Audition Notice - Hairspray

Book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan
Music by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman
Based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters

Directed and Choreographed by Jailyn Harris & Kristy Cruz
Musical Direction by Nick Klein
Artwork by Noah Hrbek

"And some day, when I take to the floor, the world's gonna wake up and see..."

Change is in the air! Hairspray, the winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly show filled to the brim with laughter, romance, and catchy tunes. Set in 1962 Baltimore, the lovable plus-sized teen Tracy Turnblad has one dream: to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, Tracy transforms from a social outcast into an overnight star. With her newfound power, she must dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the heart of the charming Link Larkin, and work towards integrating the TV network without denting her 'do!

Hairspray 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.

This production is open to participants ages 7 & up. This show explores themes of racial segregation, body positivity, and social justice. We are dedicated to fostering a respectful and supportive environment for all cast, crew, and audience members. Our production will prioritize cultural sensitivity, historical awareness, and authenticity. We are committed to ensuring all cast members feel safe, seen, and celebrated.

Character Descriptions

Tracy Turnblad (White, Female Presenting, Ages 16–30 who presents as high school aged) A plus-sized girl with big hair, an even bigger heart, and has only one passion – to dance! She is confident, talented, and incredibly determined. This romantic heroine will stop at nothing to win the heart of the super-handsome Link Larkin and racially integrate the Corny Collins show. Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: G3

Edna Turnblad (White, gender-diverse casting welcome, Age range 40–55) Tracy’s loving and self-conscious mother who undergoes a transformation of her own. Traditionally portrayed by a male-identifying performer in drag, this role is open to all gender-diverse performers comfortable portraying a cisgender woman with warmth, wit, and heart. Edna starts the show hesitant to step outside her comfort zone, but eventually embraces her confidence, beauty, and voice with pride. We especially encourage transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming actors to audition if you feel connected to Edna’s journey of self-love and transformation. Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: F3

Corny Collins (White, Male presenting, Age range 25 to 40) The host of the Corny Collins' Show. Handsome and smooth-talking, he is a genuinely nice guy both on and off camera. Charismatic, forward-thinking, and secretly progressive. Vocal range top: A4 Vocal range bottom: D3

Penny Pingleton (White, Female presenting, Ages 16–30 who presents as high school aged) Tracy's awkward but loyal best friend. Not the brightest girl, but she has good intentions. Bursting to get free of her mother's dominating control. Vocal range top: G5 Vocal range bottom: A3

Velma Von Tussle (White, Female presenting, Age range 40 – 55) Amber’s mother and the racist TV station producer. Glamorous, calculating, and power-hungry. The former Miss Baltimore Crabs will go to any length to ensure her daughter is the next big thing. Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: G3

Amber Von Tussle (White, Female presenting, Ages 16–30 who presents as high school aged) Link's girlfriend and Tracy's nemesis. She is the spoiled and snobbish “princess” of the Corny Collins Show. Competitive and manipulative. Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: A3

Link Larkin (White, Male presenting, Ages 16–30 who presents as high school aged) Teen heartthrob on Corny Collins' show. Talented and attractive. Hoping to get his big break with a recording contract, he unexpectedly falls for Tracy. Vocal range top: A4 Vocal range bottom: G3

Seaweed J. Stubbs (Black/African American, Male presenting, Ages 16–30 who presents as high school aged) Tracy's classmate and friend, who is discriminated against due to his skin color. A gifted dancer. Cool, grounded, and confident. Vocal range top: E4 Vocal range bottom: G3

Little Inez (Black/African American, Female presenting, Age Range 10 – 18) Seaweed's little sister. She is small in stature but spunky, with a fierce spirit and fierce moves.

Motormouth Maybelle (Black/African American, Female presenting, Age Range 40 – 55) Seaweed and Little Inez's mother. An influential radio DJ and activist. Soulful, wise, and a vocal force of truth and pride. She is bold, confident, with a commanding presence. Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: F3

Wilbur Turnblad (White, Male presenting, Age range 40 to 65) Tracy’s quirky and supportive father. Sweet, playful, and devoted to Edna. He owns a joke shop and supports his daughter despite everything else. Vocal range top: A5 Vocal range bottom: A3

Prudy Pingleton (White, Female presenting, Age range 40 – 55) Penny's strict mother. Very conservative, controlling, and closed-minded. Vocal range top: B4 Vocal range bottom: D4

Ensemble (All genders, ages, and ethnicities) Includes featured dancers, protesters, students, parents, and TV performers. Strong ensemble energy is essential to this production. The ensemble will reflect the full spectrum of Baltimore’s community, with many opportunities for featured vocal and dance moments.

Auditions 

• You must be at least 7 years of age to audition.
• Audition dates are scheduled for Tuesday, August 19 (FULL), Wednesday, August 20 (FULL), and Thursday, August 21 (FULL), from 7 PM to 10 PM.  Anyone auditioning must stay for the entire time. Please register below to reserve a space.
• Callbacks are scheduled for Saturday, August 23, from 10 AM to 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 during the eight (8) weeks this production rehearses and for the nine 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 Monday, September 22 - Wednesday, November 12. Rehearsal days will be Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays (depending on conflicts). Rehearsals are held on Sundays from 12 pm to 8 pm (a four-hour range that may vary depending on conflicts) and Mondays through Wednesdays from 7 pm to 10 pm. Rehearsal times will vary. 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 11:00 PM.
• You may be required to participate in a Dry Tech Rehearsal on Saturday, November 15. This rehearsal typically takes place during the day.

Tech Week  (Attendance is mandatory during this week!)

• Sunday, November 16, is Tech Sunday, an extended rehearsal for all cast, staff, and crew from 12 PM to 10 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 17 - 20, are all mandatory rehearsals. 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 performances will take place on November 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, December 4, 5, 6, and 7.
• Curtain times for Friday and Saturday are 7:30 PM, and Sunday is 2:00 PM.
• The cast is expected to be at the theater at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday performance nights and at 12:30 p.m. on Sundays.

All audition slots are full. If you are still interested in auditioning, reach out to the stage manager at Stagemanager1@nearwesttheatre.org