AUDITIONS FOR PARADE
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Surfside Playhouse is thrilled to announce auditions for our upcoming production of PARADE, the Tony Award-winning musical by Jason Robert Brown and Alfred Uhry.
Powerful, sweeping, and deeply human, Parade tells the true story of Leo Frank and the people whose lives become caught in a storm of prejudice, politics, love, and public opinion in 1913 Georgia. Featuring one of the most extraordinary scores in contemporary musical theatre, Parade calls for a company of exceptional singers, actors, and storytellers.
We are seeking a diverse company of performers for principal, featured, and ensemble roles.
AUDITION INFORMATION
Sunday, September 13 | 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Monday, September 14 | 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Surfside Playhouse
Auditions are by appointment.
Actors should email Artistic Director Chris Ikner at [email protected] to request an audition appointment. Actors will receive an assigned audition time along with the songs and sides for their initial audition.
Actors will be given a choice of three songs from the score of Parade to prepare for their initial audition. All audition material and accompaniment will be provided in advance.
Callbacks will be held on Wednesday, September 16 where invited actors will showcase additional vocal work, a movement call, and readings from the script.
CASTING BREAKDOWN
LEO FRANK
Male, 25–40 | Tenor | Bb2–G4
A Jewish factory superintendent originally from Brooklyn who has relocated to Atlanta with his wife, Lucille. Intelligent, precise, socially uncomfortable, guarded, and often unable to communicate what he is feeling. After being accused of the murder of Mary Phagan, Leo finds himself at the center of a sensational trial. Requires an exceptional actor with a strong contemporary musical theatre voice.
Please note: The role of Leo involves onstage intimacy, including kissing, with the actor portraying Lucille. All moments of intimacy will be approached professionally, collaboratively, and with clear boundaries established throughout the rehearsal process.
LUCILLE FRANK
Female, 25–40 | Mezzo-Soprano | G3–E5
Leo’s wife and one of the emotional centers of the musical. A Southern Jewish woman who begins the story frustrated by her husband's emotional distance but discovers enormous strength as she fights for him. Warm, intelligent, determined, and deeply compassionate. Requires a powerful actor-singer.
Please note: The role of Lucille involves onstage intimacy, including kissing, with the actor portraying Leo. All moments of intimacy will be approached professionally, collaboratively, and with clear boundaries established throughout the rehearsal process.
HUGH DORSEY
Male, 30–50 | Baritone | B2–F4
The ambitious prosecutor in Leo Frank’s trial. Confident, commanding, politically savvy, and keenly aware of public opinion. He sincerely believes in his case while also understanding exactly what a conviction could mean for his career.
BRITT CRAIG
Male, 30–50 | Tenor/Baritone | Db3–G4
A hard-drinking newspaper reporter who recognizes the Leo Frank case as the story of a lifetime. Charismatic, opportunistic, funny, cynical, and dangerous in his ability to shape public opinion.
JIM CONLEY
Male, 20s–40s | Tenor | D3–Bb4
A Black factory worker who becomes the prosecution's star witness. Charismatic, unpredictable, clever, and an extraordinary storyteller. One of the show's most demanding featured vocal and acting roles. Requires tremendous presence, rhythmic ability, and command of the stage.
GOVERNOR JOHN SLATON
Male, 35–60 | Baritone
Governor of Georgia. Intelligent, measured, principled, and increasingly troubled by the case against Leo. His decision regarding Leo's sentence becomes one of the major turning points of the story.
TOM WATSON
Male, 35–60 | Tenor/Baritone
A populist political figure and newspaper publisher who helps inflame public anger surrounding the case. Charismatic, forceful, persuasive, and unsettling. Requires a performer capable of commanding a crowd.
FRANKIE EPPS
Male, late teens–20s | Tenor | C3–Bb4
A young man who knew Mary Phagan. Energetic, emotional, impulsive, and representative of the young working-class Atlantans whose grief becomes entangled with the public frenzy surrounding the case. Featured heavily in “The Picture Show” and “It Don’t Make Sense.”
YOUNG SOLDIER / FRANKIE EPPS
The Young Soldier opens the musical in 1862 before the actor later appears as Frankie in 1913. These roles are traditionally doubled. Requires an excellent young tenor and compelling storyteller.
MARY PHAGAN
Female, teen/young adult playing approximately 13 | Mezzo/Soprano | Eb4–D5
The young factory worker whose murder sets the events of the musical into motion. Spirited, playful, youthful, and full of life. Though her stage time is limited, her presence hangs over the entire musical.
OLD SOLDIER / JUDGE ROAN
Male, 50s–70s | Baritone
Traditionally doubled. The Old Soldier represents the lingering memory of the Confederacy, while Judge Roan presides over Leo Frank's trial. Requires authority, gravity, and strong character work.
MINOLA McKNIGHT
Female, adult | Alto/Mezzo
The Frank family's Black domestic worker who is drawn into the investigation. A featured character role requiring a grounded actor with strong dramatic instincts.
MRS. PHAGAN
Female, 30s–50s | Mezzo
Mary's mother. A working-class Southern woman devastated by the loss of her daughter. Her grief contributes to the emotional intensity surrounding the trial.
LUTHER ROSSER
Male, 35–65 | Baritone
Leo's defense attorney. Intelligent, experienced, forceful, and pragmatic. A strong character role for an actor who can bring authority and specificity to the courtroom scenes.
FIDDY
Female, adult | Character Mezzo/Soprano
A memorable witness during the trial. A featured character role requiring strong comic instincts, specificity, and confidence.
RILEY
Male, adult | Baritone/Tenor
A Black Atlantan featured prominently in “A Rumblin' and a Rollin'.” Requires a powerful singer with excellent rhythmic instincts and stage presence.
ANGELA
Female, adult | Mezzo/Alto
Featured Black female vocalist in “A Rumblin' and a Rollin'.” Requires a strong, soulful singer and actor with excellent musical instincts.
IOLA STOVER
Female, teen/young adult | Soprano/Mezzo
A factory girl and featured witness during the trial. Bright, youthful, and impressionable. Strong character singing and acting are important.
MONTEEN
Female, teen/young adult | Soprano/Mezzo
One of the young factory girls who testifies during Leo's trial. A featured ensemble role requiring youthful energy, strong characterization, and confident singing.
ESSIE
Female, teen/young adult | Soprano/Mezzo
Another of the factory girls involved in the trial testimony. A featured ensemble track requiring excellent character work and musicality.
NEWTON
Male, adult | Baritone
A detective involved in the investigation of Mary Phagan's murder. Featured character/ensemble role.
OFFICER IVEY
Male, adult | Baritone
A police officer involved in the investigation. Typically part of a larger featured ensemble track.
MR. PEAVY
Male, adult | Baritone/Tenor
A featured character within the Atlanta community and ensemble.
ENSEMBLE / ATLANTA COMMUNITY
All genders | Various ages and vocal ranges
The ensemble is essential to the storytelling of Parade. Ensemble members portray factory workers, reporters, police officers, jurors, townspeople, politicians, guards, and members of the Atlanta community.
Throughout the musical, the ensemble becomes the world surrounding Leo and Lucille and, at times, functions almost like a Greek chorus as public opinion shifts and the pressure surrounding the case intensifies.
We are especially seeking strong actor-singers who are comfortable with complex ensemble music and musicianship. The score demands confident harmonization, excellent rhythm, strong storytelling, and performers capable of creating distinct characters throughout the production.
A NOTE ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Parade dramatizes historical events involving antisemitism, racism, violence, and the 1913 murder of a child. Surfside Playhouse is committed to approaching this material with care, honesty, and respect for the history and people represented.
We strongly encourage performers of all backgrounds and experience levels who connect with this extraordinary material to audition.
Powerful, sweeping, and deeply human, Parade tells the true story of Leo Frank and the people whose lives become caught in a storm of prejudice, politics, love, and public opinion in 1913 Georgia. Featuring one of the most extraordinary scores in contemporary musical theatre, Parade calls for a company of exceptional singers, actors, and storytellers.
We are seeking a diverse company of performers for principal, featured, and ensemble roles.
AUDITION INFORMATION
Sunday, September 13 | 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Monday, September 14 | 6:00 PM–9:00 PM
Surfside Playhouse
Auditions are by appointment.
Actors should email Artistic Director Chris Ikner at [email protected] to request an audition appointment. Actors will receive an assigned audition time along with the songs and sides for their initial audition.
Actors will be given a choice of three songs from the score of Parade to prepare for their initial audition. All audition material and accompaniment will be provided in advance.
Callbacks will be held on Wednesday, September 16 where invited actors will showcase additional vocal work, a movement call, and readings from the script.
CASTING BREAKDOWN
LEO FRANK
Male, 25–40 | Tenor | Bb2–G4
A Jewish factory superintendent originally from Brooklyn who has relocated to Atlanta with his wife, Lucille. Intelligent, precise, socially uncomfortable, guarded, and often unable to communicate what he is feeling. After being accused of the murder of Mary Phagan, Leo finds himself at the center of a sensational trial. Requires an exceptional actor with a strong contemporary musical theatre voice.
Please note: The role of Leo involves onstage intimacy, including kissing, with the actor portraying Lucille. All moments of intimacy will be approached professionally, collaboratively, and with clear boundaries established throughout the rehearsal process.
LUCILLE FRANK
Female, 25–40 | Mezzo-Soprano | G3–E5
Leo’s wife and one of the emotional centers of the musical. A Southern Jewish woman who begins the story frustrated by her husband's emotional distance but discovers enormous strength as she fights for him. Warm, intelligent, determined, and deeply compassionate. Requires a powerful actor-singer.
Please note: The role of Lucille involves onstage intimacy, including kissing, with the actor portraying Leo. All moments of intimacy will be approached professionally, collaboratively, and with clear boundaries established throughout the rehearsal process.
HUGH DORSEY
Male, 30–50 | Baritone | B2–F4
The ambitious prosecutor in Leo Frank’s trial. Confident, commanding, politically savvy, and keenly aware of public opinion. He sincerely believes in his case while also understanding exactly what a conviction could mean for his career.
BRITT CRAIG
Male, 30–50 | Tenor/Baritone | Db3–G4
A hard-drinking newspaper reporter who recognizes the Leo Frank case as the story of a lifetime. Charismatic, opportunistic, funny, cynical, and dangerous in his ability to shape public opinion.
JIM CONLEY
Male, 20s–40s | Tenor | D3–Bb4
A Black factory worker who becomes the prosecution's star witness. Charismatic, unpredictable, clever, and an extraordinary storyteller. One of the show's most demanding featured vocal and acting roles. Requires tremendous presence, rhythmic ability, and command of the stage.
GOVERNOR JOHN SLATON
Male, 35–60 | Baritone
Governor of Georgia. Intelligent, measured, principled, and increasingly troubled by the case against Leo. His decision regarding Leo's sentence becomes one of the major turning points of the story.
TOM WATSON
Male, 35–60 | Tenor/Baritone
A populist political figure and newspaper publisher who helps inflame public anger surrounding the case. Charismatic, forceful, persuasive, and unsettling. Requires a performer capable of commanding a crowd.
FRANKIE EPPS
Male, late teens–20s | Tenor | C3–Bb4
A young man who knew Mary Phagan. Energetic, emotional, impulsive, and representative of the young working-class Atlantans whose grief becomes entangled with the public frenzy surrounding the case. Featured heavily in “The Picture Show” and “It Don’t Make Sense.”
YOUNG SOLDIER / FRANKIE EPPS
The Young Soldier opens the musical in 1862 before the actor later appears as Frankie in 1913. These roles are traditionally doubled. Requires an excellent young tenor and compelling storyteller.
MARY PHAGAN
Female, teen/young adult playing approximately 13 | Mezzo/Soprano | Eb4–D5
The young factory worker whose murder sets the events of the musical into motion. Spirited, playful, youthful, and full of life. Though her stage time is limited, her presence hangs over the entire musical.
OLD SOLDIER / JUDGE ROAN
Male, 50s–70s | Baritone
Traditionally doubled. The Old Soldier represents the lingering memory of the Confederacy, while Judge Roan presides over Leo Frank's trial. Requires authority, gravity, and strong character work.
MINOLA McKNIGHT
Female, adult | Alto/Mezzo
The Frank family's Black domestic worker who is drawn into the investigation. A featured character role requiring a grounded actor with strong dramatic instincts.
MRS. PHAGAN
Female, 30s–50s | Mezzo
Mary's mother. A working-class Southern woman devastated by the loss of her daughter. Her grief contributes to the emotional intensity surrounding the trial.
LUTHER ROSSER
Male, 35–65 | Baritone
Leo's defense attorney. Intelligent, experienced, forceful, and pragmatic. A strong character role for an actor who can bring authority and specificity to the courtroom scenes.
FIDDY
Female, adult | Character Mezzo/Soprano
A memorable witness during the trial. A featured character role requiring strong comic instincts, specificity, and confidence.
RILEY
Male, adult | Baritone/Tenor
A Black Atlantan featured prominently in “A Rumblin' and a Rollin'.” Requires a powerful singer with excellent rhythmic instincts and stage presence.
ANGELA
Female, adult | Mezzo/Alto
Featured Black female vocalist in “A Rumblin' and a Rollin'.” Requires a strong, soulful singer and actor with excellent musical instincts.
IOLA STOVER
Female, teen/young adult | Soprano/Mezzo
A factory girl and featured witness during the trial. Bright, youthful, and impressionable. Strong character singing and acting are important.
MONTEEN
Female, teen/young adult | Soprano/Mezzo
One of the young factory girls who testifies during Leo's trial. A featured ensemble role requiring youthful energy, strong characterization, and confident singing.
ESSIE
Female, teen/young adult | Soprano/Mezzo
Another of the factory girls involved in the trial testimony. A featured ensemble track requiring excellent character work and musicality.
NEWTON
Male, adult | Baritone
A detective involved in the investigation of Mary Phagan's murder. Featured character/ensemble role.
OFFICER IVEY
Male, adult | Baritone
A police officer involved in the investigation. Typically part of a larger featured ensemble track.
MR. PEAVY
Male, adult | Baritone/Tenor
A featured character within the Atlanta community and ensemble.
ENSEMBLE / ATLANTA COMMUNITY
All genders | Various ages and vocal ranges
The ensemble is essential to the storytelling of Parade. Ensemble members portray factory workers, reporters, police officers, jurors, townspeople, politicians, guards, and members of the Atlanta community.
Throughout the musical, the ensemble becomes the world surrounding Leo and Lucille and, at times, functions almost like a Greek chorus as public opinion shifts and the pressure surrounding the case intensifies.
We are especially seeking strong actor-singers who are comfortable with complex ensemble music and musicianship. The score demands confident harmonization, excellent rhythm, strong storytelling, and performers capable of creating distinct characters throughout the production.
A NOTE ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Parade dramatizes historical events involving antisemitism, racism, violence, and the 1913 murder of a child. Surfside Playhouse is committed to approaching this material with care, honesty, and respect for the history and people represented.
We strongly encourage performers of all backgrounds and experience levels who connect with this extraordinary material to audition.
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Where is it happening?
301 Ramp Rd, Cocoa Beach, FL, United States, Florida 32931
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherSurfside Playhouse
