Announcing Auditions for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF presented by Merit Theatre Company & Orchestra
Based on Sholem Aleichem stories by special permission of Arnold Perl
Book by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Produced & directed by Benjamin & Kaitlyn Iocco
Music direction by Benjamin Price
Choreography by Haley Moore Haskin
Set in the little village of Anatevka, the story of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich with humor and heart, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a sweeping, deeply human story about family, faith, love, and survival in a world on the brink of change. It remains one of the most beloved musicals of all time.
AUDITIONS
- Friday, May 1, 7:00–9:00 PM
- Saturday, May 2, 2:00–5:00 PM & 6:00–8:00 PM
Fort Mitchell Baptist Church
2323 Dixie Hwy, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017
By appointment only. You can sign up for an audition slot at www.signupgenius.com/go/5080C4EACAC2BA2F49-63055864-auditions#/
Also accepting video auditions (due May 2 by 8:00 PM).
WHAT TO PREPARE
Seeking actors of all ages. Please prepare:
- A 60-second monologue in the style of the show
- 16–32 bars of a musical theatre song in the style of the show (classic Broadway, folk-inspired, and/or character-driven storytelling).
When selecting your monologue and song, choose contrasting pieces that showcase your range. Storytelling and emotional connection are prioritized over vocal acrobatics.
Actors will also participate in a movement/dance call. Movement in this production is character-driven and rooted in tradition and ensemble storytelling. Please wear comfortable, appropriate clothing and shoes you can move in.
WHAT TO BRING
- Sheet music in the correct key with cuts marked. An accompanist will be provided. No a cappella or accompaniment tracks (except for video auditions).
- An acting résumé, headshot, and completed audition form.
VIDEO AUDITIONS
Follow the same requirements above and film your audition. Please ensure a full-body shot to showcase movement and physicality. Upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo and email the link to production@merittheatre.org, along with your résumé, headshot, and completed audition form. Video auditions may use an accompaniment track. Deadline: May 2 at 5:00 PM
CALLBACKS
Monday, May 4, at 7:00 PM – By invitation only
Callbacks will include songs and scenes from the show. If you do not receive a callback it does not mean you will not be cast.
Auditions and callbacks will be held at:
Fort Mitchell Baptist Church
2323 Dixie Hwy, Fort Mitchell, KY 41017
REHEARSALS
Actors will rehearse four evenings per week beginning June 15 in Northern Kentucky. Not everyone will be called to every rehearsal. Tech week begins August 23 and will be held nightly.
PERFORMANCES
Anderson Center Theater
7850 Five Mile Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230
August 28 at 7:30 PM
August 29 at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
August 30 at 3:00 PM
September 3 at 7:30 PM
September 4 at 7:30 PM
September 5 at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
ADDITIONAL NOTES
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is rooted in the traditions and lived experiences of a Jewish community in early 20th-century Eastern Europe. We are committed to approaching this story with cultural respect, authenticity, and care, and we welcome performers of all backgrounds who are eager to engage thoughtfully with this material.
Some roles may benefit from natural, period-appropriate facial hair. Although this is appreciated, it is not required for casting; however, most male actors will probably be asked to let their beards grow.
Seeking strong actor-singers who move well and are fully committed to character. Ensemble members will help bring the world of Anatevka to life through specific choices, strong vocal blend, and cohesive movement. This is an acting-driven ensemble requiring focus, energy, and attention to detail.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
- TEVYE: Male, 45–50. Vocal range Ab2–F5. The likable, hard-working, pious dairyman who always tries to see the positive side of life. He is a proud patriarch and father of five daughters, closely raised according to old scriptures.
- MOTEL, the tailor: Male, 18–30. Vocal range E3–F#4. Sensitive, nervous, and lovable with strong comic timing and vulnerability. Moves well. A poor tailor who finds courage through love.
- PERCHIK, the student: Male, 18–25. Vocal range B2–E4. Intense, idealistic, and charismatic. Strong acting required. Moves well. A radical thinker who challenges tradition and falls in love with Hodel.
- FYEDKA, the Russian soldier: Male, 20–30. Primarily speaking role with featured tenor solo in “To Life.” Strong actor; Russian accent required. Strong dancer preferred. A gentle outsider whose love challenges boundaries.
- LAZAR WOLF, the butcher: Male, 40–60. Vocal range C3–F#4. Strong comedic actor with presence. Moves well. Wealthy, proud, and resentful after losing Tzeitel.
- THE CONSTABLE: Male, 35–60. Non-singing. Strong character actor. A familiar authority figure whose loyalty ultimately lies with oppressive orders.
- GOLDE: Female, 40–55. Vocal range A3–Eb5. Strong actor with sharp comic timing. Moves well. Tevye’s practical, strong-willed wife and emotional backbone of the family.
- TZEITEL: Female, 18–20. Vocal range B3–D5. Strong dramatic actor. Moves well. Eldest daughter who defies tradition for love.
- HODEL: Female, 16–20. Vocal range B3–E5. Strong dramatic actor with emotional depth. Moves well. Falls in love with Perchik and chooses conviction over comfort.
- CHAVA: Female, 16. Soprano/Alto. Strong dramatic actor. Ballet or lyrical dance preferred. A thoughtful daughter whose forbidden love breaks her father’s heart.
- SHPRINTZE: Female, 10–14. Soprano/Alto. Few lines; strong stage presence. Moves well.
- BIELKE: Female, 8–12. Soprano/Alto. Few lines; strong stage presence. Moves well.
- YENTE, the matchmaker: Female, 45–60. Vocal range F3–F5. Strong comedic actor. Moves well. A meddling, gossip-loving village fixture.
- GRANDMA TZEITEL: Female, 50–75. Vocal range C#4–D5. Strong character actor. Moves well. Doubles with ensemble.
- FRUMA-SARAH: Female, 35–55. Vocal range C4–Eb5. Strong actor required. Moves well. A show-stopping ghostly warning in the dream sequence.
- ENSEMBLE: Performers of various ages to portray the villagers of Anatevka (mamas, papas, sons, daughters). Ensemble members may also be assigned featured, named roles.
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. http://www.mtishows.com
Auditions for Cincinnati LAB Theatre’s 2026 New Works Festival will be held at the Evendale Cultural Arts Center, 10428 Reading Rd, Evendale, OH 45241, April 19, 2pm-5pm & April 20, 6pm-9pm.
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