“the hunchback of notre dame” Auditions
By Victor Hugo
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Peter Parnell
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel.
Directed by Rufus Qristofer Teixeira
Music Directed by John Nipe
CONTENT ADVISORY: Mild violence, verbal/emotional abuse, Fight & Combat choreography.
SENSORY ADVISORY: Use of strobing & flashing lights, sudden loud noises
The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be "Out There," observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful Romani woman, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the Roma – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them.
A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical.
[ CHOIR ONLY AUDITION DATES ]
Wed, March 19 & Thurs, March 20 from 6:30-8:30pm
or video submission by March 31
[ MAIN CAST/CHOIR AUDITION DATES ]
Mon, March 31 & Tues, April 1 from 6:30-9pm
or video submission by March 31
callbacks for main cast Wed, April 2 from 6:30-9pm
Ages - 15 and up
If you have any questions that are audition-based about this production, please let us know above!
FOR MAIN CAST/CHOIR AUDITIONS:
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AGE RANGE:
15 and up (limited roles for those under 18)
WHAT TO PREPARE:
Be prepared to stay the entire duration of the audition night. You may be dismissed after you have completed choreography, song & monologue.
Main cast choreography auditions will be in groups - first come, first serve depending on auditionees arrival on any given night. Dance portion will be approximately 30mins.
Group #1 - approx. 6:45pm
Group #2 - 7:30pm
Group #3 - if necessary, starting at 8:15pm
Wear comfortable clothes for an audition dance number! (Approx 6 8-counts)
Those not in the first group of dance auditions, will be asked to individually perform their songs & monologues first.
Please prepare a 1-min monologue selection of your choice that best shows off your acting range.
Please prepare to sing 1-min of a musical theatre song selection of your choice that best shows off your vocal range with instrumental tracks. Songs from the show are fine, or something in a similar style.
Choir auditions will consist of only musical performance.
Auditionees will only need to come to one night of auditions, unless requested to return.
Bring a list of any conflicts you may have during the rehearsal process. April 8 through July 7
Please send your instrumental audition track to jnipe@rockhilltheatre.org by 4pm on the day of your audition. Standard audio formats and YouTube links accepted - NO Spotify links! Accompanist will NOT be provided.
WHERE:
Westminster Catawba Christian School
2650 India Hook Rd. Rock Hill, SC 29732
Entrance by the fountain facing the soccer field
WHEN:
MAIN CAST/CHOIR: Monday, March 31 & Tuesday, April 1 from 6:30-9pm
or via Video/Audio Submission by March 31 @ 11:59pmCALLBACKS: Wednesday, April 2 from 6:30-9pm
(callbacks will consist of choreography, cold reads/sides & songs from the show)CHOIR ONLY: Wednesday, March 19 & Thursday, March 20 from 6:30-8:30pm
or via Video/Audio Submission by March 31 @ 11:59pm. No callbacks.
Only need to attend ONE day. Choose which days works best for you!
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FIRST MANDATORY CAST MEETING/READ THRU/HEADSHOTS:
Tuesday, April 8 from 6:30-9:30pm
BASIC REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
Starts Tuesday, April 15 and ends on June 26, 2025
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays from 6:30-9:30pm, some potential Saturdays TBD. Choir will be required at just one rehearsal per week to start.
Monday and/or Saturday rehearsals may be added as performance dates get closer
Additional rehearsals may be scheduled during weekends/holidays if scheduling allows
Schedule will be finalized after auditions at the director's discretion.
MANDATORY DRESS REHEARSALS/PERFORMANCES DATES:
Tech Week: Monday, June 16 to Wednesday, June 25 at 6pm until finish
Monday, June 23 through Wednesday, June 25 at 7:30pm (Dress Rehearsals)
Thursday, June 26 at 7:30pm (Final Dress or Performance)
Friday, June 27 at 7:30pm (Performance)
Saturday, June 28 at 3:00pm and 7:30pm (Performances)
Monday, June 30 or Tuesday, July 1 6-9pm (Brush up rehearsal) (TBD)
Wednesday, July 2 at 7:30pm (Performance) (TENTATIVE)
Thursday, July 3 at 7:30pm (Performance)
Friday, July 4 Morning/matinee performance (TENTATIVE)
Saturday, July 5 at 3:00pm and 7:30pm (Performances)
Sunday, July 6 and Monday, July 7 (Strike - times TBD)
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All roles are open to all ages and races. Gender casting in accordance with Music Theatre International's show guidelines, and any changes must be requested through and approved by MTI.
QUASIMODO - The deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame and Claude Frollo’s charge. Lonely and staunchly obedient to Frollo, he possesses a vivid imagination that brings to life the bells and gargoyles of the cathedral. Despite his shyness and uncertainty, he quickly befriends Esmeralda. Big-hearted, and brave when need be. (Vocal Range: Bb2-Bb4) MALE
ESMERALDA - A beautiful and free-spirited Romani woman who possesses the strong sense of justice and morality that Frollo lacks. Compassionate, she frees Quasimodo from the frenzied mob at the Feast of Fools and, against her better judgment, falls for the cocky Phoebus. (Vocal Range: Eb3-Db5) FEMALE
CLAUDE FROLLO - Archdeacon of Notre Dame Cathedral and the most powerful cleric in Paris, he is the reluctant caretaker of Quasimodo. He will do whatever it takes to rid the city of the Roma “vermin,” even as he lusts after Esmeralda. Calculating, manipulative, and obsessive. (Vocal range E2-D4) MALE
CLOPIN TROUILLEFOU - The clever and charismatic King of the Roma. An air of mystery surrounds Clopin, who often leaves the scene in a puff of smoke. As the master of ceremonies for the Feast of Fools, he is witty and playful, but he boasts a darker, serious nature when not performing for the crowd. (Vocal Range: C3-G4) ANY GENDER
CAPTAIN PHOEBUS DE MARTIN - Returning to Paris after serving in the war, Phoebus takes up his new position as Captain of the Cathedral Guard. Overconfident yet charming, this handsome, strong soldier makes the ladies swoon, yet his moral compass is also strong, and he openly defies the corrupted Frollo. (Vocal Range: Ab2-Ab4) MALE
JEHAN FROLLO - Claude’s reckless younger brother. With Florika, he fathers Quasimodo, who he leaves in his brother’s care. Wild, passionate, and strong-willed. (Vocal Range: G#2-Eb4) MALE
FLORIKA - A Romani woman and Quasimodo’s mother. (Vocal Range: C#4-F5) FEMALE
FATHER DUPIN - A priest of Notre Dame and Claude and Jehan’s guardian. (Vocal Range: C4-A4) MALE
TRIBUNAL - A judicial officer. (Vocal Range: G2-E4) ANY GENDER
SAINT APHRODISIUS - A stained-glass image that comes to life. (Vocal Range: B2-E4) ANY GENDER
MADAM - Owner of a brothel and safe haven for the Roma. (NON-SINGING ROLE) FEMALE
KING LOUIS XI - King of France, nicknamed the Prudent. (NON-SINGING ROLE) MALE
LIEUTENANT FREDERIC CHARLUS - Lieutenant of the Cathedral Guard and loyal friend to Phoebus. (NON-SINGING ROLE) MALE
ENSEMBLE:
CONGREGATION – Roma, gargoyles, soldiers, and citizens of Paris. Multiple speaking/singing parts and characters. (Range: mixed)
CHOIR – Large vocal choir existing outside the dramatic action. Remains on stage throughout. Not off-book. (Range: SATB mixed)
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There is a $50 main cast/$25 choir fee (due after cast list is posted); the fee cover scripts and essential production costs, like costume cleanings, to ensure a high-quality experience for everyone. In addition you will receive an RHT Season T-shirt.
If you have any questions about this fee, please contact us prior to auditions at finance@rockhilltheatre.org.
Disclaimer: Rock Hill Community is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing theatre experiences and education to Rock Hill and the surrounding community. Your participation in this performance(s) is considered to be on a volunteer basis, and no financial compensation will be provided.
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If selected for callbacks, you will be asked to perform several music excerpts and perform scenes using sides.
Callback materials have been selected to represent the various moods and themes from the show, and are not necessarily designed to fully decide casting for a single character. (You will be asked to perform as multiple characters from the show.)
Vocal guide tracks, instrumentals and vocal scores will be provided in advance of the callback date, and you may use the scores during your callback - no memorization or perfection expected! We will use this time to get a deeper sense of what unique traits you will bring as a performer.
Visit this google drive folder to view to start reviewing sides/songs
NOTE: Not receiving a callback, does not automatically mean you will not be cast in the production.
* Please fill out online audition form prior to auditions *
“THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
we appreciate your support!
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DO I NEED TO SIGN UP OR FILL OUT A FORM BEFORE AUDITIONS?
Yes. Audition information and sign up forms are typically released 2-3 weeks before the listed audition dates.
Visit our RHT Events Calendar HERE →
WHAT MATERIALS DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR AUDITIONS?
For Plays - typically directors ask for the following:
Auditionees must prepare 1-2 minute monologue of your choice.
Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
Auditions may consist of some basic movement and group choreography.
For Musicals - typically directors ask for the following:
Auditions will consist of a 1-2 mins traditional Musical Theatre song selection of your choice.
Auditionees may be asked to have a 1-min monologue prepared prior to the audition.
Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
Wear comfortable clothes for an audition dance number and choreography!
Please note: the information may vary slightly per director’s requests and needs for the production.
CAN I AUDITION VIRTUALLY?
Virtual auditions may vary per production should the director request it. However, we typically try to offer it if we can!
IS THERE A FEE TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR PRODUCTIONS?
There is a small cast fee per production. $30 for plays and $50 for musicals.
This fee covers the script and helps offset some production costs. In addition, you will receive a RHT season T-shirt.
If you have any questions about this fee, please contact us at finance@rockhilltheatre.org.
HOW OFTEN ARE REHEARSALS SCHEDULED FOR?
Typically 2-3 days per week for a duration of about 8-10 weeks. Approx. between 6-9pm
About halfway through the rehearsal process, directors may increase to about 3-4 days a week, if necessary.
Some productions may have rehearsals on weekends.
Please note: Schedules will vary per director’s requests and needs for the production.
ANY ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUTH PRODUCTIONS?
Youth Productions will be set on a regular weekly rehearsal schedule.
Times may vary, but usually between 5-8pm
We do ask for at least (1) parent volunteer to assist in different areas of the production.
i.e. Cast Support, Costumes, Fundraising, Set Build/Construction, plus many more volunteer options!
HOW CAN I STAY UPDATED ABOUT UPCOMING AUDITIONS?
Join our Monthly Newsletter Sign up! More information about upcoming events and productions will be sent to you.
Sign up for our RHT Monthly Newsletter HERE→
Follow us on all social media platforms for regularly scheduled posts and updates as well.