AUDITION NOTICE: Next to Normal - Millennial Productions

Title: Next to Normal

Presented By: Millennial Productions

Genre: Musical Theatre / Contemporary Pop-Rock Musical

Synopsis: Next to Normal is the story of Diana Goodman and her family. Traumatised by the death of her infant son from an undiagnosed intestinal obstruction, Diana has lived with bipolar affective disorder, experiencing episodes of depression and delusional beliefs for the past seventeen years. The illness has affected everyone in her life and has nearly torn her family apart on several occasions. With subject matter rendered achingly recognisable by Brian Yorkey and a dynamic, energetic pop-rock score by Tom Kitt, Next to Normal enables a small group of actors to showcase powerhouse vocals while exploring pressing contemporary issues of trauma, loss, mental health treatment and the meaning of family.

Audition Date: Saturday June 20th, 2026

Audition Time: Individual audition slots (allocated upon registration)

Audition Location and Address: Toowong Hall

Audition Self-Tape Due: 5PM Friday June 19th, 2026

Audition Requirements:

Auditionees will attend an individual audition slot (no dance or movement call required).

Please prepare:

• A short read for your preferred character (using the provided audition dialogue).

• One song in the style of the show (upbeat) – 45–60 seconds.

• One contrasting song – 45–60 seconds.

Please bring backing tracks on a USB or AUX-compatible device.

Audition Registration: Registration is required via the Millennial Productions audition form.

Audition Pack: Next to Normal Audition Pack

Performance Dates: September 23rd - 26th, 2026

Performance Location: Ron Hurley Theatre, Seven Hills

Rehearsal Dates: July 21st - September 20th, 2026

Rehearsal Times:

• Tuesday & Thursday - 7 - 10PM

• Sunday - 3 - 8PM

Rehearsal Location:

• Hamilton Town Hall (Tuesdays)

• Upper Kedron Hall (Thursdays and Sundays)

  
  

Warnings:

• This production contains themes and depictions relating to:

  • Mental illness and psychological distress

  • Grief, trauma and loss

  • Suicide and suicidal ideation

  • Emotional conflict within family relationships

  • Psychiatric medication and treatment

  • References to self-harm

  • Strong language and mature themes

  • Depictions of medical treatment

  • Emotionally intense scenes involving anxiety, depression and dissociation

• These themes are central to the story and may be confronting for some individuals. Millennial Productions has engaged a Mental Health Consultant to support the cast and creative team throughout the rehearsal and performance process.

• Successful cast members are expected to prioritise rehearsals and disclose any conflicts at the time of registration. Cast members will only be called when required and a full rehearsal schedule will be provided at the first rehearsal.

• Technical rehearsals will take place at the Ron Hurley Theatre from 21–22 September and throughout production week. Full availability is required for technical rehearsals and all performances.

  
  

Performer Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of audition.

Creative Team:

• Director – Taylor Atley (she/her)

• Musical Director – Victoria Keomahavong (she/her)

• Associate Director / Intimacy Liaison – Ellen Axford (she/her)

• Mental Health Consultant – Maddison Joyce (she/her)

Production Website: Millennial Productions - Next to Normal

Other Information:

• Millennial Productions is a Brisbane-based not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing performing arts culture in South East Queensland through innovative, inclusive and high-quality productions.

• Millennial Productions recognises the diversity of the Australian performing arts community and strongly encourages applications from performers of varied experiences and circumstances, including performers from culturally diverse backgrounds and performers with disabilities.

• Performers of all gender identities are encouraged to audition for any role they feel best represents them.

• The production team strongly encourages performers aged 30+ to audition for the roles of Diana, Dan and Dr Madden. These roles explore the complexities of marriage, parenthood and grief, and the team is seeking performers who can bring authenticity and emotional maturity to the storytelling.

• This production is non-remunerated.

• Successful cast members will be required to pay a $25 annual Millennial Productions membership fee. No additional mandatory production fees apply.

Available Roles/Character Breakdown:

• Diana Playing Age: 36–45 | Vocal Range: G3 – F#5

A sharp, intelligent woman battling Bipolar disorder and unresolved grief following the loss of her infant son. Diana struggles to balance reality with the emotional pull of the past, often feeling trapped between medication, memory and identity. Fiercely loving yet emotionally fractured, she longs to reclaim agency over her life and define what “normal” truly means.

• Gabe Playing Age: 18 | Vocal Range: B2 – C5

The charismatic, magnetic embodiment of the Goodman family's unresolved grief. Though charming and playful, Gabe represents Diana's inability to let go of the past and the emotional wounds haunting the entire family. He is both comforting and dangerous — a constant reminder of what has been lost.

• Dan Playing Age: 36–45 | Vocal Range: Ab2 – B4

A devoted husband and father who has spent sixteen years trying to hold his family together through optimism and routine. Practical, dependable and deeply caring, Dan avoids confronting his own grief in an attempt to fix everything around him. Beneath his calm exterior lies a man terrified of losing the family he has worked so hard to protect.

• Natalie Playing Age: 16 | Vocal Range: G3 – G5

A high-achieving pianist desperate for control in a household defined by chaos. Intelligent, cynical and emotionally guarded, Natalie feels invisible within her family and struggles under the pressure of perfectionism. As she begins to rebel against the life around her, she searches for connection, identity and stability of her own.

• Henry Playing Age: 17 | Vocal Range: G#2 – B4

A laid-back, thoughtful musician who becomes Natalie's emotional anchor. Warm, patient and quietly perceptive, Henry offers honesty and compassion in contrast to the tension within the Goodman household. Beneath his easy-going nature is a young man capable of deep empathy and unwavering support.

• Dr. Madden / Dr. Fine / Anesthesiologist Playing Age: 30–40 | Vocal Range: A2 – A4

Diana's psychiatrists, often portrayed by the same actor. Dr. Fine is clinical, methodical and focused on medication management, while Dr. Madden represents a more intense and invasive approach to treatment. Together, they reflect the complexities, limitations and ethical challenges of modern mental health care.