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. <http://www.concordtheatricals.com>*www.concordtheatricals.com <http://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-jam... <https://www.nearwesttheatre.org/audition-notice-everybodys-talking-about-jamie>*