Audition Notice:

PARADE
music & lyrics by Jason Robert Brown | book by Alfred Uhry

Directed by Danny Hoskins
Musical Direction by Andy Pratt
Choreography by Hector Manuel

Auditions: Sunday, January 18th from 5-8pm
Callbacks: Monday, January 19th from 6-10pm

***BLACKFRIARS HAS A MISSION TO HIRE LOCAL ARTISTS ONLY--WE DO NOT PROVIDE MEALS, HOUSING, OR TRANSPORTATION***

THE AUDITION:
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY — please email info@blackfriars.org to schedule your appointment no later than Friday, January 16th at 12pm (noon); scroll to the bottom for video submission information if you’re unable to make the initial call.

Auditions will take place in three 60-minute groups. Please arrive familiar with the musical and the characters. There is a link to a PDF of the libretto at the bottom of this page.

THE NITTY-GRITTY:

We will be scheduling auditions in three 60-minute groups. You will be assigned to a group at the time of your appointment request—we will do our best to accommodate time constraints.

Please prepare two 32-bar cuts of contrasting musical theatre selections that show your range and strong character/acting choices. Come with sheet music in a binder and in the correct key. Please do not sing from the show, and do not sing a cappella. You may only be asked to sing one piece.

Please bring a headshot/photo, resume, and your calendar to complete the rehearsal conflicts (YOU MUST FILL OUT A COMPLETE CONFLICT CALENDAR AT AUDITIONS).

THE PROCESS:
Rehearsals: begin as early as Mar 23rd, 2026; Blackfriars rehearses 4-6 times/week on nights and weekends; final rehearsal schedule dependent upon cast/team conflicts
Tech: May 2-7 (NO WEEKEND/EVENING CONFLICTS)
Shows: May 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24

*Blackfriars performs Thurs/Fri/Sat at 7:30 p.m.; Sun at 2:00 p.m.
*Possible extension through May 31st (hold for regular Thurs-Sun schedule); all stipends increased by $50 per added performance.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN: Casting 16-20 actors of varying ages/ethnicities/genders. All actors 18+ (no exceptions). Many roles may double.

LEO FRANK - male, 20s-30s; tenor/bari-tenor | Our story's tragic protagonist accused of murder. As National Pencil Factory Superintendent, Leo is neurotic and a serial pessimist. Though married to Lucille, he is physically and emotionally displaced. A White Jew from the North. Stipend $500.

LUCILLE FRANK - female, 20s-30s; mezzo | Gentle and mousy, but resourceful and resilient. Despite her husband's feelings, she is a true Southerner through and through but can see through the deception. A White Jew from Georgia. Stipend $500.

JIM CONLEY - male, 20s-30s; baritone | A cleaning supervisor at National Pencil Factory. Secretly, he is a convict on the run. Pompous showman with a strong build. Black Georgian. Stipend $400.

NEWT LEE - male, 50s-60s; baritone | He is the night watchman at National Pencil Factory. A bit too old to possess the job. Physically intimidating, but a gentle giant. Black Georgian. Stipend $400.

JUDGE ROAN - male, 60s-70s; baritone | Serves as the Judge on the infamous trial. Motivated by bigotry and racism, he is dangerously committed to the ideals of the Confederacy. White Georgian. Stipend $400.

HUGH DORSEY - male, 30s-40s; tenor/bari-tenor | Atlanta's District Attorney. He is a devout Christian, who is brute and manipulative at times. Hungry for political success and recognition. White Georgian. Stipend $400.

GOV. JOHN SLATON - male, 30s-40s; tenor/bari-tenor | As the Governor of Georgia, he is highly concerned with public perception. Flirtatious and fun at times. Strives to maintain his values. White Southerner. Stipend $400.

FRANKIE EPPS - male, 18+ to play teen; baritone | A charming and simple man, he is Mary's devoted friend. Playful and flirtatious. White Georgian. Stipend $400.

MARY PHAGAN - female, 18+ to play teen; also/mezzo | A factory worker at the National Pencil Factory who is murdered. She is very innocent but has moments of sassiness and playfulness. White Georgian. Stipend $400.

BRITT CRAIG - male, 20s-30s; tenor | A washed up reporter who can often be found three sheets to the wind. Weaselly and desperate for his 'big break.' White Georgian. Stipend $400.

MINNIE MCKNIGHT - female, 20s; mezzo/soprano | The Franks’ devoted and innocent housemaid. She becomes entangled with the trial and commits perjury. Incredible actor and singer required. Black Georgian. Stipend $400.

TOM WATSON - male, 40s-50s; baritone | Conservative & racist politician/publisher, who helps to spur on the witch-hunt for Leo Frank. White Georgian. Stipend $400.

ENSEMBLE - 8-10 actors to play Chain Gang; Factory Girls; Guards/Policemen; Residents Of Georgia; Reporters; et al. Stipend $400.

There can be no conflicts during tech or performances. If you are involved in another show that overlaps with any part of this process, please email us the conflicts at info@blackfriars.org prior to signing up for auditions. Questions? Please email us at info@blackfriars.org. INITIAL AUDITIONS & CALLBACKS will take place at Blackfriars Theatre, 795 E Main St, Rochester 14605.

VIDEO AUDITIONS

If you cannot make auditions and wish to submit a video audition, please submit to info@blackfriars.org no later than Friday, January 16th at 12:00 p.m., noon. Please provide video of yourself singing TWO 32-bar musical theatre selections that show range and strong acting choices. If you're not available for callbacks, we may request additional scenes/songs to record and send in by 8:00 p.m. on Jan 19th.

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BT’s COVID SAFETY NOTICE:

— Performers will be required to follow all designated Covid protocols throughout the rehearsal process including mask-wearing, if necessary, prior to tech week and social distancing when possible.

—Detailed protocols will be provided and reviewed with those cast prior to any in-person rehearsals.