AUDITION INFO
DIGITAL AUDITIONS
Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown
Book by Dan Elish, Robert Horn
TEEN PRODUCTION! Evan Goldman is about to turn thirteen, and he can’t wait. His life seems full of possibilities -- that is, until his parents get divorced, and he is forced to move with his mom from big-city New York to podunk Appleton, Indiana. If Evan can’t get the coolest kids to come to his bar mitzvah, how is he going to survive the school year, not to mention, the rest of his life? As Evan navigates the world of cool kids and nerds, jocks and cheerleaders, first kisses and heartbreak, he comes to understand “What it Means to Be a Friend.” With a bright, catchy pop score from Jason Robert Brown, equal doses of humor and pathos, and a cast of wildly talented teens, 13 is irresistible to grown ups and almost-grown ups alike.
13 is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
CASTING CONSIDERATIONS:
All roles are open.
Auditionees should be in Grades 8-12 or with director permission. All characters in the show are 13 or turning 13, so preference will be given to actors who convincingly “look the part.”
We are looking for performers of all races, ethnicities, sexualities, gender identities, body types, and abilities. Production is non-Equity and non-paid.
PRODUCTION STAFF:
Director: Jeff Hosenfeld (jeffhosenfeld@hotmail.com)
Assistant Director: Jonathan Walker-VanKuren
Choreographer: Kaitlin Riley
Stage Manager: Cassie Martin
Producer: Rosemary Bucher
PRODUCTION DATES:
September 11-14, 2025
REHEARSAL AND SHOW DATES:
Rehearsals will begin in July and continue through the performances. Performances are set for Sept 11 (7pm), Sept 12 (7pm), Sept 13 (7pm). and Sept 14 (2pm). In general, rehearsals will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00-9:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00-12:00pm. Most rehearsals will take place at the Hershey Area Playhouse, although we will need to find an alternate location for some dates that overlap with the current production’s rehearsal schedule.
CLICK HERE for a tentative rehearsal schedule. All conflicts should be noted on the audition form. No conflicts permitted after Labor Day (Sept 1).
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Complete personal info (name, contact info, etc) and upload headshot (no need to professional photo - just a camera snap is fine)
List theatrical/music experience, training, and talents
Review tentative rehearsal calendar and list all conflicts
Upload video performance of 16-32 bar song in the style of the show
Upload video performance of dance audition (choreography found HERE)
Optional: upload a performance of one of the audition cuts found HERE
IMPORTANT DATES:
-Audition submissions are due by 11:59 PM on July 1, 2025
-Callbacks will be requested at the discretion of the production team on July 7, 2025.
CHARACTER LIST
Evan Goldman – A twelve and a half going on thirteen Jewish city boy from New York City. His world has been completely flipped, prompting him to seize the reins. Possessing a rare mix of hopefulness and turmoil, he stands out for his strength and unwavering resolve. With a knack for humor, irony, and confidence, he also exudes intelligence and sensitivity, on the brink of stepping into adulthood. Bright, charming, and carrying a touch of nerdiness, he yearns for acceptance in a realm where he believes he belongs: among the popular crowd.
Age: 12 to 13 years old
Vocal Range: Bb2 to Bb4 (Tenor)
Dance: Mover
Patrice Parker – An introverted, brainy bookworm meets a down-to-earth, compassionate girl. Eccentric, unconventional, perhaps even geeky, she’s eager to kickstart her life far from her current surroundings. In her eyes, Appleton, Indiana, is the epitome of dullness, fueling her aspirations to flee to a locale teeming with culture and diversity. Her affection for Evan runs deep, making his abandonment for the “cool” crowd a painful blow. Despite her sensitivity and emotional depth, she’s far from a doormat, holding her ground with resilience.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: Eb3 to F#5 (Mezzo-Soprano, Belter)
Dance: Mover
Lucy Dunn – She’s a cunning, intelligent cheerleader, adept at playing the game while harboring a clandestine longing for her “friend” Kendra’s boyfriend, Brett. She’s the ultimate diva and a predator, reigning as the school’s queen bee. Ruthlessly determined, she spares no effort to achieve her desires, boasting more purses than principles and stopping at nothing to secure her goals. Lucy embodies intelligence, popularity, and style, skillfully manipulating her circle of friends to her advantage. Yet, beneath her facade lies a burning infatuation for Brett, driving her to extreme measures, even orchestrating rumors to sabotage the relationship between her best friend Kendra and Brett.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: F#3 to D5 (Mezzo-Soprano)
Dance: Mover
Kendra Quaker – The prettiest and most popular girl in school and head cheerleader. She radiates sweetness, bubbliness, and perkiness, yet carries an air of naivety and impressionability. Forever dwelling in Lucy’s shadow, she finds solace in her mutual affection with Brett. Oblivious to Archie’s infatuation, she remains sympathetic to his plight. However, her gentle nature often prevents her from standing up for what’s right, even when she’s aware of her best friend’s missteps.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: Bb3 to D5 (Mezzo-Soprano)
Dance: Mover
Archie Walker – A good-humored, intelligent, unpopular kid who suffers from muscular dystrophy. As a result, he has to wear crutches in order to walk. Despite his medical struggles, he possesses a remarkable outlook on life, granting him a profound maturity and self-assurance. Yet, his confidence wavers in the face of the football team’s intimidation and his unrequited love for Kendra.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: C3 to A4 (Tenor)
Dance: None
Brett Sampson – The vain junior high football star of his school. suave, good-looking, but lacking in intellect. Adored by the cheerleading squad, he prioritizes his own success, even if it means stepping on others. Leading a group of popular boys, he’s not afraid to resort to bullying tactics. Brett’s exclusivity extends to his interactions, often displaying rudeness towards those outside his circle, solely focused on maintaining his cool image and pursuing romantic interests.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: Bb2 to C5 (Tenor)
Dance: Mover
Eddie – One of Brett’s sidekicks, a wannabe popular kid, and a member of the football team. Like a miniature mafia boss, he exudes authority despite his small stature, barking orders and instilling fear among the nerds under Brett’s command. A formidable presence, he boasts an air of coolness and dramatic flair. Convinced of Lucy’s affection, oblivious to her true feelings, he confides everything in Brett. Serving as the mastermind among his group, including Brett and Malcom, Eddie is not one to trifle with, as he takes revenge to extreme measures.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: Bb2 to C5 (Tenor, Falsetto)
Dance: Mover
Malcolm – One of Brett’s sidekicks, a wannabe popular kid, and a member of the football team. Bringing a blend of suburban and urban perspectives to his world, he occupies the third position in the hierarchy, content with his place. Despite his rank, his rapid-fire speech and imposing confidence complement his obliviousness to the broader world. He’s firmly committed to serving, protecting, and emulating Brett, his primary reason for being.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: F#3 to C5 (Baritone, Falsetto)
Dance: Mover
Richie – The class clown and the quintessential goofball. Always in motion, loved by all for his outgoing nature, and a social butterfly, he thrives on being at the center of it all, much like Cassie, Molly, and Charlotte. Whether it’s catching up on the latest gossip or snapping the perfect picture for his phone, he’s plugged into every aspect of school life.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: A2 to C5 (Tenor, Falsetto)
Dance: Mover
Simon – He’s the silent observer, content to blend into the background, yet somehow always ends up in the thick of things. With an effortless charm, he effortlessly attracts the attention of girls without even trying, yet his heart yearns for Charlotte, though he assumes she doesn’t share his feelings. In Brett’s shadow on the team, he serves as reliable backup, often overlooked but ever present. Behind his unassuming exterior lies a tech-savvy wizard and a hidden genius.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: C2 to G4 (Tenor)
Dance: Mover
Cassie – She’s an exemplary student, leading virtually every club with a laser focus on her goals. Dedicated to excellence, she balances academics, friendships, and staying on top of the latest trends with ease. Cassie epitomizes the ambitious go-getter, destined to helm a major corporation one day, already curating her wardrobe for the role. With an unparalleled sense of style, she’s a fashion-forward diva who thrives on gossip and social intrigue.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: C4 to F5 (Soprano)
Dance: Mover
Charlotte – She’s a girl who enjoys texting and spending time with her friends, but she’s incredibly gullible, often taking everything at face value. Unfortunately, other kids suspected her of spreading a rumor about Kendra and Evan.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: A#3 to F5 (Mezzo-Soprano, Belter)
Dance: Mover
Molly – Cool, hip, and confident. she’s the quintessential gossip queen, thriving on stirring up rumors and meddling in everyone’s affairs. With an insatiable appetite for drama, she revels in being the epicenter of all school gossip, wielding her knowledge of everyone’s secrets with a calculating finesse.
Age: 13 years old
Vocal Range: F#3 to C#5 (Mezzo-Soprano, Belter)
Dance: Mover
Ensemble – depending on the audition pool, we may be able to add a small number of additional ensemble characters to play various students, rabbis, etc.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT:
Hershey Area Playhouse is actively committed to anti-racism and anti-oppressive practices in the theatre and specifically in casting. We affirm our commitment to equity, inclusivity, and diversity, and strive to foster an artistic environment that is dedicated to social equality.