AUDITION & PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Come join the citizens of River City, Iowa, for one of Broadway's most beloved musicals! Rockport Little Theatre invites singers, dancers, and actors of all experience levels to audition for THE MUSIC MAN.
ALL ROLES ARE OPEN!
AUDITION PACKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT AUDITIONS. IF YOU HAVE A HEAD SHOT, BRING IT, IF NOT, WE WILL TAKE YOUR PICTURE!
ABOUT THE SHOW
There's trouble in River City! When fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill arrives in a small Iowa town, he convinces the townspeople that their youngsters desperately need a boys' band. There's just one problem: Harold doesn't know a trombone from a trumpet, and he plans to skip town with the money before anyone discovers his scheme!
But Harold hasn't counted on Marian Paroo, the sharp-witted town librarian and music teacher, who sees right through his act. As Harold charms the town and unexpectedly falls in love, this delightful musical reminds us that even the most unlikely people can change their tune.
Filled with unforgettable songs including Seventy-Six Trombones, Ya Got Trouble, Goodnight, My Someone, and Till There Was You, THE MUSIC MAN is a joyful celebration of music, community, and second chances.
IMPORTANT DATES
AUDITIONS: NOVEMBER 20–22, 2026
ADULT AUDITIONS (AGES 17+)
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Friday, November 20 — 6:00 PM
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Saturday, November 21 — 5:00 PM
Attend either adult audition session.
YOUTH AUDITIONS (AGES 9–16)
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Saturday, November 21 — 3:00 PM
CALLBACK AUDITIONS (BY INVITATION)
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Sunday, November 22 — 3:00 PM
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
SINGING
All auditioners will sing Seventy-Six Trombones from THE MUSIC MAN. Sheet music, lyrics, and accompaniment will be provided.
Although advance preparation is not required, all auditioners are encouraged to download the Seventy-Six Trombones rehearsal file from this website and familiarize themselves with the song before auditioning.
Seventy-Six Trombones rehearsal file Coming Soon!
ACTING
Auditioners will be given a short speech or monologue to perform.
DANCING / MOVEMENT
A short movement sequence will be taught during the audition. No advance preparation is required. All levels of dance experience are welcome.
CALLBACKS — SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, AT 3:00 PM
Callbacks are by invitation only. Those invited to the final audition will be provided with music and script excerpts from the show.
REHEARSALS
January 4 – March 4, 2027
The rehearsal schedule will be determined based on cast availability and the needs of the production.
Auditioners should be prepared at auditions to list any known scheduling conflicts during the rehearsal and performance period (January 4 – March 21, 2027).
PERFORMANCES
March 5–21, 2027
March 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21
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Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 7:00 PM
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Sunday: 3:00 PM
AVAILABLE ROLES
THE MUSIC MAN features a large cast of colorful characters, with opportunities for experienced performers and newcomers alike.
Character ages are suggested playing ages. Youth roles are listed within the 9–16 audition age range.
MALE ROLES
Approximately 12 roles available
Harold Hill — Lead Solo Role
Playing age: 25–35
A charming, quick-thinking traveling con man who arrives in River City with a scheme to sell instruments and uniforms for a nonexistent boys' band. Confident, charismatic, and a master of persuasion, Harold finds himself unexpectedly falling for Marian Paroo.
Marcellus Washburn — Supporting Solo Role
Playing age: 30–40
Harold's old friend and former partner in crime. Now a River City resident, Marcellus is outgoing, good-natured, and a natural entertainer.
Mayor Shinn — Supporting Role
Playing age: 50–60
River City's pompous, blustering mayor. Self-important, easily flustered, and frequently exasperated by his wife, Eulalie. A wonderful comedic character role.
THE BARBERSHOP QUARTET — Four Supporting Singing Roles
Four River City School Board members who discover an unexpected talent for singing together. Strong close-harmony singing is essential.
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Ewart Dunlop — Tenor: Grocery store owner and husband of Maud Dunlop. Playing age: 25–45.
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Oliver Hix — Baritone: School Board member and husband of Alma Hix. Playing age: 25–45.
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Jacey Squires — High Tenor: Livery stable owner and husband of Mrs. Squires. Playing age: 25–45.
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Olin Britt — Bass: School Board member and the quartet's bass voice. Playing age: 25–45.
Charlie Cowell — Featured Character Role
Playing age: 25–45
A persistent traveling salesman who knows Harold Hill is a fraud and is determined to expose him.
Additional Male Roles and Ensemble
Playing ages: 18–65
Constable Locke, Train Conductor, traveling salesmen, and River City townspeople. Opportunities for singing, acting, and movement.
FEMALE ROLES
Approximately 12 roles available
Marian Paroo — Lead Solo Role
Playing age: 20–30
River City's intelligent, independent librarian and piano teacher. Initially suspicious of Harold Hill, Marian gradually discovers that there may be more to him than meets the eye. A strong singing and acting role.
Mrs. Paroo — Supporting Solo Role
Playing age: 45–60
Marian and Winthrop's warm-hearted, spirited Irish mother. Cheerful, outspoken, and always ready to offer her daughter a little romantic advice.
Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn — Supporting Role
Playing age: 40–50
The mayor's flamboyant, opinionated wife and River City's self-appointed social leader. Loves gossip, attention, and being in charge. A terrific comedic role.
THE PICK-A-LITTLE LADIES — Supporting Singing Roles
River City's enthusiastic gossip circle. These women provide some of the show's funniest ensemble moments. Singing and strong character work are important.
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Maud Dunlop: Wife of Ewart Dunlop. Playing age: 25–45.
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Ethel Toffelmier: Marcellus Washburn's girlfriend. Playing age: 25–45.
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Alma Hix: Wife of Oliver Hix. Playing age: 25–45.
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Mrs. Squires: Wife of Jacey Squires. Playing age: 25–45.
Additional Female Roles and Ensemble
River City townspeople and additional Pick-a-Little Ladies. All ensemble members must be able to sing.
YOUTH ROLES
Approximately 12 roles available
Tommy Djilas — Supporting Role
Playing age: 15–16
A spirited young man with a reputation as a troublemaker. Secretly courting the mayor's daughter, Zaneeta, Tommy becomes an important part of Harold Hill's plans for River City's youth.
Winthrop Paroo — Supporting Solo Role
Playing age: 9–12
Marian's shy younger brother, who struggles with a lisp and rarely speaks. Harold's arrival helps Winthrop discover a new sense of confidence and belonging.
Zaneeta Shinn — Featured Singing and Dancing Role
Playing age: 14–16
The mayor's lively, romantic daughter who is secretly in love with Tommy Djilas. Sweet, energetic, and occasionally a little scatterbrained.
Gracie Shinn — Singing and Dancing Role
Playing age: 9–12
The mayor's mischievous youngest daughter. Spirited, playful, and full of personality.
Amaryllis — Singing and Dancing Role
Playing age: 9–12
Marian's young piano student. Outspoken, sometimes a little bratty, but ultimately sweet and endearing.
River City Kids — Singing and Dancing Ensemble
Playing ages: 9–14
Energetic youngsters who bring River City to life! Opportunities for singing, dancing, and acting.
COME BE PART OF THE MUSIC MAN!
Whether you're interested in a leading role, a featured character, or joining the lively citizens of River City, there's a place for you in this exciting production.
ALL ROLES ARE OPEN — WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT AUDITIONS!
Questions? Contact Lynn Soeby, Director
Call or Text: 830-220-0484
Email: soebyit@yahoo.com