Hairspray Auditions
March 2 @ 3:00 PM - March 3 @ 9:00 PM
PM&L Theatre Announces Auditions for Hairspray
PM&L Theatre and director Darius Russelle are seeking a diverse cast for our upcoming production of Hairspray. All roles are available; nothing has been precast. This is a volunteer opportunity; actors will not be paid.
Audition Details
- Dates & Times:
- Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Monday, March 3, 2025 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
- Location: PM&L Theatre, 877 Main Street, Antioch, IL
Auditioners are requested to complete their online audition form and reserve an audition slot before arriving. (Walk-ins may be accommodated, but advance sign-ups are preferred.) Auditions will take place privately and in small groups of up to 6.
Callbacks
- Wednesday March 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM (by invitation only)
Those who are asked to attend callbacks will participate in cold readings and may be given specific musical or dance material to prepare.
About the Show
Welcome to the 1960s in Baltimore! Hairspray, the Tony Award-winning musical, follows the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad as she dances her way onto TV’s most popular show and fights to integrate it—proving that you really can’t stop the beat.
Notes for Auditioners
- Vocal Preparation: Because Hairspray is a musical, please prepare 16–32 bars of a song that best showcases your range and personality. An accompanist will be available (bring sheet music in the correct key).
- Movement/Dance: Be prepared to learn a brief dance combination; wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for movement.
- Optional Monologue: If you also wish to present a short (1–2 minute) contemporary comedic or dramatic monologue, you may do so, but it is not required.
- Rehearsals: The rehearsal schedule will be created based on actor availability. We anticipate rehearsals on Monday–Thursday evenings and possibly Sunday evenings. Please be ready to list your conflicts.
Performance Dates
- Opening Night: Friday, May 30, 2025
- Closing Night: Sunday, June 22, 2025
- Runs for three weekends
Cast Breakdown (Sample)
Exact roles may vary based on creative team decisions, but Hairspray typically features:
- Tracy Turnblad: A passionate, confident teenager determined to dance her way onto “The Corny Collins Show.”
- Edna Turnblad: Tracy’s loving, plus-size mother (traditionally played by a male actor in drag, but open to all).
- Link Larkin: The heartthrob and lead male dancer on the show.
- Velma Von Tussle: A former beauty queen, producer of the TV show, and villain of the story.
- Amber Von Tussle: Velma’s spoiled daughter and Tracy’s biggest rival.
- Seaweed J. Stubbs: A talented Black dancer who befriends Tracy and fights for integration.
- Motormouth Maybelle: The exuberant host of “Negro Day” on the Corny Collins Show and mother of Seaweed.
- Penny Pingleton: Tracy’s slightly dorky but devoted best friend.
- Corny Collins: The charismatic host of “The Corny Collins Show.”
- Ensemble: Various featured singers, dancers, and townspeople.
All roles are open. Casting is inclusive of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, and body types.
Questions?
Contact Director Darius Russelle via email. [email protected]
