Hairspray
Casting Notice

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Director and Choreographer: Patrick Murray

Music Director: Vicki Coleman

Stage Manager: Jared DeStafney

Assistant to the Director and Rehearsal Stage Manager: Mark Thompson

Assistant to the Director: Celie Arangio

 

Wilmington Drama League is hosting auditions for its upcoming production of Hairspray, which will perform May 30th-June 1st, June 6th-June 8th, and June 13th-15 with a Final Dress Rehearsal on May 29th. Tentatively, rehearsals will begin Monday March 3rd and will take place three times a week to start. We are projecting those days will follow Monday Wednesday Thursday schedule, but that cadence is subject to change base on the availability of the cast when casting is complete.

 

Important Note: Our first two days of Tech and Dress Rehearsals will take place on Sunday May 25th and Monday May 26th, which take place over Memorial Day Weekend and on Memorial Day respectively. All will be expected to attend unless otherwise discussed and approved by the production staff, so please make note of this scheduling detail when making plans to audition.

 

If you are unable to make either of the scheduled audition days or for any other audition inquiries, please email Stage Manager Jared DeStafney at jared.destafney2005@gmail.com 

 

We are seeking a dynamic and diverse ensemble of actors 14 and up for WDL’s production of Hairspray.Wilmington Drama League is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in its work and encourages performers of all ethnicities, races, backgrounds, and gender expressions to audition.

 

We are exploring the possibility of casting a small ensemble of 4 children (age 11-12, 4’11” and under). Whether we cast these additional young ensemble members will be based on February's auditions. If you are interested in being considered for this possible children’s ensemble (see above requirements), please submit a video of you singing 32 bars of a song that shows off your voice to Stage Manager Jared DeStafney at jared.destafney2005@gmail.com by Sunday February 16th at 8 P.M.

 

WHEN:

Monday February 17th 7 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. (Must Arrive and Check-In by 9 P.M.)

Wednesday February 19th 7 P.M. to 9:30 P.M. (Must Arrive and Check-In by 9 P.M.)

Invited Dance and General Callbacks Saturday February 22nd 11 A.M. to 8 P.M.

 

WHERE:

Wilmington Drama League

10 W Lea Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19802

 

WHAT TO PREPARE:

Please prepare 32 bars of a 1960s rock, soul, or pop song or a contemporary uptempo musical theater piece- something that you love to sing and makes you happy, which will make us happy. Please bring sheet music, an accompanist will be provided. If you’d prefer to audition with an accompaniment track, a Bluetooth speaker will be provided.

 

HAIRSPRAY CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

(descriptions courtesy of Music Theatre International)

 

Tracy Turnblad

Our story's unsuspecting protagonist, she is large and in charge. Confident, talented, and incredibly determined. A romantic with a good heart and desire to cut up the dance floor. A teen who is always on top of the latest trends.

 

Edna Turnblad

Tracy's big and blonde mother. She is a working housewife who has lost her confidence and dream to be a plus-size clothing designer. Boisterous and commanding. Originated by the drag queen Divine in the original John Waters film, Edna is played by a male in drag. 

 

Corny Collins

The charismatic host of the Corny Collins' Show. Good looking and smooth talking, he is a genuinely nice guy both on and off camera. 

 

Penny Pingleton

Tracy's best friend and dorky sidekick. Not the brightest girl, but she has good intentions. Bursting to get free of her mother's dominating control, she falls for Seaweed with childlike curiosity. 

 

Velma Von Tussle

Amber's mother and the director of the Corny Collin's show. She is a devious taskmaster and snobby racist. The former Miss Baltimore Crabs will go to any length to ensure her daughter is the next big thing.

 

Amber Von Tussle

Link's girlfriend and Tracy's nemesis. She is pretty, thin, shallow, snobby, and racist. Can't dance but is expected to win Miss Baltimore Hairspray. Always feels the need to be the center of attention. 

 

Link Larkin

The star heartthrob on Corny Collins' show. He is extremely attractive and talented. Hoping to get his big break with a recording contract. 

 

Seaweed J. Stubbs

Tracy's classmate and friend, who is discriminated against due to his skin color. He is cocky but surprisingly lovable. Talented in song and dance.

 

Little Inez

Seaweed's little sister. Seeking an actor who is younger or plays younger.

 

Motormouth Maybelle

Seaweed and Little Inez's mother, she also appears as the Guest DJ on the Corny Collin's Negro Day show. Big, blonde, beautiful and proud of it.

 

Wilbur Turnblad

Tracy's simpleminded and kind father. He owns a joke shop and supports his daughter in spite of everything else. He also loves his wife, Edna, very much.

 

Prudy Pingleton/Gym Teacher/Matron

Penny's strict mother. Very conservative, controlling, and closed minded. 

 

Harriman F. Spritzer/Principal/Mr. Pinky/Newscaster

 

Ensemble

We are seeking a diverse and dynamic ensemble that will appear throughout the show as a variety of roles including but not limited to Corny Collins' Kids (Brad, Tammy, Fender, Brenda, Sketch, Shelley, IQ, Lou Ann), The Dynamites, students (Duane, Gilbert, Stooie, Lorraine, Cindy Watkins), “Big Doll House” prisoners (Hooker I, Hooker II, Beatnik Chick), studio employers, and denizens of Baltimore.