The Very Popular Theatre Company is a Newcastle based company with a mission to bridge the gap between community theatre and professional theatre in the Hunter region. We provide access to high-calibre creative teams, professional-standard production values and create a rehearsal environment where every performer is empowered to succeed.

What if Romeo’s ending, was Juliet’s beginning?

Created by the Emmy®–winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this hilarious hit musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love, her way.

With every twist of the tale, & Juliet reimagines iconic pop songs you know and love—in ways you’ll never expect. Featuring “Since U Been Gone,” “Larger Than Life,” “…Baby One More Time,” “I Want It That Way,” “It’s Gonna Be Me,” “Roar,” “It’s My Life,” “That’s The Way It Is,” and more. The only thing tragic is missing it.

CREATIVE TEAM

Directed by - Lauren Harvey

Choreographed by - Vanessa Ambrose

Musical Direction by - Dan Wilson 

 

PRODUCTION DATES

Applicants must commit to being available for both the production week and a one-week season. All shows will be performed at the Civic Theatre Newcastle.

• Production week commences 15th June 2026
• Final performance 28th June 2026

REHEARSALS

• Tuesdays 6pm-9pm 
• Sundays 10am-5pm 
• Rehearsals will commence 31 March 2026
• All rehearsals held in the Newcastle area
• Please look over the rehearsal and production schedules carefully and notify the production team of any clashes that you have with any rehearsal or performance calls. It is important to be organised and transparent about conflicting commitments. After the show has been cast there will be no room for conflicts or changes to the schedule.
• To view the full rehearsal schedule click here.

AUDITIONS

All auditionees must be aged 16 years or over at the time of the first performance. All roles in this production are being auditioned, no roles have been precast. We are looking for a diverse cast of performers. All ethnicities and gender types are encouraged to apply for any roles unless specifically stated.

DANCERS ONLY

We are looking for individuals who wish to be part of our electrifying dance ensemble who may not be required to have a microphone. In this instance you are not required to submit an audition video, just attend the ADVANCED dance call on 8th November. 

LEADING/SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

If you wish to be considered for leading/supporting character role, auditions will be via video audition. Submissions will be received until the 26th October 2025 at 5:00pm. 

Auditionees should prepare a song excerpt aprox 1 minute in length or the length of a verse and chorus (or bridge and chorus). Excerpts should be in the style of "POP", but not songs from the show. All songs should be performed with backing track accompaniment.

& Juliet is a musical that blends the styles of 30 years of pop music with modern musical
theatre. The best place to find songs to fit this style include other musicals that attempt
similar blends (think Moulin Rouge or SIX) or in Max Martin’s extensive catalogue.

IN PERSON CALL BACKS 

Callbacks for individuals auditiong for LEADING/SUPPORTING CHARACTERS will be held on:

• Sunday 9 November 2025 1:00pm
• 144 Fern St Islington NSW 2285

We will send specific material to learn from the show for the roles we'd like to explore further with you. If you do not get a call back it does not necessarily mean you will not be offered a role in the show.

ADVANCED DANCE CALL #1 (ADVANCED DANCERS ONLY)

You will be required to attend a compulsory dance call #1 on

• Saturday 8th November 2025 2pm - 3:30pm
• Lambton High School - Multipurpose Centre - Young Rd

MOVERS DANCE CALL #2 (FULL COMPANY)

You will be required to attend a compulsory dance call #2 on

• Saturday 8th November 2025 4pm - 5:30pm
• Lambton High School - Multipurpose Centre - Young Rd

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

LEADING & SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

JULIET 

Playing Age: Early 20's 

The overprotected daughter of the Capulets, limited in her experience of love, but also an unfailingly optimistic rebel-in-waiting. Juliet will challenge social conventions of female modesty and decorum - not a docile, obedient girl, but a confident, independent woman - as she learns to own her choices and love herself for who she truly is. 

Special requirements: Should be able to whistle. 

Vocal Range: F3 to minimum top D5 belt, strong mix to F5. Strong Musical Theatre Pop. 

Other Requirements: Great actor and strong mover with excellent musicality and high stamina. 

ANNE/APRIL 

Playing Age: mid 30's - mid 40's 

The strong-willed wife of Shakespeare who doubles as Juliet's best friend. Older than her husband, and in many ways wiser, she is his biggest fan, but also his sharpest critic. Recognizing the parallels between Romeo & Juliet and her own life, Anne's determination to see Juliet persevere is deeply personal. As she writes herself into the new play as April, we see the fun-loving side of Anne that she hasn't explored in years. 

Vocal range: G3 - top D5 full belt. Strong Musical Theatre Pop. 

Other Requirements: Great actor, strong mover with excellent comic timing 

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE 

Playing Age: 30-43 

Handsome, famous, and endlessly aware of his own wit, William Shakespeare is the jolly leader of his company of Players, until his wife Anne begins to question his authority. William enjoys the spirited competition that ensues, and brings a mischievous spirit to rewriting with Anne, until it becomes clear that much more than the fate of his play is at stake, and he is forced to reexamine his priorities. 

Vocal Range: G3 - A4 (or ideally C5). Strong Musical Theatre Pop. 

Other Requirements: Great actor, strong mover with excellent comic timing. 

LANCE 

Playing Age: 40-60+ 

Francois' father, a burly former soldier. As a widowed single parent, Lance only wants a better life for his son, but the weight of his expectations is driving a wedge between them. This changes, however, when an unexpected reunion with an ex-lover restores the twinkle to Lance's eye, and he is reminded of the complicated nature of finding true love. 

Vocal Range: A2 - Eb4. This character speaks with a French accent. 

Other Requirements: Great actor, good mover & comfortable with choreography and have excellent comic timing. 

ANGÉLIQUE (NURSE) 

Playing Age: 40-50+ 

Juliet's confidante who has cared for her since she was a baby and is closer to Juliet than her own mother. Boisterous, bawdy, and full of surprising sensuality that has long been repressed for Juliet's sake. As Angélique becomes the unexpected focus of a reignited romance, she struggles, for the first time, to put her own needs first. Vocal Range: Lowest note is E3, needs a minimum D5 in full belt (mix to high F#). Strong Musical Theatre Pop. 

Other Requirements: Great actor good mover & comfortable with choreography and have excellent comic timing. 

MAY 

Gender Diverse / Playing Age: 18 - Mid 30's 

Loving and always supportive of Juliet, May is a young person discovering who they are in the world. An ideal companion for a trip to Paris with Juliet, May sees an opportunity to start fresh, and finds a newfound strength while fighting for a life-changing relationship. 

Vocal Range: G3 - Ab4. Strong Musical Theatre Pop. 

Other Requirements: Great actor, strong mover with excellent musicality. 

ROMEO 

Playing Age: 20-30+ 

Juliet's first love is a notorious womanizer, in love with love, and above all, a drama queen, but he is also a true romantic whose feelings for Juliet go beyond anything he has experienced before. As he comes to terms with mistakes of the past, he, too, is longing for a second chance. 

Vocal range: G3 - A4. Strong Musical Theatre Pop. 

Other Requirements: Skilled actor with comic timing and a good mover comfortable with choreography. 

FRANCOIS 

Playing Age: 20 - Mid 30's 

A misunderstood musician with a playful sense of humour. Like Juliet, Francois is inexperienced in the ways of love, and is dealing with an overly controlling parent (Lance). Through Juliet, he develops the courage that will open up a world of possibilities. 

Vocal Range: C#3 - F#4 or G#4. Strong Musical Theatre Pop. 

Other Requirements: Skilled actor with comic timing and a good mover comfortable with choreography. 

 

THE PLAYERS (ENSEMBLE)

Playing Age: 20-45

Vocal Range: Strong pop vocals ranging of all ranges.

Casting performers with strong pop vocals who have potential to play a range of parts from Judith, Richard, Lucy and Eleanor (Shakespeare's troupe of colourful, comedic and versatile performers), Lord Capulet and Lady Capulet, Benvolio (Romeo's friend, female presenting performer) and also to cover the Principal roles.
* SINGERS will attend the MOVER'S DANCE CALL as a minimum. You are more than welcome to attend ADVANCE DANCE CALL if you feel that is appropriate.

 

DANCERS ONLY

Playing Age: 20-35 

Vocal Range: N/A

Other Requirements: Strong dance ability with high stamina & expressive physicality.
* Dancer only candidates must attend the ADVANCE DANCE CALL.

To audition for &Juliet I understand that; 

• If cast, I will be required to attend all allocated rehearsals.
• If cast, I may need to provide a Working With Children's Check.
• I understand the casting process is final and no feedback will be given.
• If I am cast I will be held accountable The Very Popular Theatre Company’s Behaviour Standards.
• I understand that photographs/video may be taken during the audition process, and that I give permission for my photographs/video to be used for, but not exclusive to, casting, social media and marketing.