Audition Notice Annie

Book by Thomas Meehan
Music by Charles Strouse
Lyrics by Martin Charnin

Original Broadway Production Directed by Martin Charnin
Based on “Little Orphan Annie”® By Permission of Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Directed by Trinidad Snider
Musical Direction by Bradley Wyner
Choreography by Kenya Woods
Assistant Direction/Choreography by Jailyn Harris
Stage Management by Julie Billinghurst

 Artwork by Noah Hrbek

"The sun'll come out tomorrow..."

Everyone’s favorite orphan takes the stage at Near West Theatre. Annie is the story of a young girl whose unwavering optimism begins to transform the lives of everyone around her. Set in 1930s New York City, Annie moves from the walls of an orphanage into the home of Oliver Warbucks, bringing light, hope, and possibility to everyone she encounters. As Annie searches for where she belongs, she reminds us all to look beyond our circumstances, to think bigger, and to believe that even in the hardest moments…the sun will come out tomorrow!

Annie is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.com

CASTING

NEAR WEST THEATRE IS COMMITTED TO DIVERSE, INCLUSIVE CASTING. WE WILL CAST ARTISTS WITHOUT REGARD TO DISABILITY, RACE, AGE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, COLOR, GENDER IDENTITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ETHNIC ORIGIN, OR ANY OTHERWISE INDICATED BASIS. WE ARE COMMITTED TO AUTHENTICALLY CASTING TO ENSURE ALL MARGINALIZED GROUPS ARE REPRESENTED.

Character Descriptions

Annie (Any ethnicity, female-presenting youth, approximately ages 10 - 13) – A resilient, optimistic, and streetwise orphan with an unwavering belief that tomorrow will be better. Bright, funny, compassionate, and courageous, Annie's hope and determination inspire everyone around her. Looking for a confident young performer with a strong singing voice and excellent acting skills. This role will be double cast.

Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks (Any ethnicity, male-presenting adult) – A wealthy industrialist whose tough exterior slowly gives way to a generous and loving heart. A strong singing voice and commanding stage presence are required.

Grace Farrell (Any ethnicity, female-presenting adult) – Oliver Warbucks' faithful secretary. An intelligent, elegant, and compassionate woman who balances professionalism with warmth.

Miss Hannigan (Any ethnicity, female-presenting adult) – The matron of the Municipal Orphanage. Larger than life, comedic, and endlessly frustrated by the chaos around her. Requires exceptional comedic timing and a strong singing voice.

Rooster Hannigan (Any ethnicity, male-presenting adult) – Miss Hannigan's charming but scheming younger brother. A charismatic con artist with strong comedic instincts, confidence, and movement ability.

Lily St. Regis (Any ethnicity, female-presenting adult) – Rooster's glamorous girlfriend and partner in crime. Stylish, witty, and delightfully over-the-top with strong singing and movement skills.

The Orphans (All orphan roles will be double cast.)

Molly (Any ethnicity, female-presenting youth, approximately ages 7- 9) – The youngest orphan. Sweet, energetic, and lovable.

Kate (Any ethnicity, female-presenting youth, approximately ages 8 - 10) – Quiet, shy, and sensitive. Often looks to the older orphans for reassurance.

Tessie (Any ethnicity, female-presenting youth, approximately ages 9 - 12) – Dramatic, expressive, and always looking for attention. Loves to perform.

Pepper (Any ethnicity, female-presenting youth, approximately ages 11 - 14) – The toughest of the orphans. Bold, fearless, and protective of the younger children.

July (Any ethnicity, female-presenting youth, approximately ages 10 - 13) – Quiet, observant, and thoughtful with a dry sense of humor.

Duffy (Any ethnicity, female-presenting youth, approximately ages 10 -13) – Independent, confident, and outspoken.

Additional Orphans (Any ethnicity, youth performers, approximately ages 8 - 14) – We will cast an additional 4 – 6 orphan performers to round out our orphan ensemble. Seeking strong movers and dancers with big personalities who bring energy, humor, and heart to the orphan ensemble.

Drake (Any ethnicity, male-presenting adult) – Warbucks' butler.

Mrs. Pugh (Any ethnicity, female-presenting adult) – Warbucks' household cook.

Mrs. Greer (Any ethnicity, female-presenting adult) – Warbucks' housekeeper.

Cecille (Any ethnicity, female-presenting adult or older teen) – A maid in the Warbucks household.

Annette (Any ethnicity, female-presenting adult or older teen) – A maid in the Warbucks household.

Bert Healy (Any ethnicity, male-presenting adult) – A charismatic radio personality and entertainer with a strong singing voice and engaging stage presence.

The Boylan Sisters (Any ethnicity, three female-presenting performers) – A close-harmony trio featured on Bert Healy's radio program. Strong vocalists with movement ability.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt (Caucasian male-presenting adult) – The President of the United States. A calm, compassionate leader with warmth, wisdom, and quiet authority.

Ensemble - We are seeking performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, abilities, and experience levels to portray the many citizens of 1930s New York, including Hooverville residents, Cabinet members, New Yorkers, servants, party guests, police officers, radio performers, street vendors, and other featured ensemble roles.

Auditions

• You must be at least 7 years of age to audition. 
• Audition dates are Sunday, August 23, from 6 PM to 9 PM (Kids only - FULL), Monday, August 24, and Tuesday, August 25, from 7 PM to 10 PM.  Anyone auditioning must stay for the entire time. Please register below to reserve a space. (KIDS ARE WELCOME TO SIGN UP ON THE OTHER NIGHTS IF THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO JOIN US ON THE 23RD. THE AUDITION ON SUNDAY IS FOR KIDS ONLY!)
• Callbacks are scheduled for Saturday, August 29, between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Our audition process involves group work in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. You do not need a headshot or resume; no preparation is required. It is a group experience of theatre games, improvisation, characterization, and movement. Come as you are, in comfortable clothing, and be ready to engage with your peers. Decisions and notifications will be made by the end of the following week.

Expectations

• Cast members are expected to prioritize rehearsals for the eight (8) weeks this show rehearses and the ten (10) performances.
• By the end of your audition, you must communicate any known rehearsal or performance conflicts to the Stage Manager and/or Director.

Rehearsals

• Rehearsals are scheduled for Sunday, September 20, through Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Rehearsal days are typically Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and possibly Thursdays (depending on conflicts). Rehearsals are on Sunday from 1 PM to 9 PM (typically a four-to-five-hour range that will vary depending on conflicts; there are times we may have a longer day with a dinner break) and Monday through Thursday from 7 PM to 10 PM. Youth performers under the age of 16 will typically be released by 9:30 PM during rehearsals leading up to the week before technical rehearsals. Extended rehearsal hours should be expected during tech week and dress rehearsals.)
• The stage manager will distribute a schedule by Thursday of every week.
• Closer to the show's opening, typically tech week, rehearsals may be extended on some days, but they will not run past 11 PM.
• You may be required to participate in a Sitzprobe and/or Dry Tech Rehearsal on Saturday, November 14. This rehearsal typically takes place during the day.

Dress Rehearsal Week - “ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED DURING DRESS REHEARSAL WEEK.”

• Sunday, November 15, is Tech Sunday, an extended rehearsal for all cast, staff, and crew from 12 PM to 9 PM.  A potluck supper is organized and scheduled for this date. This is the first working tech rehearsal. Costumes, lighting, props, and special effects will be incorporated later in the week.
• Monday through Thursday, November 16 - 19, are mandatory rehearsals. The cast, crew, and staff are expected to be at the theater from 6 PM to 11 PM each day. Everyone must stay until the end of the rehearsal to run the show.

Performances

• The cast is expected to be at the theater at 6:00 PM on Friday and Saturday performance nights and at 12:30 PM on Sunday.
• The performances are scheduled for November 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, December 3, 4, 5, and 6. 
• Curtain times for Friday and Saturday are at 7:30 PM, and Sunday is at 2 PM.