Young Performers Wanted for "Heathers" Show

Is a senior at Westerberg High and she is tired of being low in the social pecking order. Veronica should be extremely relatable, as she carries the audience through the entire show and they must care about her. Cast a young woman with an excellent voice and a wide range of acting skills, and especially great comedic timing. Veronica is likeable and hilarious, but also totally sincere in her emotional quest to navigate high school. She should pair well with J.D.

Is new to Westerberg High. J.D. is both a heartthrob and a villain: he’s attractive, funny, and disarmingly honest about his high school experience, but unravels into a dangerous wild card as the show progresses. J. D. should be a strong actor able to portray conflicting layers, initially charming both Veronica and the audience. This is a role that requires a strong tenor who pairs well with Veronica and a great actor who can portray J.D.’s dual nature.

Is the ultimate Queen Bee—she rules the school and she knows it. Her attitude doesn’t wane even after her unfortunate demise, and she continues to haunt Veronica. Cast a strong, confident actress and singer with a sense of maturity who can make bold choices onstage. Though each Heather is a unique, individual character, they should all work well together onstage and sound great singing as a unit.

Is often put in her place by her leader, but she is more than ready to step into her long-awaited spotlight once the opportunity arises. Heather Duke’s general cattiness balloons into outright cruelty once she’s out of Heather Chandler’s control. A confident actress who harmonizes well is perfect for this role.

Head cheerleader, completes the Heathers triumvirate. While she begins the show as one of the all-powerful Heathers, she later voices her self-doubt and troubles. This revelation requires a performer who is able to show peppy confidence and extreme vulnerability. In addition to her solo, Heather McNamara sings with the other two Heathers throughout the show. Cast a talented singer and actress who also moves well.

Should be everything the Heathers are not: awkward, shy, and (most importantly) kind. Several characters explicitly mock Martha for her weight. Whether the actor physically fits this description or not, her clothes, posture and performance can highlight her low social standing. Martha sings a powerhouse ballad in the second act, so this actress should be an excellent vocalist. The audience should root for this character, so be sure to cast someone whose heart radiates off the stage.

Is one half of the jock duo that parades around Westerberg High. Ram is the object of Martha’s deep-seated affection, but Ram has long since passed the days of accepting people for who they are on the inside. Cast an actor with a good singing voice who can bring humor to this stereotypical “meathead” role, and someone who has great chemistry with Kurt Kelly.

Ram’s partner in crime. Kurt thoroughly enjoys reinforcing his status as a top dog at Westerberg High. Much like Ram, Kurt is a great role for someone who exceeds at physical comedy as their antics can verge on the extreme. They also share a duet together, so make sure this actor can complete the epic “bromance” with Ram.

STUDENT ENSEMBLE: The Student Ensemble furthers the story both as a chorus and through featured individuals. There are lots of solos within the Student Ensemble. Include lots of stereotypical high school groups.

STUDENT ENSEMBLE: The Student Ensemble furthers the story both as a chorus and through featured individuals. There are lots of solos within the Student Ensemble. Include lots of stereotypical high school groups.

STUDENT ENSEMBLE: The Student Ensemble furthers the story both as a chorus and through featured individuals. There are lots of solos within the Student Ensemble. Include lots of stereotypical high school groups.

STUDENT ENSEMBLE: The Student Ensemble furthers the story both as a chorus and through featured individuals. There are lots of solos within the Student Ensemble. Include lots of stereotypical high school groups.

STUDENT ENSEMBLE: The Student Ensemble furthers the story both as a chorus and through featured individuals. There are lots of solos within the Student Ensemble. Include lots of stereotypical high school groups.

Has a featured solo in the opening number. This is a perfect featured role for a comedic actor with a solid singing voice.

Does not have assigned dialogue, but sings in many small groupings of characters and has a solo. This is a great role for a newer performer who is a good singer.

Is a good role for an up and coming performer who can create a solid character but may not be the strongest singer.

Is a cameo role for a female singer who later sings with New Wave Girl. This is another great role for a good singer who is new to performing.

Requires a good singer and actor with great comic delivery for when he reveals his dream about the Heathers.

Sings with Young Republicanette and has a small solo, so look for a strong singer with good stage presence.

The adults, while an integral part of the show, do not all appear as consistently as the student characters. If you have a smaller cast, any of the characters in the adult ensemble are perfect for doubling. An actor could be a part of the Student Ensemble and then switch to an adult, or simply play several adults.

Is the free-spirited school guidance counselor. Ms. Fleming is ready to jump into action following all of the suicides; however, her excessive enthusiasm for mourning is off- putting to both the students and the other faculty. She leads the cast in an up-tempo number, so look for a solid singer who can portray a slightly wacky ex-hippy without going into a cartoon stereotype.

RAM’S DAD and KURT’S DAD are stereotypical tough guys. While Kurt’s Dad initially expresses disgust at the boys’ apparent homosexuality, Ram’s Dad shocks everyone by leading the church into a worship-style celebration of their sons’ love. Find two singer-actors who work well together and are able to portray both the gruff dads at the beginning and the softer, more accepting dads later in the show.

RAM’S DAD and KURT’S DAD are stereotypical tough guys. While Kurt’s Dad initially expresses disgust at the boys’ apparent homosexuality, Ram’s Dad shocks everyone by leading the church into a worship-style celebration of their sons’ love. Find two singer-actors who work well together and are able to portray both the gruff dads at the beginning and the softer, more accepting dads later in the show.

J.D.’s explosive-loving father. He’s somewhat distanced from J.D. and should come across as slightly unhinged, bordering on menacing. Cast an actor who is comfortable making big choices and works well with the actor playing J.D. This is a great role to double with an ensemble role.

PRINCIPAL GOWAN and COACH RIPPER are the two male adult figures at Westerberg High. Both are tired and apathetic, and do not put much effort into their jobs. Cast actors who can bring humor to their indifference and are comfortable singing a few solo lines.

PRINCIPAL GOWAN and COACH RIPPER are the two male adult figures at Westerberg High. Both are tired and apathetic, and do not put much effort into their jobs. Cast actors who can bring humor to their indifference and are comfortable singing a few solo lines.

Supportive and wants what is best for her daughter. She’s not impressed with Veronica’s new friends, and encourages Veronica to remember her other friends, like Martha. This non-singing role is a great opportunity to showcase a talented actress with a natural “Mother Knows Best” charisma.

Is oblivious to the type of girls Veronica has taken up with; he is content to continue making dad jokes. Cast an actor who is comfortable making big choices for this non- singing role.

OFFICERS MCCORD and MILNER discover the body of Heather Chandler, along with the forged suicide note. They determine the case is a suicide, and join Veronica and Heather in singing “The Me Inside of Me”. The officers can be played by guys or girls, but be sure to cast singers whose voices blend well with Veronica, Heather Chandler, and each other.

OFFICERS MCCORD and MILNER discover the body of Heather Chandler, along with the forged suicide note. They determine the case is a suicide, and join Veronica and Heather in singing “The Me Inside of Me”. The officers can be played by guys or girls, but be sure to cast singers whose voices blend well with Veronica, Heather Chandler, and each other.