How I Became a Pirate

Uptown Music Theater is excited to announce general auditions for How I Became a Pirate. This musical for young audiences will be directed by Jeri Hart, and choregraphed by Sarah Canon. Music Director is Aaron Kaplan. Uptown Music Theater’s Artistic Director is Jamie Davidson, and the show is also produced by its Vice-President, Larry Mason.

​Audition Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025 – 6pm – 9pm *Portions of auditions will be recorded on video. If you are not available on the audition date, please email info@uptownhp.org

Callback Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025 – Noon – 4pm  *Portions of callbacks will be recorded on video

Audition, Callback, and Rehearsal Location: West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge Rd., Highland Park, IL

Time Commitment:

Rehearsals:  Tues. 1/13/26  – Thur., 2/18/26: Weekly rehearsals will be Mondays 7:15-9:15pm, Tuesdays 6:30-9:15pm, Thursdays: 6:00 -9:00pm and Sundays (2/1, 2/8, and 2/15/26 only) 2pm – 5pm. Fridays, Saturdays, and the other Sundays will be days off.

Tech Rehearsals/Final Dress: Sunday, 2/21: 4pm – 10pm; Mon 2/22-Fri 2/27, 6pm-10:00pm

Performances: Saturdays and Sundays, 2/28/26 – 3/15/26, 10:00am and 12:30pm. Twelve performances.

Performance Location: Elm Place Auditorium, 2031 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park, IL

​What to Submit and Prepare: Please reserve an audition slot and submit Uptown’s How I Became a Pirate Audition Form and include your headshot and resume. Please prepare a 1 minute music selection in the style of the show that highlights your musical and vocal strengths. Please bring your sheet music in a three-ring binder for the piano accompanist, and a copy of your headshot and resume for the creative team. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your audition call time. You will not dance at auditions. Actors who are called back will dance.

​How I Became A Pirate Description

How I Became a Pirate is a musical adventure on the high seas. 10-year old Jeremy (or Jenny) Jacob is digging in the sand at North Beach when they are recruited by the friendly Captain Braid Beard and his mates to help find the perfect digging spot for their treasure. Boarding the ship, the Captain and the pirate crew share with Jeremy/Jenny the ins and outs of a pirate’s life at sea including how to talk like a pirate and “proper” pirate manners and etiquette (or the lack thereof). The pirate world proves to have many surprises for Jeremy/Jenny and she ultimately learns that true treasure can be found in the heart and home.

How I Became a Pirate Character Descriptions

Roles may be any gender in this production. We encourage gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with.

JEREMY or JENNIFER JACOB – a child of about 10 years old, played by a child

BRAID BEARD (age 18+) – the Pirate Captain –  with a “braided beard” on his chin

SWILL THE PIRATE (age 18+) – with wire-rim eyeglasses – philosophical – intellectual – who gets blamed for everything that goes wrong

SHARKTOOTH THE PIRATE (age 18+) – foreboding pirate – scowling grin – wears a patch on eye – but yet – a “sensitive guy” – ballet ability a plus

PIRATE MARIE/PIERRE (age 18+) – talks with a French accent – the ship’s cook – enjoys fine French cuisine

MAX/MAXINE THE PIRATE (age 18+) – wears a stuffed Parrot on their shoulder – “he’s only a stuffed, plush Parrot but we don’t have the heart to tell ‘im ‘ees not real”

PIRATE SEYMOUR BRAUNSCHWAGGER (age 18+) – A typical Pirate First Mate

PIRATE SCURVY DOG (age 18+) – A typical Pirate Second Mate – with a tendency to “bark”

Note: SEYMOUR and SCURVY will cover for other pirates if they are unable to perform.

Please let us know if we can assist with any accessibility accommodation or questions to facilitate the casting process.

Uptown’s Illness & Infectious Disease Policy: Actors self-assess for common infectious disease symptoms. If symptoms are present, a COVID-19 test shall be taken. All symptom-related information, testing, and results will be treated confidentially. Negative test results without symptoms will allow the actor to resume work, while positive results require following the local health guidelines. This policy will be periodically reviewed and communicated to the actors as needed, ensuring a safe working environment.

Uptown Music Theater’s Commitment
Uptown stands against systemic racism, hatred, and violence. Uptown strives to ensure our theater is a safe space and secure environment, free of harassment or intimidation. We acknowledge that lack of action is harmful.

Uptown is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Uptown promotes positivity, communication, and equitable hiring. We encourage actors of all genders, ethnicities, body types, and abilities to submit for the roles to which they most identify.