Come perform with us!!!!  

Seeking a VERY LARGE/DIVERSE cast of ALL AGES (14+)

FREE FOR ALL who participate.  SOME ROLES are paid (see Roles Section). 

About Hunchback:  Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as additional songs by Menken and Schwartz. Peter Parnell’s book embraces story theatre, featuring verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel. 

Highland Park Players will present this modern classic Disney show as a dazzling staged concert featuring an expansive choir, Chicago’s best theatrical talent, and a 20+ piece orchestra that will allow you to experience this magnificent story and music like never before!

A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical in concert.

Music by Alan Menken and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Book by Peter Parnell

Direction by Connor Giles
Vocal Direction by T.J. Anderson
Orchestra Direction by Ken Preuss 

Produced by Scott A. Schwartz, Bradley A. Rose
 

 

Join the Highland Park Players and perform March 28, 29, & 30, 2025 at the stunning new 550-seat McGrath Family Performing Arts Center in Wilmette!

McGrath Family Performing Arts Center (Wilmette)

 

Pictures from recent HPP productions

 

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PERTINENT DATES: 

• All auditioners must submit a video audition/form no later than JANUARY 12, 2025.
• In-Person Callbacks are by Invitation Only and will be held the evenings of January 21, 22, & 23, 2025. Only those being considered for principal roles and some featured ensemble may be seen in person.  Those being considered for the choir will only be reviewed by video submission.
• Performances:   March 28, 29 at 7:30pm and March 29, 30 at 2pm
• Tech Rehearsals:  March 24-27 in the evenings.  
• Rehearsals:  Beginning February 17 (M-Th evenings, Sat morning or afternoon TBD); Rehearsal schedule will vary based on role and is subject to change.  
• Location:  Performances and Tech Rehearsals at the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center in Wilmette.  Rehearsals at various locations including West Ridge Center in Highland Park.  Other venues TBD.  

 

AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Complete the TheaterForms form no later than JANUARY 12, 2025.
• Prepare a video showcasing 32 bars (60-90 seconds) of a song in the style of the show that demonstrates your range and vocal ability. Singing from the show is permitted. Upload the video to YouTube or Vimeo and provide the link in the TheaterForms form.  Please DO NOT share a Google Drive link. 
• If you are submitting for PRINCIPAL ROLE or FEATURED ENSEMBLE, you may be invited to an in-person Callback.  Notification of callback will occur the week after our virtual submission deadline of January 12, 2024.  If you are submitting for CHOIR, your only audition is your provided video, there are no callbacks.  Those invited to join the show (all roles & choir) will receive an invitation after we have concluded Callbacks (end of January).  

 

AVAILABLE ROLES:

NOTE: The gender identities listed below are those of the characters presented on stage. Actors of all ages, ethnicities, body types, gender expressions, and those with disabilities are encouraged to audition. 

QUASIMODO - Tenor

Gender: Male, Age: 25+ 

The bell-ringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, has a curved spine which affects his posture and gait.  A life ringing the enormous bells has given him great physical strength but has also caused a partial deafness. While Quasimodo is curious and intelligent, a lack of social interaction due to his lifelong seclusion can cause nervousness and shyness around other humans. Strong singer and actor.

 

ESMERELDA - Mezzo Soprano

Gender: Female, Age: 25+ 

A strong and free-spirited woman, who uses her talent as a dancer to support herself. Independent and strong-willed, she speaks her mind and stands up for what she believes in. Strong singer and dancer. 

 

DOM CLAUDE FROLLO - Baritone/Bass

Gender: Male, Age: 40+ 

Archdeacon of Notre Dame, he is the reluctant caretaker of Quasimodo. A righteous man with a tortured soul, the reluctant caretaker of Quasimodo.  He possesses a strong, imposing presence and commands attention and obedience whenever he is present. 

 

PHOEBUS DE MARTIN - Tenor/Baritone

Gender: Male, Age: 25+ 

A dashing new captain of the Cathedral Guard, he is fun-loving and overconfident. He is conflicted between following his duty and doing what is right. 

 

CLOPIN TROUILLEFOU - Tenor/Baritone

Gender: Any, Age: 30+ 

The King or Queen of the Gypsies who is clever and agile. Able to effectively hold the attention of a crowd, an excellent master of ceremonies. Clopin is acutely aware of the prejudice against Roma and is fiercely protective of Esmerelda.

 

JEHAN FROLLO - Tenor/Baritone

Gender: Male, Age: 20+ 

Claude’s reckless younger brother. He has been spoiled all his life and is lazy and greedy as a result. Wild, passionate, and strong-willed. Will also be part of the Congregation.

 

CONGREGATION (FEATURED ENSEMBLE)

Gender: Any, Age: 14+

This large group of strong and dynamic storytellers will narrate the story and will play many featured roles including Florika, Father Dupin, King Louis XI, and Aphrodisius.

These actors will play roles including gypsies, gargoyles, soldiers, and citizens of Paris. 

All congregation members will be involved in musical staging, with some being skilled dancers.  

 

CHOIR

Gender: Any, Age: 14+

A talented group of singers, the choir will be a separate ensemble from the “congregation.” This choral ensemble will be on stage throughout the show and will provide accompanying vocals. The choir will not be responsible for learning choreography or staging and will be able to hold music. Choral experience is a plus.
 

Stipends are available for the following roles: Quasimodo, Esmerelda, Dom Claude Frollo, and Phoebus de Martin. 

 

SEEKING TALENTED CHICAGO-AREA CHORAL GROUPS (or SINGERS) in groups of 6+ that may be interested in joining our choir!  Have a great group? EMAIL US!

The Highland Park Players is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. As such, we encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender, identities, sexualities and abilities to audition.

Questions?  Email us at hunchbackhpp@gmail.com