Auditions for The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Name: Auditions for The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Start: 2025-04-21T18:30:00-04:00
Location: Jackson's First Presbyterian Church

Schedule

Mon, 21 Apr, 2025 at 06:30 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Jackson's First Presbyterian Church | Jackson, MI

AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
◈ SYNOPSIS ◈
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel. The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in 15th century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be “Out There,” observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon, Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful Romani woman, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though—both the handsome Captain, Phoebus, and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the Roma—and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.
◈ CASTING ◈
ALL ROLES ARE AVAILABLE. There are five principal acting roles: three men, one woman, and one that can be any gender. The production will also feature an acting ensemble of 10-14 people, consisting of at least five men and five women, who will play various supporting and cameo roles, including Gypsies (Roma), gargoyles, statues, soldiers, and citizens of Paris. There will also be a choral ensemble of 16+ singers (at least four of each SATB vocal part—Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass) in which the time commitment is less significant. While The Hunchback of Notre Dame was adapted from the popular 1996 Disney film, please note that this show is a darker version that is similar to Hugo’s novel.
• QUASIMODO
The bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, he has a curved spine which affects his posture and gait. A life ringing the enormous bells has given him great physical strength but has also caused a partial deafness. Quasimodo’s non-normative face frightens people. Curious, big-hearted, and intelligent, Quasimodo speaks freely and confidently with his gargoyle and statue “friends” in the bell tower, but he becomes unsure and withdrawn in the presence of his master and uncle, Frollo. A lack of social interaction due to his lifelong seclusion in the bell tower can cause nervousness and shyness around other humans – including Esmeralda, who captivates him. Quasimodo’s uneasiness around his uncle can manifest, at times, in a halting speech pattern; this should not be seen as a sign of a lack of intelligence but merely a result of his severe isolation. He is brave, when need be.
Gender: Male / Age: 18-30s / Vocal Range: Bb2-Bb4, possibly C5
• DOM CLAUDE FROLLO
The archdeacon of Notre Dame, he is a righteous man with a strong sense of obligation to his brother, Jehan, and nephew, Quasimodo – but his strict devotion to the Church supersedes all. Frollo possesses a strong, imposing presence and commands attention and obedience whenever he is present. Deeply ashamed of his intense physical attraction to Esmeralda, he attempts to control his desire by persecuting her and the Romani people (“Gypsies”), whom he deems thieving, unclean, and unworthy of the Church’s protection. He is calculating, manipulative, and obsessive.
Gender: Male / Age: 40s-60s / Vocal Range: E2-D4
• ESMERALDA
A beautiful, free-spirited shey (a young, unmarried Romani woman), uses her talent as a dancer to support herself. Independent, compassionate, and strong-willed, she speaks her mind and stands up for what she believes in, including fair treatment of Roma and the sequestered Quasimodo. Esmeralda falls for the charming Phoebus, despite her better judgment, and staunchly refuses to give herself up to Frollo, though doing so would save her life.
Gender: Female / Age: 18-30s / Vocal Range: Eb3-Db5
• CAPTAIN PHOEBUS DE MARTIN
He the dashing new captain of the Cathedral Guard. Conflicted between following his duty – including Frollo’s prejudiced instructions – and doing what’s right, he struggles with the trauma he experienced in four years of intense battle on the war front. Charming, yet overconfident and arrogant, Phoebus focuses on enjoying life’s pleasures before quickly falling for Esmeralda and ultimately defying Frollo.
Gender: Male / Age: 20s-30s / Vocal Range: Ab2-Ab4
• CLOPIN TROUILLEFOU
Clopin is the King (or Queen) of the Gypsies. A clever, charismatic, and agile entertainer and sherutno (Romani leader) who knows how to work the crowd on “Topsy Turvy” day. Acutely aware of the prejudice against Roma and their resulting precarious position in Paris, Clopin is fiercely protective of Esmeralda and the other Roma, and so shrewdly runs the Court of Miracles as a tight ship. Clopin is witty and playful, but they boast a darker, serious nature when not performing for the crowd.
Gender: Any / Age: 30s-40s / Vocal Range: C3-G4 (or C4-G5, if Queen)
• ACTING ENSEMBLE (CONGREGATION)
A Congregation of gender-flexible storytellers narrates The Hunchback of Notre Dame. In story theatre style, each performer in the show begins as a Congregant before taking on the characteristics of their assigned character(s), which includes supporting characters, gargoyles, statues, revelers, soldiers, Gypsies (Roma), etc. Congregation lines and lyrics for non-supporting characters will be assigned during vocal rehearsals. Supporting characters include:
o JEHAN FROLLO
 Dom Claude Frollo’s wild and charming younger brother and the father of Quasimodo. Though he is much less faithful to the Church than Claude, the brothers are devoted to each other until Jehan’s rebellious streak finally causes a fatal rift in their relationship.
 Gender: Male / Age: 18-30s / Vocal Range: G#2-Eb4
o FLORIKA
 Jehan’s Romani girlfriend and Quasimodo’s mother.
 Gender: Female / Age: 18-30s / Vocal Range: C#4-F5
o FATHER DUPIN
 A devout priest of Notre Dame Cathedral and stern guardian of Claude and Jehan.
 Gender: Male / Age: 40s+ / Vocal Range: C3-A3
o FREDERIC CHARLUS
 A lieutenant of the Cathedral Guard and a loyal friend to Phoebus.
 Gender: Male / Age: 20s-30s
o KING LOUIS XI
 Although nicknamed “The Prudent,” he would rather act quickly than appear weak.
 Gender: Male / Age: 40s-50s
o OFFICIAL
 A judicial officer of the court of King Louis XI, he declares the arrest warrant for Esmeralda to the people of Paris.
 Gender: Any / Age: 20s+ / Vocal Range: G2-E4
o MADAM
 The stalwart owner of a brothel and safe haven for Roma.
 Gender: Female / Age: 30s+
o ST. APHRODISIUS
 A statue that comes to life, he encourages Quasimodo to take action to help Esmeralda.
 Gender: Male / Age: 30s-50s / Vocal Range: B2-E4
• CHORAL ENSEMBLE (CHOIR)
The Choir will be a separate ensemble from the Congregation. Although the two overlap within songs, this particular group should be comprised of skilled singers who are comfortable with a variety of musical styles, ranging from Gregorian chant to contemporary pop. They present as a group that remains outside the dramatic action, so they will not need to learn any choreography or blocking. The Choir will be able to hold the music on the second level of the stage while singing. Choral experience is a plus but not required.
*Please be prepared to sing a one-minute song of similar nature and wear clothes and shoes you are comfortable in to dance.
*You only need to attend one night of auditions.
Show dates are June 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 & 29 at Jackson College Potter Center, The Baughman Theater.
Rehearsals will typically be Sundays through Thursdays
from 6:30 - 9:00 pm at Jackson First Presbyterian Church.
Auditioners may alternatively send a video audition to artistic director Michael Cicirelli at [email protected] until April 20. A private YouTube or Vimeo link is preferred.