ALL PERFORMERS INTERESTED IN AUDITIONING (in-person and virtually) are invited to take a moment and read the Welcome to Auditions link for imperative information related to this audition.
VIRTUAL AUDITION
This is a two-step process. See Audition Information under the auditions tab for more details related to submitting virtually, including how to send your vocal audition.
Virtual Audition Application (Adult)
Virtual Audition Application (13 & Under)
Virtual Submissions must be received by October 26 at 12:00 p.m. Submissions received after this deadline will not be considered.
IN-PERSON AUDITIONS
Doors open no earlier than 30 minutes prior to a scheduled audition.
October 25th at 2 p.m: All ages
October 26th at 2 p.m: All ages
Performers interested in auditioning in person can fill out the following in-person application and bring it completed to the audition:
Live Audition Application (Adult)
Live Audition Application (13 & Under)
SHOW DESCRIPTION
GYPSY is a powerful and poignant story inspired by the memoirs of burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee. This Broadway classic follows the ultimate stage mother, Rose, as she pushes her daughters June and Louise toward stardom in the world of 1920s-30s vaudeville and burlesque. GYPSY is both a heartfelt family drama and a dazzling backstage musical. It’s a story about ambition, identity, love, and the complicated bonds between mothers and daughters.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The casting team of GYPSY is seeking to fill all roles. We are looking for performers who are strong actors, singers, and dancers of all ages capable of bringing to life the colorful world of vaudeville, the grit of backstage life, and the emotional depth of one of musical theatre’s most iconic stories. While the creative team will provide direction and support throughout the rehearsal process, we’re seeking energetic, dynamic and versatile performers who come in with a strong foundation and a readiness to grow.
See below for more information regarding the character breakdown in addition to more information about being in the ensemble of this production.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Principals
ROSE – The Mother
Age Range: 35–60. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano with strong belt (F3–C5, must belt to D5).
The ultimate stage mother, Rose is brash, domineering, and endlessly ambitious for her daughters. She is manipulative and forceful, but beneath her tough exterior lies deep vulnerability and a desperate longing for recognition and love. Both powerhouse and tragic figure, she drives the story forward.
JUNE – Rose’s daughter
Age Range: 15–30. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano (A3–G5).
The favored daughter and centerpiece of Rose’s act, June is lively, perky, and full of showbiz sparkle. She grows into a rebellious young woman, frustrated by her mother’s control and ready to carve her own path. A strong dancer and singer with comic timing. Additional special skill such as baton twirling or strong ballet technique is encouraged but not required.
LOUISE – Rose’s other daughter, later Gypsy, the stripper
Age Range: 16–30. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano (E3–D5).
Louise begins as the shy and overlooked daughter living in June’s shadow. Timid and observant, she quietly absorbs the world around her until she blossoms into the poised and glamorous Gypsy Rose Lee. Her transformation into confidence and independence is at the heart of the show.
TESSIE TURA – Ballet stripper
Age Range: 25–60. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano/Alto (B♭3–D5).
A seasoned burlesque performer with sharp wit and comic timing, Tessie is tough and worldly but ultimately kind. She brings both humor and heart to her scenes with Louise. Performs ballet strip and should be comfortable with wearing burlesque-style costumes that are not fully covered.
MAZEPPA – Trumpet stripper
Age Range: 25–60. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano/Alto (B♭3–D5).
Bold, brassy, and unapologetic, Mazeppa is a veteran stripper who commands attention, often with a trumpet as part of her act. She is larger-than-life with a strong comedic presence. Should be comfortable with wearing burlesque-style costumes that are not fully covered.
ELECTRA – Lightbulb stripper
Age Range: 25–60. Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano/Alto (B♭3–D5).
A sweet and somewhat scatterbrained stripper, Electra is memorable for her comic gimmick of electric lights. She is warm and endearing, providing levity in the burlesque trio, without breaking a sweat. Should be comfortable with wearing burlesque-style costumes that are not fully covered.
BABY JUNE – Rose’s baby daughter
Age Range: 7–13. Vocal Range: Child Soprano (A3–E5).
Precocious, spoiled, and bursting with energy, Baby June is the quintessential child star. With exaggerated charm and boundless enthusiasm, she captivates audiences and overshadows her sister, embodying Rose’s ideal of stardom. Additional special skill such as baton twirling or strong ballet technique is encouraged but not required.
BABY LOUISE – Rose’s other baby daughter
Age Range: 7–13. Vocal Range: (A3–E5).
Quiet, timid, and often overlooked, Baby Louise is the gentler counterpart to her sister. She struggles in the shadow of Baby June, laying the groundwork for her later transformation into Gypsy Rose Lee.
HERBIE – Candy salesman and Rose’s manager
Age Range: 40–60. Vocal Range: Baritone (C3–D4).
Rose’s loyal manager and patient suitor, Herbie is kind, steady, and fatherly. He is practical and supportive but eventually grows weary of Rose’s relentless ambition and obsession with show business. His love for Rose makes his final departure all the more heartbreaking.
TULSA – Farm boy, etc. (with others)
Age Range: 16–35. Vocal Range: Tenor (C3–A4).
A charismatic young dancer with big dreams. Tulsa is charming and ambitious, ultimately running away with June to perform their own act. His featured number, “All I Need Is the Girl,” highlights his skill as a triple threat.
Supporting Roles
UNCLE JOCKO – Vaudeville master of ceremonies
Age Range: 25–60. Speaking role.
The sarcastic and weary host of a children’s talent show. Easily annoyed, he provides sharp humor in his brief scene with Rose.
POP – Rose’s father
(Appears in second list as “Father.”)
Age Range: 50–70. Speaking role.
Rose’s gruff, practical father who refuses to indulge her big dreams. Stern and stubborn, he offers an early look at Rose’s strained family life.
WEBER – Theater manager in Los Angeles
Age Range: 30–60. Speaking role.
A theatre manager who interacts with Rose in her pursuit of bookings. Practical and direct.
MR. GOLDSTONE – Representative of the Orpheum Circuit
Age Range: 30–60. Speaking role.
A nervous booking agent caught up in Rose’s whirlwind of energy. A comic cameo role requiring sharp timing.
MISS CRATCHITT – Secretary at Grantziger’s Palace
Age Range: 30s–50s. Speaking role.
The sharp, efficient, no-nonsense secretary at the Grantzinger office. A comedic cameo role with strong bite.
AGNES – Hollywood Blonde
Age Range: 16–25. Vocal Range: Soprano/Ensemble (C4–F5).
A featured member of the Hollywood Blondes.
CIGAR – Theater manager in Wichita
Age Range: 25–60. Speaking role.
The manager of a burlesque house, Cigar is shrewd, businesslike, and a little shady.
PASTEY – Stage manager in Wichita
Age Range: 25–50. Speaking role.
The harried stage manager of the burlesque house. Frazzled and practical, he provides comic support in the backstage world.
The Playhouse is currently seeking a small to medium-sized ensemble of all ethnicities and a range of ages to portray a variety of characters throughout the world of Gypsy. Ensemble members will be busy as they act, sing, and dance their way through this production, taking on tracks that may include playing children auditioners, vaudeville assistants, hotel staff, additional Hollywood Blondes, press agents, and photographers. Some ensemble tracks also involve burlesque or vaudeville cameos, heightened physicality, comedic specialty skills, or theatrical doubling.