For this production, callbacks will consist of a dance, music, and cold readings from the script.
- The Cast List will be sent out via email. Those in lead roles will be asked to confirm their acceptance of the role. We will assume all others accept their role as long as it is in line with what you provide/specify in the audition form. After leads are confirmed the cast list will be posted on social media.
- The cast size of this show is capped at 55 due to space at the performance facility.
- Imagine Theatre values diversity on our stage and in our theater. In casting, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We aim to cast respectfully and appropriately to all cultures and identities.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Kim Wallace, Production Coordinator - kimw@imaginetheatre.org
Contact Kim Wallace, Production Coordinator - kimw@imaginetheatre.org