Auditions

Actors Theatre of Little Rock announces auditions for Season Three. Auditions will be held BY APPOINTMENT on Saturday, January 4th and Sunday, January 5th. Audition appointments can be made and questions answered by emailing CASTING@ACTORSTHEATRELR.ORG. 

Auditions will be held at Actors Theatre @ Quapaw Quarter UMC (1601 S Louisiana St, Little Rock, AR 72206), and appointments will begin at 10:00am on Saturday and 1:00pm on Sunday. 

Those auditioning for The Prom, West Side Story, The Rocky Horror Show, and/or Hairspray are asked to prepare two contrasting 16-bar cuts that showcase your diverse strengths as a performer and vocal range. Those auditioning for For Colored Girls… & A Raisin in the Sun are asked to prepare one of the three provided sides. 

An accompanist will be provided. Karaoke tracks are acceptable if you don’t have sheet music. Actors may also feature their skills with piano, guitar, percussion, or other instruments if they would like to accompany themselves. If you sing acapella, you will be asked to sing something with the piano.

Those auditioning must be 14 years old by January 1, 2025 to be considered for casting. All roles are paid. Video auditions are accepted; email CASTING@ACTORSTHEATRELR.ORG for more information.

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Please note: 

Actors Theatre of Little Rock emphasizes inclusivity and diversity in casting regarding but not limited to race, gender, ethnicity, body positivity, age, etc. While this approach may be considered “non traditional casting”, we prefer to think of it as acknowledging humanity in all its forms. Each person is valuable and deserves to have their story shared on stage, regardless of previous practices that heightened ableism, racial prejudice, gender binaries, thinness, and others. We encourage performers of ALL ethnicities, race, gender identities, body types, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities to attend every audition. Non-binary and trans actors will be seen and considered for all roles.

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On Casting:

Most characters we encounter currently are on the binary and are written with he/him or she/her pronouns and you will see that in the following character descriptions. However limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with. We will also list race/ethnicity when specific to the character but are otherwise seeking all races and ethnicities. In addition, we will list disabilities when specific to a character, but are otherwise seeking actors with disabilities as well as non-disabled actors for all roles. Please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or if there are any accommodations we can provide.

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Personnel in attendance: 

Mark A. Burbank (they/them):

Producing Artistic Director/Co-Founder

Director of West Side Story 

Co-Director of Hairspray

Music Director of The Rocky Horror Show

Dariane LyJoi Mull (she/her):

ATLR Co-Founder

Director of For Colored Girls… 

Co-Director of Hairspray

Caelon Colbert (he/him):
Director of The Prom & A Raisin in the Sun

Queen Anthony James Gerard (they/them):

Co-Director of The Rocky Horror Show

Emily Swenskie (she/her):

Co-Director of The Rocky Horror Show

Angela Collier (she/her):

Music Director for The Prom

Christian Waldron (he/him):

Music Director for West Side Story

Brian Earles (he/him):

Choreographer for The Prom

FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF

By Ntozake Shange

Directed by Dariane LyJoi Mull

Choreographed by Daija Black

First Rehearsal: Early March 2025

Tech Begins: April 7, 2025

First Public Performance: April 16, 2025

Opening Night: April 18, 2025

Closing Night: April 26, 2025

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Synopsis: 

“For Colored Girls…” is a choreopoem written by Ntozake Shange. It’s a piece that explores the stories, experiences and journey of growing up as a woman of color in America. The play uses music, dance and poetic drama to take us through the tragedy and the triumphs of life,  and life’s struggles, as we move from childhood to womanhood embracing the power of self discovery, self determination and affirmation.

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Character Breakdown:

LADY IN BROWN (Female identifying, 40s, Black/African American) : The lady in brown narrates “dark phrases.” The storyteller and grounding force of the play. She sets the tone for the collective experience, focusing on themes of heritage and identity. Significant Piece: Opening monologue about childhood and self-awareness.

LADY IN RED (Female identifying, mid to late 20s, Black/African American) : In “no assistance,” she describes letting go of a man for whom she once felt deep unrequited love. Significant Piece: A Nite with Beau Willie Brown" (addresses domestic violence) and she tells the story of a beautiful but isolated coquette. 

LADY IN GREEN (Female identifying, 30s, Black/African American) : Earthy, sensual, and grounded. She channels confidence and is deeply connected to her body and identity. She demonstrates her sense of empowerment and maturation when she asks a former lover to return her "stuff" (the things that make her unique, her scars, her feelings, etc.) in “somebody walked off wid alla my stuff."

LADY IN YELLOW (Female identifying, Late teens, Black/African American): Youthful, bright, and full of joy and innocence. She often represents moments of discovery, first love, and newfound freedom. Significant Piece: "Graduation Nite" (exploring sexuality and coming of age). She is also the central character who contracts HIV from her closeted gay lover in “positive.”

LADY IN PURPLE (Female identifying, 50+, Black/African American) : Poetic, spiritual, and wise. She channels a deep understanding of herself and the world around her, often reflecting on trauma and healing. Significant Piece:  “sechita”, “pyramid” (she competes with her friends for a man and experiences the humiliation of abandonment), “no more love poems #2” (she describes her love of dancing with strangers until she falls in love with a bold, confident man.)

LADY IN BLUE (Female identifying, late 30s - early 40s, Black/African American) : Reflective, calm, and contemplative. She often carries themes of loss, sadness, and introspection but is resilient and strong. Significant Piece: "No More Love Poems #2" (expressing vulnerability and disappointment in relationships).

LADY IN ORANGE (Female identifying, early 20s, Black/African American) : A vibrant, warm, and creative spirit. She is artistic, often conveying a sense of longing and unfulfilled dreams. Significant Piece: “no more love poems #1 (she describes her attempts to be perfect for a man and her subsequent realization that she needs to embrace her sorrow)

LADY IN WHITE (Female identifying, 20-30s, Black/African American)  Featured dancer/ensemble

LADY IN BLACK (Female identifying, 40s, Black/African American)  Featured dancer/ensemble. Will understudy principal roles

LADY IN PINK (Female identifying, Late teens-20s, Black/African American) Featured dancer/ensemble. Will understudy principal roles

THE PROM

Music by Matthew Sklar

Lyrics by Chad Beguelin

Book by Bob Martin and Beguelin

Directed by Caelon Colbert

Music Direction by Angela Collier

Choreography by Brian Earles

First Rehearsal: Late April/Early May

Tech Begins: May 26, 2025

First Public Performance: June 4, 2025

Opening Night: June 6, 2025

Closing Night: June 21, 2025

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Synopsis

Following a hit Broadway run and feature film, this hysterical and joyous new musical — which celebrates LGBTQIA+ diversity — makes its Little Rock debut! It follows four Broadway stars on a mission to change the world and the love they discover that unites them all.  Four Broadway actors lament their days of fame as they travel to the conservative town of Edgewater, Indiana, to help a lesbian student banned from bringing her girlfriend to high school prom. The Prom captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy while delivering a universal message of love and acceptance. 

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Character Breakdown

EMMA NOLAN (Female-identifying, 16-25, any race/ethnicity, Strong belt/F3 - E5) Teenager in Indiana. A reluctant poster child for LGTBQ+ youth. Very smart. A bit of a tomboy quality. Wears their heart on their sleeve. Not your typical leading lady. Must be a strong actor and singer with underdog energy and a charming sense of awkward/anxious humor. Ability to play guitar is an asset but not a requirement.

BARRY GLICKMAN (Male identifying, late 30s-60s, any race/ethnicity, Bari-tenor: Bb3 - F#4, optional Ab5): A very campy and flamboyant Broadway star. Completely politically incorrect and doesn’t know it. Impulsive and loves to make a scene everywhere he goes. Big, Broadway belter.

DEE DEE ALLEN (Female identifying, 40s-60s, any race/ethnicity, Mezzo/Strong belt: E3-D5): Broadway diva. A huge ego to match her huge talent. Hilariously self-involved but yearns to do something good for someone other than herself. Known for her strong Broadway belt vocals and large stage presence. Jaded with relationships so does not believe in true love until she meets Mr. Hawkins. 

TRENT OLIVER (Male identifying, 30-40s, any race/ethnicity, Baritenor: C3- Ab4): Pretentious Juilliard graduate recently cast in the non-Equity tour of Godspell. Handsome, charming, funny and loves to hear himself speak. 

ANGIE DICKINSON (Female identifying, 30-50s, any race/ethnicity, Mezzo Soprano: Ab4 - E5): A long running ensemble member in the Broadway production of Chicago (20 years!). Jaded Fosse girl with a heart of gold. Strong actor/singer/dancer- flexibility an asset.

ALYSSA GREENE (Female identifying, 16-25, any race/ethnicity, Mezzo Soprano: Ab 3- Eb5): A cheerleader and top student. Secretly Emma’s girlfriend. Faces constant pressure from her mother and friends. A little miss perfect who chafes under the pressure and isn’t quite as perfect as she seems. Must be a strong actor, singer and mover. 

PRINCIPAL MARION HAWKINS (Male identifying, 30s-60s, Black/African American, Baritone: G2– C4): A small town principal. Easily flustered. Straight-laced. A Broadway enthusiast. Good singer. 

MRS. GREENE (Female identifying, 30-50s, any race/ethnicity, Mezzo Soprano: A3-C5): Alyssa’s intimidating, conservative, single mother. The head of the PTA. Knows deep down that her daughter Alyssa is struggling with her identity. She is too afraid to face the reality because she fears her daughter will face a hard life. 

SHELDON or SHELLY SAPERSTEIN (Any gender, 30-60s, any race/ethnicity, vocal range adjusted to actor): A charismatic press agent who works for both Dee Dee and Barry. Dry wit is a must. Great character actor. 

SHELBY (Female identifying, 16-25, any race/ethnicity, Solo range: Ab4-Bb5): Popular cheerleader at school. Kaylee’s second in command, and Kevin’s girlfriend. Bullies, but eventually learns to accept Emma. Strong singer/dancer.

KAYLEE (Female identifying, any race/ethnicity, Solo range: Ab4 - C5): Head cheerleader and lead mean girl. Nick’s girlfriend. Every girl wants to be her, and every guy wants to date her. Bullies, but eventually learns to accept Emma. Strong singer/ dancer.

NICK (Male identifying, 16-25, any race/ethnicity, Solo range: C3 - F4): Popular jock at school. Kaylee’s boyfriend. Incredibly handsome- every guy wants to be him, and every girl wants to be with him. Bullies, but eventually learns to accept Emma. Strong singer/dancer.

KEVIN (Nick/Ensemble (Male identifying, 16-25, any race/ethnicity, Solo range: D3 - G4): Jock at school and Shelby’s boyfriend. Nick's right hand and the class clown. Bullies, but eventually learns to accept Emma.

TEEN ENSEMBLE: All genders and voice types, prejudiced, mean, bullying, small town, bigoted (but have a change of heart), excitable, strong singers/movers, ensemble. Some will play LGBTQ+ students in the Unruly Heart and It’s Time to Dance.

ADULT ENSEMBLE: Ensemble will consist of the following roles: Olivia Keating, Opening Night Party attendees, reporters, students, PTA members, motel clerk, cast of the non-Equity tour of Godspell, Monster Truck rally attendees, Mrs. Greene’s friend. 

WEST SIDE STORY

Book by Arthur Laurents 

Music by Leonard Bernstein 

Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim 

Based on a Conception by Jerome Robbins

Directed by Mark A. Burbank

Music Direction by Christian Waldron

First Rehearsal: Early June 2025

Tech Begins: July 21, 2025

First Public Performance: July 30, 2025

Opening Night: August 1, 2025

Closing Night: August 16, 2025

Performances: July 30 - August 16, 2025

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Synopsis

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to 1950s New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the American Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

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Character Breakdown

TONY (Male identifying, Late teens-20s, White/Caucasian, Tenor: Bb2 - Bb4): A romantic young man and former leader of the Jets, he has found a new lifestyle now that doesn’t involve gangs. Tony finds himself violently torn between his friendships and love. Falls in love with Maria and meets an unfortunate death. Genuinely sweet and sincere. Limited dancing. 

MARIA (Female identifying, Late teens-20s, Latinx/Hispanic, Soprano: Bb3 - C6):A hopeless romantic and innocent young girl. She falls in love with Tony and finds herself at the center of the violent conflict between the two gangs. Bernardo's younger sister. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

ANITA (Female identifying, Late teens-20s, Latinx/Hispanic, Mezzo-Soprano: F3–D5) Feisty and assertive. She dispenses "older sister" advice to Maria and tries to shield her from the dangers of the gangs. Bernardo's girlfriend and Maria's friend. Strong dance background required. 

RIFF (Male identifying, Late teens-20s, White/Caucasian, Bari-tenor: Bb2 - G4.): An athletic, quick-tempered leader of the Jets. He seeks to eliminate the Sharks and establish his own gang's dominance. Tony's best friend, he is eventually murdered by Bernardo. Strong dance background required. 

BERNARDO (Male identifying, Late teens-20s, Latinx/Hispanic, Baritone: Bb2 - Eb4): A proud, strong, handsome man. Bernardo seeks to carve out territory as a sense of identity for him and his friends. Maria's brother and Anita's boyfriend. Leader of the Sharks. Limited solo singing. Strong dance background required. 

CHINO (Male identifying, Late teens-20s, Latinx/Hispanic, Baritone: Bb2 - Eb4): An angry and, at times, naive Shark who turns murderous and vengeful. Suitor to Maria and friend of Bernardo's. Speaking Role. Dancing/Singing required. 

INDIO (Male identifying, Late teens-20s, Latinx/Hispanic/BIPOC, Tenor): Gang member, Dancing/ensemble singing required. 

PEPE (Male identifying, Late teens-20s, Latinx/Hispanic/BIPOC, Baritone): Gang member, Dancing/ensemble singing required.

LUIS (Male identifying, Late teens-20s, Latinx/Hispanic/BIPOC, Baritone/Bass): Gang member, Dancing/ensemble Singing required.

ROSALIA (Female identifying, Late teens-20s, Latinx/Hispanic/BIPOC, Mezzo Soprano): Indio’s girlfriend, more demure, not too bright.

CONSUELA (Female identifying, Late teens-20s, Latinx/Hispanic/BIPOC, Alto): Tough, young. Pepe’s girlfriend

FRANSISCA (Female identifying, Late teens-20s, Latinx/Hispanic/BIPOC, Soprano): Young, Luis’ girlfriend.

ANYBODYS (Non-binary/trans actor preferred, Late teens-20s, White/Caucasian): A spunky tomboy who is desperate to become a member of the Jets. The other Jets mock them for their ambitions, but generally appreciate her company. Full of energy and heart. Speaking Role. Dance role.

DIESEL (Male identifying, Late teens-20s, White/Caucasian, Baritone/Bass): Second-in-command of the Jets. Leader after Riff's death. Ensemble singing

ACTION (Male identifying, Late teens-20s, White/Caucasian, Tenor): The most quick-tempered member of the Jets, always ready for a fight. 

A-RAB (Male identifying, Late teens-20s, White/Caucasian, Baritone): Slightly less quick tempered than Action. Baby John's best friend. 

BABY JOHN (Male identifying, Late teens-20s, White/Caucasian, Tenor): The youngest Jet who is beaten up during the opening sequence. 

The Adults 

OFFICER KRUPKE (Male identifying, 30-50s, White/Caucasian): The local beat cop. He has no patience for the gang's conflict and tries to keep tensions from erupting between them. A little dorky, he is regularly mocked by the local gangs. Speaking Role. No dance background. 

DETECTIVE SCHRANK (Male identifying, 30-50s, White/Caucasian): A local police detective frustrated by the ongoing violence between the Jets and Sharks. Blunt, brash, racist, and unapologetic. Speaking Role. No dance background required. 

DOC (Male identifying, 50-70s, White/Caucasian): The adult owner of the store where the Jets hang out. He tries to guide the Jets youthful angst and provides a safe haven for Tony. Old fashioned and wise in his ways. Speaking Role. No dance background. 

GLAD HAND (Male identifying, 20-40s, White/Caucasian): Nerdy, overly cheerful and ill-equipped social director at the school dance (“Mambo”). Speaking role. No dance background.  

A RAISIN IN THE SUN

By Lorraine Hansberry

Directed by Caelon Colbert

First Rehearsal: Early August 2025

Tech Begins: September 1, 2025

First Public Performance: September 10, 2025

Opening Night: September 12, 2025

Closing Night: September 20, 2025

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Synopsis 

Lorraine Hansberry’s poetic rendering of a family, with all the petals and thorns intact. This groundbreaking drama changed the American theatre forever, breaking down barriers on and off stage. Each of the Youngers, a Black family, has a different view of how to spend their father’s life insurance settlement to better the family. As this classic explores the enduring questions raised in Langston Hughes’ poem, Harlem: “What happens to a dream deferred?”

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Character Breakdown

WALTER LEE YOUNGER (Male identifying, 30s, Black/African-American): A 35-year-old chauffeur who has a young son, Travis, with his wife, Ruth. The family lives in a small apartment with Walter's mother and sister in the South Side of Chicago. Hansberry describes Walter as a lean, intense man with nervous movements and erratic speaking patterns.

LENA YOUNGER (MAMA) (Female identifying, 60s, Black/African-American): The 60-something matriarch of the family. She has recently lost her husband Walter Sr, and will be the recipient of a $10,000 life insurance check.

BENEATHA YOUNGER (Female identifying, 20s, Black/African-American):: Walter's 20-year-old sister, a college student who invades the Younger household with her modern ideas and philosophies on race, class, and religion. She favors her African suitor over her rich boyfriend, much to the puzzlement of her family.

RUTH YOUNGER (Female identifying, 30s, Black/African-American): Walter's wife and Travis' mother. In her early thirties, Ruth is exceptionally pretty, but is aging before her time because of her impoverished surroundings. During her 11 years of marriage, she often bore the responsibility of keeping the household running, in addition to working as a domestic servant.

TRAVIS YOUNGER (Male identifying, 8-13, Black/African-American): In spite of his manipulative nature, Travis is a likeable child because, although he might be mischievous at times, he is always mannerly. He seems sheltered and overprotected by the numerous adults in the household, yet he is a “street kid,” drawn to the life of his neighborhood.

JOSEPH ASAGAI (Male identifying, 20s, Black/African-American): A Nigerian college student pursuing Beneatha. Actor with darker complexion is preferred. 

GEORGE MURCHINSON (Male identifying, 20s, Black/African-American/Multiracial): Beneatha's boyfriend and fellow classmate, who hails from a wealthy black family. Actor with lighter complexion is preferred. 

KARL LINDNER (Male identifying, White/Caucasian, 40s-50s): A white, middle-aged representative from the Clybourne Park Improvement Society.

MRS. JOHNSON (Female identifying, 30s-60s, Black/African-American): Comic relief. She is a caricature of the nosy, jealous neighbor. 

BOBO (Male identifying, 30-50s, Black/African-American): Somewhat dimwitted, but he is basically honest and appears to be a loyal friend.

MOVING MEN (Male identifying, 30-50s, Black/African-American): Non-speaking roles, but memorable pieces of the story.

RICHARD O’BRIEN’s THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

Music, Lyrics, & Book by Richard O’Brien

Direction by Queen Anthony Gerard & Emily Swenskie

Music Direction by Mark A. Burbank

First Rehearsal: Late August 2025

Tech Begins: October 6, 2025

First Public Performance: October 15, 2025

Opening Night: October 17, 2025

Closing Night: October 31, 2025

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Synopsis

Actors Theatre of Little Rock’s Season Zero favorite returns! “Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show!” A musical that inspired the 1975 classic cult film, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” follows innocent couple Brad and Janet as they seek shelter at a mysterious, old castle on a dark and stormy night, where they encounter transvestite Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter, their “perfect” creation Rocky, and an assortment of other crazy creatures.

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Character Breakdown

NARRATOR (Any gender & race, 30’s-70’s): The Criminologist serves as a narrator telling this story of debauchery, decadence and an attack on the American Way. Must be great with improv as this character gets most of the abuse from a sometimes quite vocal crowd. Non-Singing Role.

FRANK ‘N’ FURTER: (Any gender, any race/ethnicity, 30-40s, Baritone, D3-G4): Master of the castle. Sexy transvestite alien from Outer Space. A powerful seducer with the vocal dexterity of Freddy Mercury. Welcomes Janet and Brad with open arms. Obsessed with creating a man to be part of his sexual entourage. THIS ROLE HAS BEEN CAST.

BRAD (Male identifying, 20s-302s, any race/ethnicity, Bari Tenor: Bb2-G4): Quirky, uptight Earthling fellow, very much in love with his fiancé, Janet. Overly optimistic at times. A gentleman; a square.

JANET (Female identifying, 23-35, any race/ethnicity, Mezzo Soprano: A3-Eb5) Good Earthling girl who is madly in love with Brad. Always seems to be frightened of something. Keeps losing more of her clothes throughout the story. Emotionally fragile and caves into pressure easily, turning her into an alley cat.

ROCKY (Male identifying, 18-30s, any race/ethnicity, Tenor, A3-G4): Frank’s magnificent creation. Sexually appealing and should be comfortable in wearing very little clothing. Just seven hours old.

RIFF RAFF (Male identifying, 20-30s, any race/ethnicity, High Rock Tenor: D3-B4) Alien from Outer Space. One of Frank’s servants. Brother of Magenta. Often makes harmless conversation seem awkward and foreboding. Leads the Time Warp.

MAGENTA (Female identifying, 20s-40s, any race/ethnicity, Mezzo Soprano/Belt: Bb3-Eb5) Alien from Outer Space. Sneaky, seductive, one of Frank’s servants. Sister to Riff Raff. One of the leaders in Time Warp.

EDDIE/DR. SCOTT (Any gender, 30-40s, any race/ethnicity, Baritone: E3-F#4) Eddie, delivery man, “went to pieces.” Comes back to life only to die after his solo. Scott is Eddie’s Uncle, former professor to Brad and Janet.

COLUMBIA (Female identifying, 20s-40s, any race/ethnicity, Mezzo Soprano/Belt: E4-E5) One of Frank’s servants. Used to date Eddie and Frank. A surprisingly sensitive person. Leader in Time Warp. Tap skills are a plus! 

PHANTOMS / TRANSYLVANIANS (Any gender, race/ethnicty, 18+, SATB): Inhabitants of The Rocky Horror Show world.

HAIRSPRAY (AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

Music, Lyrics, & Book by Richard O’Brien

Direction by Dariane LyJoi Mull & Mark A. Burbank

First Rehearsal: Early October 2025

Tech Begins: November 24, 2025

First Public Performance: December 3, 2025

Opening Night: December 5, 2025

Closing Night: December 20, 2025

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Synopsis

It’s 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland, and quirky, plus-sized, teenage Tracy Turnblad has one dream: to dance on "The Corny Collins Show". When she gets put in detention with the African-American students in the school, they teach her some of their dance moves, and her new found groove wins her a spot on Corny’s show. Overnight, Tracy transforms from a nobody into a star, and uses her newfound influence to advocate for racial integration on the television show. Tracy faces scrutiny and bullying from the network producer, Velma, and her popular, but vicious, daughter, Amber. With the help of the teenage heartthrob Link, host Corny Collins, and Motormouth Maybelle (the host of "Negro Day" on Corny's show), Tracy overcomes the odds and succeeds in her mission to integrate "The Corny Collins Show".

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Character Breakdown

TRACY TURNBLAD (Female identifying, 20s, White/Caucasian, Mezzo Soprano/Belt: G3-G5) Plays a teenager. Our story's unsuspecting protagonist, a plus-sized teenager with big dreams, big hair, and a bigger heart. Tracy is optimistic, determined, and loves to dance. She challenges societal norms and fights for integration on "The Corny Collins Show." A romantic with a good heart and desire to cut up the dance floor. 

EDNA TURNBALD (Female identifying, 30-50s, White/Caucasian, Baritone: F3-G5) Tracy's big and blonde mother. She is a working housewife who has lost her confidence and dream to be a plus-size clothing designer. Boisterous and commanding. Often played by a male in drag. 

LINK LARKIN (Male identifying, 20s, White/Caucasian, Bari-tenor/strong falsetto, G2-A4) Plays a teenager. The star heartthrob on Corny Collins' show. He is extremely attractive and talented. Hoping to get his big break with a recording contract, he unexpectedly falls for Tracy.

PENNY PINGLETON (Female identifying, 20s, White/Caucasian, Mezzo Soprano/Belt: A3-G5): Plays a teenager. Tracy's best friend and dorky sidekick. Not the brightest girl, but she has good intentions. Bursting to get free of her mother's dominating control, she falls for Seaweed with childlike curiosity. 

SEAWEED J. STUBBS (Male identifying, 20s, Black/African-American, R&B/Soul Tenor: G2–Bb4): Plays a teenager. Tracy's classmate and friend, who is discriminated against due to his skin color. He is cocky but surprisingly lovable. Talented in song and dance. He falls for Penny. 

AMBER VON TUSSLE (Female identifying, 20s, White/Caucasian, Mezzo Soprano/Belt: A3-F5): Plays a teenager. Link's girlfriend and Tracy's nemesis. She is pretty, thin, shallow, snobby, and racist. Can't dance but is expected to win Miss Baltimore Hairspray. Always feels the need to be the center of attention.

WILBUR TURNBLAD (Male identifying, 40s-60s, White/Caucasian, Baritone: A3–A4). Tracy's simpleminded and kind father. He owns a joke shop and supports his daughter in spite of everything else. He also loves his wife, Edna, very much. 

MOTORMOUTH MABLE (Female identifying, 40s-50, Black/African-American, Gospel/soul Alto/Strong belt: F3-E5). Seaweed and Little Inez's mother, she also appears as the Guest DJ on the Corny Collin's Negro Day show. Big, blonde, beautiful and proud of it. She is sassy and confident. 

CORNY COLLINS (Male identifying, 25-30s, White/Caucasian, Tenor: C3–A4). The charismatic host of the Corny Collins' Show. Good looking and smooth talking, he is a genuinely nice guy both on and off camera. 

VELMA VON TUSSLE (Female identifying, 40-50s, White/Caucasian, Mezzo Soprano/Belt: G3-E5): Amber's mother and the director of the Corny Collins show. She is a devious taskmaster and snobby racist. The former Miss Baltimore Crabs will go to any length to ensure her daughter is the next big thing. 

PRUDY PINGELTON (Female identifying, 40-50s, White/Caucasian, Alto: D4-B4): Penny's strict mother. Very conservative, controlling, and closed minded.

LITTLE INEZ (Female identifying, Teens-early 20s, Black/African-American, Soprano: D4-B4): Seaweed's little sister. A great singer and dancer with a quiet exterior, who can and will be bold when the opportunity comes.

THE DYNAMITES: (Female identifying, 20s-30s, Black/African-American, Soprano: D4-B4): A powerhouse female vocal trio inspired by 1960s girl groups like The Supremes. They appear in songs such as “Welcome to the ’60s” and provide show-stopping, tight harmonies with a mix of soul, pop, and R&B styles. Their vocal ranges are generally as follows:

• Dynamite 1 (Soprano/Strong belt & head voice: C4–A5): Sings the higher harmony line in the trio. 
• Dynamite 2 (Mezzo-Soprano/Strong belt: A3–E5): Holds the middle harmony, often the most soulful and warm part of the trio’s blend.
• Dynamite 3 (Alto/Low Mezzo: G3–C5): Sings the lower harmony line, anchoring the trio’s sound with depth and richness. Requires a solid, warm tone and smooth lower notes.

FEATURED/ENSEMBLE: We are looking to cast a large ensemble, with featured roles, including the Council Members (Tammy, Brad, Brenda, Sketch, Shelley, IQ, Lou Ann, and Fender, played by white performers), Mr. Pinky (owner of the ladies clothing store), and the adult ensemble (play various roles, including parents, reporters, and authority figures.)