City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret Announces Auditions for Pippin
City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret in Aurora, Illinois is holding open auditions for actors 15+ (with the exception of the character Theo, 8+) for their production of Pippin!
Please note this is an unpaid, non-equity production.
Show Information
Performance Dates: July 24-27, 2025
Venue: Perry Theater, Aurora University, 349 S Gladstone Ave, Aurora, IL 60506
Compensation: Volunteer
Directors
Artistic Director: Michael Currie
Music Director and Producer: Kirsten Tait
Choreographer: Ann Marie Decker
Summary
From the composer of Wicked and Godspell, Stephen Schwartz, comes the Tony Award-winning musical sensation, Pippin.
Follow the young prince Pippin, heir to the throne, as he enters adulthood convinced he must find a truly extraordinary and fulfilling life. Guided (and perhaps manipulated) by a mysterious troupe of performers led by the captivating Leading Player, Pippin embarks on a quest for his "Corner of the Sky." He'll sample the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh, and the intrigues of political power, meeting memorable characters along the way.
With an unforgettable score and non-stop theatricality, Pippin is a mesmerizing exploration of self-discovery that asks: what does it really mean to live an extraordinary life?
Music and Lyrics by: Stephen Schwartz
Book by: Roger O. Hirson
Pippin
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com
Audition Information
In-Person Audition Dates:
Sunday, May 18, 2025, 1–5 PM | Add to calendar
Monday, May 19, 2025, 6–9 PM | Add to calendar
Audition Location: Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N May St, Aurora, IL 60506
Virtual Audition Deadline: Sunday, May 18th at 11:59 pm | Add to calendar
Callbacks: By invitation only on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 6-9 PM at Wesley United Methodist Church. Callback material will be provided. | Add to calendar
Contact for Questions: auditions@cityoflightstheatre.org
Rehearsal Schedule
May 27–July 8: Tue/Thu 6–9 PM, Sun 1–5 PM
July 9–July 17: Tue/Wed/Thu 6–9 PM, Sun 1–5 PM
Tech Week (July 20–27): Nightly 6–11 PM
Casting Breakdown
All ages listed are stage ages (ages the character appears to be on stage).
Ages 15+ are encouraged to audition for any part (8+ for Theo).
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The ultimate Master of Ceremonies. Masterfully charming and manipulative. Guides Pippin through his own story. Obsessed with putting on a great show for the audience.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: Gb3
Notes: Strong belt/mix in the G4-C5 range. Excellent dancer.
-
Our story's young and confused protagonist. He is longing to find his purpose in life. Naive, innocent, and discontent.
Gender: male
Stage age: 18 to 25 (all ages are encouraged to audition)
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: G2
Notes: Belt up to A4, Falsetto above A4.
-
Pippin's demanding father. As the King of the Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne is more comfortable wielding a sword than breaking bread. He wears his years with great pride.
Gender: male
Stage age: 50 to 65
Vocal range top: E4
Vocal range bottom: B2
-
Pippin's half-brother and Fastrada's doting son. Lewis is boastful, narcissistic, and obsessed with warfare and demonstrating his physical strength. He is fiercely loyal to his mother, Fastrada, and caught up in her schemes for his advancement.
Gender: male
Stage age: 18 to 25
Vocal range top: Ab4
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Notes: Experienced dancer.
-
Pippin's conniving stepmother. A seductress, who is no stranger to deceit and betrayal, she is both sexy and smart. Skilled at using her sexual appeal to benefit her and her son.
Gender: female
Stage age: 35 to 45
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Notes: Belt/mix up to C5, Falsetto above C5. Strong dancer.
-
Pippin's saucy grandmother. A brassy broad full of wisdom, grace, and sass. She tries to help Pippin and encourages him to live his life to the fullest.
Gender: female
Stage age: 67
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: E3
-
A widow and mother. She is beautiful and a hopeless romantic, who possesses graceful elegance.
Gender: female
Stage age: 25 to 35
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Notes: Belt/mix in G4-C5 range
-
Catherine's young son. Endearing, straightforward, and naive, he forms a close bond with Pippin.
Gender: male
Stage age: 8 to 14
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3
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Player with Fire
Noble
Second Noble
Third Noble/Peasant
Severed Head
Soldier
Manson Trio Members
Additional ensemble members
Audition Instructions
In-Person Auditions
Audition Form
Complete the audition form.
Schedule
Choose an audition time slot on May 18 or 19.
Singing
Please be prepared to sing 32 bars of a musical theatre piece (memorized) which shows your range and vocal ability. Preferably in the same style as Pippin (Godspell, Wicked, Hair, etc.). Bring sheet music clearly marked where you will start and end (marked music on a tablet is okay too). Karaoke tracks are not recommended. Accompanist will transpose on request.
Acting
Please prepare one acting side (scene) from the selections provided in our Google Drive.
You may choose any side you wish to perform.
During your audition time, a member of our team will read the other role(s) in the scene with you.
Memorization of the side is not required, but you are welcome to memorize it if you prefer.
Dancing
Our choreographer will teach you the dance audition and you’ll perform it in groups. If you need a bit of extra time to learn choreography, we encourage you to watch the dance audition tutorial video prior to your audition.
What to Bring
Your sheet music
Appropriate dance attire and shoes
Virtual Auditions
Audition Form
Complete the audition form.
Singing
Record a video of you singing 32 bars of a song, preferably in the same style as Pippin (Godspell, Wicked, Hair, etc.), showing vocal range and ability. Karaoke or piano accompaniment is fine, but please make sure we can hear you clearly.
Acting
Please prepare one acting side (scene) from the selections provided in our Google Drive.
You may choose any side you wish to perform.
Record a video of yourself performing your chosen side. You must have another person read the other role(s) in the scene off-camera.
Memorization of the side is not required for your recording, but you are welcome to memorize it if you prefer.
Dancing
Watch the dance audition tutorial video. Your dance should be recorded using the music link and facing the camera. You may add improv moves during the introduction if that gives more insight into your dance ability.
Submission
Upload your completed video(s) to YouTube as an "Unlisted" video (do not set it to "Private").
Email the unlisted YouTube link(s) to auditions@cityoflightstheatre.org.
Use the subject line: "Pippin Audition Submission - [Your Name]"
Submit by Sunday, May 18th at 11:59 pm.
Questions?
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us at auditions@cityoflightstheatre.org.