Fountain Hills Youth Theater Announces Video Auditions for This Season’s YABOY Production: MUMBLETY PEG
WHAT: “Mumblety Peg”; An original musical drama.
Book by Ross Collins; Lyrics by Ross Collins and Miciah Dodge
Music by Miciah Dodge
WHEN: Submit video auditions by December 31st, 2022
Performances take place Fridays and Saturdays at 7PM
and Sundays at 2PM – February 17th - 26th
WHERE: Fountain Hills Community Theater
11445 N Saguaro Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268
Fountain Hills Youth Theater is proud to announce auditions for this season’s YABOY (Young Actors Benefiting Other Youth) production of the original musical drama, “Mumblety Peg.”
Mumblety Peg (the show) is an original musical drama and a 2004 ariZoni award recipient. Written by the award-winning team of Ross Collins and Miciah Dodge, Mumblety Peg tells the poignant story of a high school young adult in crisis and with a retrospective of how he got there. Adolescent issues of teen depression, suicide, bullying, abuse, and loss are at the heart of this play. Taking place in the 1970s, the edgy dialogue pulls heartstrings and illustrates that while technology has changed a lot since the 1970s, many disturbing societal issues still remain today; proving we all need to continue working towards change for the better good. Through a thought-provoking script and musical score, we learn about awareness, hope, resilience and the power of self-worth and kindness.
Following each production, talk-backs with the audience will be encouraged. When Mumblety Peg was last on stage, it truly made an impactful difference in the lives of others. Rise to the occasion and be a part of this relevant and courageous production!
Mumblety Peg (the game), was started in the early 17th century, played with a pocket knife. Each player had to complete a series of throws with the knife. The winner pounds a peg into the ground; the loser puts his hands behind his back and “roots” the peg out of the ground with his teeth (also called “mumbling the peg”). In the words of writer/director, Ross Collins…“I chose “Mumblety Peg” as the central theme, and name of the show because sometimes, we can feel so beaten into the ground that the only way we can ever get out is by the skin of our teeth.”
Fountain Hills Youth Theater is grateful that The UBU Project has partnered with us for this production. Founded by Executive Director and Teaching Artist, David Simmons, The UBU project is a performing arts education outreach organization specializing in social-emotional performing arts integration (SEL-Arts) residencies in K12 schools, youth centers, group homes, and juvenile detention facilities. Their mission is: “The prevention of youth suicide, addiction, and bullying through social/emotional performing arts integration residencies.” Their interactive SEL curriculum remains focused on empowering students through The UBU Treasure Chest of hope, resilience, self-compassion, and empathy as taught through music & songwriting, movement, or theatre. A portion of each full-price ticket to Mumblety Peg will be donated to The UBU Project. Additionally, FHYT will be distributing information about The UBU Project at each production, and representatives from The UBU Project will be at the theater for select productions and talk-backs.
YABOY is an acronym for “Young Actors Benefiting Other Youth”, a program created by Youth Artistic Director Ross Collins. The goal of the program is to show young actors that their talents can have a positive impact on their peers and that their work can be used to help address social issues that young people encounter and offer channels and recourses to help deal with them.
To Submit a Video Audition (SUBMIT NO LATER THAN MIDNIGHT DEC. 31):
Prepare a monologue from a previously published work, not to exceed 2 minutes in length
Sing 16 to 32 bars of an upbeat song or ballad that best shows off your voice (please accompany your voice with a musical track
Upload your video(s) to YouTube, Vimeo or similar. IMPORTANT! Video must be public, or unlisted via a direct link. If private, please provide the password.
Please include conflict dates on your audition form (including Mondays) or on a separate sheet. Include ALL dates from Jan. 4-Feb. 26.
Production fees: NONE. FEES ARE WAIVED FOR THIS PRODUCTION!
CASTING FOR (Ages 10-19)
This production is rated PG. Parental guidance is suggested.
COLIN RUSSELL – A 15-year-old high school freshman that we see through his junior year. He has experienced trauma and is in crisis.
AL – A simple man with a sarcastic sense of humor. The school janitor. Befriends Colin in his worst moment.
DARLA – Colin’s cousin. A cheerleader, high school senior, and Aunt Louise & Uncle Walt’s confused daughter. She tolerates and even likes Colin.
JENNIFER – Darla’s closest friend. A stereotypical cheerleader. At times is mean and bully-ish
TERRY ALLEN – A girl at school. Sweet and caring. Friends with Colin and may have a crush on him.
BILL RUSSELL – Colin’s caring father.
AUNT LOUISE – Colin’s Aunt. She’s a lady with big hair and offers bad advice.
UNCLE WALT – Aunt Louise’s husband. Assumed to be an alcoholic. Also abusive.
BOBBY – Good-looking and handsome. Athletic. A bully.
TOM – Bobby’s friend, of meager means. Also a bully.
DAVE – Bobby’s friend. Another boy in the group of bullies.
RHONDA & SUZY – Darla’s friends. Also cheerleaders.
ANN RUSSELL – Colin’s ill mother.
MS. HARRIS – A concerned school counselor.
ART –A shark, sells and takes recreational drugs. Hangs with Tammy.
TAMMY – Hangs out with Art.
RODNEY – Young child playing Mumblety Peg. Loyal friend to Colin. Stutters.
YOUNG BOBBY – Young child playing the game of Mumblety Peg. Grows up to be our athletic bully.
YOUNG DARLA – Young child playing a game of Mumblety Peg. This is the younger version of the older “Darla”
YOUNG COLIN – Young child playing a game of Mumblety Peg. This is the younger version of the older “Colin”
“Mumblety Peg” will be directed by Ross Collins with musical direction by Jay Melberg.
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"Mumblety Peg" – “a highly sensitive subject is handled in an innovative, thought provoking and yet entertaining way. Many good messages for use. Every teen and parent must see this play together and then TALK.” - Lorna Green- Principal Roadrunner Alternative School, Paradise Valley
“Mumblety Peg” will play Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm from February 17th to February 26th, 2023.
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