Updated April 10, 2025

OLIVER! Casting Call

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
Dramaturgy 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

Applications accepted now until May 18. Invited dance call May 28.

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).
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

Oliver Twist – Oliver Twist is the 10-11-year-old orphan around which the whole plot of the show revolves. Oliver starts out in the workhouse. Oliver longs for a family and escapes to big city to try to make his fortune – though Oliver has no idea what adventures awaits there! Strong Singer Playing Age: 9 - 12 unchanged voice British accent

Fagin – An elderly receiver - runs training academy for young pickpockets. Fagin recruits, trains, and manages a gang of child-thieves. Though he claims he cares for each of his children, providing them food and shelter and characteriscally calling them “my dear,” he’s really only concerned with the money these young thieves bring in. Age: 45 to 70 Cockney accent

The Artful Dodger- Fagin's brightest pupil. Dodger is one of the most famous characters in literature. Dodger is charming, upbeat, and charisma. Though Dodger works for Fagin as a thief, Dodger is the first person to show Olivert real kindness and a place to belong. Strong Singer with Dance experience Playing Age: 13 - 19 Cockney accent

Bill Sikes – A villain in his prime. He is mean, selfish, and ruthless, and he always looks out for number one. He bullies everyone around him, especially Nancy, and is paranoid, always afraid that people will betray him. Playing Age: 30 - 55 Strong Singer Seeking a full voice and menacing presence.Voice type Bass Baritone or Bass Cockney accent

Nancy – Nancy is a graduate of Fagin’s academy and Bills girlfriend She is vivacious and kind, the life of the party, and she immediately takes Oliver under her wing. Unfortunately, she is involved with Bill Sikes, who is a troublesome person. Age: 28-40 Strong mix voice Mezzo with a good mix belt. Cockney accent

Mr. Bumble – A large and pompous Beadle (head) of the workhouse. He is cold, cruel, and he doesn’t care one bit about the boys in his workhouse. Age: 35 - 60 Voice Type: exceptional Singer. Could be tenor or baritone( key transposition for Boy for Sale) Cockney accent

Widow Corney – A sharp-tongued, domineering widow - the Workhouse Mistress. Only cares that the work gets done and puts money in her pocket. Age: 35 - 60 Exceptional Singer required Voice Type: soprano Cockney accent

Mr. Brownlow – An old gentleman of wealth and breeding. Takes Oliver in. This person has to read Grandfather Age: 55 - 70 British posh accent

Mrs. Bedwin – Mrs. Bedwin is Mr. Brownlow’s kindhearted housekeeper. This is a lovely featured role. She sings the reprise of Where is Love. Playing Age: 50 - 70 Voice Type: Mezzo or Soprano. British posh accent

Mr. Sowerberry – Is the undertaker who purchases Oliver from Mr. Bumble. He is a callous man who does not treat Oliver much better than Mr. Bumble. Comedic role. Playing Age: 40 - 60 Strong Baritone with dance abilities. Cockney accent

Mrs. Sowerberry – Mr. Sowerberry wife and overseer. She gives Oliver scraps for the dog to eat. She, like her husband, does not care at all for Oliver’s well-being and only wants him to work. Age: 45 - 60 Strong Singer and character Actress Mezzo or Belt. Cockney accent

Bet – Bet is a friend of Nancy’s who shares her spirited nature and sense of adventure. Like Nancy, Bet has a kind heart but has fallen upon hard times. Age: 17 - 28 Strong Singer with good mix and good dance skills. Cockney accent

Charlotte Sowerberry – Charlotte is the daughter of the Sowerberrys. She is kinder to Oliver than the others in the Sowerberry home, but not by much Seeking a Comedic Actress Age:16 – 21 Cockney accent

Noah Claypole – Noah Claypole works for the Sowerberrys. He is a mean, bully person who insults Oliver’s mother on purpose to upset him.. Age: 17 - 25 Cockney accent

Mr. Grimwig - A Doctor. The doctor who treats Oliver. He is intelligent but a bit pessimistic. Age: 30 - 60 Comedic Actor British posh accent

Old Sally – A Pauper with a secret. Speaking acting Role The nurse at Oliver’s birth and now a pauper. She plays a vital role in Oliver’s identity.Age: 50 - 70 Cockney accent

Charley Bates - A teenager in Fagin's establishment. Age: 10 - 18 Strong Singer Cockney accent

ENSEMBLE
Wavestage Seeks to cast a tight-knit group of ensemble performers, singers and dancers, to bring to life this iconic story and it’s musical numbers.

Bustling Market of Paddington Green Ensemble- strong SATB singers
Rosekeeper - Strong soloist Mezzo
Strawberry Seller - Strong Soloist Soprano
Milkmaid - Strong Soloist Mezzo or Sop
Knife Grinder-Strong Soloist Baritone
Chairman of Board of Governors of Work House
Board of Governors - ensemble singing
Work House Matron
Work House Pauper Assistant
Policemen
Aristocrats
Chairman of the Three Cripples Tavern
Patrons of Three Cripples Tavern
Waitress of Three Cripples Tavern
Tavern Keeper
Maid at the Brownlow House
Lamplighter

YOUTH ENSEMBLE
We seek brilliant movers, singers and character actors to help tell our story and perform in the iconic numbers. Seeking Youth ages 8-16.

Work House orphans
Fagins Thieves
Book Seller

Apply Here

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

Applicant Name

First Name

Last Name

Preferred Pronouns

Phone

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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.