Hairspray: The Musical is a Tony Award-winning Broadway hit that bursts to life with infectious music, dynamic dance, and a powerful story of acceptance and change.

Set in 1962 Baltimore, the story follows Tracy Turnblad, a big-hearted teenager who dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins Show, the city’s most popular TV dance program. Despite the odds, Tracy’s talent and unstoppable spirit earn her a spot on the show, where she quickly becomes a sensation. But as she rises to fame, she discovers the deep-seated racial divisions within the entertainment industry and society at large. Determined to make a difference, Tracy teams up with her best friend Penny, heartthrob Link Larkin, her larger-than-life mother Edna, and the bold and inspiring Motormouth Maybelle to fight for integration and equality—proving that one voice, one step, and one beat at a time, change is possible.

Filled with show-stopping numbers like “Good Morning Baltimore,” “Welcome to the ’60s,” “Run and Tell That,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” Hairspray is a joyous celebration of individuality, love, and the power of standing up for what’s right. This high-energy musical brings laughter, heart, and a message that still resonates today: everyone deserves a place in the spotlight.

When:

• Monday, April 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Vocal + Dance)
• Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Vocal + Dance)

Where: New Vida Center - 3727 W Kiest Blvd, Dallas, TX 75233

Directions: Google Maps to Event Venue Apple Maps to Event Venue

Callbacks: Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM (Actors will be called as needed)

Attendance at callbacks is strongly encouraged for those wishing to be considered for lead roles.

• Audition Sign Up
• Movement Audition Video
• Callback Material

Vocal Audition:

• Prepare 16 bars of a song in the style of Hairspray (Broadway, pop, or Motown).
• Bring sheet music for the accompanist.
• No tracks or a cappella auditions.

Dance Call:

• Wear comfortable clothing and dance shoes for a movement combination.
• All those auditioning should be prepared to move.
• Designated movement combination is linked above for advance preparation.

Acting Audition:

• Be ready to read from the script (sides are available from the Callback Material link above).
• Headshot & résumé (Optional, but encouraged)
• Video submissions will be accepted and considered. Send to stagemanager@gifca.org by April 20 at 11:59 PM.

Rehearsals

• First Cast Meeting: Thursday, May 1 at 7:00 PM
• First Rehearsal: Monday, May 5 at 7:00 PM
• Rehearsal will be May 5 - June 12 and generally run Monday - Friday from 6:00 PM - 10 PM (most nights start at 7:00 PM) and some Saturday mornings, depending on the cast's availability and if scenes/choreography need additional time.
• A definitive rehearsal calendar, determined from the availability of those cast, will be shared at the first cast meeting.
• Every attempt is made to set a rehearsal calendar that works with your schedules prior to June 2 Sequence Week, requiring attendance only when you are active onstage.
• Rehearsal times and required attendance dates will vary by character and ensemble group.
• Please be sure to list all conflicts on your audition form, including days we do not specify we have rehearsals.
• Any conflicts must be specified on audition sign-up form.
• Set, props, & costume days will be on Saturdays.
• Starting June 2: Required attendance for all. No individual conflicts will be accepted. Cast must be available for all final rehearsals and performances as we do not cast understudies or double cast:
  
  • Sequence Week: June 2 - 7
  • Tech Week: June 9 - 12

Performances

• June 13 - 14
• June 20 - 21
• June 27 -28

Required Set Strike: Sunday, June 29th

Available Roles

FMT encourages everyone of all races and sizes to audition for age appropriate roles. We have often cast "against type", favoring believable acting & appropriate singing to specific look. However in this instance, a strong component of the Hairspray story revolves around race and body types in the 1960's. As a result, specific physicality / "look" must play an important part of casting for the show as required by the script. Specific physical appearances for individuals/groups will be sought: Black/African American, White/Caucasian, Plus-sized, Notably slimmer than plus-sized, Teen look, and Mature look (40+). We will not be using make-up to modify ethnicity or costuming to dramatically alter bodies into plus-sized.

Characters that should be plus-sized: Tracy and Edna Turnblad, Motormouth Maybelle.

Characters that should be notably slimmer than plus-sized: Velma and Amber von Tussle, Council Members.

Teen note: "Student" or "Council Member" roles will favor those who can effectively act / appear to be that age (16 - 19) on stage. Minimum age requirement: 13.

Tracy Turnblad
White
Female
16 - 19
B3 - E5

Pleasantly plump teenager with a big heart who has dreams of being a dancing star. Confident, talented, vibrant, and incredibly determined. Always on top of the latest trends. Tracy is on stage a lot for he show, performing in 10+ numbers including "Good Morning Baltimore", "I Can Hear the Bells", and many more!

Edna Turnblad
White
Female
40+
F3 - G5

Tracy's kind, plus-sized mother; runs a laundry business out of her home but hasn't been out in a while. Played by men on Broadway and in movies, FMT is open to that consideration OR to the role being played by a woman. The important thing is that whomever is cast, this NOT be treated as a "drag" role, but as a tenderhearted 60's mom. Performs in 5+ numbers including "You're Timeless to Me."

Penny Pingleton
White
Female
16 - 19
A3 - G5

Tracy's slightly dorky, but lovable best friend who is often by her side (when not grounded for life by her mother, Prudy). Falls head over heels for Seaweed. Performs in 4+ numbers including "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now" and "Without Love".

Amber von Tussle
White
Female
16 - 19
C4 - E6

Bratty, selfish resident princess of The Corny Collins Show. Her mother's daughter through and through, she is willing to do anything to win the Miss Teenage Hairspray pageant. Performs in 7+ numbers including "Cooties".

Velma von Tussle
White
Female
40+
G3 - C5

Amber's slim and attractive but overbearing mother, and former Miss Baltimore Crabs, who will go to any length to ensure her daughter is the next big thing. Velma is the scheming producer of The Corny Collins Show who tries to steer it in the "white" direction. Her sensitivities are offended at the very sight of Tracy. Great villainess role. Performs in 4+ numbers including "Miss Baltimore Crabs".

Motormouth Maybelle
Black
Female
40+
Alto
F3 - F4

The sassy corny Collins "Negro Day" DJ. Owner of a record store and mother to Seaweed and Little Inez. Plus-sized, she helps Edna find pride in herself. Performs in 3+ numbers including "Big, Blonde & Beautiful" and "I Know Where I've Been". Soulful alto voice.

Little Inez
Black
13 - 15
E4 - C5

Seaweed's little sister and just as talented a dancer. Tries to audition for The Corny Collins Show but is turned away by Velma because she is black. Performs in 3+ numbers including "Run and Tell That."

Female Authority Figure
White
Female
40+

The roles of Prudy Pingleton (Penny's uptight, conservative mother), the sadistic gym teacher, and the prison matron are often played by one cameo performer.

Corny Collins
White
Male
25+
Tenor
D3-A4

Exciting, confident dancing and singing host of his own TV dance show (think American Bandstand at its inception). Corny is in favor of Tracy and racial integration. Performs in 4+ numbers incluing "Nicest Kids in Town" and "Hairspray".

Link Larkin
Male
16 - 21
G2 - A4

Teenage heartthrob, aspiring young Elvis, and male lead dancer on The Corny Collins Show. Unexpectedly falls for Tracy (Amber is soooo jealous!). Council Member. Performs in 7+ numbers including "It Takes Two." Crooner.

Seaweed Stubbs
Black
Male
16 - 19
Tenor
F3 - Bb4

Motormouth Maybelle's son and a talented dancer on The Corny Collins Show, but only allowed on "Negro Day." Ends up in detention with Tracy. Falls for Penny. Performs in 4+ numbers including "Run and Tell That."

Wilbur Turnbald
Male
40+
Baritone
B2 - E4

Tracy's kind, slightly goofy father, who owns the Har-De-Har Hut joke shop. He is still madly in love with his wife, Edna. He encourages Tracy to follow her dreams. Performs in 2+ numbers, including: "You're Timeless to Me".

Male Authority Figure
White
Male
40+

The roles of Harriman Spritzer (Pres. Of Ultra Clutch cosmetics, Corny Collins show sponsor), the high-blood pressure principal, and Mr. Pinky (owner of a plus-sized dress shop) are often played by one cameo performer.

Ensembles

The Dynamites
Black
Female
25+

Judine, Kamilah, and Shayna - talented black vocal trio a la The Supremes. Featured in many numbers together and usually in tight harmony. May double for other ensemble roles like "Cindy Watkins,' etc..

Council Members
White
16 - 19

Tammy, Brad, Fender, Brenda, Sketch, Shelley, IQ, Lou Ann - Dancer / Singers on The Corny Collins Show. Perform in 5+ numbers including "Nicest Kids in Town" and "You Can't Stop the Beat."

Other Students
16 - 19

Gilbert (Black), Duane (Black), Lorraine (Black), Stooie, Thad, potentially others - Kids we find in detention, and most in Motormouth Maybelle's record shop. Perform in 4+ numbers including "Welcome to the 60's" and "You Can't Stop the Beat."