SPRING AWAKENING

Presented by the Hilo Community Players

A bold, raw, and deeply human musical about the chaos of growing up, the fear of not being heard, and the desperate need for connection. Set in a reimagined world where past and present collide, this production of Spring Awakening will blend emotional storytelling, intimate performances, and a contemporary folk-rock sound to create something haunting, vulnerable, and alive.

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AUDITION DATES
Thursday, July 2 at 7:30 PM
Tuesday, July 7 at 7:30 PM
CALLBACKS
Tuesday, July 14 at 7:30 PM

PERFORMANCE DATES
September 11, 12, 13, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 & 27, 2026

CONTENT ADVISORY

Spring Awakening is a mature exploration of adolescence, identity, sexuality, and the consequences of silence.

The production contains themes and depictions involving sexual awakening, sexual content, pregnancy, abortion, physical and sexual abuse, incest, masturbation, depression, suicidal ideation, suicide, grief, strong language, and emotional trauma.

Prospective performers should carefully consider the nature of the material before auditioning.

All simulated intimacy and moments of violence will be approached with professionalism and care. Intimacy and fight choreography will be utilized as needed to create a safe, respectful, and consent-based rehearsal environment for all artists.

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AGE REQUIREMENTS

Performers ages 18 and older are encouraged to audition.

Performers who are 16 or 17 years old may also audition; however, written consent from a parent or guardian will be required prior to casting and participation. Parents and guardians should be fully aware of the mature themes and content explored throughout the production.

Due to the mature nature of the material, performers younger than 16 will not be considered for this production.

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OUR APPROACH

One of the things that makes Spring Awakening so special is that the music doesn’t just accompany the story; it is the story. Many of the songs reveal what the characters cannot say out loud, making the music one of the most important storytelling tools in the show.

For this production, we’re looking for performers who can tell a story through song. We’re most interested in performers who can communicate truth, vulnerability, and connection through the music.

Musically, we’re drawn to a contemporary pop-rock/folk-rock sound that feels honest and emotionally grounded rather than overly polished or traditionally “Broadway.” Some moments in the show are intimate and vulnerable, while others explode with the energy of a live rock concert. We are looking for performers who can live comfortably in both of those worlds.

Because Spring Awakening is such an ensemble-driven piece, the ability to listen, blend, harmonize, maintain rhythm and timing, and support one another is just as important as individual vocal ability. Some of the most powerful moments in the show happen when voices come together to create a shared emotional experience.

Most importantly, we’re looking for performers who are emotionally available and willing to be vulnerable. The strongest auditions won’t necessarily be the loudest or most impressive vocally; they’ll be the ones that feel vulnerable and honest.

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AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

We are looking for dynamic actors/singers. While strong, healthy vocal technique is encouraged and always a priority, authenticity, emotional connection, and truthful storytelling are more important to us than perfection. Please arrive early to fill out audition forms. Also, come already physically and vocally warmed up and ready to dive right into auditions. Dress comfortably and bring water to stay hydrated.

Please prepare:

• One 32-bar cut (approximately one minute) of a contemporary musical theatre, folk-rock, pop-rock, alternative, indie, or singer-songwriter selection.

• Please do not prepare a song from Spring Awakening, or any Golden Age musical theatre material, overly comedic songs, or songs that show volume but not vulnerability.

• Songs by artists and writers such as Jonathan Larson, Sara Bareilles, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, Steven Sater/Duncan Sheik style-adjacent music, or similar contemporary styles are encouraged.

• Please bring clearly marked sheet music in the correct key for our live accompanist.

At the audition, performers may also be asked to:

• Perform a brief vocal range check.

• Sing a redirected portion of their audition selection.

• Participate in a movement section.

• Read from scenes (sides) from the script.

• Participate in ensemble work and group activities.

Our production will favor a raw, emotionally connected vocal sound over a traditionally polished musical theatre sound. We are especially interested in performers who can balance vulnerability and intimacy with the energy and urgency of a live rock concert.

Headshots and resumes are encouraged but not required.

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REHEARSAL COMMITMENT

Rehearsals will begin shortly after casting and will primarily take place in the evenings and on weekends.

Because Spring Awakening is a highly collaborative and ensemble-driven production, performers should be prepared for a significant rehearsal commitment. While conflicts will be considered during casting, consistent attendance is essential to the production’s success.

Please be prepared to list all known conflicts at auditions.

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CANNOT ATTEND AUDITIONS?

Whenever possible, performers should attend one of the scheduled audition dates.

However, if you have a legitimate conflict that prevents you from attending either audition date, please contact us as soon as possible. While we cannot guarantee alternate audition arrangements, we will make every reasonable effort to accommodate you when circumstances allow.

Please email hilocommunityplayers@gmail.com with your situation and availability.

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CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

Please note: Many of the characters in Spring Awakening engage directly with the mature themes outlined above. We encourage performers to carefully review both the content advisory and character descriptions before auditioning.

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AVAILABLE ROLES

WENDLA BERGMAN
Female-presenting | Able to Convincingly Portray a Teenager | Mezzo-Soprano

An innocent and curious young woman desperate to understand the world around her. Sheltered by the adults in her life, Wendla longs for honest answers about growing up, love, and her changing body. Her search for truth and connection drives much of the story’s emotional heart.

MELCHIOR GABOR
Male-presenting | Able to Convincingly Portray a Teenager | Baritone/Tenor

Highly intelligent, fiercely rebellious, and unwilling to blindly accept society’s rules. Melchior serves as the philosophical voice of reason among his peers while wrestling with his own desires, emotions, and growing feelings for Wendla.

MORITZ STIEFEL
Male-presenting | Able to Convincingly Portray a Teenager | Tenor

Melchior’s best friend. Sensitive, anxious, and overwhelmed by academic pressures and the realities of adolescence. Moritz desperately wants to succeed but finds himself crushed beneath impossible expectations.

ILSE NEUMANN
Female-presenting | Able to Convincingly Portray a Teenager | Mezzo-Soprano

A former classmate who escaped an abusive home to live among artists and outsiders. Independent, compassionate, and free-spirited, Ilse represents a life beyond society’s expectations.

HÄNSCHEN RILOW
Male-presenting | Able to Convincingly Portray a Teenager | Baritone

Confident, charismatic, and unapologetically self-assured. He embraces who he is without shame and often sees through the hypocrisy of the world around him.

ERNST ROBEL
Male-presenting | Able to Convincingly Portray a Teenager | Baritone

A sweet and somewhat naïve student searching for belonging and connection. Through his relationship with Hänschen, Ernst begins discovering confidence and self-acceptance.

MARTHA BESSELL
Female-presenting | Able to Convincingly Portray a Teenager | Mezzo-Soprano

Gentle, quiet, and deeply empathetic. Beneath her calm exterior, Martha carries painful secrets and longs for safety and understanding.

OTTO LÄMMERMEIER
Male-presenting | Able to Convincingly Portray a Teenager | Tenor

A sensitive and imaginative young man trying to make sense of the confusing emotions and desires that accompany adolescence.

GEORG ZIRSCHNITZ
Male-presenting | Able to Convincingly Portray a Teenager | Tenor

Awkward, romantic, and often ruled by his emotions. Georg’s enthusiasm and idealism frequently get him into trouble.

THEA
Female-presenting | Able to Convincingly Portray a Teenager | Mezzo-Soprano

Wendla’s outspoken friend. Impressionable and eager to fit into society’s expectations while navigating the uncertainty of adolescence herself.

ANNA
Female-presenting | Able to Convincingly Portray a Teenager | Alto/Mezzo-Soprano

A quiet and observant member of Wendla’s circle who is deeply aware of the strict boundaries placed upon young women.

ADULT MAN
Male-presenting | Adult | Tenor

One versatile performer portrays the many male authority figures who shape the lives of the young people in the story. Roles may include fathers, teachers, doctors, ministers, and school administrators.

Strong character work, emotional range, and versatility required.

ADULT WOMAN
Female-presenting | Adult | Alto/Mezzo-Soprano

One versatile performer portrays the many women who influence students’ lives, including mothers, teachers, caregivers, and other authority figures.

Strong character work, emotional range, and versatility required.

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WHO SHOULD AUDITION?

Actors of all ethnicities, body types, abilities, gender identities, and backgrounds are encouraged to audition.

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or newer to the stage, if this story speaks to you and you’re willing to work hard and collaborate generously, we’d love to see you at auditions!

Come ready to tell a story, take risks, and create something powerful together. We’re excited to meet you!