SHOW SYNOPSIS
Join us for auditions for The Sound of Music, the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic that has enchanted audiences for generations. This timeless musical tells the inspiring story of Maria, a spirited young woman whose love of music and free-spirited nature clash with the strict rules of Nonnberg Abbey. Sent to serve as a governess for the seven children of the widowed Captain Georg von Trapp, Maria's warmth, kindness, and passion for life bring music and joy back into the family's home.
Set against the backdrop of Austria on the brink of World War II, The Sound of Music is more than a heartwarming family tale; it explores themes of courage, love, and the transformative power of music. The show delves into the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, the strength found in unity, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of political and personal upheaval.
We are looking for talented performers of all ages to bring this iconic story to life. Whether you're drawn to Maria's infectious optimism, Captain von Trapp's journey of rediscovery, or the vibrant personalities of the von Trapp children, there's a role for everyone. Prepare to share your voice and spirit as we celebrate the enduring message of hope, family, and the songs that live in our hearts.
AUDITION/REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCE LOCATION
Delta Presbyterian Church
6100 W. Michigan Ave
Lansing, MI 48917
TECH WEEK/PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Saturday, July 12, 2025 2pm-done
Sunday, July 13, 2025 2pm-done
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 6pm-10pm
Thursday, July 17, 2025 6pm-10pm
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 6pm-10pm
Friday, July 18, 2025 6pm Call, 7:30pm Curtain
Saturday, July 19, 2025 6pm Call, 7:30pm Curtain
Sunday, July 20, 2025 1:30pm Call, 3pm Curtain
Friday, July 25, 2025 6pm Call, 7:30pm Curtain
Saturday, July 26, 2025 6pm Call, 7:30pm Curtain
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Auditions will consist of singing, movement and cold reads from the script. Prospective cast members will be asked to prepare specific vocal selections for each character. These selections are listed with each character description. An accompanist will be provided at the auditions.
AUDITION FORMAT
Saturday, April 26, 2025
12:00pm-2:00pm Vocal Auditions (sign up below)
2:00pm-3:00pm Movement Audition
3:00pm-4:00pm Cold Reads
Sunday, April 27, 2025
5:00pm-7:00pm Vocal Auditions (sign up below)
7:00pm-8:00pm Movement Audition
8:00pm-9:00pm Cold Reads
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - Callbacks at 6pm
Complete Audition Form and Sign up for A Vocal Audition Time Slot Below
Audition Form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfEp0P0_kUy_O9xF0jBplMKf3Q4fR6H3Lw--4VAXYTb9DFmCQ/viewform?usp=header
Vocal Audition Sign-up: www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CAFAA29A5FCC16-55134164-sound
Vocal Selections: Sound of Music Vocal Selections
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring dance shoes if you own them.
Any questions should be directed to: [email protected]
Join us for auditions for The Sound of Music, the beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic that has enchanted audiences for generations. This timeless musical tells the inspiring story of Maria, a spirited young woman whose love of music and free-spirited nature clash with the strict rules of Nonnberg Abbey. Sent to serve as a governess for the seven children of the widowed Captain Georg von Trapp, Maria's warmth, kindness, and passion for life bring music and joy back into the family's home.
Set against the backdrop of Austria on the brink of World War II, The Sound of Music is more than a heartwarming family tale; it explores themes of courage, love, and the transformative power of music. The show delves into the importance of standing up for one's beliefs, the strength found in unity, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of political and personal upheaval.
We are looking for talented performers of all ages to bring this iconic story to life. Whether you're drawn to Maria's infectious optimism, Captain von Trapp's journey of rediscovery, or the vibrant personalities of the von Trapp children, there's a role for everyone. Prepare to share your voice and spirit as we celebrate the enduring message of hope, family, and the songs that live in our hearts.
AUDITION/REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCE LOCATION
Delta Presbyterian Church
6100 W. Michigan Ave
Lansing, MI 48917
TECH WEEK/PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Saturday, July 12, 2025 2pm-done
Sunday, July 13, 2025 2pm-done
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 6pm-10pm
Thursday, July 17, 2025 6pm-10pm
Wednesday, July 23, 2025 6pm-10pm
Friday, July 18, 2025 6pm Call, 7:30pm Curtain
Saturday, July 19, 2025 6pm Call, 7:30pm Curtain
Sunday, July 20, 2025 1:30pm Call, 3pm Curtain
Friday, July 25, 2025 6pm Call, 7:30pm Curtain
Saturday, July 26, 2025 6pm Call, 7:30pm Curtain
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Auditions will consist of singing, movement and cold reads from the script. Prospective cast members will be asked to prepare specific vocal selections for each character. These selections are listed with each character description. An accompanist will be provided at the auditions.
AUDITION FORMAT
Saturday, April 26, 2025
12:00pm-2:00pm Vocal Auditions (sign up below)
2:00pm-3:00pm Movement Audition
3:00pm-4:00pm Cold Reads
Sunday, April 27, 2025
5:00pm-7:00pm Vocal Auditions (sign up below)
7:00pm-8:00pm Movement Audition
8:00pm-9:00pm Cold Reads
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 - Callbacks at 6pm
Complete Audition Form and Sign up for A Vocal Audition Time Slot Below
Audition Form: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfEp0P0_kUy_O9xF0jBplMKf3Q4fR6H3Lw--4VAXYTb9DFmCQ/viewform?usp=header
Vocal Audition Sign-up: www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CAFAA29A5FCC16-55134164-sound
Vocal Selections: Sound of Music Vocal Selections
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring dance shoes if you own them.
Any questions should be directed to: [email protected]
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
We encourage performers of all ethnicities, sexual orientations and gender identities to audition for the show. The age of each von Trapp child is listed, but prospective cast members do not need to be the exact age of the character to be considered for the role (adult or child roles).
NUNS ENSEMBLE (featured ensemble, must be able to move)
Nuns, novices, and postulants who live in the Nonnberg Abby. (double as other ensemble members.)
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 16+
Vocal Range: E5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Maria, m70-90 (all parts) and Morning Hymn, m1-end (select part with which you are most comfortable)
MARIA RAINER (musical theatre mix/soprano, dances/moves well)
A postulant at Nonnberg Abbey – young, free spirited, warm, gentle and kind with much determination.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 20-35
Vocal Range: B5 to C4
Vocal Selection: The Sound of Music, m26-end and The Lonely Goatherd, m123-end
CAPTAIN GEORG VON TRAPP (baritone, moves well)
A retired Austrian naval captain. Polished, yet very military in the way he runs his life to repress his sadness over the death of his wife; underneath, he is warm, understanding, and determined.
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 35-40+
Vocal Range: D5 to F#2/Gb2
Vocal Selection: The Sound of Music Reprise, m25-end and Edelweiss, m5-42
MAX DETWEILLER (tenor/baritone, moves well)
Charming and vital; a man of sophistication who enjoys the good life; true and loyal friend to the von Trapp family.
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 30+
Vocal Range: F4-D3
Vocal Selection: How Can Love Survive, m133-end (sing both parts) and No Way to Stop It, m89-120
ELSA SHCHRADER (mezzo soprano, moves well)
A baroness of taste and elegance, sophisticated, dignified and mature.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 35 to 45
Vocal Range: F5 to D4
Vocal Selection: How Can Love Survive, m133-end (sing both parts) and No Way to Stop It, m49-80
MOTHER ABBESS (legit soprano, wide vocal range, very strong actress)
Motherly, understanding, strong and authoritative, but kind.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 30+
Vocal Range: G#5/Ab5 to B3
Vocal Selection: Climb Every Mountain, m25-end
SISTER BERTHE (mezzo/alto, moves well)
Mistress of Novices, prudish, straight laced with a quick tongue, she is less tolerant than other nuns.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 18+
Vocal Range: E5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Maria, m70-90 (all parts) and Morning Hymn, m1-end (select part with which you are most comfortable)
SISTER MARGARETTA (mezzo/soprano, moves well)
Mistress of Postulants, very kind, understanding and concerned.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 18+
Vocal Range: E5 to B3
Vocal Selection: Maria, m70-90 (all parts) and Morning Hymn, m1-end (select part with which you are most comfortable)
SISTER SOPHIA (mezzo/soprano, moves well)
Neither demanding nor critical, sticks with the rules.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 18+
Vocal Range: E5 to B3
Vocal Selection: Maria, m70-90 (all parts) and Morning Hymn, m1-end (select part with which you are most comfortable)
FRANZ
The von Trapp butler, rather formal but not without spirit, he is very German and loyal to the Fascist cause.
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 25+
Vocal Range: no specific range or song selection needed, match pitch during vocal audition
FRAU SCHMIDT
The housekeeper, stoic, very little personality; she does her job efficiently but without affection. Strong and somewhat dominating. (Often doubles as an other ensemble member.)
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 25+
Vocal Range: no specific range or song selection needed, match pitch during vocal audition
HERR ZELLER
Stern and unsmiling, a typical Nazi official whose primary concern is to see that everyone toes the line. (doubles as an ensemble member.)
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 30+
Vocal Range: no specific range or song selection needed, match pitch during vocal audition
ROLF GRUBER (low tenor/baritone, dances/moves well)
Suitor to Liesl, telegram delivery boy, later Nazi soldier. A very pleasant young man, somewhat aggressive but in a gentle way.
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 17
Vocal Range: E5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Sixteen Going on Seventeen: m9-52
LIESL VON TRAPP (mezzo, dances/moves well)
The oldest child, blossoming into a young lady with an interest in boys. She has a maternal edge to her and cares very deeply for her younger siblings.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 16
Vocal Range: E5 to B3
Vocal Selection: Sixteen Going on Seventeen: m71-end
FRIEDRICH VON TRAPP (tenor, dances/moves well)
Tough exterior, very much trying to be “the man” of the family.
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 14
Vocal Range: G5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Do-Re-Mi Encore, m41-88 (sing top line and Maria's "that will bring us back to 'do' at the end) and and
So Long, Farewell pickup to m71-82
LOUISA VON TRAPP (mezzo, dances/moves well)
Rebellious attitude.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 13
Vocal Range: G5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Do-Re-Mi Encore, m41-88 (sing top line and Maria's "that will bring us back to 'do' at the end)
KURT VON TRAPP (countertenor/falsetto, dances/moves well)
Gentle and mischievous.
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 10
Vocal Range: G5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Do-Re-Mi Encore, m41-88 (sing top line and Maria's "that will bring us back to 'do' at the end)
BRIGITTA VON TRAP (mezzo, dances/moves well)
Smart, reads a lot.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 9
Vocal Range: G5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Do-Re-Mi Encore, m41-88 (sing top line and Maria's "that will bring us back to 'do' at the end)
MARTA VON TRAPP (mezzo, dances/moves well)
One of the quietest von Trapps. She loves the color pink, is very inquisitive, smart and gentle.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 7
Vocal Range: G5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Do-Re-Mi Encore, m41-88 (sing top line and Maria's "that will bring us back to 'do' at the end)
GRETL VON TRAPP (mezzo, dances/moves well)
The youngest von Trapp. She is very quiet when first introduced by her father. She is sweet, loving and wants attention. She must have the cute, adorable and endearing factor.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 5
Vocal Range: Ensemble Singer
Vocal Selection: Do-Re-Mi Encore, m41-88 (sing top line and Maria's "that will bring us back to 'do' at the end)
BARON ELBERFELD (featured ensemble, moves well)
A neighbor of the von Trapps and one of the “Old Guards” of Austria - violently opposed to the takeover of his beloved country by Nazi Germany. Can double with other roles in the ensemble. The baron attends the ball thrown by Captain von Trapp in Elsa’s honor. (Often doubles as ensemble member.)
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 30+
Vocal Range: no specific range or song selection needed, match pitch during vocal audition
BARONESS ELBERFELD (featured ensemble, moves well)
A neighbor of Captain von Trapp and wife to the Baron Elberfeld. (Doubles as a nun)
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 30+
Vocal Range: no specific range or song selection needed, match pitch during vocal audition
ADMIRAL VON SCHREIBER (featured ensemble)
An important figure in the Austrian Navy and appears to be much respected by Captain von Trapp. He has obviously agreed to be part of the new regime with Germany. He arrives to collect Captain von Trapp and bring him to Berlin. (Often doubles as another ensemble member.)
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 30+
Vocal Range: no specific range or song selection needed, match pitch during vocal audition
NUNS ENSEMBLE (featured ensemble, must be able to move)
Nuns, novices, and postulants who live in the Nonnberg Abby. (double as other ensemble members.)
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 16+
Vocal Range: E5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Maria, m70-90 (all parts) and Morning Hymn, m1-end (select part with which you are most comfortable)
MARIA RAINER (musical theatre mix/soprano, dances/moves well)
A postulant at Nonnberg Abbey – young, free spirited, warm, gentle and kind with much determination.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 20-35
Vocal Range: B5 to C4
Vocal Selection: The Sound of Music, m26-end and The Lonely Goatherd, m123-end
CAPTAIN GEORG VON TRAPP (baritone, moves well)
A retired Austrian naval captain. Polished, yet very military in the way he runs his life to repress his sadness over the death of his wife; underneath, he is warm, understanding, and determined.
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 35-40+
Vocal Range: D5 to F#2/Gb2
Vocal Selection: The Sound of Music Reprise, m25-end and Edelweiss, m5-42
MAX DETWEILLER (tenor/baritone, moves well)
Charming and vital; a man of sophistication who enjoys the good life; true and loyal friend to the von Trapp family.
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 30+
Vocal Range: F4-D3
Vocal Selection: How Can Love Survive, m133-end (sing both parts) and No Way to Stop It, m89-120
ELSA SHCHRADER (mezzo soprano, moves well)
A baroness of taste and elegance, sophisticated, dignified and mature.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 35 to 45
Vocal Range: F5 to D4
Vocal Selection: How Can Love Survive, m133-end (sing both parts) and No Way to Stop It, m49-80
MOTHER ABBESS (legit soprano, wide vocal range, very strong actress)
Motherly, understanding, strong and authoritative, but kind.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 30+
Vocal Range: G#5/Ab5 to B3
Vocal Selection: Climb Every Mountain, m25-end
SISTER BERTHE (mezzo/alto, moves well)
Mistress of Novices, prudish, straight laced with a quick tongue, she is less tolerant than other nuns.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 18+
Vocal Range: E5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Maria, m70-90 (all parts) and Morning Hymn, m1-end (select part with which you are most comfortable)
SISTER MARGARETTA (mezzo/soprano, moves well)
Mistress of Postulants, very kind, understanding and concerned.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 18+
Vocal Range: E5 to B3
Vocal Selection: Maria, m70-90 (all parts) and Morning Hymn, m1-end (select part with which you are most comfortable)
SISTER SOPHIA (mezzo/soprano, moves well)
Neither demanding nor critical, sticks with the rules.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 18+
Vocal Range: E5 to B3
Vocal Selection: Maria, m70-90 (all parts) and Morning Hymn, m1-end (select part with which you are most comfortable)
FRANZ
The von Trapp butler, rather formal but not without spirit, he is very German and loyal to the Fascist cause.
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 25+
Vocal Range: no specific range or song selection needed, match pitch during vocal audition
FRAU SCHMIDT
The housekeeper, stoic, very little personality; she does her job efficiently but without affection. Strong and somewhat dominating. (Often doubles as an other ensemble member.)
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 25+
Vocal Range: no specific range or song selection needed, match pitch during vocal audition
HERR ZELLER
Stern and unsmiling, a typical Nazi official whose primary concern is to see that everyone toes the line. (doubles as an ensemble member.)
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 30+
Vocal Range: no specific range or song selection needed, match pitch during vocal audition
ROLF GRUBER (low tenor/baritone, dances/moves well)
Suitor to Liesl, telegram delivery boy, later Nazi soldier. A very pleasant young man, somewhat aggressive but in a gentle way.
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 17
Vocal Range: E5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Sixteen Going on Seventeen: m9-52
LIESL VON TRAPP (mezzo, dances/moves well)
The oldest child, blossoming into a young lady with an interest in boys. She has a maternal edge to her and cares very deeply for her younger siblings.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 16
Vocal Range: E5 to B3
Vocal Selection: Sixteen Going on Seventeen: m71-end
FRIEDRICH VON TRAPP (tenor, dances/moves well)
Tough exterior, very much trying to be “the man” of the family.
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 14
Vocal Range: G5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Do-Re-Mi Encore, m41-88 (sing top line and Maria's "that will bring us back to 'do' at the end) and and
So Long, Farewell pickup to m71-82
LOUISA VON TRAPP (mezzo, dances/moves well)
Rebellious attitude.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 13
Vocal Range: G5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Do-Re-Mi Encore, m41-88 (sing top line and Maria's "that will bring us back to 'do' at the end)
KURT VON TRAPP (countertenor/falsetto, dances/moves well)
Gentle and mischievous.
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 10
Vocal Range: G5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Do-Re-Mi Encore, m41-88 (sing top line and Maria's "that will bring us back to 'do' at the end)
BRIGITTA VON TRAP (mezzo, dances/moves well)
Smart, reads a lot.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 9
Vocal Range: G5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Do-Re-Mi Encore, m41-88 (sing top line and Maria's "that will bring us back to 'do' at the end)
MARTA VON TRAPP (mezzo, dances/moves well)
One of the quietest von Trapps. She loves the color pink, is very inquisitive, smart and gentle.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 7
Vocal Range: G5 to C4
Vocal Selection: Do-Re-Mi Encore, m41-88 (sing top line and Maria's "that will bring us back to 'do' at the end)
GRETL VON TRAPP (mezzo, dances/moves well)
The youngest von Trapp. She is very quiet when first introduced by her father. She is sweet, loving and wants attention. She must have the cute, adorable and endearing factor.
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 5
Vocal Range: Ensemble Singer
Vocal Selection: Do-Re-Mi Encore, m41-88 (sing top line and Maria's "that will bring us back to 'do' at the end)
BARON ELBERFELD (featured ensemble, moves well)
A neighbor of the von Trapps and one of the “Old Guards” of Austria - violently opposed to the takeover of his beloved country by Nazi Germany. Can double with other roles in the ensemble. The baron attends the ball thrown by Captain von Trapp in Elsa’s honor. (Often doubles as ensemble member.)
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 30+
Vocal Range: no specific range or song selection needed, match pitch during vocal audition
BARONESS ELBERFELD (featured ensemble, moves well)
A neighbor of Captain von Trapp and wife to the Baron Elberfeld. (Doubles as a nun)
Gender: Female
Age to be played: 30+
Vocal Range: no specific range or song selection needed, match pitch during vocal audition
ADMIRAL VON SCHREIBER (featured ensemble)
An important figure in the Austrian Navy and appears to be much respected by Captain von Trapp. He has obviously agreed to be part of the new regime with Germany. He arrives to collect Captain von Trapp and bring him to Berlin. (Often doubles as another ensemble member.)
Gender: Male
Age to be played: 30+
Vocal Range: no specific range or song selection needed, match pitch during vocal audition