Auditions:

Auditions for all cast will be held on Sunday 23 March 2025. There will be a workshop with the director and composer two weeks prior on Saturday 8 March to give you a sense of the show and help with your preparation for the auditions. 

More information at the bottom of the page.

There are 12 members of the cast, and everyone will have the opportunity to shine, whether as a named character or in the ensemble of "clowns".

Before the audition:

• Choose a character or characters based on the information given below. You can audition for more than one role.
• Fill in the sign-up form below. You'll be able to tell us about your prior experience and training, and let us know of any potential schedule conflicts during the production period, including for the audition date itself (23 March). Tell us if you're going to attend the workshop on 8 March.
• We'll send you a link to audition materials, which will include a score, section of lib and demo tracks you can use to practise for the audition.
• With plenty of notice, we'll let you know your audition slot (and if it's not on the main audition day, the date!). Tell us asap if you need to change it. We'll do our best to accommodate reasonable requests.

At the audition:

• Make sure you know where the venue is and how to get there. Arrive about 10 minutes before your slot.
• The panel will consist of the Director, Musical Director and a member of the Leeds G&S Society committee. There will, of course, also be an accompanist.
• You may sing a section of your song or the whole thing — whichever allows you to deliver your best performance and give us the best impression of your ability.
• A member of the panel will read in any other characters in the dialogue section.
• We'll ask you about the character, how you interpret the role and what you think you can bring to it. You can also ask us any questions you have about the show and the production.
• We may ask you to sing some basic range exercises to hear your voice in more scenarios.
• That's it. Your audition shouldn't last longer than 10 minutes.

After the audition:

•  If you're successful, we'll advise you of the next steps, including rehearsal schedule and important dates for your diary.
• The auditions are open to anyone, so cast members do not need to be members of Leeds G&S Society.
• All cast members must pay the show fee. Details will be provided when appropriate.

Let us know early if you think you will struggle to pay any membership or show fees. We try hard to make sure nobody is prevented from auditioning or participating in our productions simply due to the expense of fees. For further advice, email contactus@hatsoffproductions.org.uk.

Devil

High baritone — any age — able to move. Ruler of the afterlife, well-meaning but rather unlucky, has plenty of energy but is easily dispirited.

Ober

Tenor — playing age early 20s — able to move. Adventurous and gregarious, often comes across as silly or out-of-touch but is actually rather thoughtful.

Pech

Soprano — playing age early 20s. Wistful about her own life but can't stand other people's nonsense, easily bored and happy to take action when necessary.

Soldier

Baritone — playing age 30+. Loyal but lost his purpose, ability to judge people and situations could be better, will act irrationally without warning.

Barmaid

Soprano — playing age 20+. Idealistic and kind-hearted, but can sometimes reveal a sarcastic and uncouth side.

Princess

Contralto — playing age 40+. Ambitious and driven but ultimately naive about the world, can't stand the fact that she takes after her father in some ways.

Shepherd

Tenor — playing age 20+. Has grand ideas about the world but little drive to achieve them, loving and selfless with his friends.

Clowns 1-5

Various voices — various ages — able to move. The clowns play important side characters such as minions of Hell, sheep, guards and village folk.