High-Stakes Casting Call for New Zealand’s & Juliet

Just before 13:00 on Sunday, a wave of anticipation filled the air outside Studio 3 at Te Auaha in Wellington. Inside, director Hamish Mouat and his creative team geared up for the final phase of auditions for the New Zealand premiere of & Juliet. This production demands a cast of only 20 from nearly 400 hopefuls, each vying for a chance to shine in this unique reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s iconic character.

Audition Process Draws Top Talent

The stakes are high, with each performer allotted just five minutes to impress the panel through singing, dancing, and showcasing their charisma. Many of the auditionees are not newcomers; they are graduates from New Zealand’s leading theatre schools and experienced performers with a wealth of credits both locally and internationally.

I was invited to observe the first hour of the auditions, where the energy was palpable. After a week of auditions held in Auckland and Christchurch, Mouat, choreographer Destiny Anderson, and musical director Zac Johns exuded enthusiasm. “The energy in the room during auditions around the country has been amazing,” Mouat remarked, noting the abundance of talent and exceptional dancers.

Inside the studio, the panel maintained composed expressions while evaluating the performances, though subtle exchanges—glances, nods, and smiles—revealed moments of shared approval. Some performers entered the room radiating confidence, while others displayed visible nerves. One performer struck the piano during their song, while another set down their coffee before launching into a number. Regardless of their nerves, all were well-prepared with every lyric and dance step meticulously practiced.

“We asked a lot for some roles,” Mouat explained, acknowledging the preparation exhibited by the auditionees. “They came along totally prepared, knowing what to do, and willing to do their best. It makes our jobs even more exciting.”

Finding the Perfect Juliet

Performers received varying responses; some were thanked after a single song, while others were invited to read lines, sing again, or warm up for additional numbers. The unique challenges posed by & Juliet require a blend of musical theatre with contemporary styles, including pop, hip hop, and street dance. “We need the theatricality of musical theatre, mixed with all these modern styles,” Mouat explained. “It fuses two worlds that often don’t get fused together.”

As the next group of auditionees arrived, a sense of camaraderie filled the reception area. Performers stretched, practiced vocal scales, and sought last-minute encouragement from friends. “That was the quickest audition of my life,” one remarked, having traveled five hours to participate. Another performer emerged visibly shaken, still processing the intensity of the experience.

Mouat is clear about his vision. “We’ve seen some phenomenal singers,” he stated. “But we also need that X-factor. It’s a show where everybody needs to be able to hold a stadium—with heightened exuberance, charisma, and performance.” He maintained a calm demeanor even when surprised by exceptional talent. “You’re doing the maths in your head—how can this person fit into the show?”

Some auditions left a lasting impact. Mouat recalled one instance where a performer’s first note gave him goosebumps. “Literally the first sound that came out of their mouth.” The role of Juliet is particularly crucial, described by Mouat as “the show’s beating heart.” He characterized her as layered—both innocent and confident, sweet yet sassy. “We’ve got to fall in love with her straight away, root for her the whole time, and watch her transform into the hottest rockstar in the world.”

Over the coming weeks, Mouat and his team will face the challenging task of narrowing down the cast. “A lot of very talented people will miss out, simply because we are looking for a cast of 20. It’s a bit of a jigsaw making sure it all fits,” he explained. “It’s been really exciting to see the talent the country has to offer. I can’t wait to share this show with audiences.”

& Juliet, produced by G&T Productions, will run in Auckland from April 9 to May 3, in Wellington from May 9 to 24, and in Christchurch from May 30 to June 13. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and Ticketek.