AUDITION NOTICE: Nerdy Prudes Must Die - Hanson Creative

Title: Nerdy Prudes Must Die

Presented By: Hanson Creative

Genre: Musical Comedy / Teen Slasher / Horror

Synopsis: At Hatchetfield High, a group of social outcasts unwittingly completes an ancient ritual while attempting to frighten the school’s arrogant star quarterback, Max Jägerman. When their prank ends in Max’s death, he returns as a powerful supernatural spirit determined to punish every nerd who ever crossed him. Stephanie Lauter, Grace Chasity, Peter Spankoffski and their fellow geeks must confront the murderous bully while uncovering the dark history beneath their town. From the creators of The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals, Nerdy Prudes Must Die combines horror, high-school comedy and contemporary musical theatre in a bloody and irreverent supernatural slasher.

Audition Date:

• Thursday 30 July 2026

• Friday 31 July 2026

• Callbacks: Sunday 2 August 2026

Audition Time: Individual auditions: 15-minute booked sessions

Compulsory group dance call: Thursday 30 July, 5:00pm–6:00pm

Audition Location and Address: Backbone, 28 Tallowwood Street, Seven Hills QLD

Audition Requirements:

• Prepare two contrasting songs of up to one minute each.

• At least one must be a musical theatre song, and one selection should demonstrate comedic ability. Contemporary or modern material is preferred.

Auditionees must also:

• Prepare one scene from the audition pack; it does not need to correspond with the role being sought.

• Participate in cold reads on the day.

• Attend the compulsory group dance call.

• Bring a headshot and CV.

• Bring backing tracks, as no pianist will be provided.

• Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate dance shoes for the dance call.

Audition Registration: Audition applications close Sunday 26 July 2026 at 11:59pm. Book a 15-minute audition through the registration link contained in the audition pack.

Audition Pack: Download the audition brief

Performance Dates:

• Thursday 5 November 2026

• Friday 6 November 2026

• Saturday 7 November 2026

Rehearsal Dates:

• Table read: Thursday 6 August 2026

• Media call: Friday 7 August 2026

• Regular rehearsals: 13 August–29 October 2026

• Sitzprobe: Sunday 11 October 2026

• Bump-in and dress run: Wednesday 4 November 2026

Rehearsal Times: Thursdays and Fridays: 5:00pm–9:00pm

Warnings: Horror themes, murder, bullying, supernatural violence, strong language and staged intimacy. Some roles may require intimacy between performers. Parts of the audition process may be filmed for casting, marketing or promotional purposes.

Performer Age: Adult performers 18+

Creative Team:

• Producer: Emma Hanson

• Director: Tayla Simpson

• Musical Director: Patrick Bischoff

• Choreographer: Savannah Stern

• Stage Manager: Lucy Wilding

Production Website: Hanson Creative

Other information:

• This is a non-union production.

• All cast members will receive a flat payment of $200.

• The production welcomes performers of varied backgrounds, identities, body types, abilities and experiences.

• All known rehearsal and performance conflicts must be disclosed in the audition application.

• Cast members are expected to be nearly off-book by October.

Available Roles/Character Breakdown:

• Max Jägerman (male-presenting, tenor, C3–C5 belt) The arrogant star quarterback and school bully who rules Hatchetfield High. After dying during a prank, he returns as a powerful supernatural spirit determined to murder the town’s nerds. Requires commanding presence, physicality and dark comedy. May require intimacy with Grace.

• Grace Chasity / Drama Student (female-presenting, mezzo/alto, G3–F5) A seemingly pious, rule-following student who helps devise the prank against Max. Beneath her innocent exterior is a darker, ruthless and increasingly unpredictable personality. May require intimacy with Max.

• Stephanie Lauter / Caitlyn (female-presenting, mezzo/soprano, G3–A5) The rebellious, cynical and ambitious daughter of Hatchetfield’s mayor. Popular among her classmates but increasingly drawn into the group of outcasts. May require intimacy with Peter.

• Peter Spankoffski / Drama Student / Dan Reynolds (male-presenting, tenor, C3–C5) An awkward and anxious high-school outcast who becomes central to the effort to protect his friends. Earnest, intelligent and emotionally vulnerable. May require intimacy with Stephanie.

• Richie Lipschitz / Boy Jerry / Trevor / Paul Matthews / Wiggly (male-presenting, baritenor, C3–C5 belt) An insecure, anxious and endearing nerd who is terrified of Max but forced to confront the supernatural danger. Requires strong character versatility across several roles.

• Ruth Fleming / Donna Daggit / Emma Perkins / Blinky / Brooke (female-presenting, mezzo, G3–G5 optional) A quirky, outspoken and unapologetic outsider involved in the prank. The performer also portrays several contrasting supporting characters.

• Karen Chasity / Miss Mulberry / Reese / Miss Tessburger / Stacy / Nibbly / Girl Jerry (female-presenting, soprano, C4–A5) Grace’s mother and a range of distinctive Hatchetfield characters. Requires excellent comic versatility and the ability to create multiple clear personalities.

• Mark Chasity / Officer Bailey / Kurt Clauger / Tinky / News Announcer (male-presenting, baritenor, A2–A4) Grace’s father, a local real-estate agent, alongside several adults, authority figures and supernatural characters. Requires strong character transformation.

• Solomon Lauter / Hatchetfield Cop / Jason Jepson / Pokey (male-presenting, baritone, A2–A4) The stressed mayor of Hatchetfield and Stephanie’s father. He knows more than most about the town’s sinister history. Also portrays several supporting characters.

• Detective Shapiro / Brenda / PJ / Reporter (female-presenting, soprano, C4–A5) The lead investigator examining Hatchetfield’s increasingly strange events. Also performs several featured characters within the larger musical numbers.