Short North Stage
Columbus, OH
US

DESCRIPTION

Short North Stage is casting for the 2026-27 Season.
ABOUT US: Short North Stage is a professional non-profit regional theater company located in the heart of the Short North Arts District in Columbus, Ohio. As an SPT Tier 6 Equity theater we produce 7 musicals and occasional special performances in our season. We love to feature exciting new takes on classics, edgy and provocative new works, and stories that will truly resonate with our audiences. Our mission to feature creative teams, onstage talent, and offstage talent with diverse, unique voices remains strong as we continuously look for qualified applicants.

Short North Stage is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and invites artists of all gender and non-gender conforming identities, ethnicities, racial identities, and ages to audition. We are very excited about our upcoming 15th Anniversary season and are so glad you are too!

AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS

• Please choose 2 contrasting songs from our GOOGLE DRIVE AUDITION MATERIALS to perform.

• Whether you are submitting for multiple shows or one show, you only need to submit one video.

• Piano tracks are provided.

• If you are only available or feel right for one show or role, just sing songs from that character. You do not have to have two cuts.

• Please film horizontally with good lighting.

• Please slate your name and songs you are singing.

• Please include a full body shot of yourself. You can do this during your slate.

• Please disregard any callback script sides. They are not needed for the first round.

• Record the provided songs (and only the songs) and submit them as one link via YouTube, Google Drive, or Dropbox.

• Please ensure sharing settings enable the casting team to view your video. You may include everything in one link. Please still paste that link in all the spots on the form.

• Please fill out this LOCAL FORM if you live in central Ohio, can commute to our theater, and do NOT need housing. The form will ask for your headshot, resume, links to your audition, other reels, availability, and contact information.

• Use the NYC/Out Of Town FORM if you would need housing for this contract. The form will ask for your headshot, resume, links to your audition, other reels, availability, and contact information.

• This form MUST be completed with all information by APRIL 20, 2026. You can only complete the form once and it must be completed in its entirety in one sitting.

• Callbacks for Columbus locals will be announced in May.

• In person callbacks for locals will take place at Short North Stage for specific shows on these dates in the evening: Pippin 6/1, Sweeney Todd 6/2, Rocky Horror 6/3, Hairspray 6/8, Dear Evan Hansen 6/9, Mean Girls 6/10.

• If you can NOT attend callbacks on those dates you can send in a video due the DAY BEFORE those callback dates.

• Callbacks for those out of town will be held via video. This may be a rolling process as we finish local casting.

• Local EPAs will be held April 28 and 29, 2026 by appointment only by emailing [email protected]. We will ONLY be seeing LOCAL EQUITY performers. No Non Union. We recommend filling out the form by April 16 and emailing for an appointment if able. AEA contracts are SPT Tier 6.

IMPORTANT DATES:

PIPPIN

• Rehearsals: July 21 - August 5, 2026

• Performances: August 6 - August 30, 2026

SWEENEY TODD

• Rehearsals: September 8 - September 23, 2026

• Performances: September 24 - October 18, 2026

ROCKY HORROR SHOW

• Rehearsals: October 13 -21, 2026

• Performances: October 22 - 31, 2026

HAIRSPRAY

• Rehearsals: November 3 - 18, 2026

• Performances: November 19 - December 27, 2026

DEAR EVAN HANSEN

• Rehearsals: January 5 - 20, 2026

• Performances: January 21 - February 14, 2027

THE PRODUCERS

• Rehearsals: February 23 - March 10, 2027

• Performances: March 11 - April 11, 2027 (possible extension to April 18)

MEAN GIRLS

• Rehearsals: April 27 - May 12, 2027

• Performances: May 13 - June 13, 2027

Rehearsal Info: Rehearsals run Tuesdays - Fridays typically 6-11:00pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am/11am-6pm/7pm. Tech days are 8 hours out of 10. All rehearsal times are subject to change. Tech is Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday before opening.

Showtimes: Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 7pm and Saturdays & Sundays at 2pm. If you are unable to perform on all show dates please do not audition for that show. Rocky Horror Show has different showtimes and an added Wednesday week 2.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS

In reference to the character descriptions below- most characters we encounter currently are written with man/woman, he/him, or she/her pronouns and you will see that in the following descriptions. However, limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with.

PIPPIN

Directed/Choreographed by Edward Carignan

• Rehearsals: July 21 - August 5, 2026

• Performances: August 6 - August 30, 2026

• Materials available HERE

• Note: Because this is a “revival” of our 2019 production some roles have already been cast.

LEADING PLAYER: (Precast - understudy/ensemble only)

The ultimate 'ring leader.' Masterfully charming and manipulative, the Leading Player is a chameleon of sorts. Guides Pippin through his own story and tries to intervene at the end. excellent dancer. Obsessed with putting on a great show for the audience.

Vocal range top: Ab4

Vocal range bottom: Db3

PIPPIN: (Precast - understudy/ensemble only) (Male presenting)

Our story's young and confused protagonist. He is longing to find his purpose in life. Naive, innocent, and discontent. Eventually finds love, and meaning in life, with Catherine and Theo.

Vocal range top: Ab4

Vocal range bottom: G2

CHARLES/BERTHE:

Pippin's demanding father. As the King of the Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne is more comfortable wielding a sword than breaking bread. He wears his years with great pride. Berthe - Pippin's saucy grandmother. A brassy broad full of wisdom, grace, and sass. She tries to help Pippin and encourages him to live his life to the fullest.

Vocal range top: E4

Vocal range bottom: G2

LEWIS: (precast)

Pippin's half-brother. Great dancer.

FASTRADA: (precast)

Pippin's conniving stepmother. A seductress, who is no stranger to deceit and betrayal, she is both sexy and smart. Skilled at using her sexual appeal to benefit her and her son.

CATHERINE: (precast, understudy/ensemble only) (female presenting)

A widow and mother. She is a beautiful and a hopeless romantic, who possesses graceful elegance. Encounters Pippin at his lowest point and eventually falls in love with him.

Vocal range top: Db5

Vocal range bottom: F#3

THEO: (precast, understudy only)

Catherine's son. Age: 6 to 10

SWEENEY TODD

Directed/Choreographed by Edward Carignan

• Rehearsals: September 8 - September 23, 2026

• Performances: September 24 - October 18, 2026

• Material available HERE

SWEENEY TODD: (male presenting, 40s to 50s)

A wrongfully imprisoned barber seeking to right the wrongs committed against him. He is Johanna's father, singularly focussed on taking bloody revenge. Our story's tormented protagonist.

Vocal range top: Gb4

Vocal range bottom: F2

MRS LOVETT: (female presenting, 30s to 50s)

An entrepreneurial and amoral meat pie shop owner. She falls in love with Todd and turns his desire for revenge into a profitable business venture.

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: G3

ANTHONY HOPE: (male presenting, 20s-30s)

A naive and youthful sailor returning to London. He helps Todd return to London and unexpectedly falls in love with Johanna.

Vocal range top: F4

Vocal range bottom: Bb2

JOHANNA: (female presenting, 20s)

A spritely girl, full of innocence, constantly yearning for freedom. Todd's long-lost daughter and Turpin's ward.

Vocal range top: A5

Vocal range bottom: Bb3

TOBIAS RAGG:(male presenting, teens)

A poor youngster apprenticed to Pirelli. He finds a surrogate family in Todd and Lovett.

Vocal range top: Ab4

Vocal range bottom: Bb2

JUDGE TURPIN: (male presenting, 50s to 60s)

A lecherous public official who portrays himself as a sanctimonious authoritarian. He takes advantage of his position in the city and is responsible for imprisoning Todd.

Vocal range top: Gb4

Vocal range bottom: E2

BEADLE: (male presenting, 40s to 50s)

A pompous public official. He is deeply loyal to the corrupt Turpin.

Vocal range top: D5

Vocal range bottom: D3

BEGGAR WOMAN: (female presenting, 30s to 50s)

A deranged and schizophrenic woman who harbors a dark, surprising secret.

Vocal range top: F5

Vocal range bottom: Ab3

ADOLFO PIRELLI: (male presenting, 30s to 40s)

A flamboyant Italian rival barber; a charlatan with a secret past.

Vocal range top: C5

Vocal range bottom: B2

JONAS FOGG: (male presenting, 30s to 60s)

The owner of Fogg's Asylum. He sells the hair of madmen to wigmakers.

ENSEMBLE: Townspeople; Policemen; Lunatics

ROCKY HORROR SHOW

Directed/Choreographed by Edward Carignan

• Rehearsals: October 13 -21, 2026

• Performances: October 22 - 31, 2026

• Materials available HERE

• Note: Due to this being an annual production many roles are precast.

USHERETTE/MAGENTA: Female, Age Flexible (Range: Mezzo Soprano Belt, Bb3-Eb5) One of Frank’s servants.

BRAD: Male, 26-35 (Range: Bari Tenor, Bb2-G4)
Quirky, but very much in love with his fiancé, Janet. Overly optimistic at times.

JANET: Female, 26-35 (Range: Mezzo Soprano Belt, A3-Eb5, precast- understudy only)
Good 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 weak and caves into pressure easily.

NARRATOR: Male, Age Flexible (Non-Singing Role - Precast, understudy only)
Follows our two heroes through the story by narrating directly to the audience.

RIFF RAFF: Male, 25-40 (Range: High Rock Tenor, D3-B4)
Creepy man resembling more of a zombie. Often makes harmless conversation seem awkward and foreboding. One of Frank’s servants.

COLUMBIA: Female, Age Flexible (Range: Mezzo Soprano Belt, E4-E5)
One of Frank’s servants.

FRANK-N-FURTER: Male, 30-45 (Range: Baritone, D3-G4 - Precast, understudy only)
Master of the castle. Welcomes Janet and Brad with open arms. Obsessed with creating a man to be part of his sexual entourage. Master of seduction.

ROCKY: Male 18-30 (Range: Tenor, A3-G4)
Frank’s magnificent creation. Sexually appealing with prominent muscles.

EDDIE/DR. SCOTT: Male, 28-40 (Range: Baritone, E3-F#4)
Eddie, delivery man, “went to pieces.” Misses the rock and role of life. Comes back to life only to die after his solo. Scott is Eddie’s Uncle.

4 PHANTOMS/TRANSYLVANIANS (SATB)
Various Singer/Dancers

HAIRPSRAY

Directed/Choreographed by Dionysia Williams Velazco

• Rehearsals: November 3 - 18, 2026

• Performances: November 19 - December 27, 2026

• Materials Available HERE

TRACY TURNBLAD: (female-identifying, early 20s to play teenager)

Charismatic, excellent singer/dancer. Confident, talented, and incredibly determined. A romantic with a good heart and desire to cut up the dance floor. Always on top of the latest trends. This role should be played by a white actress.

Vocal range top: G5

Vocal range bottom: G3

CORNY COLLINS: (male presenting, late 20s to early 40s)

The charismatic host of the Corny Collins' Show. Good looking and smooth talking, he is a genuinely nice guy both on and off camera. Corny should be played by a white actor.

Vocal range top: A4

Vocal range bottom: D3

EDNA TURNBLAD: (performed in drag, late 30s to 50s)

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. This role should be played by a white performer.

Vocal range top: G5

Vocal range bottom: F3

PENNY PINGLETON: (female presenting, early 20s to play 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. This role should be played by a white actress.

Vocal range top: G5

Vocal range bottom: A3

VELMA VON TUSSLE: (female presenting, 40s to 50s)

Amber's mother and the director of Corny Collin's 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. This role should be played by a white actress.

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: G3

AMBER VON TUSSLE: (female presenting, early 20s to play 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. This role should be played by a white actress.

Vocal range top: F5

Vocal range bottom: A3

LINK LARKIN: (male presenting, early 20s to play 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. This role should be played by a white actor.

Vocal range top: A5

Vocal range bottom: G3

SEAWEED J. STUBBS: (male presenting, early 20s to play 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. Seaweed should be played by a Black actor.

Vocal range top: D5

Vocal range bottom: F3

LITTLE INEZ: (female presenting, teenager)

Seaweed's little sister. Little Inez should be played by a Black actress. Great singer/dancer.

MOTORMOUTH MAYBELLE: (female presenting, 40s to 50s)

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. This role should be played by a Black actress. In this story, she is the face of the Civil Rights Movement and sings the beautiful anthem, "I Know Where I've Been."

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: F3

WILBUR TURNBLAD: (male presenting, 50s to 60s)

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. This role should be played by a white actor.

Vocal range top: A5

Vocal range bottom: A3

PRUDY PINGLETON: (female presenting, 40s to 50s)

Penny's strict mother. Very conservative, controlling, and closed minded. This role should be played by a white actress.

Vocal range top: B4

Vocal range bottom: D4

THE DYNAMITES: (female presenting)

The Dynamites (Judine, Kamilah and Shayna) are a dynamic musical trio, iconic of the Motown era and the 1960s. Think the Supremes. Need three young women who are singers and dancers who complement each other. They don't need to look alike, but a group that can be synchronous in their music and dance.

Vocal range top: A5

Vocal range bottom: E4

MR PINKY: (male presenting)

Mr. Pinky owns a ladies' clothing shop and is a salesperson inside and out - he is always the first to give a compliment. Great character role.

COUNCIL MEMBERS:

Brad, Tammy, Fender, Sketch, Shelley, IQ, Brenda and Lou Ann are the famed teenage performers on "The Corny Collins Show." Great singers/dancers with lots of personality.

ENEMBLE: Strong singer dancers to cover principals.

SWINGS: Strong female and male presenting singer, dancer, actors to cover ensemble roles.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN

Directed by Brandon Kelly

• Rehearsals: January 5 - 20, 2026

• Performances: January 21 - February 14, 2027

• Material Available HERE

EVAN HANSEN: (male presenting)

Smart, sincere, and excruciatingly self-conscious, Evan prefers to hover in the background, a supporting player in his own life, too afraid to step forward into the spotlight and risk ridicule or, what might be worse, no one noticing him at all.

Vocal range top: C5

Vocal range bottom: G2

HEIDI HANSEN: (female presenting)

Evan’s mother. Overworked and stretched too thin, Heidi loves her son fiercely, but fears they have begun to grow apart. She is prepared to do anything to repair the damage.

Vocal range top: Eb5

Vocal range bottom: F3

ZOE MURPHY: (female presenting)

Sensitive and sophisticated, with a sharp sense of humor, Zoe could care less about the status games and popularity rites of high school. She feels a terrible ambivalence over her brother’s death.

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: F3

CONNOR MURPHY: (male presenting)

An angry, disaffected loner, Connor has been a troubled kid for as long as anyone can remember, an enigma and a source of endless consternation to his long-suffering parents.

Vocal range top: G#4

Vocal range bottom: C3

CYNTHIA MURPHY: (female presenting)

Connor and Zoe’s mother. To Evan, she seems to be the perfect mother, nurturing, available, and willing to talk about anything. To her own children, it’s a bit more complicated.

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: F3

LARRY MURPHY: (male presenting)

Connor and Zoe’s father. Though often tense and taciturn, Larry shows a different face to the world, representing for Evan the dad he always wished for: strong, confident, and more than anything, reliable, someone to be counted on.

Vocal range top: G4

Vocal range bottom: Bb2

JARED KLEINMAN: (male presenting)

Droll and sarcastic, Jared covers his own insecurities with a well-practiced swagger and a know-it-all arrogance.

Vocal range top: B4

Vocal range bottom: D3

ALANA BECK: (female presenting)

Earnest to a fault, prone to melodrama, Alana hides a deeper loneliness beneath an ever-present smile and an almost aggressive friendliness.

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: F3

THE PRODUCERS

Directed/Choreographed by Edward Carignan

• Rehearsals: February 23 - March 10, 2027

• Performances: March 11 - April 11, 2027 (possible extension to April 18)

• Materials Available HERE

MAX BIALYSTOCK: (male presenting, 40s to 50s)

The consummate con man. Naturally animated and bombastic, he is never at a loss for charm and manners. Typically conspires with Leo.

Vocal range top: F#4

Vocal range bottom: A2

LEO BLOOM: (male presenting, 30s to 40s)

An accountant. Boring and mousy, he is a hesitant optimist who longs for something more. Dragged into a scheme by Max.

Vocal range top: F4

Vocal range bottom: A2

FRANZ LIEBKIND: (male presenting, 30s to 50s)

German loyalist playwright. From his lederhosen to his pigeon, Adolph, his love for the motherland is unmistakable. He is imposing yet tender.

Vocal range top: G4

Vocal range bottom: F2

ROGERS DEBRIS: (precast, understudy only, male presenting, 40s to 60s)

New York's most famous and flamboyant stage director. Surrounds himself with deliciously beautiful clothing, people, and possessions. In a crowd, it would be impossible to miss him.

Vocal range top: G4

Vocal range bottom: G#2

CARMEN GHIA: (male presenting, late 20s to 40s)

Roger Debris' faithful assistant. Carmen is severe in looks and passion for Roger. He may appear younger than he actually is thanks to skilled surgeons.

Vocal range top: A4

Vocal range bottom: C3

ULLA Inga Hansen Benson Yonsen Tallen-hallen Svaden-svanson: (female presenting, 20s to 30s)

A young and hopeful actress. Though her beauty might eclipse her talent, Ulla is passionate about life and art. Quite a clueless seductress in some ways.

Vocal range top: G5

Vocal range bottom: A3

ENSEMBLE: Strong singers and Dancers, may cover principal roles

Accountants; Bavarian Peasants; Convicts; First Nighters; Little Old Ladies; Storm Troopers; Chorus Girls; Girl Prisoners; Usherettes

SWINGS: Covers for the ensemble

MEAN GIRLS

Directed/Choreographed by Dionysia Williams Velazco

• Rehearsals: April 27 - May 12, 2027

• Performances: May 13 - June 13, 2027

• Materials Available HERE

CADY HERON: (female presenting, early 20s to play teenager)

A new junior at North Shore High School, Cady grew up in Africa and was homeschooled by her wildlife biologist parents. She is warm, bright, and strong enough to take on The Plastics. Is the emotional heart of our story.

Vocal range top: Gb5

Vocal range bottom: G3

REGINA GEORGE: (female presenting, early 20s to play teenager)

Regina is the Queen Bee of the Plastics. When she shines her light on you, you feel like the most important person in the world. When that light goes cold, you want to die. She is regal, still, and “hot”, but at her most vulnerable moments, she is just a kid in over her head.

Vocal range top: Gb5

Vocal range bottom: F#3

JANIS SARKISIAN: (female presenting, early 20s to play teenager)

An “Art Freak” and social outcast, Janis is not afraid to be weird or make others uncomfortable. She paints herself as an objective observer, but, like so many of us, she longs to avenge the devastating events of eighth grade.

Vocal range top: F5

Vocal range bottom: Ab3

DAMIAN HUBBARD: (male presenting, early 20s to play teenager)

Outgoing and an active member of the student activities committee, Damian is a fiercely loyal friend to Janis and they have the close rapport of a comedy team.

Vocal range top: A4

Vocal range bottom: F2

GRETCHEN WEINERS: (female presenting, early 20s to play teenager)

One of the Plastics. Desperate to please Regina and to maintain her position in the Plastics, Gretchen is a nervous wreck. She is a “banker” meaning she befriends people to “bank” their secrets so she can trade them later for her own benefit. Her fragility at times is heartbreaking.

Vocal range top: D5

Vocal range bottom: G3

KAREN SMITH: (female presenting, early 20s to play teenager)

One of the Plastics. Although her intellect and personality never had a chance to develop, Karen is essentially kind, relaxed, and a generous laugher.

Vocal range top: Gb5

Vocal range bottom: G3

AARON SAMUELS: (male presenting, early 20s to play teenager)

A cute boy with a good moral compass and a backbone. He’s not immune to all the female attention he gets, but he’s not going to let himself be a pawn in their chess game either. Broadway and pop tenor.

Vocal range top: Bb4

Vocal range bottom: B2

MRS. GEORGE/MS. NORBURY: (female presenting, 30s to 50s)

Mrs. Heron is Cady’s intellectual mom who can’t understand why her daughter is devolving before her eyes. Ms. Norbury is Cady’s world-weary Calculus teacher who pushes Cady to be her smartest self. Mrs. George is Regina’s “cool mom.” She’s desperate to look young and feel like one of the teens. She’s also desperate for Regina not to repeat her mistakes. Great singer. Distinctly defines these three characters. Eclectic Broadway vocal mix.

Vocal range top: Eb5

Vocal range bottom: G3

MR. DUVALL: (male presenting, 30s to 50s)

The principal of North Shore High. Mr. Duvall may have once taught computers at Joliet penitentiary, but nothing prepared him for the harsh realities of out-of-control junior girls. Funny and a strong singer.

KEVIN G.: (male presenting, early 20s to play teenager)

Kevin is the extremely driven captain of the North Shore Mathletes. He is a confident student and a decent rapper.

ENSEMBLE: Strong singer/dancers to play teenagers and character roles. Cover the principals

SWINGS: Ensemble covers

DURATION

Jul 21, 2026 - Jun 13, 2027

SALARY

$500.00 – $800.00 per week

UNION

AEA SPT Tier 6

APPLY ONLINE

https://www.shortnorthstage.org/auditions