Paper Mill Playhouse
Millburn, NJ

DESCRIPTION

Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA

AUDITION DATE

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (E)

Lunch 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

CONTRACT

COST

$1214 weekly minimum (Tier 4)

SEEKING

Equity actors for roles in WEST SIDE STORY (See breakdown).

All roles will be understudied.

Paper Mill Playhouse is committed to antiracism and anti-oppression practices in all areas, including casting. We acknowledge histories of systemic exclusionary practices and will continue to dismantle barriers to theatre making. Paper Mill Playhouse welcomes diversity and inclusion across the spectrum of race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, neurodiversity, and artists with disabilities. The audition process is open to all actors and stage managers.

All Equity stage managerial positions have been filled.

PREPARATION

Please prepare a brief cut of a traditional musical theater song in the style of the show that shows range. No pop/rock. Please bring a headshot and resume stapled together. An accompanist will be provided.

LOCATION

Pearl Studios (500)

500 8th Ave

New York, NY 10018-6504

Holding room - Studio 306

PERSONNEL

Producing Artistic Director / Director: Mark S. Hoebee

Associate Producer: Christopher Slavik

Book: Arthur Laurents

Music: Leonard Bernstein

Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim

Conception and Original Choreography: Jerome Robbins

Choreography Restaging: Alex Sanchez

Casting Director: The TRC Company/Claire Burke, CSA & Kevin Metzger-Timson, CSA

Expected to attend:

Jen Bender: Associate Artistic Director

Ben McNaboe: Music Director

Kevin Metzger-Timson, Claire Burke, and/or Spencer Gualdoni: Casting

OTHER DATES

Rehearsals begin: May 4, 2026

1st Performance: May 28, 2026

Opening Night: May 31, 2026

Closing: June 28, 2026

OTHER

Paper Mill Playhouse is located in Millburn, NJ, which is approximately 22 miles from Times Square. Transportation for actors will be provided by van to and from midtown Manhattan.

EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition.

An Equity Monitor will be provided.

Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.

Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.

BREAKDOWN

WEST SIDE STORY

All roles will be understudied.

SEEKING:

THE JETS:

[TONY] 18+ to play teen, Tenor (Bb2 – Bb4), White. The restless leader of the Jets, now looking for a new life. Sentimental enough to fall in love with Maria, but still believably angry enough to kill Bernardo. Passionate, playful, poetic, impulsive.

[RIFF] 18+ to play teen, Bari-tenor (Bb2 – G4), White. Tony’s best friend and fellow member of the Jets. Looking for security and family in the gang, plays in harmony with Tony. Struggling with the fact that things are changing. Athletic, sexy, a bit of a bully. Must be a strong dancer.

[ACTION] 18+ to play teen, Tenor (G2 – D5), White. Member of the Jets. Young and hot-headed, quick to anger and always ready for a fight. Unpredictable loose cannon who tries to mask his sensitive side with violence. Must be a strong dancer.

[ANYBODYS] 18+ to play teen, Alto, White. A spunky tomboy who is desperate to become a member of the Jets. The other Jets mock her for her ambitions but generally appreciate her company. Full of energy and heart. Must be a strong dancer.

[BABY JOHN] 18+ to play teen, Tenor, White. The youngest and most sensitive member of the Jets. Must be a strong dancer.

[A-RAB] 18+ to play teen, Baritone, White. Baby John’s best friend. Loyal with a mischievous streak and a sharp sense of humor. Must be a strong dancer.

[DIESEL] 18+ to play teen. Baritone, White. Riff’s second-in-command. Physically imposing. Becomes the leader of the Jets after Riff’s death. Must be a strong dancer

[BIG DEAL] 18+ to play teen, Baritone, White. A loudmouth who’s always ready to jump into trouble, often getting hurt but never backing down. Must be a strong dancer.

[SNOWBOY] 18+ to play teen, Tenor or Baritone, White. A wisecracking, rebellious member of the Jets. Must be a strong dancer.

[GEE-TAR] 18+ to play teen, Tenor or Baritone, White. A loyal friend and member of the Jets. Must be a strong dancer

THE SHARKS:

[MARIA] 18+ to play teen, Lyric soprano (Bb3 – C6.), Latina. Young naïve newcomer to America. Falls in love with Tony, willing to see the person beyond the gang leader. Romantic and sensitive, but also willful. Determined and direct, with a compelling authentic presence.

[ANITA] 20s, Mezzo belt (F3 – D5), Latina. Maria’s best friend and Bernardo’s girlfriend. Fighting for her place in the world and wants to enjoy life. Outspoken, street-smart, magnetic and confident. Devoted and protective, understands limits. Must be excellent dancer and singer.

[BERNARDO] 20s, Baritone (Bb2 – Eb4), Latino. Maria’s brother and Anita’s boyfriend. Leader of the Sharks. Fiercely proud, quick-tempered, protective of his family. Charismatic and cool but burning inside. Must be a strong dancer.

[CHINO] 18+ to play teen, Latino. Angry and, at times, naive Shark who turns murderous and vengeful. Suitor to Maria and friend of Bernardo's. Must be a strong dancer.

THE ADULTS:

[DOC] 50s – 60s. The owner of the candy 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. Non-singing role.

[SCHRANK] 40s – 50s. A local police detective frustrated by the ongoing violence between the Jets and Sharks. Blunt, brash, and unapologetic. Non-singing role.

[KRUPKE] 40s – 50s. The local beat cop. He has no patience for the gang conflict and tries to keep tensions from erupting between them. Regularly mocked by the local gangs. Non-singing role.

[GLAD HAND] 40s – 50s. Nerdy, overly cheerful, and ill-equipped social director at the school dance. Non-singing role.

SALARY

COST $1214 weekly minimum (Tier 4)

UNION

AEA