Broadway: Then & Now Auditions

BROADWAY: THEN & NOW

A One-Night-Only Broadway Celebration!

Yesterday's Classics. Today's Hits. Broadway Forever.

Higgs Theatricals is thrilled to announce auditions for BROADWAY: THEN & NOW, an extraordinary evening celebrating the music, magic, and evolution of the Great White Way!

From the timeless melodies of Broadway's Golden Age to the electrifying sounds of today's contemporary musicals, this special event will bring together exceptional performers from across the Capital Region for an unforgettable celebration of musical theatre.

Featuring iconic showstoppers, heartfelt ballads, hidden gems, and exciting new favorites, Broadway: Then & Now will honor the legendary songs that shaped Broadway's past while celebrating the voices and stories defining its future.

WE ARE SEEKING:

12 Student Performers

12 Adult Performers

Our cast will be joined by special guest artists from Broadway and regional theatres, with exciting announcements coming soon!

AUDITION INFORMATION

Sunday, November 8, 2026

Beginning at 3:00 PM at the Rensselaer City School District Auditorium

(25 Van Rensselaer Drive, Rensselaer NY 12144)

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Performers are asked to prepare a 32-bar cut of a Broadway song of their choosing. Selections may be from either a classic Broadway musical or a contemporary Broadway production. We encourage performers to select a piece that showcases their vocal abilities, personality, and storytelling skills.

VIDEO AUDITIONS

Unable to attend in person? Video submissions will be accepted until Sunday, November 8, at 12:00 PM (noon). Please follow the same 32-bar audition requirements.

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Saturday, December 5, 2026

Rehearsals: December 2 - 5, 2026

BROADWAY:  THEN & NOW presented by Higgs Theatricals

Directed by Andrew F. Higgs

Music Direction by Gabriel Morris

Choreographed by Emily Spateholts

Whether your heart belongs to Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, or the contemporary composers shaping Broadway today, we invite you to share your talent and help us celebrate the extraordinary legacy of musical theatre!

At Higgs Theatricals, we believe Every Voice Matters, and we cannot wait to bring together an incredible company of performers for this special evening.

HAIRSPRAY!

 Big Hair. Big Dreams. Big Fun!

Higgs Theatricals is thrilled to announce auditions for HAIRSPRAY, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical bursting with infectious music, dazzling dance numbers, unforgettable characters, and a powerful message of acceptance, equality, and the courage to stand up for what is right!

Welcome to Baltimore, 1962, where big hair and even bigger dreams take center stage! Follow the lovable and determined Tracy Turnblad as she dances her way onto The Corny Collins Show and sets out to change the world, one dance step at a time.

Featuring beloved Broadway hits including "Good Morning Baltimore," "Welcome to the '60s," "I Can Hear the Bells," and "You Can't Stop the Beat," HAIRSPRAY is a joyous celebration of individuality, friendship, and the power of bringing people together.

WE ARE SEEKING:

Higgs Theatricals is seeking a talented, energetic, and diverse company of performers from across the Capital Region to bring this spectacular Broadway musical to life!  We welcome performers of all backgrounds and experience levels and are committed to inclusive casting that honors the story, characters, and themes of HAIRSPRAY.

AUDITION INFORMATION

Sunday, December 13, 2026

Beginning at 3:00 PM at the Rensselaer City School District Auditorium

(25 Van Rensselaer Drive, Rensselaer, NY 12144)

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Performers are asked to prepare a 32-bar cut of a Broadway song of their choosing. We encourage selections in the style of HAIRSPRAY that showcase vocal abilities, personality, energy, and storytelling skills.

Please be prepared to participate in a dance audition. Performers should bring appropriate footwear and clothing that allows for movement.

VIDEO AUDITIONS

Unable to attend in person? Video submissions will be accepted until Sunday, December 13, at 12:00 PM (noon). Please follow the same 32-bar vocal audition requirements.

HAIRSPRAY

April 10 & 11, 2027

Presented by Higgs Theatricals

Directed by Andrew F. Higgs

Music Direction by TBA

Choreographed by Emily Spateholts

At Higgs Theatricals, we believe Every Voice Matters, and HAIRSPRAY reminds us that when we stand together, embrace our differences, and raise our voices, anything is possible.

Because you really CAN'T STOP THE BEAT!

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. Always on top of the latest trends. This role should be played by a white actress.  Gender: female.  Age: 15 to 20.  Vocal range top: G5.  Vocal range bottom: G3.

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. Corny should be played by a white actor.  Gender: male.  Age: 25 to 35.  Vocal range top: A4.  Vocal range bottom: D3.

The role of Edna Turnblad has already been cast.

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. This role should be played by a white actress.  Gender: female.  Age: 15 to 20.  Vocal range top: G5.  Vocal range bottom: A3.

Velma Von Tussle

Amber's mother and the director of 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. This role should be played by a white actress.  Gender: female.  Age: 45 to 55.  Vocal range top: E5.  Vocal range bottom: G3.

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. This role should be played by a white actress.  Gender: female.  Age: 15 to 20.  Vocal range top: F5.  Vocal range bottom: A3.

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, he unexpectedly falls for Tracy. This role should be played by a white actor.  Gender: male.  Age: 15 to 20.  Vocal range top: A5.  Vocal range bottom: G3.

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. He falls for Penny. Seaweed should be played by a Black actor.  Gender: male.  Age: 15 to 20.  Vocal range top: D5.  Vocal range bottom: F3.

Little Inez

Seaweed's little sister. Little Inez should be played by a Black actress.  Gender: female

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. She is sassy and confident. This role should be played by a Black actress.  Gender: female.  Age: 40 to 50.  Vocal range top: E5.  Vocal range bottom: F3.

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. This role should be played by a white actor.  Gender: male.  Age: 55 to 65.  Vocal range top: A5.  Vocal range bottom: A3.

Female Authority Figure

Portrays Prudy Pingleton, The Matron of the Big DollHouse, and the Gym Teacher.  Gender: female.  Age: 40 to 50.

Male Authority Figure

Portrays Harrifman F. Spritzer, Mr. Pinky, and the Principal of PPHS.  Gender: male.  Age 40 to 50.

Ensemble

Corny Collins' Kids (Tammy, Brad, Brenda, Sketch, Shelley, Etc.); Students; Hookers; Protestors