Auditions

Actors Theatre of Little Rock announces auditions for Season Three. Auditions will be held BY APPOINTMENT on Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30. 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 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 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.

NOTE: If you auditioned in our first round of auditions, you do not need to audition again during round 2! This audition is for those who were unable to attend the round 1 auditions.

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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

Christian Waldron (he/him):

Music Director for West Side Story

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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About This Production

This isn’t your parents’ West Side Story.

Actors Theatre of Little Rock is reimagining this iconic musical through a modern, urgent lens — one that highlights the show’s continued relevance in today’s world. This production will feature contemporary choreography rooted in hip-hop, modern dance, and street styles, reflecting the energy and spirit of the world we live in now.

This will also be a bilingual production, with dialogue and lyrics blending English and Spanish to more authentically represent the Puerto Rican characters and their experience. But more than that — while the story is set in 1950s New York City, our production will also draw on the rich culture and history of Arkansas’ own Hispanic and Latinx communities to help tell this story. From cultural references to stylistic influences, this West Side Story will honor both its origins and the vibrant voices of our local community.

The Story

At its core, West Side Story is a story of love, conflict, and community — a timeless retelling of Romeo and Juliet set against the backdrop of two rival gangs: the Sharks (recent Puerto Rican immigrants) and the Jets (white working-class youth). In our production, the themes of immigration, racism, displacement, and the fight for belonging will feel as raw and real as they do in 2025.

Committment to Care and Safety

At Actors Theatre of Little Rock, we recognize the real-world threats facing the Hispanic and Latinx communities today — including harmful rhetoric, policies, and actions from our current political leadership. We want to be absolutely clear:

Every person who participates in this production — but especially our Latinx cast, crew, and collaborators — will be protected and supported at every step of this process.

Our production staff and leadership are committed to creating a safe, welcoming space, free from discrimination, harassment, and fear. We will not tolerate any form of anti-Latinx racism, xenophobia, or targeting within our process or surrounding our production.

Theatre is resistance. Theatre is community. We stand in solidarity with you.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a fearless and diverse cast of actors, singers, and dancers who are excited to collaborate on this bold, community-rooted take. Strong storytelling ability is essential for all roles, and comfort with Spanish language (or a willingness to learn) is highly encouraged for several characters. We are actively seeking Spanish-speaking and bilingual actors to help bring this vision to life.

Why This West Side Story?

All ethnicities, body types, gender identities, and experience levels are welcome.

Because this story isn’t just history — it’s happening now.
Gentrification, immigration, racial divides, and the fight to be heard and seen still fuel the streets we walk every day. This production aims to honor the legacy of West Side Story while speaking directly to 2025 America, making space for new voices, new rhythms, and new stories within the framework of this classic. By weaving in local cultural influences from Arkansas’ Hispanic and Latinx communities, this production becomes more than a revival — it becomes a conversation between generations and cultures, rooted in both past and present, New York and Little Rock.

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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.  

NOTE: We are seeking actors, singers, and dancers of Hispanic/Latinx backgrounds for the roles of Anita, Chico, Bernardo, & the Sharks. 18-30s age range.

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.

NOTE: We are seeking two Black/African-American boys, 9-14 years old for the role of Travis Younger. 

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.)