West Side Story

  • Non-Equity
  • Anywhere

Website musictheaterworks Music Theater Works

Great Music. Great Theater. The Works.

Pay Rate: Stipend starts at $400
Audition Date and Time: Due by Friday, October 31
Audition Location: Virtual
Contact Person Email: casting@musictheaterworks.org
Contact Person Name: Keely Vasquez

Music Theater Works is excited to receive general submissions for our upcoming show of West Side Story. The creative team consists of Sasha Gerritson (Director), Isa Ramirez (Choreographer), and Linda Madonia (Music Director).The audition submissions open are due by Friday, October 31, 2025. Auditions will only be accepted through the Google Form in this link: https://forms.gle/WrrA1oM2Noqt6K9EA

Material to Prepare:

Music Audition (30-45 second video) - Unlisted YouTube Link
- Please choose music that is in the style of the show or from the show.

Dance Reel (if applicable) - Unlisted YouTube Link

Time Commitment:

Rehearsals are generally M-Th from 6:30-10:30 PM and Sun. 5-10 PM. Tech Schedule will start at 5:30 PM on weeknights and as early as 1:00 PM on Weekends.
No absences are allowed during Tech.

PERIOD OF ENGAGEMENT for Production: WEST SIDE STORY 2026
Fittings/First Rehearsal: Sunday, June 28TH
Spacing: Wednesday, August 5st
Tech Rehearsals: Thursday, August 6st, through Sunday, August 9th
Final Dress: Tuesday, August 11th at 7:00pm
Preview with notes: Wednesday, August 12th at 2:00pm, and Thursday, August 13th at 7:30pm
Understudy Rehearsal: Post Matinee on Wed 08/19
Performance:
Fri 08/14 at 7:00pm; Sat 08/15 at 7:30pm; Sun 8/16 at 2:00pm;
Wed 08/19 at 2:00pm; Fri 08/21 at 7:30pm; Sat 08/22 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm; Sun 08/23 at 2:00pm
Wed 08/26 at 2:00pm; Fri 08/28 at 7:30pm; Sat 08/29 at 2:00pm and 7:30pm; Sun 08/30 at 2:00pm

**Dates and times are subject to change.**

Character Type/Restrictions:

General Notes for All Auditionees

  • Dance: Strong classical jazz and Latin styles required.
  • Fight Choreography: Several roles require staged combat proficiency.

***PRINCIPAL ROLES***

  • Tony – Male presenting, 20–30, Tenor (Bb2–Bb4) Former leader of the Jets. Earnest, idealistic, and romantic. Falls deeply in love with Maria, which changes his outlook on life.
  • Maria – Female presenting, 18–25, Soprano (Bb3–C6) A Puerto Rican immigrant, Bernardo’s sister. Innocent, hopeful, and passionate, she transforms from sheltered to fiercely determined through love and tragedy.
  • Riff – Male presenting, 20–30, Tenor/Baritone (Bb2–G4) Leader of the Jets. Clever, quick, and loyal to his gang. A natural leader with charisma and a street-smart edge. Must be a strong dancer.
  • Anita – Female presenting, 20–30, Mezzo-Soprano (F3–D5) Bernardo’s girlfriend and Maria’s close friend. Passionate, witty, confident, and fiercely protective.
  • Bernardo – Male presenting, 20–30, Baritone (Bb2–Eb4) Leader of the Sharks, Maria’s protective older brother. Proud, intense, and deeply rooted in his Puerto Rican heritage.
  • Chino – Male presenting, 20–30, Speaking role with light singing Shy, gentle Shark who is set up as Maria’s intended before she meets Tony. Becomes a tragic catalyst in the story.

***FEATURED & ENSEMBLE ROLES***

Jets 

  • Action – Male presenting, 18–30, Baritone/Tenor (G2–G4) The gang’s most hot-tempered member. Quick to fight and slow to cool down. Often the one to stir things up, but fiercely loyal. Strong dancer.
  • A-Rab – Male presenting, 18–25, Tenor (B2–G4) The gang’s prankster. Always ready with a sarcastic comment or joke, even in tense situations. Has a light, youthful energy but can turn serious when needed. Strong dancer.
  • Baby John – Male presenting, 16–22, Tenor (C3–G4) The youngest and most innocent Jet. A little naïve, often the butt of jokes, but deeply cares about his friends. His vulnerability adds emotional depth. Strong dancer.
  • Snowboy – Male presenting, 18–30, Baritone/Tenor (B2–G4) Known for being cocky and a bit of a know-it-all. He’s street-smart and enjoys the gang’s bravado. Often acts as comic relief in group scenes. Strong dancer.
  • Big Deal – Male presenting, 18–30, Baritone/Tenor (B2–G4) An eager Jet who follows the gang’s code without question. Sometimes tries too hard to fit in, which can lead to comedic moments. Strong dancer.
  • Diesel – Male presenting, 18–30, Baritone/Tenor (B2–G4) The gang’s physically strongest member, often used as the muscle. Protective of the Jets but not as quick-tempered as Action. Strong dancer.
  • Graziella – Female presenting, 18–30, Mezzo-Soprano/Alto (G3–C5) Riff’s girlfriend. Confident, bold, and the de facto leader of the Jet girls. Has swagger and a playful flirtiness. Strong dancer
  • Velma – Female presenting, 18–30, Mezzo-Soprano/Alto (G3–C5) Action’s girlfriend. Sassy, loyal, and quick with a comeback. Brings humor and grit to the gang’s scenes. Strong dancer.
  • Anybodys – any gender, 16–25, Mezzo-Soprano/Alto A scrappy tomboy desperate to be accepted as a Jet. Brave, persistent, and resourceful. Excellent physicality for fights and fast movement. Strong dancer.

Sharks

  • Pepe – Male presenting, 18–30, Baritone/Tenor (B2–G4) Bernardo’s right-hand man. Loyal, dependable, and a strong presence in group scenes. Often the voice of reason among the Sharks. Strong dancer.
  • Indio – Male presenting, 18–30, Baritone/Tenor (B2–G4) Hot-blooded and quick to react, Indio thrives on the gang’s rivalry with the Jets. Proud and competitive. Strong dancer.
  • Luis – Male presenting, 18–30, Baritone/Tenor (B2–G4) Easygoing and humorous, often helping to diffuse tension — but will fight if provoked. Strong dancer.
  • Toro – Male presenting, 18–30, Baritone/Tenor (B2–G4) Physically imposing Shark who serves as the “muscle” in fights. Fierce loyalty to Bernardo and the gang. Strong dancer.
  • Anxious – Male presenting, 18–30, Baritone/Tenor (B2–G4) Quick to jump in but second-guesses himself when tensions rise. Brings nervous energy to the group dynamic. Strong dancer.
  • Rosalia – Female presenting, 18–30, Soprano (B3–Bb5) Sweet, romantic, and dreamy. Often teased by the more worldly Shark girls for her naivety. Strong dancer.
  • Consuela – Female presenting, 18–30, Mezzo-Soprano/Alto (G3–C5) Bold, brassy, and outspoken. A leader among the Shark girls. Quick with a joke or a jab. Strong dancer.
  • Teresita – Female presenting, 18–30, Mezzo-Soprano/Alto (G3–C5) Flirtatious and fun-loving. Enjoys teasing both Sharks and Jets. Strong dancer.
  • Margarita – Female presenting, 18–30, Mezzo-Soprano/Alto (G3–C5) Warm and caring but tough when needed. Often serves as the “big sister” type in the group. Strong dancer.
  • Doc – Male presenting, 50+, Baritone/Speaking role Owner of the candy store. Wise, weary, compassionate voice of reason.
  • Lieutenant Schrank – Male presenting, 35–60, Speaking role Tough, cynical police lieutenant. Dislikes both gangs but favors the Jets.
  • Officer Krupke – Male presenting, 25–50, Baritone/Speaking role The bumbling, often ridiculed beat cop.
  • Glad Hand – Male presenting, 30–60, Speaking role Nervous, socially awkward social worker in charge of the dance.

To apply for this job please visit forms.gle.