Character Descriptions

FOOTLOOSE Character Descriptions

A note on Character Descriptions-

The contents of these descriptions are merely qualities/circumstances that jumped out at me off the page. In no way do I see these as the end-all-be-all vision for the characters of this play. I look forward to collaborating with each cast member to develop the characters of this piece together, and I will expect actors to bring their thoughts and perspectives into the rehearsal process. You can practice this when looking at the sides for callbacks- in each excerpt, consider what the characters are fighting for or want to achieve. I would love to see these choices showcased at callbacks!

A note on Content Notices- 

Please carefully consider the “Content Notices” corresponding to each applicable character. Each describes requirements of the role that may be outside of the “standard” Journey production, and we want to avoid any actors or families being surprised at the content that this show includes. While we are making publisher-approved edits to much of the mature content (these edits will be reflected in the scripts assigned to actors), a few mature lines, lyrics, and actions will remain unchanged. This is because either no approved edit is available or the content in question meaningfully contributes to the story we are trying to tell. For more specifics on what the Content Notices refer to, please reference the “Footloose Parents’ Guide” at the bottom of this document. 

All in all, please view these descriptions as a jumping-off point. This document simply serves as a tool to help you better understand the show and the acting opportunities it will provide. I look forward to seeing your work at auditions and callbacks!

– Cole

 

Primary Roles 
REN MCCORMACK: Male Casting: Male Range: Tenor

Ren is high energy, emotional, rebellious, incredibly likable, and quick-witted. Throughout the show, we see him deal with difficult circumstances through humor and dance. After his father’s sudden and unexpected departure, he and his mother, Ethel, move from Chicago to the small town of Bomont. Trouble seems to find Ren constantly, and he has difficulty following the status quo that Bomontians have established. Throughout the story, he develops feelings for Ariel, becomes best friends with Willard, and gets much of the town of Bomont on his side- even Reverend Moore. The actor in this role must be a true triple threat with strong comedic timing. One scene will be performed on roller skates. 

Content Notice:

Performing this role will require:

  • Saying lines that include sexual innuendo
  • Saying lines that include the words “pisses me off” and the word “God” outside of a religious context
  • Portraying the drinking of beer
  • Receiving a staged slap (no actual contact) from Uncle Wes. The slap is delivered as a form of “discipline.”
  • Romantic physical contact with Ariel (hand holding, hugging, cleaning smeared lipstick, no kissing)
ARIEL MOORE: Female Casting: Female Range: Mezzo (Pop Vocals)

Ariel is a rebellious teenager who has spent her whole life in Bomont and desperately wants to escape. Much of the show’s story revolves around her and Ren’s shared conflict with the town, specifically Ariel’s father, Reverend Shaw. Ariel feels that her father is overly controlling and does not truly care about her, which prompts her to maintain a problematic relationship with Chuck. As Ren encourages her to find her voice, she ends her relationship with Chuck and strengthens her relationship with her father. Must be a true triple threat. This role requires a strong belt.

Content Notice:

Performing this role will require:

  • Singing lyrics that include sexual innuendo
  • Saying lines that include the word “God” outside of a religious context
  • Portraying the aftermath of physical abuse received from Chuck (violence not shown)
  • Romantic physical contact with Ren (hand holding, hugging, having smeared lipstick cleaned from face, no kissing)
  • Romantic physical contact with Chuck (handholding, hugging, standing cuddle, no kissing)
REV. SHAW MOORE: Male Casting: Male Range: Baritone

Shaw is Bowmont’s Reverend and the reason for the town’s “No Dancing Law,” which was put in place after the tragic death of his son. Shaw is an incredibly complex character that will serve as a meaningful acting challenge for anyone cast in the role. Shaw is in no way the “villain” of our story, though his actions are undoubtedly flawed and drive the show’s conflict. The actor cast in this role must believably portray Shaw’s stern and authoritarian side while finding opportunities to reveal his character’s warm and loving elements. In addition to the acting challenges, this role contains powerful vocal solos throughout the show. This role requires minimal dancing, though he will do a “dad boogie” at the prom in the finale.
RUSTY: Female Casting: Female Range: Soprano (Pop Vocals)

Rusty is Ariel’s closest friend, who always speaks her mind. She is never afraid to call someone out if they deserve it, but she always does so with charm and wit. She always has Ariel’s back and supports her throughout the show. She also has a long-time crush on Willard, which is believed to be hopeless. Fortunately, this romance is realized, and they connect by the show’s end. The actor in this role must be a strong singer and actor with moderate dancing skills. This role requires a strong belt, harmonies, and comedic timing. 

Content Notice:

Performing this role will require:

  • Singing a lyric that includes the word “hell” outside of a religious context
  • Romantic physical contact with Willard (hand holding, hugging, no kissing)
WILLARD HEWITT: Male Casting: Male Range: Tenor

Willard is a tried-and-true country bumpkin, a mama’s boy, and quickly becomes Ren’s best friend. He is loyal to and protective of the people he cares about, which can sometimes get him into trouble. While he is a big talker and outgoing amongst his friends, he gets very shy around the ladies, particularly Rusty. He gets incredibly nervous when she asks him to dance at one point in the show, something he’s never done, but nevertheless, he gives it his all. Strong acting and singing are required, comedic timing is a must, and dancing could go either way- undeniably awesome, or so-bad-it’s-good. 

Content Notice:

Performing this role will require:

  • Saying lines that include brief sexual innuendo
  • Portraying the drinking of beer
  • Romantic physical contact with Rusty (hand holding, hugging, no kissing)

 

Supporting Leads
CHUCK CRANSTON: Male Casting: Male Range:  Tenor

Chuck is Ariel’s high school dropout boyfriend from the wrong side of the tracks. He is brash, bold, and outwardly seems quite full of himself as a “cool guy.” We see Chuck emotionally abuse and manipulate Ariel throughout the show, and later discover that he has escalated to physical abuse, though this is not shown on stage. While Chuck is definitely not a great guy, we are looking for an actor who can embrace the challenge of bringing complexity to this role and attempt to justify Chuck’s actions from the character’s perspective- rarely does someone see themselves as the villain of their own story. This role requires strong singing and acting, with limited dancing. 

Content Notice:

Performing this role will require:

  • Saying lines that include the word “hell” outside of a religious context
  • Singing lyrics that include sexual innuendo and the word “God” outside of a religious context
  • Romantic physical contact with Ariel (handholding, hugging, standing cuddle, no kissing)
  • Will perform a staged fall after being “pushed” by Travis/Lyle
URLEEN: Female Casting: Female Range: Mezzo (Pop Vocals)

Urleen is Ariel’s level-headed, practical friend who supports her throughout the story. Her, Rusty, and Wendy Jo act as a trio in several songs, including Somebody’s Eyes, Holding Out For A Hero, Let’s Hear It For The Boy, and several scene transitions. The actor in this role must be a strong singer with moderate acting and dancing skills. This role requires a strong belt, harmonies, and comedic timing. 

Content Notice:

Performing this role will require:

  • Singing a lyric that includes the word “hell” outside of a religious context
  • Saying a line that includes the term “turn-on”
WENDY JO: Female Casting: Female Range: Mezzo (Pop Vocals)

Wendy Jo is Ariel’s goofy and undeniably authentic friend who supports her throughout the story. Her, Rusty, and Urleen act as a trio in several songs, including Somebody’s Eyes, Holding Out For A Hero, Let’s Hear It For The Boy, and several scene transitions. The actor in this role must be a strong singer with moderate acting and dancing skills. This role requires a strong belt, harmonies, and comedic timing. 

Content Notice:

Performing this role will require:

  • Singing a lyric that includes the word “hell” outside of a religious context
VI MOORE: Female Casting: Female Range: Ensemble Singing

Vi is Shaw’s wife and Ariel’s mother. This role is another excellent acting challenge as the character plays with many “opposites” throughout the show. She can see Ariel’s and Shaw’s sides of their arguments, and often gets caught in the middle. Her relationship with Shaw is fascinatingly complex, as she staunchly disagrees with many of his actions. Yet, throughout the story, she shows him deep and authentic love as his wife, and ultimately stands up for what she knows is right. This role requires strong acting and limited singing or dancing. 

 

Supporting Roles
ETHEL MCCORMACK: Female Casting: Female Range: Ensemble Singing

Ethel is Ren’s mother, and while she struggles to adjust to the “Bomont way of life,” she believes it is what’s best for her and her son in this difficult time. She is incredibly supportive of Ren and wants him to succeed in this new setting. This role requires strong acting and limited singing or dancing. 
COWBOY BOB: Male Casting: Male Range: Tenor

Cowboy Bob is a rootin-tootin bar singer who gives an electric performance of Still Rockin. His interest in Rusty prompts Willard to “shoot his shot.” This role requires strong singing, charisma, and a LOT of energy. 
LYLE: Male Casting: Any Gender Range: Tenor

(Potential for double casting)

One of Chuck’s friends. Performs in Girl Gets Around and several scenes. This role requires strong vocals and harmony, moderate acting, and limited dancing. 

Content Notice:

Performing this role will require:

  • Singing lyrics that include sexual innuendo and the word “God” outside of a religious context
  • Will “push” Chuck to the ground in the Finale.
TRAVIS: Male Casting: Male Range: Baritone

(Potential for double casting)

One of Chuck’s friends. Performs in Girl Gets Around and several scenes. This role requires strong vocals and harmony, moderate acting, and limited dancing. 

Content Notice:

Performing this role will require:

  • Singing lyrics that include sexual innuendo and the word “God” outside of a religious context
  • Will “push” Chuck to the ground in the Finale.
JETER: Male Casting: Male Range: Baritone

(Potential for double casting)

One of Willard’s friends. Performs in Mama Says and several scenes. This role requires strong vocals and harmony, moderate acting, and limited dancing. 
BICKLE: Male Casting: Any Gender Range: Tenor

(Potential for double casting)

One of Willard’s friends. Performs in Mama Says and several scenes. This role requires strong vocals and harmony, moderate acting, and limited dancing. 
GARVIN: Male Casting: Male Range: Baritone

(Potential for double casting)

One of Willard’s friends. Performs in Mama Says and several scenes. This role requires strong vocals and harmony, moderate acting, and limited dancing. 
WES WARWICK: Male Casting: Male Range: Ensemble Singing

(Potential for double casting)

Ren’s uncle, Ethel’s brother-in-law. He is strict and very set in his ways. This role requires strong acting with limited singing or dancing.

Content Notice:

Performing this role will require:

  • Delivering a staged slap (no actual contact) to Ren. The slap is delivered as a form of “discipline.”
LULU WARWICK: Female Casting: Female Range: Ensemble Singing

Ren’s aunt, Ethel’s sister-in-law. She is a busybody and the town gossip. This role requires moderate acting with limited singing or dancing.
COACH DUNBAR: Male Casting: Male Range: Ensemble Singing

(Potential for double casting)

Coach at Ren’s high school. He is hotheaded and very loyal to Shaw. This role requires moderate acting with limited singing or dancing.
ELEANOR DUNBAR: Female Casting: Female Range: Ensemble Singing

Coach Dunbar’s wife. She is close friends with Vi and runs Town Council. She is generally kind, but can take a “no-nonsense” attitude when necessary. This role requires moderate acting with limited singing or dancing.
PRINCIPAL CLARK: Male Casting: Any Gender Range: Ensemble Singing

(Potential for double casting)

The principal of Ren’s high school. He is stoic, stern, and rigid regarding the rules. This role requires moderate acting with limited singing or dancing.
BETTY BLAST: Female Casting: Female Range: Ensemble Singing

Betty is the elderly owner of the Burger Blast, the town’s diner. She’s too old to skate, but too ornery to admit it. This role requires moderate acting and comedic timing with limited singing or dancing. One scene will be performed on roller skates. 
COP: Male Casting: Any Gender Range: Ensemble Singing

(Potential for double casting)

A police officer in the town of Bomont. Authoritative and curt with Ren. This role requires moderate acting with limited singing or dancing.

 

Ensemble Roles
Teen Ensemble

The high schoolers of Bomont. This will be an advanced dance ensemble featured in Footloose/On Any Sunday, Can’t Stand Still, I’m Free/Heaven Help Me, Still Rockin’, Let’s Hear It For The Boy, and Footloose (Finale).
Teenage “Heroes”

(Will be double cast)

4 teenage boys who will be featured as the picturesque dreamboats that Rusty, Urleen, Wendy Jo, and Ariel imagine in Holding Out For A Hero. Strong dancing will be required. 
Bandmember Ensemble

This bumpkinesque ensemble will sing backup for Cowboy Bob on Still Rockin. Must be energetic and perform strong harmonies.
Bomontian Ensemble

The citizens of Bomont, both young and old, that have found themselves set in their ways. These characters are particularly resistant to Ren’s new way of thinking and his sway amongst some high schoolers. This ensemble will be featured in On Any Sunday, Somebody’s Eyes, I’m Free/Heaven Help Me, and Footloose (Finale).

 

Footloose Parent/Guardian Guide

This show contains mature material outside the “norm” for a Journey production. We are excited to offer a production that tackles complex and challenging themes. Between the directing team’s experience in K-12 education and clinical mental health counseling, we feel well prepared to facilitate age-appropriate conversations regarding these themes with those participating in the show. 

However, we recognize that some content that comes with these themes may not be within every actor’s or family’s comfort zone. We hope that this “Parent/Guardian Guide” equips you and your student to make an informed choice regarding auditions this Fall. 

Language


This production will include the following language:

  • 2 uses of the word “hell” outside of a religious context
    • Rusty, Urleen, and Wendy Jo in Somebody’s Eyes: “Never dress risque, there’ll be hell to pay”
    • Chuck: “Ariel, what the hell’s going on?”
  • 1 use of the phrase “pisses me off”
    • Ren: “Man, that pisses me off!”
  • Several uses of the word “God” outside of a religious context
    • Ren and Ariel have lines that contain the phrase “Oh my god.”
    • Chuck, Travis, Lyle, and Ariel in Girl Gets Around: “Good God, this girl gets around!”

Violence

This production will include the following depictions of violence:

  • Uncle Wes will slap Ren as a way of delivering “discipline.”
  • Ariel will enter a scene with a black eye and smeared lipstick after having received a punch to the face from Chuck. Punch is referred to but not shown on stage.
  • Travis/Lyle will push Chuck to the ground. Chuck will perform a staged fall. 

Romance & Innunedo

This production will include the following physical depictions of romance:

    • Handholding
    • Hugging
    • Standing Cuddle
    • The cleaning of smeared lipstick from the face with a hand/cloth
    • Standing cuddle/tight embrace
  • NO kissing

This production will include the following use of sexual innuendo:

  • Lyrics in the song Girl Gets Around. 
    • If you’d like to listen for reference, the lyrics in this show are identical to the Broadway recording.
  • The following line delivered by Urleen (in reference to Ren):
    • “It’s such a turn-on, watching a guy fly in the face of authority.”
  • The following dialogue:

WILLARD: (with difficulty) I can’t do it.  

REN: Oh. “It?” (Willard nods) You can’t do “it?”

WILLARD: No sir. 

REN: Well, that’s okay, Willard. It’s only the first date.

WILLARD: Right.

REN: You don’t have to do “it” on the first date. Even in Chicago some people don’t do “it” in Chicago on the first date.

WILLARD: Really?

REN: I swear.

WILLARD: Well, that makes me feel a lot better.

REN: (Starts back to the dance floor) Great! Then let’s dance!

WILLARD: Dance? Dance?! What the heck do you think I’m talking about?  REN: When you said you couldn’t do “it,” I thought you meant…

WILLARD: What?  (It dawns on him.) Oh, that?! Heck, any idiot can do that! (points ot the dance floor) I can’t do this! I can’t dance!

Drinking/Drug Use

This production will include the following mentions of drinking and drug use:

  • Rusty, when discussing the history of the Potawney Bridge Accident: 
    • “Yeah. And when the sheriff’s office published the autopsy report it claimed there  was alcohol and drugs in their blood. Well! Everybody in town went nuts.”
  • Uncle Wes, when criticizing Ren for losing his job:
    •  “Are you on drugs?”
  • In the scene that takes place in a line-dancing bar, Ren and Willard portray the drinking of beer. This is meant to mirror the details of the Potawney Bridge Accident, and we see a reaction from Rusty and Ariel in the scene. The characters then make a safe plan to get home. 
    • Lines: 

WILLARD: Uh-h-h… I think I’m gonna get me a beer.  

RUSTY: Oh, no!  

WILLARD: Ren, you want a beer?  

ARIEL: Hold on! Who’s gonna drive?  

RUSTY: I’ll drive.  

REN: Sounds good. Then I’ll have a beer.  

WILLARD: Okay. That’s two beers.

  • Willard, at the bar:
    • That’s why I’m having a beer. Mama says I can have one beer or one cigarette, but if I have both I should never come home again.