Hairspray Auditions!

The Beverly Arts Center is excited to announce auditions for Hairspray, directed and choreographed by John Marshall, Jr.

Actors will receive a stipend for this production. Stipend amounts will differ based on the role.

Synopsis:
The 1950s are out, and change is in the air! Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs.
It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network... all without denting her 'do! -Music Theatre International

Character Descriptions:
*Note: These breakdowns are based on the age and gender of the characters as written in the script. Nonbinary and gender-fluid performers are welcome and encouraged to submit for any role they are interested in.

All actors must be ages 16+ with the exception of Little Inez, who can be aged 12+.

Tracy Turnblad
Our story's unsuspecting protagonist, she is large and in charge. 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.
Gender: female
Age: 15 to 20
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: G3

Corny Collins
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.
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: D3

Edna Turnblad
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.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 50
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: F3

Penny Pingleton
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.
Gender: female
Age: 15 to 20
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Velma Von Tussle
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. This role should be played by a white actress.
Gender: female
Age: 45 to 55
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: G3

Amber Von Tussle
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.
Gender: female
Age: 15 to 20
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Link Larkin
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.
Gender: male
Age: 15 to 20
Vocal range top: A5
Vocal range bottom: G3

Seaweed J. Stubbs
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.
Gender: male
Age: 15 to 20
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: F3

Little Inez
Motormouth’s daughter and Seaweed’s little sister. Like Tracy, she dreams of being on the Corny Collins Show, and has the talent to make it but isn’t allowed to because of segregation.
Gender: female
Age: Early teens
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: C5

Motormouth Maybelle
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.
Gender: female
Age: 40 to 50
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: F3

Wilbur Turnblad
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.
Gender: male
Age: 55 to 65
Vocal range top: A5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Prudy Pingleton
Penny's strict mother. Very conservative, controlling, and closed minded. This role should be played by a white actress.
Gender: female
Age: 40 to 50
Vocal range top: B4
Vocal range bottom: D4

Ensemble
Corny Collins' Kids (Tammy, Brad, Brenda, Sketch, Shelley, Etc.); Students; Protestors
Time Commitment:
Hairspray will rehearse on Tuesdays, Thursdays (6:30-9:30), and Sundays (12:00-5:00) beginning April 22nd.
More rehearsals will be added for Tech Week leading up to the first performance weekend, beginning Thursday, June 5th and leading up to opening night.

Performances will take place on the following dates:

Weekend One-
Thursday, June 12th & Friday, June 13th @ 7:30pm
Saturday, June 14th & Sunday, June 15th @ 3:00pm

Weekend Two-
Thursday, June 19th & Friday, June 20th @ 7:30pm
Saturday, June 21st & Sunday, June 22nd @ 3:00pm

Auditions:
Auditions will take place at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, Il, 60655
Monday, March 31st & Tuesday, April 1st, 5:00-10:00pm
Callbacks (Invite only): Wednesday, April 2nd, 5:00-10:00pm

Audition requirements:
Please prepare 32 bars of song in the style of the show. You may also sing from the show. All actors should sign up for one singing slot and one dance call slot. Actors should arrive dressed to move.

Please bring a physical copy of your headshot, resume, and sheet music to the audition.