AUDITION NOTICE: Hairspray - Queensland Musical Theatre

Title: Hairspray

Presented By: Queensland Musical Theatre

Genre: Musical Theatre

Synopsis: Set in 1962 Baltimore, Hairspray follows plus-sized teen Tracy Turnblad whose dream is to dance on the Corny Collins Show. When she finally gets her chance, she becomes an overnight sensation and uses her new platform to fight for integration and inclusion. A joyful and high-energy musical, Hairspray celebrates individuality, resilience, and the power of coming together.

Audition Details: Audition Date: Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 July 2025

Audition Time: By appointment (book via audition form)

Audition Location and Address: Queen Alexandra Home, 347 Old Cleveland Rd, Coorparoo (beside Coorparoo State School)

Audition Self-Tape Due (if applicable): Sunday 20 July, 5:00pm

Callbacks by invitation: Monday 21 July 7:00pm

Audition Registration: Click here to register

Audition Pack: Download the Audition Pack PDF Audition Requirements:

• All auditionees will do a singing and movement audition.

• Vocal: Prepare two contrasting musical theatre song excerpts (32 bars or approx. 1 min each). Songs from Hairspray are allowed for one selection only.

• Bring backing tracks on a phone or device (no CDs/USBs) or provide sheet music for a pianist. No a cappella auditions.

• Acting: Cold reads may be required from the script for lead roles.

• Dance Audition (Sunday 20 July):

  • Group 1 (10:00–11:00am) – Minimal/no formal dance training

  • Group 2 (11:15am–12:30pm) – Moderate to advanced dance experience

  • If unavailable during those times, note your situation on the audition form to arrange an alternative/video option.

Available Roles:

(All ages are stage-playing ages)

• Tracy Turnblad (F, 16–20s, Mezzo Belt): Big voice, big personality, and even bigger hair! Tracy is optimistic, determined, and passionate about social justice. Must be a strong mover with excellent comedic timing and charisma.

• Edna Turnblad (Male-identifying, 40s–50s, Baritone/Tenor): Tracy’s mother, traditionally played by a man in drag. Warm, maternal, and comedic with a big heart. Requires great comedic skill and comfort with physical comedy.

• Wilbur Turnblad (M, 40s–50s, Baritone) Tracy’s loving and quirky father. Sweet, supportive, and kind-hearted.

• Seaweed J. Stubbs (M, Black/African Descent, 16–20s, Tenor) Cool, confident, and smooth. A talented dancer with great vocals. Must exude charisma and warmth. Romantic lead opposite Penny.

• Motormouth Maybelle (F, Black/African Descent, 40s–50s, Mezzo/Alto with strong belt) Bold, wise, and strong-willed. A local DJ who’s also a powerful civil rights advocate. Must have powerhouse vocals.

• Link Larkin (M, 16–20s, Tenor) Heartthrob teen idol and Tracy’s crush. Must be vocally strong, charming, and able to balance smoothness with sincerity.

• Penny Pingleton (F, 16–20s, Mezzo Belt) Tracy’s dorky and sheltered best friend. Awkward at first, she blossoms into a brave and outspoken character. Excellent comedic timing required.

• Amber Von Tussle (F, 16–20s, Mezzo/Soprano with belt)Snobby, entitled, and competitive. Corny Collins dancer and Tracy’s rival. Strong dancer with the ability to play mean girl to the max.

• Velma Von Tussle (F, 40s, Mezzo Belt) Amber’s mother and the producer of the Corny Collins Show. Manipulative, racist, and fiercely ambitious. Needs strong vocals and commanding stage presence.

• Corny Collins (M, 20s–40s, Tenor) Smooth-talking, charismatic host of the Corny Collins Show. Supports integration and change. Needs charm, energy, and strong vocals.

• Little Inez (F, Black/African Descent, 10–13, Mezzo) Seaweed’s younger sister. Sassy, confident, and talented beyond her years. Big personality and strong dance ability.

  • (Must be 10 or older at the time of auditions)

• The Dynamites (3 Females, Black/African Descent, 20s–40s, Sop/Mezzo Belt) A Supremes-style trio with strong harmonies, powerhouse vocals, and diva attitude.

• Prudy Pingleton / Gym Teacher / Matron / Female Authority Figure (Female, 30s–50s) Penny’s overbearing mother, plus ensemble female adult roles. Great comedic versatility required.

• Mr. Pinky (Male or Female, 30s–50s) Owner of Mr. Pinky’s Hefty Hideaway. Fun, flamboyant, and confident. May double with other adult roles.

• Ensemble Roles (All genders, 15+)

  • Corny Collins Council Kids

  • Record Shop Kids

  • Students

  • Protestors

  • Locals

  • Prison Matron, Teachers, Reporters, etc.

• Strong singers and dancers of all ethnicities and body types are encouraged.

  
  

Scheduling:

Performance Dates: 21 - 30 November 2025

Performance Location: Twelfth Night Theatre

Rehearsal Dates: Starting Sunday 27 July 2025

Rehearsal Times:

• Sundays: 1:00pm–5:00pm (some cast from 11:00am)

• Mondays & Wednesdays: 7:00pm–10:00pm

• Full-day rehearsals: Sunday 12 & 19 October

• Sitzprobe: Sunday 19 October (all day)

Warnings: Themes of racism and discrimination reflective of the time period.

Required Age: Minimum audition age is 15 years old (except for Little Inez – minimum 10 years old)

Creative Team:

• Director: Deian Ping

• Musical Director: Nicky Griffith

• Choreographer: Julianne Burke

Production Website: queenslandmusicaltheatre.com

Enquiries: auditions@queenslandmusicaltheatre.com

Other information:

• Info & Workshop Afternoon: Join the creative team for a fun and informative session to learn more about the show and auditions. Includes a short choreography workshop, Q&A, and meet & greet.

• Date: Sunday 29 June 2025

• Time: 12:00pm

• Location: Queen Alexandra Home, Coorparoo

• Register: Register for Workshop

Cast Requirements:

• All cast must become QMT financial members

• All cast members are required to pay a Production Fee.

• Cast expected to help with promotional efforts (e.g. social media, posters)

• If over 18, cast must hold/apply for a Blue Card

AUDITION PACK