AUDITION NOTICE: Jesus Christ Superstar - Gold Coast Little Theatre

Title: Jesus Christ Superstar

Presented By: Gold Coast Little Theatre (GCLT)

Genre: Rock Opera / Musical Theatre / Biblical Drama

Synopsis: Featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar reimagines the final week of Jesus Christ's life through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Set against the backdrop of political unrest in Roman-occupied Judea, the musical explores the increasingly complicated relationships between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, the apostles and the Roman authorities. As Jesus' popularity grows, Judas becomes concerned about the consequences of his influence, leading to betrayal, arrest and ultimately crucifixion. Told entirely through song, this iconic rock opera features a powerful 1970s-inspired score.

Audition Date:

• First Round: Vocal video submissions close 23 October 2026.

• Second Round: Thursday 29 October 2026 (in-person callbacks and dance call).

Audition Location and Address: Gold Coast Little Theatre, 21a Scarborough St, Southport

Audition Requirements:

• The first round consists of a vocal video submission. Audition material depends on the role.

• Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene: Prepare the specified character excerpt using the supplied sheet music and backing track.

Role	Required Song	Starting Point
Jesus	Gethsemane	1:43
Judas	Judas' Death	0:57
Mary Magdalene	I Don't Know How to Love Him	2:40

All other named roles and ensemble:

• Prepare a 1–2-minute excerpt of a 1970s rock or pop song in the style of the production.

Instrumentalists: Applicants indicating instrumental ability must also prepare a 30–60-second demonstration of their skills, such as chord progressions, riffs, strumming or plucking. Performers may accompany themselves during their vocal audition.

Audition Registration: Register via Google Forms

Audition Pack: Jesus Christ Superstar Audition Information (PDF)

Performance Dates: 29 January – 20 February 2027.

Performance Location: Gold Coast Little Theatre, Gold Coast, Queensland.

Rehearsal Dates:

• Begin Sunday 1 November 2026, late afternoon/evening.

• Christmas Break: 22 December 2026 – 3 January 2027.

• Rehearsals Resume / Sitzprobe: Monday 4 January 2027.

Rehearsal Times: Primarily Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturdays during the day. A full rehearsal schedule will be provided at the first rehearsal.

Warnings: The production depicts religious persecution, betrayal, suicide, physical violence and crucifixion, with emotionally intense themes surrounding faith, sacrifice, power and death.

Creative Team:

• Director: Andrew Kassab

• Musical Director: Michelle Watkins

• Vocal Director / Assistant Director: Ruby Tate

Production Website: Gold Coast Little Theatre Auditions

Other information:

• Understudies will be cast for Jesus, Judas and Mary Magdalene, with dedicated performances.

• Intermediate guitar or bass skills are preferred, but not essential, for Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene and Simon.

• The production is also seeking instrumentalists who can sing and perform as part of the ensemble.

• Some ensemble performers will double as apostles and priests.

• Applicants should indicate any instrumental skills when registering.

Audition Enquiries: JCS@gclt.com.au

Available Roles/Character Breakdown:

Jesus

• Any gender | Rock Tenor | Optional high G5

• The central figure of the story and leader of the twelve apostles. Regarded by his followers as the Son of God and King of the Jews, Jesus struggles with the enormous expectations placed upon him and the consequences of his growing influence.

• Requires a powerful rock tenor voice capable of conveying emotional intensity and vulnerability.

• Intermediate guitar or bass skills preferred but not essential.

Judas Iscariot

• Any gender | Rock Tenor

• One of Jesus' twelve apostles and arguably the antagonist of the musical. Judas becomes increasingly concerned about Jesus' fame, the welfare of the poor and the political consequences of his followers' devotion.

• A complex, conflicted character who drives much of the story. Requires a strong rock tenor capable of delivering emotionally charged material.

• Intermediate guitar or bass skills preferred but not essential.

Mary Magdalene

• Female-presenting | Mezzo Belter

• A devoted follower of Jesus who finds herself developing romantic feelings for him. Mary provides a compassionate and stabilising presence amid the escalating conflict.

• Requires an actress capable of portraying grace, strength, vulnerability and compassion, alongside a strong contemporary musical theatre belt.

• Intermediate guitar or bass skills preferred but not essential.

Pontius Pilate

• Any gender | Rock Baritone / Rock Alto

• The Roman governor of Judea who dreams of Jesus' crucifixion before finding himself responsible for determining his fate. Pilate struggles with the political and moral implications of his decisions.

• Requires a commanding presence and the ability to communicate internal conflict.

King Herod

• Male-presenting | High Baritone

• The flamboyant King of Galilee, to whom Jesus is brought for judgment. The production describes the character as a David Bowie type, suggesting a theatrical, charismatic and larger-than-life stage presence.

• Requires strong character acting and confident rock vocals.

Peter - Male-presenting | Tenor

• One of Jesus' twelve apostles. Despite his loyalty, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times on the night of his arrest in an attempt to protect himself.

• Requires the ability to convey loyalty, fear and remorse.

Simon

• Any gender | High Baritone

• One of Jesus' twelve apostles who passionately encourages Jesus to lead his followers into battle against Roman rule.

• An energetic, politically motivated character requiring strong rock vocals and stage presence.

• Intermediate guitar or bass skills preferred but not essential.

Caiaphas Male | Low Bass with Rocky Top

• The high priest who regards Jesus' growing influence as a threat to the nation and its stability.

• The production describes Caiaphas as a Mick Jagger type, suggesting a distinctive rock-inspired performance style and strong stage presence.

• Requires an exceptionally low bass voice with the ability to access a contrasting rock sound.

Annas

• Male | High Baritone

• A priest who is persuaded by Caiaphas that Jesus represents a threat. Works alongside Caiaphas in the effort to bring Jesus before the authorities.

• Requires strong character acting and rock vocal ability.

Ensemble Rol

• Seeking versatile performers with strong rock/pop vocals and confident movement skills.

• Ensemble members will portray a variety of characters throughout the production, with some doubling as apostles and priests.

• Seeking strong instrumentalists who also possess good rock/pop singing abilities. Some performers will double as apostles and priests.

• Preferred instruments include:

• Guitar

• Electric bass

• Piano

• Brass: trumpet and trombone

• Woodwind: flute and saxophone

• Violin

• Auxiliary percussion

Instrumentalists must prepare a 30–60-second demonstration of their musical ability as part of their audition.