Actors Needed for "Hairspray" Play Audition

Female-presenting or drag/cross-cast. Tracy’s mother. Initially shy, self-conscious, and emotionally withdrawn after years of body shame and isolation. Through Tracy’s influence, Edna rediscovers confidence and joy. Traditionally played by a male actor in drag in many productions, emphasizing transformation and comedy. Major comedic role requiring vocal transformation, physical character work, and strong emotional arc. Must balance humor with heartfelt vulnerability.

Male-presenting. Tracy’s father. Lovable, goofy, endlessly optimistic, and deeply devoted to Edna. Owns a novelty joke shop and lives in a world of playful absurdity. Provides warmth and comic grounding. Strong comedic timing and sincerity required. Supports emotional stakes without cynicism.

Male-presenting. Teen heartthrob of “The Corny Collins Show.” Initially self-absorbed and career-focused but grows into someone willing to challenge injustice. Charismatic, musically gifted, and emotionally evolving. Strong tenor vocal ability required. Must balance charm with genuine character growth.

Female-presenting. Primary antagonist. Popular, entitled, and status-obsessed. Competes with Tracy for fame and attention. Beneath her confidence is insecurity and fear of losing control of her social position. Strong comedic villainy with vocal strength required. Must avoid one-dimensional portrayal.

Female-presenting. Amber’s mother and producer of “The Corny Collins Show.” Authoritarian, image-obsessed, and openly racist in her worldview. Represents institutional gatekeeping and resistance to change. Strong character with commanding presence and comic bite.

Male-presenting. Host of the television dance show. Polished, cheerful, and professionally charming. Initially complicit in segregation but ultimately capable of growth. Has strong hosting presence, musicality, and ease with live performance energy.

Male-presenting. Talented dancer and romantic lead for Penny. Confident, stylish, and principled. Helps lead the younger generation toward integration and change. Strong dance ability essential. Must have vocal charisma and grounded emotional intelligence.

Female-presenting. Seaweed and Little Inez’s mother. Powerful, proud, and grounded in lived experience. Owner of the record shop and voice of moral clarity in the story. Delivers one of the show’s emotional and musical peaks. Strong powerhouse vocalist required. Must combine authority, warmth, and emotional gravitas.

Female-presenting. Penny’s controlling mother. Rigid, fearful, and obsessed with propriety. Represents social conservatism and overprotection taken to extremes. Strong comedic character work with underlying tension. Must balance humor with realism.

Ensemble functions as dancers, singers, TV show performers, protest participants, and Baltimore community members. Heavy dance and vocal requirements. Provide stylistic world-building and tonal energy shifts. Strong triple-threat performers required. High stamina, precision choreography ability, and stylistic adaptability essential.