Pirates! The Penzance Musical
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Audition Date: Monday, July 13, 7 p.m.
Callbacks: Wednesday July 15
Show Dates:
Sept. 11-13, 17-20, 2026
Casting: 2 principle women, 4 principle men, Large ensemble to play pirates, police officers, and daughters
Director: Jessica Franz-Martin
Music Director: Ric Averill
Choreographer: Louisa Ruby Holland
Stage Manager: Andrea Beyer
PREPARATION: Please prepare 36 bars of an opera or operetta piece, a Gilbert & Sullivan song, or a show tune. No pop or rock music please. An accompanist will be provided. These auditions will also include learning a short dance routine.
About the show:
In this vibrant new adaptation, The Pirates of Penzance heads to New Orleans for a fresh take on the beloved classic. When love and duty send a young pirate into hilariously complicated waters, the result is musical comedy gold. Playful, tuneful, and full of charm, this voyage delights from start to finish. With its witty wordplay, memorable music, and a lively new setting, this reimagining brings fresh energy to one of musical theatre’s most enduring comedies.
Character Descriptions
Frederic
Vocal Range: Tenor [C3-Bb4]
Character Description:
A young man who has completed his apprenticeship to a pirate band and longs to live an honorable life. Earnest, romantic, idealistic, and guided by an unwavering sense of duty, even when it leads to absurd consequences.
Mabel Stanley
Vocal Range: Soprano [B3-Ab5]
Character Description:
The youngest and most compassionate of the Major-General's daughters. Intelligent, confident, witty, and warm-hearted. She quickly falls in love with Frederic and remains loyal despite the obstacles they face.
Pirate King (Santiago du Bouchard)
Vocal Range: Baritone [F#2-A4]
Character Description:
The charismatic leader of the pirates. Bold, charming, theatrical, and full of swagger. He commands attention effortlessly and approaches life with humor and confidence.
Ruth
Vocal Range: Alto/Mezzo-Soprano [A3-Bb5]
Character Description:
Frederic's former nursemaid who mistakenly apprenticed him to the pirates. Practical, devoted, and often comically self-assured despite her insecurities. A strong comic role with genuine emotional depth.
William S Gilbert/Major-General Stanley Arthur
Vocal Range: Baritone/Tenor Character [A2-Eb4]
Character Description:
Father of Mabel and her sisters. A highly educated, fast-talking eccentric known for his wit, intelligence, and famous patter songs. Lovable, theatrical, and often overwhelmed by the chaos around him. He also starts the play as W.S. Gilbert, aside composer, Arthur Sullivan.
Sullivan/The Sergeant of Police
Vocal Range: Bass-Baritone [G2-E4]
Character Description:
Leader of the local police force. Dutiful and respectable but lacking the courage his position suggests. Earnest, funny, and determined to maintain authority under increasingly ridiculous circumstances.
GENERAL STANLEY’S DAUGHTERS:
Vocal Range: Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto
Character Description:
The Major-General's daughters and companions. Elegant, spirited, playful, they should each have a distinct personality. The daughters contribute significantly to the show's humor, romance, and musical richness.
Edith: Mezzo-Soprano [D4-F5]
Kate: Mezzo-Soprano [Ab3-F5]
Isabel
Yvette
Chantilly
Emma
Callie
Pirates Ensemble
Vocal Range: All Voice Types
Character Description:
A colorful group of lovable rogues. More comedic than threatening, each pirate should possess a distinct personality, strong stage presence, and a sense of fun.
Jesue - First Mate
Luis
Arnaldo
Francois
Lazare
Roscoe
Kersten
Police Ensemble
Vocal Range: All Voice Types
Character Description:
Members of the police force who attempt to uphold law and order despite their frequent lack of bravery. Strong opportunities for physical comedy and ensemble storytelling.
Ensemble