NEXT TO NORMAL AUDITIONS

Thank you for your interest in Arena Fair Theatre’s Next to Normal auditions! Here are some further details, including the song snippets that you should be prepared to perform during your time slot. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes early to fill-out a written audition sheet and feel free to attach an optional headshot and/or resume if you’d like.

Bring information about schedule conflicts for August, September and October, so you can include them on your written audition form.

Cast will be notified and list will be posted by Thursday, July 30, 2026. Callbacks (only if needed) will be Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

AUDITION LOCATION

Zion United Church of Christ
51 W. Central Ave., Delaware, Ohio

PERFORMANCES:

• Friday, October 16, 2026, 7:00pm

• Saturday, October 17, 2026, 2pm Matinee

• Saturday October 17, 2026, 7:00pm

• Sunday, October 18, 2026, 2pm Matinee

STAFF:

• Brian White, Producer/Director

• Elizabeth Vantangoli, Assistant Director

• Jason Murray, Tech Director

• Claire Vogt, Set Design

• LIVE ON-STAGE BAND!

• …and many more!

A NOTE ON PREPARATION

As is typical in any musical audition, you will be evaluated on your FULL performance, which includes acting, characterization and vocals. Since the show is mostly “sung-through”, you should come prepared with your best overall performance of the musical selections. The Instrument Tracks shown below will be used for your audition, so you should be comfortable with the orchestration and cuts.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

We will develop a schedule that minimizes conflicts in our small cast, but expect 3-4 rehearsals a week in August (where not all will be called due to blocking.). In September, expect 4 rehearsals a week and expect 5 rehearsals in October. We will move into the theater on October 3 but may have a chance to rehearse in the theater before then. The goal is not to overwork ourselves but to move into the theater with great confidence and readiness to fine-tune the production. Rehearsals are usually 6:30pm-9pm in the evenings and 9-11am on Saturday mornings and will usually be held at Zion UCC (same as audition location) unless we are granted theater access.

CHARACTERS

DIANA

A woman battling bipolar disorder and the weight of grief. Warm, loving, unpredictable, and emotionally complex. Vocal powerhouse role.
Female, 35-50. Vocal range : G3 - F#5
Song selections:
”I Miss the Mountains”, 1:40 clip (from “All these blank and tranquil years…. to I miss the pain.”)
AND
”Didn’t I See This Movie”, full 1:29.

DAN

Diana’s husband. Loyal, exhausted, hopeful, and in deep denial about the family’s struggles. Requires emotional stamina and strong vocals.
Male, 35-50. Vocal range: Ab2 - B4
Song selections:
”He’s Not Here”, first 1 minute.
AND
”I Am the One”, first 1:15.

NATALIE

The overachieving, overlooked daughter. Brilliant, anxious, sarcastic, and yearning for connection. Requires strong vocals and emotionality.
Female, 16-25. Vocal range: G3 - G5
Song selections:
”Everything Else”, final 1:20 (Lyric: “And everything else goes away…”)
AND
”Superboy and the Invisible Girl”, final 0:45.

GABE

Charismatic, mysterious, charming, and energetic. A major “rock star” vocal role with strong physical presence.
Male, 17-25. Vocal range: B2 - C5
Song selections:
”There’s a World”, first 1:15 min.
AND
”I’m Alive”, final 1:20 min. (Lyrics: “I’m alive, I’m right behind you…etc.”)

DR. MADDEN / DR. FINE

Dr. Fine: Diana’s practical, somewhat sterile psychiatrist. Dr. Madden: The charismatic, “rock star” therapist with intensity and presence.
Male, 30-55. Vocal range: A2 - A4
Song selection:
”Make Up Your Mind”, first 2:25.

HENRY

Natalie’s classmate and love interest. Chill, supportive, a little awkward, and warm-hearted.
Male, 18-25. Vocal range: G#2 - B4
Song selection:
”Hey #1”, full 1:39.