Directed by JOSIF JOVANOVSKI
Musical Direction by TRENT BOWATER and ERIN HAND
Choreography by MONIQUE ELYSE
Costume Design by MEGAN COLLINS
Production Management by RENEE BRIGHTON and MICHAEL CREMONA
Stage Management by SARAH McCARTHY
Technical Direction by LIAM WOODS
Musical Direction by TRENT BOWATER and ERIN HAND
Choreography by MONIQUE ELYSE
Costume Design by MEGAN COLLINS
Production Management by RENEE BRIGHTON and MICHAEL CREMONA
Stage Management by SARAH McCARTHY
Technical Direction by LIAM WOODS
You must be 18 years or older at the time of audition. Please be advised that most of the characters in Heathers depict teenagers. However, due to the style, themes, and content of the show and its vocal demands we anticipate that people older than teenagers will be cast. We also require several actors to play parents and teachers so we are looking for a range of ages to make up our diverse cast.
GROUP DANCE AUDITIONS (for any persons auditioning for Veronica, JD, Martha, Ram, Kurt or Ensemble)
Saturday 24th July : 9:30am OR 10:00am
GROUP DANCE AUDITIONS (for any persons auditioning for one of the Heathers)
Saturday 24th July : 10:30am OR 11:00am
INDIVIDUAL AUDITIONS
Saturday 24th July : 11:30am - 5:00pm
Monday 26th July : 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday 24th July : 9:30am OR 10:00am
GROUP DANCE AUDITIONS (for any persons auditioning for one of the Heathers)
Saturday 24th July : 10:30am OR 11:00am
INDIVIDUAL AUDITIONS
Saturday 24th July : 11:30am - 5:00pm
Monday 26th July : 5:00pm - 9:00pm
Heathers is based on the cult classic 1980’s movie of the same name starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. Heathers is the darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers. But before she can get comfortable atop the high school food change, Veronica falls in love with the dangerously sexy new kid JD. When Heather Chandler, the Almighty, kicks her out of the group, Veronica decides to bite the bullet and kiss Heather’s aerobicized ass… but JD has another plan for that bullet.
Brought to you by the award-winning creative team of Kevin Murphy (Reefer Madness, Desperate Housewives) and Laurence O’Keefe (Bat Boy, Legally Blonde), Heathers The Musical is an hilarious, heartfelt and homicidal new show based on the greatest teen comedy of all time. Are you in, or are you out
Brought to you by the award-winning creative team of Kevin Murphy (Reefer Madness, Desperate Housewives) and Laurence O’Keefe (Bat Boy, Legally Blonde), Heathers The Musical is an hilarious, heartfelt and homicidal new show based on the greatest teen comedy of all time. Are you in, or are you out
Rehearsals & Show Season
Rehearsals for Heathers will begin on Tuesday 3rd August, and will run Tuesday and Thursday evenings for Blocking & Music, with a Saturday / Sunday morning choreography block (this day will pend on cast availability).
Production week for Heathers will be; Saturday 23rd October, Sunday 24th October, Monday 25th October, Wednesday 27th October.
Heathers show season will be: Friday 29th October, Saturday 30th October, Sunday 31st October, Friday 5th November, Saturday 6th October, Sunday 7th October, Friday 12th November, Saturday 13th November. There will be 10 shows in total.
If you are unable to commit to Production Week and the Show dates, please do not audition.
Rehearsals for Heathers will begin on Tuesday 3rd August, and will run Tuesday and Thursday evenings for Blocking & Music, with a Saturday / Sunday morning choreography block (this day will pend on cast availability).
Production week for Heathers will be; Saturday 23rd October, Sunday 24th October, Monday 25th October, Wednesday 27th October.
Heathers show season will be: Friday 29th October, Saturday 30th October, Sunday 31st October, Friday 5th November, Saturday 6th October, Sunday 7th October, Friday 12th November, Saturday 13th November. There will be 10 shows in total.
If you are unable to commit to Production Week and the Show dates, please do not audition.
In the event of any Covid restrictions, individual auditions will go ahead via Zoom - and people will be contacted re: Dance audition material.
Audition Preparation
Dance
The dance component of the Audition will be in Group Auditions on Saturday 24th July.
Vocals
You will be required to sing a song that demonstrates your vocal ability and range. This song should be in the style of the show. (ie: musical theatre / pop) Please bring a backing track on a USB, or bring your own accompanist if required. No singing is to be unaccompanied, and there should be no vocals on your backing track. As auditions are timed, you may be asked to stop before your song is finished, please know that this has nothing to do with the quality of your audition.
Acting
If you would like to audition for a lead role, you will need to read excerpts from the script specific to that character. These are called audition slides. These will be available on this page on Friday 9th July. Everyone auditioning for a lead role is encouraged to do their research and be aware of their character's background - accent's are essential. You may be asked to 'cold read' different excerpts on the day of your audition. Please refrain from dressing as your interpretation of any specific character.
Dance
The dance component of the Audition will be in Group Auditions on Saturday 24th July.
Vocals
You will be required to sing a song that demonstrates your vocal ability and range. This song should be in the style of the show. (ie: musical theatre / pop) Please bring a backing track on a USB, or bring your own accompanist if required. No singing is to be unaccompanied, and there should be no vocals on your backing track. As auditions are timed, you may be asked to stop before your song is finished, please know that this has nothing to do with the quality of your audition.
Acting
If you would like to audition for a lead role, you will need to read excerpts from the script specific to that character. These are called audition slides. These will be available on this page on Friday 9th July. Everyone auditioning for a lead role is encouraged to do their research and be aware of their character's background - accent's are essential. You may be asked to 'cold read' different excerpts on the day of your audition. Please refrain from dressing as your interpretation of any specific character.
Audition Bookings To book your audition CLICK HERE or click the button at the bottom of this page. For any enquiries, email heathers@roo-theatre.com.au
Audition Date, Time and Venue
Group Dance Auditions will be held on Saturday 24th July in two 30 minute intervals from 9:30am - 10:30am.
Any persons auditioning for one of the Heather characters will attend a separate Group Dance Audition at either 10:30am or 11:00am.
Individual auditions will be held on Saturday 24th July between 11:30am and 5:00pm and Monday 26th July from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.
In the event of Call Backs, these will be held on Wednesday 28th July between 5:30pm and 8:30pm.
All auditions will be by appointment only. It is important to book in.
Auditions are scheduled in 10 minute slots - however we have allowed TWO auditions per 10 minute slot. These auditions will be seperate.
Age Limit You must be 18 years or older at the time of audition. Please be advised that most of the characters in Heathers depict teenagers. However, due to the style, themes and content of the show and its vocal demands we anticipate that people older than teenagers will be cast. We also require several actors to play parents and teachers so we are looking for a range of ages to make up our diverse cast.
What are we looking for? Heathers is an exciting, fun and high energy show and it needs a cast to match. We are looking for:
• Variety in look with all shapes and sizes
• Versatility in acting range, with the ability to play more than one character, including characters of contrasting ages
• Strong solo singers who can also blend in an ensemble
• Strong singers who can dance
• Strong dancers who can sing
• Triple threats
• Friendly people who work hard
• Commitment to the show and rehearsal process
• A good attitude
NB: Your photograph will be taken at the audition, and your audition MAY be videoed. This is to assist with casting decisions. Audition videos will be destroyed one the final casting decisions have been made.
Audition Bookings To book your audition CLICK HERE or click the button at the bottom of this page. For any enquiries, email heathers@roo-theatre.com.au
Audition Date, Time and Venue
Group Dance Auditions will be held on Saturday 24th July in two 30 minute intervals from 9:30am - 10:30am.
Any persons auditioning for one of the Heather characters will attend a separate Group Dance Audition at either 10:30am or 11:00am.
Individual auditions will be held on Saturday 24th July between 11:30am and 5:00pm and Monday 26th July from 5:00pm - 9:00pm.
In the event of Call Backs, these will be held on Wednesday 28th July between 5:30pm and 8:30pm.
All auditions will be by appointment only. It is important to book in.
Auditions are scheduled in 10 minute slots - however we have allowed TWO auditions per 10 minute slot. These auditions will be seperate.
Age Limit You must be 18 years or older at the time of audition. Please be advised that most of the characters in Heathers depict teenagers. However, due to the style, themes and content of the show and its vocal demands we anticipate that people older than teenagers will be cast. We also require several actors to play parents and teachers so we are looking for a range of ages to make up our diverse cast.
What are we looking for? Heathers is an exciting, fun and high energy show and it needs a cast to match. We are looking for:
• Variety in look with all shapes and sizes
• Versatility in acting range, with the ability to play more than one character, including characters of contrasting ages
• Strong solo singers who can also blend in an ensemble
• Strong singers who can dance
• Strong dancers who can sing
• Triple threats
• Friendly people who work hard
• Commitment to the show and rehearsal process
• A good attitude
NB: Your photograph will be taken at the audition, and your audition MAY be videoed. This is to assist with casting decisions. Audition videos will be destroyed one the final casting decisions have been made.
Audition Bookings To book your audition CLICK HERE or click the button at the bottom of this page. For any enquiries, email heathers@roo-theatre.com.au
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
NB the ages stated below are ‘stage age’, actors older than these ages may be cast
VERONICA SAWYER - 17.
She burns to be both cool and kind but doesn’t know yet how to be both at the same time. Fierce sense of right and wrong, keen sense of ironic humour. Thinks she's an old soul, but she's still innocent enough to be blindsided by love/ hormones (or shocked by cruelty). Voice: High belting required, up to A.
JASON 'JD' DEAN - 17.
He is darkly charismatic, compelling, attractive, charming on the outside yet very damaged on the inside. Keen smarts and strong inventive comedy. Voice: Strong, confident belt to at least an Ab, A preferable; wide emotional range.
HEATHER CHANDLER - 17.
Richest, hottest, most magnetic, cruelest girl in town. Relishes power and wields it like a scalpel – no fear, no patience, no mercy. Voice: Strong belt to F or higher preferred. Mezzo for chorus. NOTE: In certain choral songs Chandler can switch parts with the other Heathers as needed.
HEATHER MCNAMARA - 17.
Beautiful, innocent, stupid, can be mean on command if Heather Chandler orders it, but actually quite vulnerable and fearful. Voice: Strong belt to Db, D preferred. Soprano for chorus. NOTE: in certain choral songs Heather Mac and Duke can switch vocal parts as needed.
HEATHER DUKE - 17.
The whipped beta dog of the 3 Heathers. Deeply insecure. When she finally becomes Queen Bee, she wields power like a bulldozer. Alto for chorus. Voice: Strong belt to C, D preferred. Alto for chorus. NOTE: in certain choral songs Heather Duke and Mac can switch vocal parts as needed.
MARTHA DUNNSTOCK - 17.
Nicknamed “Martha Dumptruck”, the opposite of hot, confident, or popular. Huge and beautiful soul, optimistic even in the face of rejection. Voice: Mezzo Soprano, wide vocal expression.
RAM SWEENEY - 17,
Linebacker. Big, insensitive to the feelings of others, ruled by appetites. Voice: Strong Baritone, belt to G, some Falsetto useful.
KURT KELLY - 17.
Quarterback and Captain. Big, chiseled, rude, entitled, cocky. Mean, thinks he’s the brains in the friendship with Ram. Voice: Tenor, strong belt to Ab or A, some Falsetto. NOTE: in certain songs Ram and Kurt can switch choral assignment if, say, Ram sings higher than Kurt.
RAM’S DAD / BIG BUD DEAN / COACH RIPPER - 40 to 45.
Ram’s Dad: Former football player turned suburban Dad, has never outgrown his glory days in high school. Hates weakness, but capable of soul-searching when tragedy strikes. Also plays Big Bud Dean: JD’s single Dad. Big jolly personality that barely conceals the enormous rage bubbling just below the surface. Quite possibly a serial bomber. Also plays Coach Ripper: Stalwart, man’s man; quick to defend his players. Voice: Baritone/Tenor – power Country/Gospel belt to Ab, higher welcome.
MS. FLEMING / VERONICA’S MOM - 45 to 50.
Ms. Fleming: Aging hippie teacher, still yearning for the day the Age of Aquarius reaches Ohio. Hungry for the spotlight, resentful of entitled youth. Also plays Veronica’s Mom: easygoing, distant, yet capable of laying down the law. Voice: Great belt up to C, higher always welcome.
KURT’S DAD / VERONICA’S DAD / PRINCIPAL GOWAN - 30 to 45.
Kurt’s Dad: Straight laced, very conservative, also former football player. A simple guy not book smart, you’d be happy to share a beer with him. Also plays Veronica’s Dad: Easygoing and distant. Voice: Strong Baritone/Tenor -- power Country/Gospel belt to G, even higher better. Also plays Principal Gowan: Rumpled, burned out, hates conflict.
ENSEMBLE
BELEAGUERED GEEK - 16-18. A put-upon, bitter geek.
PREPPY STUD - 16-18. A strait-laced, ambitious, blow-dried 80’s preppy. Dreams of being even richer than his parents.
HIPSTER DORK - 16-18. Thinks he’s Ducky from ‘Pretty in Pink.’
NEW WAVE GIRL - 16-18. She wants her MTV and dresses accordingly.
STONER CHICK - 16-18. A fuzzyheaded stoner chick. Smokes outside with the freaks between classes. Her future’s so bright she’s got to wear shades to hide her blood shot eyes.
YOUNG REPUBLICANETTE - 16-18. A tennis-playing, uptight Student Council type.
ADDITIONAL PARTS - The audition panel will be casting 8 additional chorus/ ensemble parts OR understudies. We aim for a cast of 25 in total.
NB the ages stated below are ‘stage age’, actors older than these ages may be cast
VERONICA SAWYER - 17.
She burns to be both cool and kind but doesn’t know yet how to be both at the same time. Fierce sense of right and wrong, keen sense of ironic humour. Thinks she's an old soul, but she's still innocent enough to be blindsided by love/ hormones (or shocked by cruelty). Voice: High belting required, up to A.
JASON 'JD' DEAN - 17.
He is darkly charismatic, compelling, attractive, charming on the outside yet very damaged on the inside. Keen smarts and strong inventive comedy. Voice: Strong, confident belt to at least an Ab, A preferable; wide emotional range.
HEATHER CHANDLER - 17.
Richest, hottest, most magnetic, cruelest girl in town. Relishes power and wields it like a scalpel – no fear, no patience, no mercy. Voice: Strong belt to F or higher preferred. Mezzo for chorus. NOTE: In certain choral songs Chandler can switch parts with the other Heathers as needed.
HEATHER MCNAMARA - 17.
Beautiful, innocent, stupid, can be mean on command if Heather Chandler orders it, but actually quite vulnerable and fearful. Voice: Strong belt to Db, D preferred. Soprano for chorus. NOTE: in certain choral songs Heather Mac and Duke can switch vocal parts as needed.
HEATHER DUKE - 17.
The whipped beta dog of the 3 Heathers. Deeply insecure. When she finally becomes Queen Bee, she wields power like a bulldozer. Alto for chorus. Voice: Strong belt to C, D preferred. Alto for chorus. NOTE: in certain choral songs Heather Duke and Mac can switch vocal parts as needed.
MARTHA DUNNSTOCK - 17.
Nicknamed “Martha Dumptruck”, the opposite of hot, confident, or popular. Huge and beautiful soul, optimistic even in the face of rejection. Voice: Mezzo Soprano, wide vocal expression.
RAM SWEENEY - 17,
Linebacker. Big, insensitive to the feelings of others, ruled by appetites. Voice: Strong Baritone, belt to G, some Falsetto useful.
KURT KELLY - 17.
Quarterback and Captain. Big, chiseled, rude, entitled, cocky. Mean, thinks he’s the brains in the friendship with Ram. Voice: Tenor, strong belt to Ab or A, some Falsetto. NOTE: in certain songs Ram and Kurt can switch choral assignment if, say, Ram sings higher than Kurt.
RAM’S DAD / BIG BUD DEAN / COACH RIPPER - 40 to 45.
Ram’s Dad: Former football player turned suburban Dad, has never outgrown his glory days in high school. Hates weakness, but capable of soul-searching when tragedy strikes. Also plays Big Bud Dean: JD’s single Dad. Big jolly personality that barely conceals the enormous rage bubbling just below the surface. Quite possibly a serial bomber. Also plays Coach Ripper: Stalwart, man’s man; quick to defend his players. Voice: Baritone/Tenor – power Country/Gospel belt to Ab, higher welcome.
MS. FLEMING / VERONICA’S MOM - 45 to 50.
Ms. Fleming: Aging hippie teacher, still yearning for the day the Age of Aquarius reaches Ohio. Hungry for the spotlight, resentful of entitled youth. Also plays Veronica’s Mom: easygoing, distant, yet capable of laying down the law. Voice: Great belt up to C, higher always welcome.
KURT’S DAD / VERONICA’S DAD / PRINCIPAL GOWAN - 30 to 45.
Kurt’s Dad: Straight laced, very conservative, also former football player. A simple guy not book smart, you’d be happy to share a beer with him. Also plays Veronica’s Dad: Easygoing and distant. Voice: Strong Baritone/Tenor -- power Country/Gospel belt to G, even higher better. Also plays Principal Gowan: Rumpled, burned out, hates conflict.
ENSEMBLE
BELEAGUERED GEEK - 16-18. A put-upon, bitter geek.
PREPPY STUD - 16-18. A strait-laced, ambitious, blow-dried 80’s preppy. Dreams of being even richer than his parents.
HIPSTER DORK - 16-18. Thinks he’s Ducky from ‘Pretty in Pink.’
NEW WAVE GIRL - 16-18. She wants her MTV and dresses accordingly.
STONER CHICK - 16-18. A fuzzyheaded stoner chick. Smokes outside with the freaks between classes. Her future’s so bright she’s got to wear shades to hide her blood shot eyes.
YOUNG REPUBLICANETTE - 16-18. A tennis-playing, uptight Student Council type.
ADDITIONAL PARTS - The audition panel will be casting 8 additional chorus/ ensemble parts OR understudies. We aim for a cast of 25 in total.
Mental Health Notice and Content Warning
Heathers is a dark comedy which deals frankly and sometimes comically with subjects such as sexuality, mental health, murder and suicide.
We consider these are aspects of real life which should be represented in art however we acknowledge these subjects may be triggering for some people.
Please seriously, and honestly, consider your ability and comfort dealing with these issues before committing to your involvement in Heathers.
In particular, you should note the following:
• Veronica and JD are required to kiss and there may be a simulated sex scene
• Kurt, Ram, JD and Veronica are required to appear on stage in their underwear
• Martha, Heather McNamara and JD attempt suicide in the show
• Veronica fakes her own suicide
• Veronica, Kurt and Ram are involved in a scene where sexual assault is implied
• Heather Chandler, Kurt and Ram are murdered in the show
• Many characters sing about topics of a sexual nature
• Some scenes depict the use of alcohol and drugs
• Some scenes and songs include coarse language and adult themes
We have included this information not to put you off from auditioning but rather to be honest about what the show includes. To avoid difficulties later, we encourage all auditionees to read a full synopsis of the show and consider watching the movie prior to auditioning. You might also wish to discuss this with your family, friends or healthcare professional prior to making the decision to audition.
Please be assured that Heathers will be created in a safe and controlled manner and we will treat the material with sensitivity, and one of our Production Managers is an accredited Mental Health First Aid Officer should you need to discuss anything at rehearsals. However, if you are auditioning for/offered one of these roles and have concerns about the above please discuss it with the production team before committing to the show.
Heathers is a dark comedy which deals frankly and sometimes comically with subjects such as sexuality, mental health, murder and suicide.
We consider these are aspects of real life which should be represented in art however we acknowledge these subjects may be triggering for some people.
Please seriously, and honestly, consider your ability and comfort dealing with these issues before committing to your involvement in Heathers.
In particular, you should note the following:
• Veronica and JD are required to kiss and there may be a simulated sex scene
• Kurt, Ram, JD and Veronica are required to appear on stage in their underwear
• Martha, Heather McNamara and JD attempt suicide in the show
• Veronica fakes her own suicide
• Veronica, Kurt and Ram are involved in a scene where sexual assault is implied
• Heather Chandler, Kurt and Ram are murdered in the show
• Many characters sing about topics of a sexual nature
• Some scenes depict the use of alcohol and drugs
• Some scenes and songs include coarse language and adult themes
We have included this information not to put you off from auditioning but rather to be honest about what the show includes. To avoid difficulties later, we encourage all auditionees to read a full synopsis of the show and consider watching the movie prior to auditioning. You might also wish to discuss this with your family, friends or healthcare professional prior to making the decision to audition.
Please be assured that Heathers will be created in a safe and controlled manner and we will treat the material with sensitivity, and one of our Production Managers is an accredited Mental Health First Aid Officer should you need to discuss anything at rehearsals. However, if you are auditioning for/offered one of these roles and have concerns about the above please discuss it with the production team before committing to the show.
