Singing Opportunities in “West Side Story” Production

Latin American. Voice: Soprano. Dance: Confident mover. A Puerto Rican girl, who has recently migrated to America. Despite her outwardly youthful innocence, she has confidence, industriousness and agency. Does not support the violence or hatred that her brother Bernardo feels towards the Jets.

Caucasian or European. Voice: Tenor. Dance: Confident mover, stage fighting required. A former member of the Jets, Tony seeks transformation, away from his violent past with the Jets. He falls in love with Maria instantly, giving him newfound hope.

Voice: Baritone. Dance: Strong dancer, stage fighting required. The influential leader of the Jets. Persuasive, tenacious and dangerous. Has led a tough childhood and seeks control over the little he has left to defend in a gentrified neighbourhood.

Latin American. Voice: Mezzo with strong mix/belt. Dance: Strong dancer. Maria’s best friend, and partner to Bernardo, who has lived in America for several years. Witty and vibrant, she lights up the room, but if crossed can be unforgiving. Content Warning: Anita’s final scene depicts her being attacked by a gang of men. This will be safely and considerately staged.

Latin American. Voice: Baritone. Dance: Confident mover, stage fighting required. Puerto Rican leader of the Sharks. Driven to take back control for his community who have struggled against systemic racism and violence in America.

Strong actor/Confident mover. Longing to be accepted as a member of the Jets, and constantly having to prove themselves. The script suggests that Anybodys was assigned female sex at birth but does not identify with female gender stereotypes.

Strong actor, no singing or dancing required. A veteran of the neighbourhood and objector of violence, he sees hope in Tony and takes him under his wing. Often pressured into difficult situations to keep the peace.

Strong actor/No dance required. Local police officer tasked with bringing an end to local gang violence.

Strong actor/No dance required. Senior officer ordered to end local gang violence. Will use unscrupulous methods to catch out the Jets & Sharks.

Latin American. Confident mover, stage fighting required. Young, impressionable. Loves Bernardo as a brother. He entertains the possibility of marrying Maria at Bernardo’s request. Seeks revenge on Tony, after Bernardo is killed.

ENSEMBLE. Strong actors/singers and experienced dancers. A conglomerate of young Americans from all walks of life. Angry and hard done by, ready to fight to the death to hold onto what little they can control.

All Latinx. Strong actors/singers and experienced dancers. A gang of Puerto Ricans, worn down by the struggles of migrating to America. Angry and hard done by, ready to fight to the death to hold onto what little they can control.