LIONEL BART'S OLIVER! - Music On Stage Non Equity Auditions

Sign ups for audition slots are online
here.
You must also complete the online audition Form: click
here to submit and upload your headshot.

Must be 8+ years old to audition.

Auditions will take place at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E Wood St, Palatine, IL 60067 on:
Monday February 16th – 6:00pm-10:00pm (kids only 6-7:30pm)
Tuesday February 17th – 6:00pm-10:00pm (kids only 6-7:30pm)
Walk-ins are accepted at auditions.
Callbacks BY INVITATION ONLY on Thursday February 19th – 6-10pm, will include dance.

If you are unable to attend auditions, we are accepting limited video submissions, but you will have to attend callbacks in person. Please sign up for a video audition slot, fill out an online form and send your video (not links to online files) no later than Monday February 16th directly to:
production@musiconstage.org

• Prepare 32 bars of an up-tempo song or a ballad in the style of the show and representative of the character you are auditioning for. Songs should be appropriate to your vocal range and sung from memory. Bring sheet music in the correct key with your start and stop points clearly marked.
• If auditioning for the roles of Oliver or Dodger, please prepare a one-minute monologue of your choice. Please show us your best British accent. If you cannot perform a British accent, just use your regular voice and we can work with you if cast in the show.
• There will be dance at callbacks only. If called back, please wear clothes you can move in and bring appropriate shoes (dance shoes or dress shoes). Street shoes will not be permitted on the stage.

LIONEL BART’S OLIVER! is directed and choreographed by Jocelyn Adamski, with associate choreographer Pauline Urso, and music direction by Marty Karlin.

This show is rated PG and is not suitable for all audiences. Must be 8+ years old to audition.

If chosen for the cast, limited conflicts will be allowed during the 8 weeks of rehearsals and no conflicts will be allowed during tech week or performances. Conflicts will be considered when making casting decisions, please include all known conflicts on your audition form. Although you will not be called every day, you must be generally available on rehearsal days. If your child wishes to be considered for Oliver or Dodger, please understand that they will be required at a larger number of rehearsals.

Rehearsals for LIONEL BART’S OLIVER! will be held in Palatine beginning March 8th, 2026,
Sundays from 2-5pm, Monday through Thursday from 630-930pm.
*Please note, the first rehearsal ONLY will be from 6-9pm*
Tech Week is Sunday May 3rd through Friday May 8th.

The performance schedule is as follows:
Sat May 9th @ 7pm
Sun May 10th @ 1:30pm
Sat May 16th @ 1:30pm & 7pm
Sun May 17th @ 1:30pm
Sat May 23rd @ 1:30pm & 7pm
Sun May 24th @ 1:30pm

ALL ROLES ARE AVAILABLE
MOS is committed to diversity and inclusion in our casting practices. Character ages listed are stage ages, and the genders are as presented in the script. We strongly encourage actors of all gender identities, ethnicities, races, ages, and abilities to audition for any role they identify with.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

Oliver Twist
A workhouse boy about 11 years of age.
Gender: male
Age: 8 to 12
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Fagin
An elderly receiver - runs training academy for young pickpockets.
Gender: male
Age: 50 to 70
Vocal range top: F4
Vocal range bottom: A2

The Artful Dodger
Fagin's brightest pupil - an undersized 16.
Gender: male
Age: 14 to 18
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Bill Sikes
A villian in his prime.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 45
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: A2

Nancy
23 years old - a graduate of Fagin's academy, and Bill's doxy.
Gender: female
Age: 20 to 25
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: F3

Bet
A 15 year old lass in Fagin's establishment - idolises Nancy.
Gender: female
Age: 14 to 18
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: Ab3

Mr. Bumble
A large and pompous Beadle of the workhouse.
Gender: male
Age: 35 to 60
Vocal range top: Ab4
Vocal range bottom: C3

Mrs. Corney
A sharp-tongued, domineering widow - the Workhouse Mistress.
Gender: female
Age: 40 to 55
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Mr. Brownlow
An old gentleman of wealth and breeding.
Gender: male
Age: 55 to 70

Mr. Sowerberry
The Undertaker.
Gender: male
Age: 45 to 60
Vocal range top: F4
Vocal range bottom: C3

Mrs. Sowerberry
Mr. Sowerberry's wife and his overseer.
Gender: female
Age: 45 to 60
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Charlotte
The Sowerberry's sluttish young daughter.
Gender: female
Age: 18 to 25

Noah Claypole
Mr. Sowerberry's pimply apprentice.
Gender: male
Age: 18 to 25

Mr. Grimwig
A Doctor.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 50

Mrs. Bedwin
The Brownlow's Housekeeper.
Gender: female
Age: 45 to 60
Vocal range top: B4
Vocal range bottom: C4

Old Sally
A Pauper.
Gender: female
Age: 50 to 70

Charley Bates
A boy in Fagin's establishment.
Gender: male
Age: 10 to 18

Ensemble
Workhouse boys, workhouse assistants, bow streetrunners, street vendors and crowd, etc.
Gender: any