Eastern Idaho's Theatre Trendsetters!
What we are looking for in your audition:
As directors, we have been asked to share information pertaining to the process of presenting a great audition. At the Palace Theatre we look for four main items as we hold auditions for each theatre productions.
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PRESENTATION: As each person presents him/herself on stage, the first 10 seconds tells the most about the type of performer we are about to watch. We look for eye contact, projection and enunciation while introducing him/herself and selections to be presented. We look for stage presence, such as standing tall on both feet, eyes engaged, confidence, and grooming.
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MATERIAL SELECTION: Choosing a great song for each audition is key. It is best to sing material that is similar in tone, mood, and personality to the musical for which you will audition. For example, at the auditions for Newsies we heard great choices from Matilda, Annie, and Junie B. Jones, which were more fitting than Gershwin ballads or church songs.
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ABILITY: Musical selections are required to have accompaniment. This shows ability to match pitch, rhythm, and if the singer can produce volume. Monologues give us the opportunity to see contrast in style and character of the one who auditions.
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ROLE PLACEMENT: Even when all the above have been met or have even excelled, we still must look at the needs of the production. Considerations are made as to how many to cast and costume, and how varying ages, sizes and shapes can be utilized to fit the needs of the show.
There are many variables to consider when casting each production. Hours are spent going over the applications checking rehearsal conflicts and reviewing impressions from the audition. It is wonderful to watch children, teens, and adults participate. We are always grateful to each and every one from our talented community who choose to audition for a production at the Palace Theatre.
What you should have prepared before you come to auditions:
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Come prepared to sing 16-32 measures from a Broadway musical similar to the scheduled production. All audition songs are expected to be memorized. Do not plan to sing an entire verse, only 32 measures are needed. Lengthy music introductions should be eliminated.
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Musical selection should reveal character, personality, vocal quality and range.
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Musical auditions must be accompanied. A cappella auditions will not be accepted. Accompaniment can be live, keyboard, or electronic. An accompanist will be available if needed, but it is always wise (if possible) to bring your own. If you use electronic accompaniment, please eliminate lengthy introductions.
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A short 30-second memorized monologue is recommended. A monologue is not a poem. It is a memorized selection spoken by a character from a musical or play, performed to reveal the character’s intent.
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Please supply a personal resume. If you do not have a completed resume, use the following link: AUDITION FORM, to print and fill out with your personal information to be submitted at the time of your audition at the Palace.
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Date you know you have conflicts for both the rehearsal process and shows.
Audition Disclaimer: If we are unable to cast the appropriate actors for West Side Story, we may select an alternate production that best fits the talents and actors who auditioned.
West Side Story​
Director - Kelsey Rain
Music Director - Trudy Bidwell
Choreographer - Madison Hernandez
Stage Manager - TBA​
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Performance dates:
July 16th- August 8th
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Audition Dates:
Date: April 7th and 8th, 2026
Times: 6:30PM to 9:00PM
Disclaimer: audition dates are subject to change, so please check back or subscribe to be notified.
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Character and Dance Callbacks by invitation only.
If you would like to send a video audition please send it to thepalacetheatrepocatello@gmail.com by April 7th, 2026.
Accompanist, Aux, and iPhone hook-up will be available.
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Please prepare 16-32 bars of music in a similar style of the show.​
Please prepare a 30-60 second monologue.
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All roles are available (see below for roles). Ages 13 and up are able to audition. No previous experience is needed, we welcome and encourage anyone from the community to come audition!
Riff
A spritely, quick-tempered leader. He seeks to eliminate the Sharks and establish his own gang's dominance. Tony's best friend, he is eventually murdered by Bernardo.
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 30
Vocal range: Bb2-G4
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Tony
A romantic young man and former leader of the Jets, he has found a new lifestyle now. Tony finds himself violently torn between his friendships and love. Falls in love to Maria and meets an untimely death. Genuinely sweet and sincere.
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 30
Vocal range: Bb2-Bb4
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Bernardo
A proud, strong, handsome Puerto Rican man. Bernardo seeks to carve out territory as a sense of identity for he and his friends. Maria's brother and Anita's boyfriend. Leader of the Sharks.
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 35
Vocal range: Bb2-Eb4
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Maria
A hopeless romantic and innocent young girl. She falls in love with Tony and finds herself at the center of the violent conflict between the two gangs. Bernardo's sister. Puerto Rican.
Gender: female
Age: 18 to 21
Vocal range: Bb3-C6
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Anita
Feisty and assertive. She dispenses "older sister" advice to Maria and tries to shield her from the dangers of the gangs. Bernardo's girlfriend and Maria's friend. Puerto Rican.
Gender: female
Age: 25 to 30
Vocal range: F3-D5
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Chino
An angry and, at times, naive Shark who turns murderous and vengeful. Suitor to Maria and friend of Bernardo's.
Gender: male
Age: 20 to 25
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Anybodys
A spunky tomboy who is desperate to become a member of the Jets. The other Jets mock her for her ambitions, but generally appreciate her company. Full of energy and heart.
Gender: female
Age: 15 to 25
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Doc
The owner of the candy store where the Jets hang out. He tries to guide the Jets youthful angst and provides a safe haven for Tony. Old fashioned and wise in his ways.
Gender: male
Age: 60 to 75
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Schrank
A local police detective frustrated by the ongoing violence between the Jets and Sharks. Blunt, brash, and unapologetic.
Gender: male
Age: 40 to 55
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Krupke
The local beat cop. He has no patience for the gangs conflict and tries to keep tensions from errupting between them. Regularly mocked by the local gangs.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 60
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Ensemble
Jets, Sharks, Jets Girls, Sharks Girls