An important notice regarding the second round of castings

Global Stage has been getting a number of phone calls and e-mails regarding the second round of castings. To make things easier below we have answered some frequently asked questions and provided additional information.

1. The initial lineup has already been decided on following the first castings. We have selected actors and dancers based on their performances in this round. But there are still possibilities for contestants who did not make the cut. For those wishing to come to the second castings and try once again, there is the opportunity to be considered for one of the leading roles. While they will be given an equal chance, contestant must do exceedingly well to be chosen. In the meantime, we are still looking for dancers and hope to spot some genuine talent during the next round.

2. The final selections from the second round will be made in November. Successful candidates will go straight to rehearsal.

3. We will contact successful candidates in early November through e-mail or phone. Please make sure your contact details are correct and up-to-date.

If you do not hear from us until November 20 th , please contact us. If you have any problems or further questions please call 010-85911-955. Information will also be available on www.globalstageroup.com and http://blog.sina.com.cn/carmenlove . We look forward to seeing you on stage!

Selection Process

Jury: Elmar Ottenthal, Siegmund Kahlbacher, Jin Xing and her assistant, Xiao Lijun, Eduard Swoboda, Liu Ting, Chen Wei, Tao Lei

Participants should prepare beforehand:

• Two songs; these can be of any style and content. Participants may want to choose songs that fit the role they are auditioning for. One song should be fast-paced and the other slow. Participants need to prepare a CD or piano music score to be played at the audition. There will be three pianists to play the chosen songs as well as some pieces we have selected.

• Dancing clothes

Morning:

9:00 The first 10 participants will audition. After that four people will be auditioning every 20 minutes. Two members of staff will greet the participants at the lobby, register them, hand out information leaflets and number stickers. Participants will then be lead to their dressing rooms in groups of 4. Drinks and fruit will be available there.

9:30 The first group will be led into the rehearsal room. They will have 5 minutes to practice with the pianists and take a short break.

9:45 The first group will go backstage, 10-15 minutes for participants to test out the microphone and other equipment.

10:00 participants perform one by one. Successful participants will be asked to join the dance rehearsal at 13:00. In the meantime they can rest and lunch will be served at 12:00.

13:00 Jury will go out for lunch. Participants selected for the dance rehearsal will practice with the choreographer Jin Xing. Each performer will practice according to his or her abilities and according to what role they will be playing. Some roles will require a lot of dancing while others will not.

13:30-14:30 Jury returns and auditions begin. Note: Those auditioning for main roles will receive a couple of songs specifically for these roles. They will get an hour with the pianist to practice these songs.

Afternoon:

Same procedures as in Part 1. Those selected will be asked to join the dance rehearsal at 19:30. There will be time to rest, change and eat before the rehearsal.

19:30 The Jury will go out for supper. Selected participants will work with choreographer, Jin Xing. Each participant will practice according to his or her abilities and the role for which they are auditioning. Some roles will require a lot of dancing while others will not.

20:00 Jury return. Second dance audition begins.

Note: Those auditioning for leading parts will receive a couple of songs specifically for these roles. They will get an hour with the pianist to practice these songs.

The roles and what we are looking for

Director: Elmar Ottenthal

Choreography: Xing Jin
Script: Ting Liu
Music: Eduard Swoboda and Mike Ottis

Global Stage Entertainment & Production is a member organization of Global Group. A Sino-Austrian joint venture, Global Stage cooperates with European and Chinese artists and businesses to produce top-quality musicals for both local and international audiences. For its musicals, Global Stage recruits locally giving aspiring Chinese actors the chance to perform and build a career in the musical industry. For the upcoming production “Carmen-Passionate Love” Global Stage will be holding auditions for the following roles.

Huji/Carmen (female): The leading character, Carmen is a sexy, self-confident and attractive lady in her early 30s. The suitable candidate for this role will have to be a soprano who also has experience singing Blues and Rock. She should be good at dancing and proficiency in English is preferred.

Shiji Zhao (male): One of the important male leads, Zhao is a handsome and charismatic 30-year old. For this role, candidates should be able to dance and sing well.

Xiaomei He (female): Xiaomei He is an attractive, young and romantic woman. Candidates should have a basic knowledge of dance with range of voice between soprano and C.

Zifu Huo (male): Candidates for this role should have some knowledge of kung-fu, have an agile body and a bass voice.

Sheikh (male): A tall and strapping 45-year old. Candidates for this role should have an agile body and baritone/bass voice.

Feihong Liu (female): An important female character, 28 year-old Liu is strong, feminine and attractive. Candidates for role should have an agile body, a mezzo-soprano to soprano voice range.

Qing Wei (male): Candidates for this role should be thin and petite. They should be familiar with acrobatics, have a good sense of humor, be able to sing ballads and use different Chinese dialects.

Hong Wei (male): Candidates for this role should be short and heavy-set. They should be familiar with acrobatics, have a good sense of humor and speak different Chinese dialects.

Ensemble: For these roles we need good dancers trained in classical, modern and jazz dance. We also welcome those with Hip-Hop and Funk experience. We are also looking for magicians, acrobats and kung-fu fighters.

Most dancers have to start rehearsing in August 2007 in Beijing , for some rehearsal the start date will be in September 2007. The world premier will take place at Century Theatre in Beijing beginning of Dec. 2007 (7 performances a week, 1 day off). After performing in Beijing for several months, the international tour will start in Asia, Europe and America .

The team selecting the dancers is made up of Elmar Ottenthal (Director), Jin Xing (Chief Choreographer), Xiao Lijun (General Manager of Century Theatre), Siegmund Kahlbacher (Producer), Edi Swoboda (Music producer), Liu Ting (Scriptwriter) and Chen Wei (Company Manager).

Important Dates:

Shenyang : July 14, 15 (CV until July 10)

Beijing : July 21, 22 (CV until July 17)

Beijing Final: July 28, 29

Please send your CV in Chinese and in English (if possible) to the following address (e-mail is preferred): casting@elmar-ottenthal.com

Add: Room 0608/09, Full Tower, No.9 Middle Rd. of East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100020. This will come at no additional cost. Those having to travel to Beijing will be compensated.