Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Auditions at Near West Theatre
Ages 16 & Up

Directed by David Turner
Musical Direction by Bret Tassone
Choreography by Kristy Cruz & Kirk Eichelberger

Audition Information
Auditions: Tuesday, February 10; Wednesday, February 11; Thursday, February 12
Time: 7:00–10:00 PM (All auditioners must stay for the full time)
Callbacks (by invitation only): Saturday, February 14, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Performance Dates
April 17, 18, 24, 25, 26
May 1, 2, 3

Additional Audition Information

• You must be at least 16 years old to audition
• You must register to audition
• No headshot or résumé required
• No preparation needed
• Auditions are group-based and include theatre games, improvisation, movement, and characterization

About The Show
Jamie New is 16 years old and lives on a council estate in Sheffield. He doesn’t quite fit in and feels terrified about the future, but Jamie is destined to become a sensation. With the support of his brilliant and loving mother and his friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, defeats bullies, and emerges from darkness into the spotlight.

Book & Lyrics by Tom MacRae
Music by Dan Gillespie Sells
>From an idea by Jonathan Butterell

EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com

Casting Statement
Near West Theatre is committed to diverse, inclusive casting. We welcome artists of all backgrounds and will cast without regard to disability, race, age, sexual orientation, color, gender identity, national origin, ethnic origin, or any other protected characteristic. We strive for authentic representation and are dedicated to ensuring marginalized groups are fully and thoughtfully included.

This production is open to participants ages 16 and up. The show explores themes of gender expression, identity, and bullying. We are committed to fostering a respectful, supportive environment for all cast, crew, and audience members. Our goal is for every cast member to feel safe, seen, and celebrated throughout the process.

Character Breakdown
Jamie New – Tenor (B2–C5)
All ethnicities; male-identifying or non-binary performers
Bold, witty, and resilient teenager discovering confidence and self-expression. Strong comic timing, emotional honesty, and major stage presence required. Includes drag performance and movement in heels; prior experience helpful but not required. Performer must be open to coaching and rehearsal support.

Margaret New – Mezzo-Soprano (F3–F5)
All ethnicities; female-identifying performers
Jamie’s fiercely loving and protective mother. Strong vocal storytelling with the ability to balance humor and deep emotional vulnerability.

Ray – Alto (A3–D5)
All ethnicities; female-identifying performers
Sharp, funny, and fiercely loyal. Jamie’s biggest champion. Requires strong comedic instincts, warmth, and confidence.

Hugo Battersby / Loco Chanelle – Baritone / Bass-Baritone (F2–B3)
All ethnicities; male-identifying, non-binary, or gender-expansive performers
Former drag performer turned mentor. Grounded authority, warmth, and presence required. Includes drag performance; experience welcome but not required.

Miss Hedge – Mezzo-Soprano (A3–E5)
All ethnicities; female-identifying performers
Strict, authoritative teacher who values conformity. Requires strong vocals and commanding character work.

Pritti Pasha – Alto / Mezzo-Soprano (G3–E5)
South Asian or Middle Eastern heritage encouraged; female-identifying performers
Jamie’s intelligent, grounded best friend. Emotional honesty, warmth, and strong vocal ability required.

Dean Paxton – Baritone / Tenor
All ethnicities; male-identifying performers
A school bully whose bravado masks insecurity. Requires emotional range and the ability to show growth.

Becca – Soprano / Mezzo-Soprano / Alto
All ethnicities; female-identifying performers
Loud, outspoken, unapologetic. Bold energy and strong comic timing.

Bex – Soprano / Mezzo-Soprano / Alto
All ethnicities; female-identifying performers
Cheeky, high-energy, and irreverent. Strong ensemble work and comedic presence.

Fatimah – Soprano / Mezzo-Soprano / Alto
Muslim performers encouraged; female-identifying performers
A student navigating faith, identity, and self-expression. Requires warmth and honest character work.

Vicki – Soprano / Mezzo-Soprano / Alto
All ethnicities; female-identifying performers
Featured student ensemble role.

Mickey – Tenor / Baritone / Bass-Baritone / Bass
All ethnicities; male-identifying performers
Featured student ensemble role.

Sayid – Tenor / Baritone / Bass / Bass-Baritone
Middle Eastern or South Asian heritage encouraged; male-identifying performers
Featured student ensemble role.

Cy – Tenor / Baritone / Bass / Bass-Baritone
All ethnicities; male-identifying performers
Featured student ensemble role.

Levi – Tenor / Baritone / Bass / Bass-Baritone
All ethnicities; male-identifying performers
Featured student ensemble role.

Sandra Bollock – Tenor / Baritone / Bass-Baritone / Bass
All ethnicities; performers comfortable with drag presentation
A seasoned drag queen with a big personality and strong comic timing.

Tray Sophisticay – Tenor / Baritone / Bass-Baritone / Bass
All ethnicities; performers comfortable with drag presentation
Dry, sarcastic, sharp-witted.

Laika Virgin – Tenor / Baritone / Bass-Baritone / Bass
All ethnicities; performers comfortable with drag presentation
World-weary, warm, and grounded.

Jamie’s Dad – Non-singing role
All ethnicities; male-identifying performers
Jamie’s estranged father. Requires emotional restraint and realism.

Ensemble
All ethnicities, gender identities, and gender expressions encouraged to audition.

To register to audition, visit: https://www.nearwesttheatre.org/audition-notice-everybodys-talking-about-jamie