AUDITIONS
Widely regarded as one of the greatest musicals of all time, Gypsy is a bold, brassy, and emotionally rich tale of ambition, fame, and family. Inspired by the memoirs of legendary burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, the show follows the indomitable stage mother Rose as she pushes her daughters June and Louise through the vaudeville circuit in a relentless pursuit of stardom. With a dazzling score that includes classics like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Let Me Entertain You,” and “You Gotta Get a Gimmick,” Gypsy explores the highs and heartbreaks of show business—and the cost of chasing the spotlight.
DIRECTOR: Andy Planck
CHOREOGRAPHER: Jakob Michael
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Martel Harris
WHEN:
MONDAY, JANUARY 19
Dance Call · 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Vocal Auditions · 7:00 - 10:00 PM
*Dance Call required if auditioning for the following roles:
-Tulsa -Dainty June -Baby June -Newsboys -Farm Boys -Hollywood Blondes
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20
Callbacks · 7:00 - 10:00 PM
*PLEASE REGISTER FOR AN AUDITION TIME IN THE AUDITION REGISTRATION FORM BELOW
WHERE:
Three Rivers Music Theatre
416 W 4th Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46808
WHAT TO PREPARE:
Please prepare one of the provided audition selections linked in the character descriptions below. Callback selections are also included.
MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR:
REHEARSALS:
March 23 - April 16
Mondays-Thursdays · 7:00 - 10:00 PM
*TECH REHEARSALS:
Sunday, April 19 · 1:00 - 9:00 PM
Monday, April 20 · 6:00 - 10:00 PM
Tuesday, April 21 · 6:00 - 10:00 PM
Wednesday, April 22 · 6:00 - 10:00 PM
Thursday, April 23 · 6:00 - 10:00 PM
*PERFORMANCES:
Friday, April 24 · 8 PM
Saturday, April 25 · 8 PM
Sunday, April 26 · 6 PM
Friday, May 1 · 8 PM
Saturday, May 2 · 8 PM
Sunday, May 3 · 6 PM
Friday, May 8 · 8 PM
Saturday, May 9 · 8 PM
Sunday, May 10 · 6 PM
*Conflicts for Tech Rehearsals and Performances will not be accommodated
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
ROSE (Female-presenting, 35–55)
The ultimate stage mother — bold, brash, and unstoppable. Rose is fiercely determined to make her daughters stars, especially her youngest, Louise. She’s driven by her own unfulfilled dreams and an unrelenting desire for recognition. Rose is a powerhouse of ambition, charm, manipulation, and vulnerability, all wrapped in one unforgettable character. This is a tour-de-force role that requires commanding stage presence, impeccable comic timing, and a strong belt voice. A true force of nature.
LOUISE / GYPSY ROSE LEE (Female-presenting, 18–30)
Shy, awkward, and often overlooked, Louise begins the show in the shadow of her sister and mother — uncertain of her place in the world. But over the course of the story, she transforms into the confident and magnetic burlesque star, Gypsy Rose Lee. This role requires a nuanced actor with a strong emotional range who can portray both vulnerability and glamor. Strong actor-singer with movement ability and comfort with tasteful burlesque performance.
HERBIE (Male-presenting, 40–60)
A kind, patient, and loyal man who serves as Rose’s long-suffering manager and would-be husband. Herbie is a gentle counterbalance to Rose’s relentless ambition, offering stability and unconditional support — until he finally reaches his breaking point. A warm and grounded presence with strong acting chops and a natural, understated charm. Baritone or character voice; minimal singing required.
DAINTY JUNE (Female-presenting, 16–25)
Rose’s star daughter — a precocious, high-energy performer groomed from childhood to be a headliner. June is flashy, cheerful, and relentlessly “on,” but underneath her polished stage presence lies a girl longing for independence from her overbearing mother. Must have strong dance skills (preferably ballet and tap), excellent comedic timing, and a big personality. Strong singer with a bright, youthful voice.
BABY JUNE (Female-presenting, 8–13)
The ultimate child star — adorable, outgoing, and full of energy. Baby June is the center of her mother’s attention and the star of the family’s vaudeville act. She sings, dances, and performs with exaggerated charm and confidence. Must have strong stage presence, solid vocal ability, and strong dance/movement skills (especially in tap). A big personality in a small package.
YOUNG LOUISE (Female-presenting, 8–13)
Timid, quiet, and overshadowed by her sister June, Young Louise is sensitive and observant, often fading into the background of the family act. She adores her sister and longs for her mother’s approval, though she’s not naturally suited for the spotlight. This role requires a strong young actor with emotional depth, subtlety, and the ability to show the early hints of the woman she’ll grow into.
TESSIE TURA (Female-presenting, 30s–50s)
A veteran burlesque performer and former ballerina, Tessie is brassy, bold, and proud of her craft — even if it’s not exactly high art. She’s one of the trio of strippers who mentor Louise in the world of burlesque. Tessie is humorous, sharp-tongued, and has great comedic timing. Must move well and be comfortable with tasteful burlesque. Strong character actor with a confident stage presence.
MAZEPPA (Female-presenting, 30s–50s)
A bold, deadpan, no-nonsense stripper who proudly plays the trumpet in her act. Mazeppa is tough, sarcastic, and unbothered by what anyone thinks — and she’s got a hilariously dry delivery. One of the three seasoned performers who teach Louise the ropes of burlesque. Must have strong comedic timing and physicality. Ability to fake playing trumpet is a plus but not required.
ELECTRA (Female-presenting, 30s–50s)
A flashy, eccentric stripper whose gimmick involves an electrified light-up costume. Electra is quirky, glamorous, and a little spacey — but knows how to steal the spotlight in her own unique way. One of the trio of seasoned burlesque performers who guide Louise. Must have excellent comedic timing, confidence, and physicality. Comfort with tasteful burlesque required.
TULSA (Male-presenting, 18–30)
A charming and ambitious young dancer in the vaudeville troupe who dreams of breaking out on his own. Tulsa is sweet-natured, optimistic, and has genuine chemistry with Louise. He gets his big moment in the show-stopping number “All I Need Is the Girl,” showcasing strong technical dance ability (especially jazz and tap) and a smooth baritone or tenor voice. Triple threat performer preferred.
FARM BOYS (Male-presenting, 18–40)
A lively group of wholesome, energetic young men featured prominently in the numbers “Dainty June and Her Farm Boys” and “Broadway.” They bring humor, charm, and strong ensemble skills through singing, dancing, and acting. Triple-threat performers preferred who can create a fun, spirited atmosphere onstage and support the storytelling with sharp, synchronized movement. (Including L.A., Yonkers, Angie)
HOLLYWOOD BLONDES / BURLESQUE DANCERS (Female-presenting, 18–25)
A versatile group who first appear as Madame Rose’s Toreadorables — a sassy, high-energy vaudeville dance ensemble — and later transform into the glamorous burlesque dancers in Gypsy Rose Lee’s iconic striptease sequence. Performers must have strong jazz and burlesque dance skills, confident stage presence, and the ability to shift between playful vaudeville charm and sultry burlesque style. Triple-threat performers preferred. (Including Agnes, Marjorie May, Dolores, Thelma, and Gail)
NEWS BOYS (Male-presenting, 10–15)
A group of energetic young boys (could absolutely be girls in news boys costumes) who perform alongside Baby June in “Baby June and Her News Boys” and the “Military Routine.” They bring youthful charm, playful energy, and tight ensemble work through singing, dancing, and acting. Strong triple-threat skills preferred for this featured ensemble role. Tap dance skills a plus!
UNCLE JOCKO / CIGAR / KRINGELEIN / WEBER (Male-presenting, 40–60)
A versatile character actor role covering several distinct supporting parts:
Uncle Jocko: a rough-and-tumble carnival barker with a gravelly voice and boisterous energy.
Cigar: a sharp, no-nonsense theatre manager in Wichita.
Kringelein: a pragmatic hotel manager in Akron.
Weber: a polished theatre manager in Los Angeles.
Each role requires strong character acting skills and vocal versatility to differentiate personalities, along with excellent comedic timing and physicality. Minimal singing but strong stage presence essential.
POP / MR. GOLDSTONE / PHIL (Male-presenting, 50s–60s)
A versatile character actor playing multiple supporting roles:
Pop: a warm, fatherly figure who offers wisdom and support.
Mr. Goldstone: a sharp, businesslike character involved in the vaudeville and theatre world.
Phil: Gypsy Rose Lee’s savvy and polished press agent, skilled at navigating the world of publicity and media.
This triple-role requires strong versatility, clear characterization, and solid ensemble skills. Minimal singing required. Physicality and comedic timing helpful.
ENSEMBLE (All Ages)
Various roles including child performers (iconic balloon girl), vaudeville performers, stagehands, strippers, and more. Strong singers, dancers, and character actors of all ages.