"Oliver" Audition Information

Role

Age

(Approximate)

Vocal Range

Character Description

Audition Songs

Audition Readings

Fagin

• very strong actor
• strong singer
• must move well

50+

Baritone

sly leader/trainer of  youthful gang of thieves and pickpockets

has affection for money/jewels

not keen on using violence to achieve goals

Pick a Pocket or Two

Reviewing the Situation

Act 1 Sc. 6 Pgs. 33-34 & 37

Act 2 Sc. 2 Pgs. 5 to top of 7

Act 2 sc. 3 Pgs. 17 to top of 18

Act 2 Sc. 3 Pgs. 19 - 20

Bill Sykes

• strong actor
• good singer
• must move powerfully

30 - 45

Baritone/Bass

powerfully built thief who is part of Fagin’s gang

violent /abusive villain

intimidating antagonist

My Name

Act 2 Sc. 1 Pgs. 4 – 7

Act 2 Sc. 3 Pgs. 17 – 20

Act 2 Sc. 6 Pg. 32

Mr. Bumble

• strong actor  with flair for comedy
• ·strong singer
• must move well

45 +

Tenor/Baritine

town Beadle who oversees workhouse

pompous man

looks down upon Oliver and boys in the workhouse

will lie and deceive to gain money

Boy For Sale

I Shall Scream

Act 1 Sc. 2 Pgs. 8 – 9

Act 1 Sc. 3 Pg. 13

Act 1 Sc. 4 Pgs. 24 – 25

Act 2 Sc. 4 Pgs. 24 – 25

Act 2 Sc. 5 Pgs. 28 - 29

Mr. Brownlow

• good actor
• ·non-singing role
• move as a gentleman of the period

50+

Non-singing role

older gentleman of wealth and breeding

impeccable manners and grace

Act 2 Sc. 2 Pg. 11 (bottom)

Act 2 Sc. 2 Pgs. 12 – 14

Act 2 Sc. 5 Pgs. 28 - 31

Mr. Sowerberry

• good actor
• good singer
• must move well

40+

Baritone

ghoulish undertaker

treats Oliver fairly well

henpecked by his wife

That’s Your Funeral

Act 1 Sc. 3 Pgs. 13 - 15

Noah Claypole

• good actor
• small non-singing role
• move well

16 - 20

Non-singing role

apprentice to Mr. Sowerberry

a bully to Oliver

Act 1 Sc. 3 Pgs. 20 - 22

Dr. Grimwig

• good actor
• small non-singing role

45+

Non-singing role

bumbling doctor

Act 2 Sc. 2 Pgs. 11 - 13

Role

Age

(Approximate)

Vocal Range

Character Description

Audition Songs

Audition Readings

Nancy

• very strong actor
• strong singer
• must move well

25 - 40

Alto

member of Fagin’s gang

grew up in life of crime

in love with Bill Sykes even though he is abusive

knows her station in life

passionate and caring

tries to help Oliver

As Long As He Needs Me

Oom-Pah-Pah

Act 1 Sc. 4 Pgs. 44 – 45

Act 2 Sc. 2 Pg. 7

Act 2 Sc. 3 Pgs. 18 – 20

Act 2 Sc. 5 Pgs. 30 - 31

Widow Corney

• Strong actor with flair for comedy
• good singer
• move well

45 - 55

Soprano

matron of the workhouse

marries Mr. Bumble

harsh, nagging woman

Oliver

I Shall Scream

Act 1 Sc. 2 Pgs. 8 – 9

Act 2 Sc. 4 Pgs. 24 - 25

Bet

• good actor
• good singer
• dancer

16 - 28

Second Soprano/

Alto

Nancy ’s friend

Part of Fagin’s gang

Idolizes Nancy

It’s A Fine Life

I’d Do Anything

Dancing and singing audition

No lines to speak of but acting in her scenes essential

Mrs. Sowerberry

• good actor
• good singer
• move well

40+

Second Soprano/

Alto

undertaker’s wife

nasty nag who is mean to Oliver

That’s Your Funeral

Act 1 Sc. 3 Pgs. 13 – 15

Act 1 Sc. 4 Pgs. 23 - 26

Mrs. Bedwin

45+

Mid Range

Soprano/Alto

Mr. Brownlow’s housekeeper

kind, well-bred woman who nurses Oliver back to health

grandmotherly type

Where is Love reprise

Act 2 Sc. 5 Pg. 29

Charlotte

• good actor
• non-singing role
• move well

14 - 19

Non-singing role

daughter of undertaker

a bit simple

has a liking for Noah Claypole

Act 1 Sc. 4 Pgs. 21 - 24

Role

Age

(Approximate)

Vocal Range

Character Description

Audition Songs

Audition Readings

Oliver

• strong actor
• strong singer
• move well

8 - 13

Boy Soprano

love starved boy raised in a workhouse

shy, naïve

will fight back when provoked (e.g. When bullied by Noah Claypole)

Where Is Love?

Who Will Buy?

Act 1 Sc. 5 Pgs. 27 – 29

Act 1 Sc. 6 Pgs. 39 – 41

Act 2 Sc. 2 Pgs. 15 - 16

Artful Dodger

• strong actor
• strong singer
• good dancer/move well

13 - 18

Baritone

young accomplished thief

one of Fagin’s gang

likeable scallywag

befriends Oliver and takes him to Fagin

Consider Yourself

I’d Do Anything

Act 1 Sc. 5 Pgs. 27 – 29

Act 2 Sc. 2 Pgs. 5 - 6

Fagin’s Boys

• good actors
• godd singers
• move well

7 – 18

(May be older if stature and looks are that of a teen)

Variety

Of vocal ranges acceptable

Please note: Boys and girls may audition for Fagin’s Boys

Dual roles:

workhouse children

part of Fagin’s gang

Food Glorious Food

Consider Yourself

Will give auditioners movement and acting directions as part of the audition to see how they react and move on stage.

Assets:

• Confidence
• Ability to follow directions
• Good listening skills
• Commitment to all required rehearsals
• Positive behaviour