Walterdale Theatre Associates
ONCE – GENERAL AUDITIONS
Book by Enda Walsh
Music and Lyrics by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová
Music Director: Rachel Haverkamp
Director: Bethany Hughes
Assistant Director: Jordan Campion
Stage Manager: Cassie Duval
Dates:
- Sunday, March 22 – Evening 6:00pm to 10:00pm
- Monday, March 23 – Evening 6:00pm to 10:00pm
Callbacks: Saturday, March 28 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Callbacks will include scene work, group music calls, and harmony work.
Location: Walterdale Theatre
Show dates: July 8, 2026, to July 18, 2026
What to Prepare/Bring:
- A self-accompanied song on the primary instrument you play. All cast members must play an instrument onstage. Please bring your own instrument(s). A piano is available at the audition space.
- A headshot and resume are welcome but not required.
- Cold reads will be provided.
CASTING NOTES
- Walterdale Theatre Associates is committed to inclusive casting. Artists who are members of under-represented communities are greatly encouraged to audition.
- Accents for characters are NOT required for auditions; accent work will be supported during rehearsals by Jon Shields.
- The auditions take place on the second floor of the building and how it is accessible by stairs. Please reach out to Jordan Campion to let us know if that will be a barrier.
- Ages listed are playable ages.
- Rehearsals are scheduled for Sunday, Monday, and Wednesday evenings for the months of April and May. Please consider all conflicts and bring them to your audition. June and July rehearsals will intensify as the show needs time for tech and staging etc.
- Instrument assignments marked with an asterisk (*) have some flexibility except where otherwise indicated.
- Walterdale is a volunteer organization and therefore are not able to engage CAEA/union members.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
GIRL
Female, 25–40 — Mezzo-Soprano
Direct, intelligent, witty, and “otherworldly.” Practical, grounded, and unsentimental, but deeply moving.
Must play: Piano (required)
Other considerations: Strong Czech/Eastern European accent. Sings extremely well.
GUY
Male, 25–40 — Baritone
A struggling Irish musician with vulnerability and charm. Works in his father’s vacuum repair shop.
Must play: Guitar (required)
Other considerations: Strong Irish accent. Must sing and play extremely well.
BILLY
Male, 30–49 — Baritone
Loud, funny, protective owner of the music store. Larger-than-life but with emotional depth.
Must play: Guitar*
REZA
Female, 25–29 — Soprano
Sexy, funny, bold, and charismatic Czech violinist.
Must play: Violin/Fiddle (strong requirement)
BARUSKA
Female, 45+ — Alto
Girl’s mother. Warm, outspoken, and delightfully unfiltered. Loves a full home and full stomachs.
Must play: Accordion and/or Piano*
BANK MANAGER
Any gender, 30–49 — Vocal type open
Prim, proper, yet secretly passionate about music.
Must play: Guitar* and Cello*
DA
Male, 50+ — Vocal type open
Guy’s father. Quiet, steady, loving.
Must play: Guitar* and Ukulele/Mandolin*
SVEC
Male, 20–39 — Baritone
An eccentric character who loves TV and coffee.
Must play: Guitar* and Drum Kit*
ANDREJ
Male, 20–29 — Baritone
Earnest, sweet, slightly awkward. Works in fast food but dreams big.
Must play: Guitar* and Bass Guitar*
EAMON
Male, 20–49 — Baritone
Gruff recording studio manager who eventually warms to the musicians.
Must play: Guitar* (and Piano*)
EMCEE
Male, 20–49 — Baritone
A lively, good-natured bar emcee with sharp humour.
Must play: Guitar* (and Piano*)
EX-GIRLFRIEND
Female, 20–39 — Mezzo-Soprano
Guy’s kind, likeable ex now living in New York.
Must play: Violin*
IVANKA
Not being cast at this time.
Please use the link below to sign up for auditions. We look forward to seeing you!
Walterdale Theatre acknowledges that our theatre is located on Treaty 6, a traditional territory of the Cree and has been an important trading place of the Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Nakota Sioux, Dene, and Métis peoples of western Canada for many thousands of years. We also recognize and honour that we are Treaty people and therefore seek to uphold the spirit and intent of this Treaty.