CASTING

WEST SIDE STORY

Based on a Conception of Jerome Robbins

Book by Arthur Laurents

Music by Leonard Bernstein

Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Direction by Dennis Willhoit

Choreography by Andréa Edge

Music Direction by TBA

Conducted by Daniel Kleinknecht

PERFORMANACE DATES: June 5 & 7 REHEARSAL DATES: May 22 - June 4

Project Description: Casting all roles in the classic Bernstein score West Side Story
The American Gothic Performing Arts Festival will open its 2026 season with a staged concert presentation of Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story. Featuring the Festival Orchestra on stage and dancers performing Jerome Robbins’ iconic choreography, this production places music and movement at the center of the storytelling, supported by evocative imagery rather than full sets.

American Gothic Performing Arts (AGPA) is committed to creating quality shows with quality people. We enjoy cultivating an inclusive, diverse, and safe environment that is beneficial to the creative and collaborative process. We encourage actors of all ages, ethnicities, gender identities, and disabilities to audition.

COMPENSATION

Up to $750/week, Housing, Food and Travel Allowances

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

Riff

A spritely, quick-tempered leader. He seeks to eliminate the Sharks and establish his own gang's dominance. Tony's best friend, he is eventually murdered by Bernardo.

Gender: male

Age: 25 to 30

Vocal range top: G4

Vocal range bottom: Bb2

Tony

A romantic young man and former leader of the Jets, he has found a new lifestyle now. Tony finds himself violently torn between his friendships and love. Falls in love to Maria and meets an untimely death. Genuinely sweet and sincere.

Gender: male

Age: 25 to 30

Vocal range top: Bb4

Vocal range bottom: Bb2

Bernardo

A proud, strong, handsome Puerto Rican man. Bernardo seeks to carve out territory as a sense of identity for he and his friends. Maria's brother and Anita's boyfriend. Leader of the Sharks.

Gender: male

Age: 25 to 35

Vocal range top: Eb4

Vocal range bottom: Bb2

Maria

A hopeless romantic and innocent young girl. She falls in love with Tony and finds herself at the center of the violent conflict between the two gangs. Bernardo's sister. Puerto Rican.

Gender: female

Age: 18 to 21

Vocal range top: C6

Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Anita

Feisty and assertive. She dispenses "older sister" advice to Maria and tries to shield her from the dangers of the gangs. Bernardo's girlfriend and Maria's friend. Puerto Rican.

Gender: female

Age: 25 to 30

Vocal range top: D5

Vocal range bottom: F3

Chino

An angry and, at times, naive Shark who turns murderous and vengeful. Suitor to Maria and friend of Bernardo's.

Gender: male

Age: 20 to 25

Anybodys

A spunky tomboy who is desperate to become a member of the Jets. The other Jets mock her for her ambitions, but generally appreciate her company. Full of energy and heart.

Gender: female

Age: 15 to 25

Doc

The owner of the candy store where the Jets hang out. He tries to guide the Jets youthful angst and provides a safe haven for Tony. Old fashioned and wise in his ways.

Gender: male

Age: 60 to 75

Schrank

A local police detective frustrated by the ongoing violence between the Jets and Sharks. Blunt, brash, and unapologetic.

Gender: male

Age: 40 to 55

Krupke

The local beat cop. He has no patience for the gangs conflict and tries to keep tensions from errupting between them. Regularly mocked by the local gangs.

Gender: male

Age: 30 to 60

Ensemble

Jets, Sharks, Jets Girls, Sharks Girls

THE ODD COUPLE

By Neil Simon

Directed by Brian Warren

PERFORMANCE DATES: June 12, 14, 16, 19 & 21 REHEARSAL DATES: May 25 - June 11

Project Description: Casting all roles in The Odd Couple The American Gothic Performing Arts Festival will present Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple (male version) as part of its 2026 season. Set in mid-century New York, this classic American comedy centers on two mismatched friends—one obsessively neat, the other proudly disorganized—whose attempt at shared living quickly spirals into comic chaos. Fast-paced, character-driven, and rich with Simon’s unmistakable wit, the production emphasizes timing, ensemble chemistry, and the humor found in clashing personalities. 

American Gothic Performing Arts (AGPA) is committed to creating quality shows with quality people. We enjoy cultivating an inclusive, diverse, and safe environment that is beneficial to the creative and collaborative process. We encourage actors of all ages, ethnicities, gender identities, and disabilities to audition.

 COMPENSATION: Up to $750/week, Housing, Food and Travel Allowances

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

 Felix Ungar
Gender: Male
Age: Late 30s–50s
Description: Neat, neurotic, and emotionally fragile. Recently separated or divorced, Felix is obsessively clean, sensitive, and prone to melodrama. His fastidious habits and constant worrying clash hilariously with Oscar’s slovenly lifestyle.

Oscar Madison
Gender: Male
Age: Late 30s–50s
Description: A divorced sportswriter who is messy, loud, and unapologetically irresponsible. Oscar enjoys life on his own terms—junk food, poker, and clutter—and resists change at every turn. The comic engine of the play, balancing bravado with underlying vulnerability.

Roy
Gender: Male
Age: 30s–50s
Description: Oscar’s agent and poker buddy. Smart, cynical, and business-minded, often serving as the practical voice of reason regarding work and finances.

Vinnie
Gender: Male
Age: 30s–60s
Description: A police officer and regular poker player. Gruff, direct, and dryly humorous, with comedy driven largely by reactions.

Murray
Gender: Male
Age: 30s–60s
Description: Oscar’s accountant and poker pal. Mild-mannered, anxious, and passive, frequently caught between stronger personalities.

Speed
Gender: Male
Age: 30s–60s
Description: A laid-back, slow-thinking poker buddy. Good-natured and loyal, with humor rooted in timing and misunderstanding.

Gwendolyn Pigeon
Gender: Female
Age: 30s–50s
Description: One of the refined British sisters who live upstairs. Elegant, charming, and poised, providing romantic and social contrast to the men’s chaotic world.

Cecily Pigeon
Gender: Female
Age: 30s–50s
Description: Gwendolyn’s sister. Equally polished with a slightly sharper wit, reinforcing the contrast between male disorder and refined civility.

GREASE

Book, Music & Lyrics by Jim Jacobs & Warren Casey

Direction by TBA

Choreography by TBA

Music Direction by TBA

PERFORMANCE DATES: June 25, 26 & 28 REHEARSAL DATES: May 25 - June 24

Project Description: Casting all roles in the musical GREASE The American Gothic Performing Arts Festival closes its 2026 season with the beloved musical Grease, with book, music, and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. Set in the world of 1950s Rydell High, the show follows a group of teenagers navigating friendship, romance, and the social hierarchies of adolescence. Bursting with high-energy dance, unforgettable songs, and youthful spirit, Grease celebrates the joy, awkwardness, and transformation of growing up—sending the Festival out on a bright and energetic note. 

American Gothic Performing Arts (AGPA) is committed to creating quality shows with quality people. We enjoy cultivating an inclusive, diverse, and safe environment that is beneficial to the creative and collaborative process. We encourage actors of all ages, ethnicities, gender identities, and disabilities to audition.

COMPENSATION: Up to $750/week, Housing, Food and Travel Allowances

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

Danny Zuko
Gender: Male
Age: Late teens
Singing or Speaking Role: Singing
Voice Range: Tenor (approx. C3–A4)
Description: The confident leader of the T-Birds. Charming, cocky, and vulnerable beneath the swagger, Danny struggles to reconcile peer pressure with genuine emotion.

Sandy Dumbrowski
Gender: Female
Age: Late teens
Singing or Speaking Role: Singing
Voice Range: Soprano (approx. A3–D5)
Description: A sweet, idealistic new student from Australia. Sandy begins as innocent and reserved but grows into confidence and self-possession by the show’s end.

Rizzo
Gender: Female
Age: Late teens
Singing or Speaking Role: Singing
Voice Range: Alto/Mezzo-Soprano (approx. G3–C5)
Description: Tough, sharp-tongued, and emotionally guarded. Rizzo projects confidence but reveals depth and vulnerability beneath her bravado.

Kenickie
Gender: Male
Age: Late teens
Singing or Speaking Role: Singing
Voice Range: Baritone (approx. A2–F4)
Description: Danny’s best friend and second-in-command of the T-Birds. Brash, impulsive, and loud, yet loyal and surprisingly sincere.

Frenchy
Gender: Female
Age: Late teens
Singing or Speaking Role: Singing
Voice Range: Alto/Mezzo-Soprano (approx. G3–C5)
Description: A well-meaning dreamer who longs for glamour beyond high school. Optimistic, scattered, and sweet-natured.

Marty
Gender: Female
Age: Late teens
Singing or Speaking Role: Singing
Voice Range: Alto (approx. G3–C5)
Description: Worldly and flirtatious, Marty presents herself as sophisticated beyond her years, masking teenage insecurity with confidence.

Jan
Gender: Female
Age: Late teens
Singing or Speaking Role: Singing
Voice Range: Alto (approx. G3–C5)
Description: Honest, awkward, and good-hearted. Jan often serves as comic relief while grounding the Pink Ladies with sincerity.

Doody
Gender: Male
Age: Late teens
Singing or Speaking Role: Singing
Voice Range: Tenor (approx. C3–A4)
Description: The youngest and most enthusiastic T-Bird. Guitar-playing, eager, and playful, with a boyish charm.

Sonny
Gender: Male
Age: Late teens
Singing or Speaking Role: Singing
Voice Range: Baritone (approx. A2–F4)
Description: Loud, sarcastic, and constantly joking. Sonny thrives on crude humor and big reactions within the group dynamic.

Putzie
Gender: Male
Age: Late teens
Singing or Speaking Role: Singing
Voice Range: Baritone (approx. A2–F4)
Description: A quieter, compliant T-Bird who follows the lead of others. More observer than instigator, with strong ensemble presence.

Patty Simcox
Gender: Female
Age: Late teens
Singing or Speaking Role: Singing
Voice Range: Soprano (approx. B3–D5)
Description: A relentlessly upbeat cheerleader. Patriotic, perky, and oblivious, providing bright comic contrast to the greasers.

Eugene Felsnic
Gender: Male
Age: Late teens
Singing or Speaking Role: Speaking with ensemble singing
Voice Range: Optional Tenor/Baritone
Description: Awkward, intelligent, and socially isolated. Eugene’s transformation later in the show delivers one of its biggest laughs.

Teen Angel
Gender: Male
Age: Ageless (appears older than teens)
Singing or Speaking Role: Singing
Voice Range: Tenor (approx. C3–B4)
Description: A flashy, Elvis-inspired fantasy figure. Confident, charismatic, and larger-than-life in a brief but memorable appearance.

Miss Lynch / Principal McGee
Gender: Female
Age: 40s–60s
Singing or Speaking Role: Speaking
Voice Range: N/A
Description: Authority figures at Rydell High. Possible doubling.

Johnny Casino
Gender: Male
Age: 20s–40s
Singing or Speaking Role: Singing
Voice Range: Tenor (approx. C3–A4)
Description: A slick radio host and entertainer. Polished, energetic, and showy. Possible doubling.

Audition Dates :

In-person: COMING SOON

Virtual: Video and Resume submissions open until March 1, 2025

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Video of two (2) contrasting excerpts, one up tempo and one ballad, from the traditional musical theater repertoire. Excerpts from the show are encouraged.

• Dance Reel

• Two-minutes video monologue

• Headshot

• Resume

SUBMIT MATERIALS TO: AmericanGothicFest@gmail.com SUBJECT LINE: 2026 FESTIVAL AUDITION SUBMISSION