Gypsy Audition Pack
Queanbeyan Players is delighted to invite performers to audition for our 2026 season of Gypsy.
Gypsy: A Musical Fable is a musical based on the memoirs of famous burlesque artist Gypsy Rose Lee. It really should be called “Rose – a musical fable of a show mum” as Gypsy’s mother, Rose Horvick is the focus of this musical. Her daughters are just there to make her dreams come to reality. The musical features songs that have become standards of the musical theatre canon, including “Some People,” “Let Me Entertain You,” and “You Gotta Get A Gimmick”, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by Arthur Laurents that is widely considered to be one of the classic examples of a traditional “book musical.”
Welcoming everyone – singers, dancers, and actors to fill any of the places mentioned in the pack.
This show is lead focused. The ensemble is small with members doubling characters. Ensemble singing is only within the dance troupes. Rehearsals will initially be spent with leads and gradually include the required ensemble individuals. Due to the nature of the script, being an ensemble member will be a lighter time commitment than being in the chorus of a ‘typical’ musical. Although a rehearsal schedule is still in its early stages, it is expected that the dance groups may not be required until week four or five. We hope to have a draft ready at the first rehearsal when we have availability of all cast members at hand. Please note that the whole cast will not be together after the first read through until running acts. There are no big dance numbers and the only time the whole cast are on stage together will be for the bows.
All cast, crew and orchestra need to be aware that there will be some cast in burlesque costume and there may be costume changes made backstage.
Queanbeyan Players Inc is a community theatre group based in Queanbeyan, NSW. We are seeking adult and child performers across all ages, backgrounds and levels of experience to audition to be a part of our production of Gypsy. We encourage everyone to audition, including performers who identify as a person with disability, BIPOC, First Nations, gender diverse, LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse and from any and all cultural backgrounds.
Synopsis
Set over a period from the late 1920s into the 1930s in the USA, Mother, Rose, and her two daughters, June and Louise, are trying to make it on the vaudeville circuit. Rose is strict with the girls. One sister, known as Baby June, has beauty and talent. The other, Louise, is very modest and therefore is the supporting role to her sister. It’s all about dreams – Rose’s.
They keep facing rejection. So, they change the act by “adding” boys. At one audition, Rose meets a gentleman, Herbie, and through cunning and charm, persuades him to become their manager.
Years pass – but the act doesn’t change. The children have grown but Rose doesn’t accept that. Herbie has grown close to Rose and the girls. He has a heart of gold. He keeps proposing to Rose but she rejects him. June’s talent is seen for what is by a producer but it means leaving her mother. One of the young men, Tulsa, has dreams of his own act and would like to leave too, so he and June run away together.
Rose, angry, now focuses her energy and dreams on Louise. This is not a comfortable fit for a young woman who doesn’t even know her own age. The act changes (barely) swapping lads for girls. They are inadvertently booked to perform in a House of Burlesque rather than Vaudeville. This is too much for Rose and she and Herbie try to get the troupe out. Louise tells her mother that money is money and they really need it, so they agree to stay for the two weeks. Rose then proposes to Herbie saying this is the last show and they should marry on the day of the final performance.
In sharing a dressing room with some of the burlesque performers, Louise is given the lowdown on the intricacies of being a stripper – It’s all about the gimmick. Rose is not impressed when Louise fills in to deliver dialogue to a comic, but again just more money.
On the final day, while preparing for their wedding and packing up the troupe, one of the main strippers isn’t around with minutes to spare. Rose says Louise can do it. Shocked but one never to say no, Louise prepares. Just tease. Leave them wanting more.
Gypsy Rose Lee is born. She becomes a huge success. Rose can see that nobody needs her any longer – what happened to HER dream?
Character breakdown
Rose
The ultimate stage mother. Lives vicariously through her two daughters, whom she has put into show business. Loud, brash, pushy and single-minded, but can be doting and charming. Her voice is the ultimate powerful Broadway belt. Minimal dance, but must move well. Comic timing is a must. Strong Mezzo/Alto with good low notes and belt.
Stage age 35 – 55
Vocal Range F3-C5
Herbie
Agent for Rose’s children and Rose’s boyfriend. He has a heart of gold but also the power to defend the people he loves with strength. Minimal dancing skills are required. A Baritone who sings in one group number, two duets, and a trio with Rose and Louise. Strong acting role.
Stage age 40 - 55
Vocal Range C3-D4
Dainty June
Baby June as a young teen. The older she gets, the less she enjoys being her mother’s trained pet. Strong Alto must belt a song and have strong dancing skills. The ability to do splits and twirl a baton is a plus but not a requirement. Must tap dance, strong Broadway teen singer, close harmony skills preferred.
Stage age 17-24
Vocal Range G#3-F5
Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee
Baby Louise as a teen who grows up to be Gypsy Rose Lee. Minimum actual dance but very strong movement skills and acting skills are needed. Must be able to portray both the awkward teen and the sophisticated woman she becomes. Must dance inside a dancing cow costume, and be comfortable with the character’s profession – stripping. The character is very scantily clad but never actually appears in the nude. Mezzo (needs light sound for “Little Lamb” and belt for “Let Me Entertain You.”
Stage age 18 – 25
Vocal Range G3-E5
Tessie Tura
A stripper just past her prime. Big Broadway voice (Mezzo Belt), strong movement/dance, and ballet training are helpful. A burlesque dancer who shares her dressing room with Louise. Once a ballerina and still has some of the moves. A course broad who’s been around the block. Comedic.
Stage age 30s-50s
Vocal Range B3-D5
Mazeppa
A stripper just past her prime. Big Broadway voice (Alto Belt), strong movement/dance, powerful character. A burlesque dancer who’s tough and physically intimidating. Trumpet playing skills a bonus.
Stage age 30s-50s
Vocal Range G3-D5
Electra
A stripper just past her prime. Big Broadway voice (Mezzo Belt), strong movement/dance. Quieter than her counterparts, but her costume is wired with lights, allowing her to “shine”.
Stage age 30s-50s
Vocal Range B3-D5
Tulsa
Boy-next-door type. Strives to break out of the troupe with an act of his own. Sings and dances “All I Need Is the Girl.” Extremely strong dancer in all styles of show dance, including tap. Good singer, charming character.
Stage age 17 – 25
Vocal Range C3-G5
Featured Roles/Ensemble
Multiple opportunities exist for featured/solo singing, dance, and dialogue moments for strong singers, dancers, and actors. The below characters may be combined into multiple roles, including backup dancers, strippers, showgirls and boys, business roles, stagehands, etc., for ensemble actors.
Agnes (Stage age 20-30) is one of the women’s dancing chorus, and strong comic skills are required.
Miss Cratchitt (any age over 20) is the Grantzinger Theatre, N.Y.C. production assistant. Comedic role.
Pop (Stage age 50+) Rose’s father, gruff, unsupportive of Rose’s theatre ambitions.
Mr. Goldstone (stage age 30+), Booking agent for the Orpheum Theatre Circuit.
Cigar (adult male, stage age 30-50), rather aggressive owner of a burlesque theatre. Classic character part.
Pastey (any age) is Cigar’s stage manager.
Uncle Jocko (male, stage age 30-50), alcoholic MC of a weekly kiddie talent show.
Weber (male, stage age 40-50) surly theatre manager in Los Angeles
Young Women’s Ensemble (Stage ages 20 – 30) singer/dancers, act as both backup dancers for Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee. Strong dancers, comedic skills helpful. Very minimal singing. A few have minor expanded roles.
Young Men’s Ensemble (Stage ages 16 -25) Backup singers and dancers for teenage June, double in small parts in Act 1 and Act 2. Must be strong dancers and singers. Some comedic skills are helpful.
Roles for children (Ages 9-12 at time of auditions):
Baby June (Stage age 10) is a Shirley Temple-like up-and-coming vaudeville star, and Rose’s youngest daughter. An adorable character – Rose’s shining star. Strong child singer, strong dancer and taps.
Young Louise (Stage age 12) Rose’s oldest daughter, has always played second fiddle to her baby sister. Shy and awkward, she doesn’t have her sister’s confidence. Strong acting skills needed. Always dances slightly out of step but the actress playing this part must be able to dance.
The Children’s Ensemble will be two or three young children to play Baby June’s backup dancers and singers. Must sing and dance.
Audition information
Book your auditions here on our website.
For your audition, you will need to present the following:
Lead, supporting roles and troupes - required song/s, dialogue and dance.
Non dancing roles – dialogue only.
All readings can be viewed here
The audition panel will comprise of the creative and production team as well as a member of Queanbeyan Players.
Please book your vocal and movement audition times online, and please make sure you have booked both sessions! Your headshot is also required at time of booking.
Children auditions and ages
Multiple child roles are available. Minimum age is 9 at audition, stage age should be 10 for Baby June, 12 for Baby Louise. Children need to book a singing/acting audition and a group movement audition.
Adult auditions
All adult auditionees will be required to book an individual singing/acting audition and, for those auditioning for lead, supporting or troupe roles, a group movement audition.
Singing and acting
● For dialogue roles, please prepare the dialogue for the character you wish to audition for.
● For all singing roles, please prepare one song in the style of the show. In addition, certain roles (listed below) must also prepare one sung excerpt from Gypsy. If you are auditioning for one of these roles, consider presenting an own choice song that complements the Gypsy excerpt to show another side of the character you are auditioning for. Refer to the Detailed Requirements below for specific excerpts.
● Backing tracks of the Gypsy excerpts will be provided to auditionees in advance of auditions to prepare and to use at audition. You are also welcome to use your own backing track, provided it is in the same key.
● Please bring a backing track (we will have a Bluetooth speaker available) or sheet music for your own choice song. In addition to the Bluetooth speaker, an accompanist or our MD will be available to accompany you if required. You are also welcome to bring your own accompanist. Singing acapella is not acceptable
● If you’re auditioning for more than one role, please sing the song for the role you want most and list the other roles you’re interested in on the online form.
Movement
Wear comfortable clothing for the dance audition. Dance shoes or sneakers are preferable for the dance. Remember to bring your water bottles.
Video auditions
If you are unable to attend the auditions, we will accept a video audition. The production team will evaluate your video audition with the same criteria and standards as the live audition.
Please email qpincauditions@gmail.com if you would like to enquire about submitting a video audition.
Character requirements
Be familiar with readings but you don’t have to memorise
| Character | Description | Vocal Range, Songs and Script Pages |
|---|---|---|
| Rose | Typical stage mother but even more so. Driven, focused, pushy and cunning. Brash, totally annoying to her daughters but not unlovable. To be portrayed with a mixture of humour and strength. Stage age – 35-55 Strong singer and good mover. Lots of energy. |
Vocal Range: F3 to C5 Strong mezzo/alto with strong low notes. Songs: Some People bars 1-121 Script pages: 9-11; 15-16; 71-72 72-23 |
| Louise / Gypsy | Timid, tomboy looking – a pleaser. Someone looking to live a normal life. But can become glamorous when she finds her talent. Actress must be very comfortable portraying a striptease routine in a very safe environment. Stage age – range from around late teens to late 20’s by the end of the show. Very good mover and singer. |
Vocal Range:
C#4 to D#5. Mezzo Soprano. Versatile – light to belt. Songs: Little Lamb (whole song) Script pages: 40-41; 59-61; 78-82 52 |
| Herbie | A true gentleman who wants to help Rose from the beginning. He thinks the world of the girls and Rose and always wants the best for them. In the end, he knows when to leave. Stage age – 50’s to 60’s (he has seen the world). Good mover and good singer |
Vocal Range: B2 to B3. Baritone Songs: No Gypsy song required Script pages: 15-16; 47-48; 62 72-73 |
| June (Adult) | A young adult performing and dressing as a child and getting annoyed with it. Frustrated and ready to take her future in her own hands when her mother won’t let her. Stage age – late teens / early 20’s but hard to tell. Very strong dancer, child-like energy and stature. |
Vocal Range:
G#3 to D5. Mezzo Soprano/Strong Soprano. Songs: No Gypsy song required Script pages: 40-41 |
| Tulsa | Boy next-door type. One of the Farm boys with strong dreams of his own. Very sure of himself. Good friendship with Louise but with another secret. Stage age: Late teens-early 20s Strong dancer and strong voice |
Vocal Range:
C3 to G5. High Baritone/Tenor Songs: All I Need is the Girl bars 9-67 Script pages: 43-44 |
| Baby June | Stage age – 10 Could almost be called a show off. Mumma’s girl and always the star of the show and the house. Incredible stage presence. Strong dancer and strong singer. |
Vocal Range:
D#4 to D#5. Songs: No Gypsy song required Script pages: 9-10 (Louise’s lines) |
| Baby Louise | Stage age – 12 The more reserved sister who is often overlooked. Craves her mother’s attention but also the quiet life. A strong dancer and singer who can play someone who is not confident in either. |
Vocal Range:
D#4 to D#5 Songs: No Gypsy song required Script pages: 9-10 |
| Tessie Turra | The first burlesque performer Louise meets. She performs her routine with “refinement”. A brash personality but realises that Rose’s troupe are more sheltered than the usual acts. Main stripper that Louise interacts with. Good mover and singer and someone with great body confidence. Any adult age welcome. The costume will be skimpy. |
Vocal Range:
C#4 to C#5. Mezzo-Soprano. Belt Songs: You Gotta Get A Gimmick bars 52-77 Script pages: 59 63-66 |
| Mazzepa | A tough burlesque performer who “blows their own trumpet” and who doesn’t like a bad word said against strippers. Good mover and singer and someone with great body confidence. Any adult age welcome. The costume will be skimpy. |
Vocal Range:
G3 to Bb4. Alto. Belt Songs: You Gotta Get A Gimmick bars 4 -28 Script pages: 63-66 |
| Electra | An “electrifying” burlesque performer. Good mover and singer and someone with great body confidence. Any adult age welcome. The costume will be skimpy. |
Vocal Range:
Ab3 to D5. Mezzo Soprano. Belt Songs: You Gotta Get A Gimmick bars 52-77 Script pages: 63-66 |
| Young “Boys” | News “boys” troupe Stage age: 10+ Actual age: 9+ Strong singers and strong dancers. |
Vocal Range:
Tenor Script pages: Use Tulsa’s lines – 43-44 |
| Young "boys" | News Boys / Farm Boys troupe (and possible assorted characters): {Includes Tulsa} Good singers and strong dancers. Stage age: late teens/early twenties |
Vocal Range:
Tenor Script pages: Use Tulsa’s lines – 43-44 |
| Torre adorables |
Hollywood Blondes troupe (and possible assorted minor roles) Good singers and good dancers. Stage age: late teens/early twenties |
Vocal Range: Alto/Mezzo/Soprano Script pages: 55 |
| Other | Adult characters (not covered by the troupes) One actor to play at least two characters. (Non-dancing or singing roles) |
Script pages: All male characters - 14-15 Miss Cratchitt - Pg 38-39 |
Please note, the audition panel may interrupt you at any point during your song. This does not mean you are doing a bad job, we may have already heard what we need. If you are singing a song of your own choice, please consider which part of the song you really want the panel to hear.
Audition song selections
Audition Readings
Backing tracks coming soon
Important dates, times and venues
Auditions
Auditions will be held at Queanbeyan Uniting Church, 13 Rutledge St, Queanbeyan AND at Bom Funk Studios:
● Saturday 27 June between 9:30am and 9:00pm
● Sunday 28 June between 9:30am and 9:00pm
Please note that auditions on Saturday 27 June between 1-5pm will be held at Bom Funk Dance Studio, 6/37 Jerrabomberra Parkway, Jerrabomberra.
Callbacks (if required)
Evening of Monday 29 June or Thursday 2 July
Rehearsals will be held at Queanbeyan Uniting Church, 13 Rutledge St, Queanbeyan and will begin on Sunday 12 July with a whole cast read through.
Mondays 7pm – 10pm
Thursdays 7pm – 10pm
Sundays 1pm - 5pm (from October 10am – 5pm, subject to change)
In Theatre – Production week
Production week:
Sunday 25 October 9am - 5pm Bump in
Monday 26 October 6.30pm – 11pm Tech rehearsal
Tuesday 27 October 6.30pm – 11pm Dress rehearsal
Wednesday 28 October 6.30pm – 11pm Dress rehearsal
Thursday 29 October 6.30pm – 11pm Final dress rehearsal
Performances
Friday 30 October Opening night
Saturday 31 October Matinee and evening show
Sunday 1 November Matinee show
Wednesday 4 November Evening show
Thursday 5 November Evening show
Friday 6 November Evening show
Saturday 7 November Matinee and evening show
Sunday 8 November Matinee show - closing show and bump out
_______
Cast obligations
Cast members will be required to read our relevant policies and sign a code of conduct. Our aim at Queanbeyan Players Inc is for everyone to have fun when doing a QP production and provide a welcoming and safe environment.
If you are unable to comply with QP’s policies and code of conduct, you may be asked to leave the cast.
Bump in will be on Saturday 25th October 2026. Performances will be 30th October – 8th November 2026. Attendance at rehearsals during production week and at performances is mandatory.
A full-length stage production is demanding, both in time and effort. It can be both physically and mentally stressful. If you have a medical condition, please communicate this to the production team or a committee member so we can support you during the rehearsal and performance periods and have an action plan in place.
If you are accepted into the cast, you must become a financial member of The Queanbeyan Players Inc. This is primarily related to insurance purposes. Information about the cost of this and any additional costs will be sent to you if you are accepted into the cast.
Cast members are encouraged to take part in the physical construction of the show by assisting the production team with set building, painting, and maintenance during scheduled workdays outside of rehearsal times. Many hands make light work!
We run our shows on a very small budget. We are therefore unable to provide items such as shoes or make-up for cast members. You will be provided with costumes, and we are always happy to see people who can either make their own costume or can find someone to sew it for them. You may be requested to help make and/or paint scenery, and are required to help move the sets in and erect them at bump-in. If there are any reasons preventing you from helping with set building, such as existing injuries, please communicate this to the production team.
Please note that Queanbeyan Players Inc. pursues an alcohol-free policy during both rehearsals and performances.
You will be informed whether you are successful in the auditions by email or phone call as soon as possible after we finish auditions and call-backs. If you do not hear from us before the first rehearsal, please contact qpincauditons@gmail.com
Please fill out and submit the audition form and upload a headshot online.
Other rehearsal information
Being in a Queanbeyan Players show is both fun and rewarding; however, in order to have a quality production, we do require a certain amount of commitment from cast members. Queanbeyan Players invest significant cost, time and effort to stage a show and to also run the company during the year, therefore we must charge people money for tickets. Because we are charging audiences money, we need to provide as high a standard of community theatre production as possible. Please read these notes carefully and decide whether you can provide this level of commitment before you audition.
All Auditions and rehearsals will be held at Queanbeyan Uniting Church Hall, Rutledge St Queanbeyan – some rehearsals may be held at alternative venues when required however that will be confirmed and communicated prior to rehearsal dates.
Rehearsals are every Monday and Thursday 7:00 - 10:00pm and Sunday 1:00pm - 5:00pm and from March 10:00am - 5:00pm, commencing Friday 7 December, with a break over the holiday season from 18 December 2025 to 19 January 2026.
Both in rehearsal and during performances members of the Production Team are in charge and you will be expected to work to their direction. You may not be called for every rehearsal, or for the whole time, but you must attend every rehearsal you are called. We cannot halt rehearsals over school and public holidays. If you know you will be unavailable on these or any other dates, please let the team know at auditions. (We will not consider you ineligible for the cast, but we do need to know absences so that rehearsals can be structured accordingly.)
If you accept an offer for Gypsy you will be expected to be available for rehearsals and performances on the schedule. Please list any conflicts with these dates on your audition form. A rehearsal schedule is produced at the beginning of the rehearsal period, but other dates may be included in the schedule from time to time in consultation with the cast.
Child Performer Supervision Policy
For the safety and compliance of our production, we ask that parents or guardians of the child performers be present during rehearsals and performances in which their children are called. QP can allocate a dedicated person to assist with supervision if needed.
A Supervision Parent Roster will be coordinated with the parents of child performers to ensure that at least one responsible adult is present at all times while the children are in the theatre or rehearsal space. We ask that this commitment be carefully considered and agreed upon before accepting a role.
Creative team
Director: Jude Colquhoun
Assistant Director: Christina Philipp
Musical Director: Brigid Cummins
Choreographer: Belinda Hassall
Production Manager: Inge Kent
Questions
Please email us at auditions@queanbeyanplayers.com