Audition Information

TUTS IS SEEKING DANCERS WHO SING WELL (AND APPEAR AS TEENS) PLUS SELECTED CHARACTER ROLES IN HAIRSPRAY

The show rehearses mid-September to an October 5 opening in Houston and closes on October 17.

Auditions for both Equity and non-union performers will be held at  the Houston Ballet Studios, 1921 West Bell (zip code 77019)  between West Bell and West Gray (parking off West Bell). Primarily dance auditions will be on SUNDAY EVENING July 25 beginning at 6 PM. Come dressed out to dance (flat heel jazz or sneakers) and have two contrasting songs to sing, 16 bar cuts each, one uptempo and one ballad. Songs should be from the show or 60's contemporary pop in feel, humorous preferred. There will be a strong dance cut first and those remaining will be asked to sing. Lead your singing audition with your strongest piece and you MAY be asked for the second piece. Most of the singing/dancing ensemble for HAIRSPRAY should appear to be in their teens.

Primarily singing/acting auditions will be in the same location at 6 PM on MONDAY EVENING July 26. Auditionees should know that the roles of Edna, Wilbur, Amber, and Link have been previously offered. Singing actors should prepare the same 16 bars uptempo and 16 bars ballad, from the show or a similar type of song, 60's pop acceptable, preferably humorous.  Lead your singing audition with your strongest piece and you MAY be asked for the second piece. Some singers will be asked to cold-read characters. Particularly seeking Male and Female Authority Figures (one each) of general middle-age and Penny, the wacky best friend of Tracy Turnblad. Penny candidates should be prepared to belt to the E one octave and a third above middle C.

SPECIAL NOTE: Because we anticipate a huge turnout, we are reserving Monday night for additional singing of dancers if needed. And some acting singers may be asked to move as well on Monday. As a result, dance auditionees should hold Monday evening on their calendar just in case. However, dance auditionees should make EVERY effort to attend Sunday evening first.

WE REGRET THESE ARE THE ONLY AUDITION TIMES AVAILABLE, no group callbacks or additional audition dates in Houston can be scheduled with this particularly creative team.

General TUTS casting and rehearsal info may be found below. Specific questions AFTER you have read the general info should be addressed to Roy Hamlin, artistic director, at roy@tuts.com.

Theatre Under the Stars holds auditions for both union and non-union performers in three locations: Houston, New York City, and Los Angeles. All performers over the age of 18 in TUTS’ productions are compensated.

The Houston auditions usually take the form of a Season Open Call for talented singers, actors, and dancers held once a year (for which all that season’s musicals are taken into consideration). This open call is followed by individual callback auditions for specific shows, usually attended by the directors and choreographers of each pertinent production. The Season Open Call is held at various times of each year, depending on the production schedule. The best way to be notified of the Season Open Call held in Houston is to signup for the free “StarMail” function of the TUTS homepage. Kindly do not call or e-mail in to inquire whether it’s been scheduled; when it is, the notices will go out. Along with the weekly TUTS cyber newsletter, subscribers to “StarMail” will receive the first notice of the Season Open Call. This cyber notification will be followed up by the usual notices in the performer’s union hotlines and publications. Subscribers to “StarMail” will automatically receive notice without having to keep checking this website. 

Auditions in New York City and Los Angeles are advertised through the performer's union (Equity) hotlines in each locale.

TUTS regrets we do not have the staff time to review audition submissions sent on video or DVD. All auditions must be seen live and in person, within the context of a regular casting call for best comparison of talent and suitability. 

Rehearsal Information

TUTS holds daytime and evening rehearsals at least six days a week, for a minimum of two weeks prior to the opening of each TUTS production. Rehearsals are 7.5 to 12 hours in length.

All Auditionees MUST

1. Be 18 years of age or older

2. Have 8X10 headshot (color or black-and-white accepted) and resume

3. Have 2 songs prepared (one upbeat and one ballad). Please bring sheet music in your appropriate key

A pianist will be provided at the audition. TUTS does NOT accept taped accompaniment. Please, no a cappella singing.

PERFORMERS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 should contact the training wing of Theatre Under the Stars, the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre. For more information on the school's classes, touring troupes, week- and day-camps, and workshop performances call 713.558.8801, or click here.