Auditions are open to adults and older teens. All roles portray young adult or adult characters. Due to mature show content, performers age 18+ are strongly recommended. Anyone under 18 must have a signed parental consent form before auditioning.
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AUDITIONS:
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WHAT TO BRING / HOW TO PREPARE
We are looking for actors with vocal stamina, the ability to move well, and above all, the willingness to rock without hesitation and with full commitment! Leave your traditional musical theatre polish at the door; we want grit, power, and unapologetic 80s energy.
- Sign up here.
- Print out the audition form (paper forms will also be available at auditions). Please include any conflicts you have for the rehearsal period (August 10th -October 8th, 2026).
- Bring a headshot with a resume (if you have one).
- Vocal Preparation:
- Please prepare for the character you feel is the best match for you. Rest assured, we will consider you for any role regardless of which character's material you prepare!
- We recommend that you prepare two songs (16-32 bars each). You can choose to focus both songs on the style of a specific character you are aiming for, or use the two songs to demonstrate your vocal range and versatility.
- Rather than a standard musical theatre piece, please prepare the provided character excerpts (sheet music will be sent at a later date) AND/OR bring sheet music for 1980s rock songs that demonstrate your ability to sing in this specific style. (See character breakdowns below for song style suggestions).
- Dance/Movement Preparation:
- Dress to move and arrive stretched/warmed up. You will be asked to learn and perform one or two short pieces of choreography to demonstrate your movement ability. In addition to the choreography, be prepared for some improvised movement—we want to see your best rock star strut, swagger, and 80s rock star vibe! Only dance shoes, bare feet, or socks are allowed in the studio.
- Note for Sherrie and Female Ensemble: These roles require suggestive, burlesque-style commercial jazz dancing (think 80s music video vixens).
- Attire: Want to get into the spirit? Feel free to come dressed as a 1980s rocker! It's completely optional, but we'd love to see your style, swagger, and attitude from the moment you walk in.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Rehearsals: Begin Monday, August 10, 2026. Rehearsals will generally be Sundays between 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. and Monday-Thursday 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
- You may not be called to all rehearsals, but please plan to keep all dates open.
- Cast Orientation: Monday, July 27, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
- Load In: Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Tech week: Sunday, October 4 through Thursday, October 8, 2026
- Performances: October 9-24, 2026
- 1st weekend: Friday and Saturday @ 7:30 p.m., Sunday @ 2:00 p.m.
- 2nd Weekend: Thursday and Friday @ 7:30 p.m., Saturday @ 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday @ 2:00 p.m.
- 3rd Weekend: Thursday and Friday @ 7:30 p.m., Saturday @ 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Strike: Sunday, October 25, 2026
ABOUT THE SHOW
Rock of Ages takes you back to the time of big bands with big egos playing big guitar solos and sporting even bigger hair! This Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical features hits from bands like Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, and more.
It's the tail end of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, and the party has been raging hard. Aqua Net, Lycra, lace, and liquor flow freely at one of the Sunset Strip's last legendary venues, a place where charismatic rock icon machine Stacee Jaxx takes the stage and scantily clad groupies line up to turn their fantasies into reality. Amidst the madness, aspiring rock star (and resident toilet cleaner) Drew longs to take the stage as the next big thing (and longs for small-town girl Sherrie, fresh off the bus from Kansas with stars in her eyes). But the rock and roll fairy tale is about to end when German developers sweep into town with plans to turn the fabled Strip into just another capitalist strip mall. Can Drew, Sherrie, and the gang save the strip and themselves before it's too late?
CONTENT WARNING: This play is rated R. It contains sexual content, suggestive dancing, heavy drinking, drugs, and language. (Parents of auditioning teens are strongly encouraged to review the script and soundtrack to ensure they are comfortable with the material and sign the release form).
It's the tail end of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, and the party has been raging hard. Aqua Net, Lycra, lace, and liquor flow freely at one of the Sunset Strip's last legendary venues, a place where charismatic rock icon machine Stacee Jaxx takes the stage and scantily clad groupies line up to turn their fantasies into reality. Amidst the madness, aspiring rock star (and resident toilet cleaner) Drew longs to take the stage as the next big thing (and longs for small-town girl Sherrie, fresh off the bus from Kansas with stars in her eyes). But the rock and roll fairy tale is about to end when German developers sweep into town with plans to turn the fabled Strip into just another capitalist strip mall. Can Drew, Sherrie, and the gang save the strip and themselves before it's too late?
CONTENT WARNING: This play is rated R. It contains sexual content, suggestive dancing, heavy drinking, drugs, and language. (Parents of auditioning teens are strongly encouraged to review the script and soundtrack to ensure they are comfortable with the material and sign the release form).
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
LEAD ROLES
DREW:
SHERRIE:
LONNY:
SUPPORTING ROLES
DENNIS DUPREE:
STACEE JAXX:
JUSTICE/MOTHER:
HERTZ KLINEMANN:
FRANZ KLINEMANN:
REGINA:
FEATURED ROLES
MAYOR/JA'KEITH/ENSEMBLE: Male, 20s - 40s A strong character actor with good comedic timing to play numerous roles, strong rock tenor and strong dance/movement ability.
JOEY PRIMO/ENSEMBLE: Male, 20s - 40s A young male with the rocker sensibility, strong rock tenor and strong/dance/movement ability.
ENSEMBLE
GENERAL ENSEMBLE: The lifeblood of the 1980s Sunset Strip! This highly active ensemble plays a multitude of roles including Bourbon Room patrons, riotous protesters, groupies, rock band members, and city developers. We are looking for actors with massive personalities, distinct character choices, and killer rock vocals. You must be fearless movers who can keep the party raging in the background and step into the spotlight when needed. Strong comedic timing and the ability to create distinct, memorable background characters are essential.
SUNSET STRIP SIRENS & VENUS VIXENS (Female Ensemble): Late teens - 40s. The fierce, sassy, and captivating women who run the Strip—from the waitresses at the Bourbon Room to the featured dancers at the Venus Gentlemen’s Club. You must be confident, physically strong, and comfortable in revealing/skimpy clothing.
DREW:
- Playing Age / Gender: 20s, Male
- Vocal Range: High Rock Tenor (Bb3 - G5)
- Character: An appealing, good-guy rocker with great boyish charm and vulnerability. He works as a barback at the legendary Bourbon Room hoping his dreams of rock stardom come true. He balances being a naive, sweet, romantic kid with the explosive, aggressive energy of a rock frontman.
- Vocal/Physical Demands: Needs a quintessential 80s high rock tenor voice with a soaring, effortless high belt and the ability to transition into a raspy "rock wail" without damaging the vocal cords. Good movement skills required; guitar skills are a plus.
- Recommended Audition Cut: "Oh Sherrie" (measures 1-22) AND/OR "I Wanna Rock" (1-25).
- Vocal Style Suggestions: "Don't Stop Believin'" (Journey), "I Remember You" (Skid Row)
SHERRIE:
- Playing Age / Gender: 20s, Female
- Vocal Range: Pop-Rock Mezzo/Soprano (G3 - F5)
- Character: A wide-eyed, fresh-faced Midwestern girl stepping right off the bus into a new world to pursue her dreams of stardom. She is naive without being prudish, and innocent but capable of aggressively standing up for herself.
- Vocal/Physical Demands: Needs a massive, chest-dominant mix-belt with a hard edge and a fast, rock-style vibrato. Must be a strong dancer capable of suggestive, burlesque-style commercial jazz. Must be comfortable in revealing clothing.
- Recommended Audition Cut: "Harden My Heart” (measures 9-32).
- Vocal Style Suggestions: "Heartbreaker" (Pat Benatar), "Barracuda" (Heart)
LONNY:
- Playing Age / Gender: 30s - 40s, Male
- Vocal Range: Comedic Tenor / Baritenor (D3 - D5)
- Character: The narrator/clown of the piece and assistant manager of the Bourbon Room. A mischievous, welcoming, vibrant rock-and-roll imp. He is a guy who would be fun to spend one drunken night with.
- Vocal/Physical Demands: High-octane, aggressive, and incredibly charismatic. Needs a solid rock belt that can cut through a heavy band, and immense stamina to drive the show's energy. Impeccable comedic timing, improv skills, and absolute fearlessness in breaking the fourth wall are a must.
- Recommended Audition Cut: "I Can't Fight This Feeling" (Measures 1-14; sing Dennis’ melodies as well).
- Vocal Style Suggestions: "Panama" (Van Halen), "Cum On Feel the Noize" (Quiet Riot)
SUPPORTING ROLES
DENNIS DUPREE:
- Playing Age / Gender: 40s - 50s, Male
- Vocal Range: Baritone / Bari-Tenor (D3 - A4)
- Character: The classic stoner-type who runs the famous Bourbon Room. A laid-back, easy-going dude’s dude. He is a reluctant paternal figure to the young hopefuls who staff his bar.
- Vocal/Physical Demands: Should sound like a relic of the 1970s classic rock/prog-rock era. A warmer, weathered, raspy tone works perfectly - he needs to sound like he's lived a hard life of rock and roll. Excellent deadpan comedic timing.
- Recommended Audition Cut: "Too Much Time on My Hands" (measures 29-44).
- Vocal Style Suggestions: "Old Time Rock and Roll" (Bob Seger), "Born to Run" (Bruce Springsteen)
STACEE JAXX:
- Playing Age / Gender: 30s - 40s, Male
- Vocal Range: Rock Tenor / Baritenor (C3 - Eb5)
- Character: An arrogant, charismatic rock star at the top of his game. The ultimate bad boy, he lives a life of excess fueled by fame, indulgence, and rock and roll. He commands every room with magnetic confidence, larger-than-life swagger, and undeniable star power.
- Vocal/Physical Demands: Pure, unadulterated swagger. Looking for a sultry, slightly sleazy, breathy lower register that flips into an aggressive, gritty belt (Axl Rose style). Strong comedic timing and strong stage presence.
- Recommended Audition Cut: "Wanted Dead or Alive" (measures 1-14)
- Vocal Style Suggestions: "Pour Some Sugar on Me" (Def Leppard), "Here I Go Again" (Whitesnake)
JUSTICE/MOTHER:
- Playing Age / Gender: 30s - 40s, Female
- Vocal Range: Powerhouse Alto/Mezzo (G3 - E5)
- Character: Soulful with a commanding presence and easy sensuality. Once a performer, she now operates the Venus Club where Sherrie winds up working. She is a sultry, tough-as-nails, maternal madam who anchors the reality of this absurd world.
- Vocal/Physical Demands: Needs the biggest, most velvety belt in the cast. Brings a distinct R&B/Soul/Blues flavor to the rock score with a heavy, resonant chest voice that commands immediate respect.
- Recommended Audition Cut: "Any Way You Want It" (measures 1-28)
- Vocal Style Suggestions: "Proud Mary" (Tina Turner), "Piece of My Heart" (Janis Joplin)
HERTZ KLINEMANN:
- Playing Age / Gender: 40s - 50s, Male
- Vocal Range: Baritone (F3 - Ab4)
- Character: An attractive, older German gentleman. Uptight, cold, and intimidating businessman trying to buy up the Strip to develop it. He is our villain and a stern patriarch.
- Vocal/Physical Demands: Stiff, authoritative, and completely devoid of rock-and-roll swing (representing the corporate “man”). Needs to be intimidating but also capable of playing the "straight man" in absurd comedic situations. Requires a good German accent.
- Recommended Audition Cut: "We Built This City" (measures 79-88).
- Vocal Style Suggestions: "Major Tom (Coming Home)" (Peter Schilling), "Another Brick in the Wall" (Pink Floyd)
FRANZ KLINEMANN:
- Playing Age / Gender: 20s - 30s, Male
- Vocal Range: Tenor (Db3 - E5)
- Character: Hertz’s foppish, young German son. Pressured and intimidated by his father, he is shy and gentle with a big heart, secretly dreaming of opening a candy shop.
- Vocal/Physical Demands: Unlike the Americans, Franz's musical influences are European synth-pop. Vocal style can be more nasal and theatrical. Needs to seamlessly transition from timid obedience to explosive, fabulous joy. Physical comedy and strong dance ability are a must. Requires a good German accent.
- Recommended Audition Cut: "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" (measure 3-18).
- Vocal Style Suggestions: "Rock Me Amadeus" (Falco), "Whip It" (Devo)
REGINA:
- Playing Age / Gender: 20s - 30s, Female
- Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano / Alto (A3 - Eb5)
- Character: A fun, hippie-type, tree-hugging city planner and activist who will stop at nothing to protect the Sunset Strip. She is fierce, passionate, and her gestures of defiance verge on the ridiculous.
- Vocal/Physical Demands: Singing should be percussive, aggressive, and driven by pure adrenaline. Looking for an actor who isn't afraid to look physically ridiculous while singing and who can channel righteous anger into comedic gold.
- Recommended Audition Cut: "We're Not Gonna Take It" (measures 3-27).
- Vocal Style Suggestions: "Bad Reputation" (Joan Jett), "Call Me" (Blondie)
FEATURED ROLES
MAYOR/JA'KEITH/ENSEMBLE: Male, 20s - 40s A strong character actor with good comedic timing to play numerous roles, strong rock tenor and strong dance/movement ability.
- strong rock tenor
- Choose from the audition cuts for leads above, another song from the show, or a rock song in the style of the show
JOEY PRIMO/ENSEMBLE: Male, 20s - 40s A young male with the rocker sensibility, strong rock tenor and strong/dance/movement ability.
- rocker sensibility, strong rock tenor
- Choose from the audition cuts for leads above, another song from the show, or a rock song in the style of the show
ENSEMBLE
GENERAL ENSEMBLE: The lifeblood of the 1980s Sunset Strip! This highly active ensemble plays a multitude of roles including Bourbon Room patrons, riotous protesters, groupies, rock band members, and city developers. We are looking for actors with massive personalities, distinct character choices, and killer rock vocals. You must be fearless movers who can keep the party raging in the background and step into the spotlight when needed. Strong comedic timing and the ability to create distinct, memorable background characters are essential.
SUNSET STRIP SIRENS & VENUS VIXENS (Female Ensemble): Late teens - 40s. The fierce, sassy, and captivating women who run the Strip—from the waitresses at the Bourbon Room to the featured dancers at the Venus Gentlemen’s Club. You must be confident, physically strong, and comfortable in revealing/skimpy clothing.
- Dance Requirements: This track requires heavy, suggestive, burlesque-style commercial jazz dancing. Specific moves and styles you should be comfortable with include:
- Aggressive hair whips and headbanging
- Fluid body rolls and hip/chest isolations
- Sensual floor work (crawls, leg sweeps, arching)
- Strutting and dancing confidently in heels
- Sharp, 80s music video-style commercial jazz choreography (think MTV vixens)
- Sensual chair dance (Cabaret/Burlesque style)
ACCESSIBILITY NOTE: We welcome actors of all abilities to audition in our space, and therefore we can work around reasonable accommodations and physical limitations. Please list any such needed accommodations, as well as any specific concerns related to physical ability, on your audition form.
INCLUSIVE CASTING NOTE: Actors of all genders, identities, ages, races, body types, physical abilities, and ethnicities are encouraged to audition. Individuals of any gender may be cast for any roles, but actors must be willing to play the gender associated with the character.
