Big Noise Theatre is excited to announce Non-Equity auditions for Rodgers and Hammerstein's THE SOUND OF MUSIC. The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world's most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "My Favorite Things," "Do Re Mi," "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire von Trapp family must make a moral decision.

Directed by Travis Monroe Neese
Assistant Directed and Choreographed by Ben F. Locke
Music Direction by Aaron Kaplan

Audition Dates: Sunday July 17 from 12pm-6pm (Youth are recommended to audition on Sunday) and Monday July 18 from 7pm-10pm with callbacks on Thursday July 21 from 6pm-10pm. Walk-ins welcome!

Location: Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E Thacker Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Pay: Big Noise Theatre's ticket policy offers performers three options: traditional comps, a $100 stipend for adults/$50 stipend for double cast children roles, or a commission on tickets sold. More details available at auditions.

COVID-19 Policy: All cast and staff must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and boosted, as recommended by the CDC guidelines, for auditions, rehearsals, and performances. Proof of vaccination and booster status (as applicable) must be provided at auditions before being seen. This information will be verified at auditions against a physical vaccination card, photocopy of vaccination card, digital record of vaccination, or a printed record from your vaccine provider. Performers must remain masked at all times until their audition, at which time they will be provided a clear face shield to wear. Staff will be fully masked at all times.

Safety at Rehearsals and Performances: Big Noise Theatre intends to have mask-free performances of this production. Due to the ever evolving nature of COVID-19, BNT and the production staff will follow the latest local and CDC guidelines for rehearsals and performances and will partner with cast and staff to ensure the safety and comfort of all involved. Presently, masks that cover the lower half of the face including the nose must be worn at all times during rehearsals.

Big Noise Theatre is committed to diversity and encourages all its staff to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Big Noise Theatre encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition. No phone calls, please.

All auditions may be recorded on video. Expect to stay for a short time past your chosen time slot.

It is the policy of Big Noise Theatre to accept walk-in auditions regardless of full audition slots.

Character Breakdown:

Maria Rainer - SEEKING BIPOC PERFORMERS
Soprano, to play 21-30, a headstrong and earnest postulant at Nonnberg Abbey

Captain Georg von Trapp
Bass Baritone, to play 30+, a distinguished and retired Naval commander

Mother Abbess
Soprano, to play 40+, the inspiring and compassionate Superior of the Nonnberg Abbey

Lisel von Trapp
Mezzo Soprano, to play 16, the coy and loving eldest daughter of Captain von Trapp

Friedrich von Trapp
Tenor, to play 14, eager to please his father and prove that he is "the man" of the family

Louisa von Trapp
Mezzo Soprano, to play 13, a clever and mischievous tomboy who loves pranks

Kurt von Trapp
Countertenor/falsetto, to play 10, the gentle peacemaker and middle child of the family

Brigitta von Trapp
Mezzo Soprano, to play 9, smart and perceptive, an avid reader who tells it like it is

Marta von Trapp
Mezzo Soprano, to play 7, quiet and inquisitive and loves the color pink

Gretl von Trapp
Mezzo Soprano, to play 5, the sweet and loving youngest who always seeks attention

Max Detweiler - SEEKING LGBTQIA+ PERFORMERS
Tenor, to play 40+, clever and charming best friend of Captain von Trapp that always looks out for themselves

Elsa Schraeder
Mezzo Soprano, to play 30+, the wealthy widow who exudes confidence, elegance, and sophistication

Rolf Gruber
Baritone, to play 17, an impressionable teen caught between his affection for Lisel and need to prove his manhood

Sister Berthe
Mezzo Soprano, to play 30+, the no nonsense and strict Mistress of Novices at Nonnberg Abbey

Sister Margaretta
Mezzo Soprano, to play 30+, the Mistress of Postulants who is kind and an avid supporter of Maria

Ensemble (Men and Women)
Various, to play featured roles such as Franz, Frau Schmidt, Sister Sophia, Admiral von Scheiber, etc throughout the show. May also understudy roles.