YOUTH AUDITION NOTICE: Hadestown Teen Edition - On the Boards Theatre Company, Dance and Theatre Factory

Title: Hadestown: Teen Edition

Presented By: On the Boards Theatre Company / Dance and Theatre Factory

Genre: Musical Theatre / Folk Opera / Greek Mythology / Drama

Synopsis: Hadestown: Teen Edition is a powerful, folk-inspired musical by Anaïs Mitchell that reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Set in a world where love, hope and music battle against fear and doubt, the musical follows two intertwining love stories: that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of the immortal King Hades and his wife, Persephone. When Eurydice is drawn into the industrial underworld of Hadestown, Orpheus embarks on a dangerous journey to bring her home, armed with little more than his music and unwavering belief in love. Featuring a rich score inspired by traditional American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, Hadestown explores the conflict between industry and nature, doubt and faith, and fear and love.

Audition Date: Sunday 1 November 2026

Audition Time:

• 2:00pm–3:30pm: Vocal auditions (10-minute individual appointments)

• 3:30pm–4:30pm: Group dance call

• 4:30pm–6:00pm: Vocal auditions (10-minute individual appointments)

Individual audition times will be allocated following registration.

Callbacks: Sunday 8 November 2026. Times to be advised.

Audition Location and Address: On the Boards Theatre Company, Unit 1/433 Wondall Road, Tingalpa

Audition Self-Tape Due (if applicable): Sunday 1 November 2026

Video auditions are accepted. Applicants must complete the registration form to receive instructions regarding the required video content.

Audition Requirements:

• Singing:

  • Two contrasting songs, approximately one minute each.

  • Musical theatre repertoire is preferred, particularly songs that allow performers to demonstrate acting and movement while singing.

  • Alternatively, applicants may select songs that best showcase their individual abilities.

  • Backing tracks are required.

  • Bring backing tracks on a device compatible with an AUX connection or Bluetooth.

• Acting:

  • One self-selected, memorised character monologue.

  • Applicants are encouraged to perform in the accent or style of their desired character.

  • Strong characterisation, bold acting choices and an understanding of the material are encouraged.

• Dancing:

  • Participate in a group dance call.

  • No prepared choreography is required.

  • Applicants will learn a short routine on the day and demonstrate their ability to learn, interpret and perform movement.

Audition Pack: Hadestown: Teen Edition – Audition Information (Canva)

Performance Dates: Saturday 16 January 2027

Rehearsal Dates:

• Monday 14 December

• Tuesday 15 December

• Wednesday 16 December

• Thursday 17 December

• Monday 11 January

• Tuesday 12 January

• Wednesday 13 January

• Thursday 14 January

• Friday 15 January

Rehearsal Times: 9:00am–5:00pm on all listed workshop days.

Warnings: The musical explores themes of death, grief, poverty, hunger, exploitation, authoritarianism, emotional manipulation and the afterlife.

Performer Age: 13–19 years at the time of the performance.

Production Website: https://danceandtheatrefactory.com.au/

Other information:

Participation Fee: $660 per performer.

Payment options include:

• Full Payment: $660 by Monday 14 December 2026.

• Two Instalments: $330 by Monday 14 December 2026 and $330 by Monday 11 January 2027.

The participation fee includes:

• Costumes

• Performance rights and royalties

• Scripts

• Insurance

• Technical and creative staff

• Sets and props

• Venue hire

Enquiries:

• Email: lyn@ontheboards.com.au

• Phone: (07) 3195 7086

Available Roles/Character Breakdown

ORPHEUS

• Gender: Male character

• Vocal Range: Tenor with strong falsetto, D3–C5 (optional Eb5)

• A gifted but naïve young poet and musician with an extraordinary talent for music. Orpheus is idealistic, sensitive and determined to see the world not simply as it is, but as it could become. His belief in the transformative power of music drives him to challenge the seemingly impossible. His love for Eurydice inspires him to undertake a dangerous journey into the underworld.

• Performance Requirements: Strong tenor vocals with a well-developed falsetto, emotional vulnerability and the ability to portray innocence, optimism and determination.

EURYDICE

• Gender: Female character

• Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano, F#3–D5

• A tough, independent young woman who has spent much of her life moving from place to place. Hungry, cold and without a permanent home, Eurydice is practical, resourceful and unwilling to be easily deceived. Beneath her guarded exterior lies a deep vulnerability and longing for security. Her relationship with Orpheus forces her to navigate the difficult balance between love and survival.

• Performance Requirements: Strong mezzo-soprano vocals, emotional depth and the ability to balance toughness with vulnerability.

HADES

• Gender: Male character

• Vocal Range: Bass, F2–C#4

• The powerful King of the Underworld and ruler of Hadestown. An authoritarian industrialist obsessed with control, order and the deals that sustain his empire, Hades has become increasingly paranoid and disconnected from the world above. Although outwardly intimidating and uncompromising, his relationship with Persephone reveals a more complicated emotional life.

• Performance Requirements: A strong, resonant bass voice, commanding stage presence and the ability to portray authority, intimidation and moments of emotional vulnerability.

PERSEPHONE

• Gender: Female character

• Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano / Alto, F3–C5

• The Queen of the Underworld and goddess of nature and the seasons. Persephone is spirited, charismatic and fond of a good time. Although she loves Hades, she finds the oppressive atmosphere of the underworld increasingly difficult to endure. She is happiest during the summer months above ground, where she can reconnect with nature and freedom. Beneath her lively personality lies genuine concern about the person Hades has become.

• Performance Requirements: Strong mezzo-soprano or alto vocals, confident characterisation and the ability to balance humour, charisma and emotional complexity.

HERMES

• Gender: Open to male and female performers

• Vocal Range: Tenor / Bass, C3–B4

• The Messenger of the Gods, narrator of the musical and mentor to Orpheus. Charismatic, knowledgeable and theatrical, Hermes guides the audience through the story while offering advice and encouragement to the characters. Frequently breaking the fourth wall, Hermes speaks directly to the audience and helps shape the emotional journey of the production. Although supportive of Orpheus, Hermes' true loyalties can sometimes remain ambiguous.

• Performance Requirements: Strong storytelling skills, confident singing, charisma, excellent diction and the ability to connect directly with the audience.

THE FATES

• Gender: Three female characters

• Vocal Ranges:

  • Soprano

  • Mezzo-Soprano

  • Alto

  • Overall range: E3–D5

  • Fate 1: Up to Eb5

• The Fates are three mysterious sisters who act as the voices of doubt, temptation and consequence throughout the musical. They influence the decisions of the central characters, particularly Eurydice's descent into Hadestown and the conditions imposed upon Orpheus during his attempt to bring her home. Their manipulation ultimately contributes to the doubt that causes Orpheus to turn and look behind him. Described as vicious and delicious, the Fates are fundamental to the storytelling and frequently function as voices inside the characters' heads.

• Performance Requirements: Strong individual vocals, precise three-part harmonies, excellent musicality, characterisation and the ability to work closely as a vocal ensemble.

WORKERS / ENSEMBLE

• The Workers represent the spirits of labour and community, forming the physical and choral foundation of the musical. The ensemble may include approximately 6–16 performers who transition between residents of the world above and workers in the industrial underworld of Hadestown. These performers play an essential role in establishing the contrasting environments of the musical through singing, contemporary movement and ensemble storytelling.

• Performance Requirements:

  • Strong ensemble singing and harmonisation

  • Confidence with contemporary choreography and physical theatre

  • Good musicality and movement skills

  • Ability to portray multiple characters and environments

  • Strong teamwork and commitment to the workshop process