Updated May 30, 2025

OLIVER! Casting Call

(scroll down for available roles)

Wavestage Theatre is delighted to announce its 28th season production of Lionel Bart’s OLIVER!

This award-winning musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist explores themes of social inequality, exploitation, and youthful rebellion in Victorian London's gritty underworld. Oliver navigates a world of pickpockets and criminals, finding unexpected friendship amidst danger. Book, Music, Lyrics by Lionel Bart. Freely adapted from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, and by special arrangement with Cameron Macintosh.

Wavestage is seeking a large cast of performers to fill the multiple iconic roles and effervescent cast. Wavestage is committed to diverse, inclusive casting. All roles are non-equity, and non-paying.

Directed by Sarah Langford
Music Direction by Mark Camilleri
Choreography by Penelope Artemis
Assistant Direction by Rhiannon Cotton-O’Brien
Youth Assistant Choreography by Emily Vick Agnew
Stage Managed by Elizabeth Furlano
Presented through Music Theatre International (MTI).

SHOW WEEK: November 9-16, 2025
NewRoads Performing Arts Centre

TORONTO REHEARSALS BEGIN: August 2025
Full rehearsal information and times are located below. Please note all dates for eligibility. Located at Eglinton and Mount Pleasant.

REHEARSAL REQUIREMENT: Rehearsals are held in TORONTO. Due to a short rehearsal period ALL rehearsals are mandatory. However, rehearsals will be broken down by scene and actors will only be required to attend when their scene is being rehearsed.

REHEARSAL DATES:
Wednesdays 5:30-10pm: August 20, 27th, September 3, 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5
Sundays 5-10pm: September 7, 14, 21, 28, October 5, 19, 26, November 2

TECH & PERFORMANCE WEEK: Performers without vehicles will be assigned carpools where available.

November 9 afternoon and evening ( youth will not be required)
November 10 10:30am-10:30pm ( some youth wil be released earlier)
November 11 10:30am-10:30pm
November 12 4pm-11pm
November 13, 14, 15, 16 performances

Scroll down for availabe roles

HOW TO SUBMIT FOR SINGING ROLES & ENSEMBLE

Please make a self-tape with one song that best reflects your talents, preferably in a style suitable for this production. Songs should be cut and under 2 minutes. Please state your name at the beginning of your video. Upload video to YouTube as an UNLISTED, not private, video (please check visibility permissions to confirm). **OR upload as a google drive.
Create a Google drive folder with your recent headshot (as .jpg), Resume and dance reel if you have one. Set your folder permissions to “anyone with link can view”.
Fill out the audition form below and include the url link to your materials.

HOW TO SUBMIT FOR DANCE ENSEMBLE

Create a Google drive folder with your headshot (as .jpg), resume and, dance reel if you have one. Set your folder permissions to “anyone with link can view”.
Fill out the audition form below and include the url link to your materials.
If singing isn’t your strong suit then please submit just the dance reel. If however, you can sing in the ensemble, please make a self-tape with one song that best reflects your talents, preferably in a style suitable for this production. Songs should be cut and under 1 minute.

Role Descriptions

Most of the positions in OLIVER have been cast. Wavestage is seeking a few more singers for for the following roles.

2-3 teenagers age 13-17 Strong singer/dancers for Ensemble positions in Fagins gang and Workhouse orphans
Rosekeeper - Strong soloist Soprano or Mezzo
Strawberry Seller - Strong Soloist Soprano CLASSICAL legit voice

Apply Here

Please be reminded to double-check all dates listed above.

Applicant Name

First Name

Last Name

Preferred Pronouns

Phone

(###)

###

####

What is your city of residence?

Height

Describe your performance background in detail.

Can you read music? What is your voice type? Please indicate who you study with and for how long.

Any injuries or accessibility concerns?

Are you applying for specific roles? If so, which?

If we are unable to offer you these roles, are you interested in accepting alternate roles or ensemble?

Link to Audition Video

http://

Google Drive link to headshot, resume and dance reel if available.

Please check the permissions of your file folder and ensure they are public.

http://

How did you hear about Wavestage?

Through social media.

I've seen a Wavestage production.

Through friends.

We've worked together before.

DETAILS/SCHEDULE: Taking part in a Wavestage production is not a light commitment as we produce productions with professional expectations both behind the scenes and on stage in a concentrated rehearsal timeline. It is imperative to the success of this production that everyone involved is able to give it their full attention and time. Please take a moment to read the rehearsal/performance schedule in full to assess whether or not you are able to make this commitment. All rehearsals are mandatory.

Should you have any conflicts to the schedule, please indicate them here:

ELIGIBILITY: Wavestage is committed to diverse, inclusive casting. There will be roles for dancers and nondancers. All roles are non-union, non-paying. Please see the description of roles as some roles require more singing and dance than others. We seek a variety of dance and movement experience. There will be a $125 costume rental/alteration fee.

I confirm that I have read and agree to these terms.

By writing your name below, you confirm that you have read all of this information in full and confirm that all of the information you have provided in this form is accurate, that you are aware of the commitment required and that you are available for all the dates you did not indicate as a conflict.

Ethno-Cultural Mandate:

Wavestage encourages submissions from all qualified performers, and prides itself on having an environment of equity, inclusion, and diversity. Artists from under-represented communities are encouraged to apply for auditions without regard to age, disability, ethno-cultural identity, gender or any other basis prohibited by law. All artists are invited to remove measurements and physical features from the resume.

Applying artists should be aware that Wavestage also does not tolerate any form of harassment of its employees, clients, volunteers, or any persons visiting or spending time on its premises.

TIME COMMITMENT:

Taking part in a Wavestage production is not a light commitment. Please take the time to fully assess whether or not you are able to make that commitment before you audition. It is imperative to the success of this production that everyone involved is able to give it their full attention and time. That said, if you do audition and are cast, the artistic team promises that your time will not be wasted. We will do the utmost to make sure we maximize rehearsals and that the rehearsal process and the performances will be artistically challenging and enjoyable.

Please also familiarize yourself with the calibre of our productions by visiting our YouTube channel.