Talented Performers Audition for New Zealand’s & Juliet Musical

A high-stakes casting call for the New Zealand premiere of & Juliet attracted nearly 400 hopeful performers to Wellington’s Te Auaha on Sunday. Director Hamish Mouat and his creative team are in the final stages of a nationwide audition process, seeking a cast of just 20 individuals for this vibrant reimagining of Shakespeare’s iconic heroine.

The auditions, which have already taken place in Auckland and Christchurch, require performers to showcase their talents within a tight five-minute window. Each candidate must sing, dance, and convey their unique charisma to impress the panel. Many of the participants are not newcomers; they include graduates from the country’s top theatre schools and seasoned professionals with extensive credits in both local and international productions.

Inside the studio, the atmosphere is charged with excitement as Mouat, choreographer Destiny Anderson, and musical director Zac Johns prepare for the next round of auditions. Mouat expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The energy in the room during auditions around the country has been amazing. There have been so many talented people and such fantastic dancers.”

As each performer steps onto the stage, the panel maintains a composed demeanor, but subtle indications of approval emerge—exchanged glances, nods, and faint smiles signal when a candidate makes a strong impression. Some auditionees exhibit confidence, while others display signs of nerves, yet all arrive well-prepared, knowing the demands of the roles they seek.

Mouat acknowledged the challenge presented by & Juliet, noting its blend of musical theatre with modern styles such as pop and hip hop. “We need the theatricality of musical theatre, mixed with all these modern styles. It fuses two worlds that often don’t get fused together,” he explained.

As the next group of auditionees arrives, a sense of community permeates the reception area. Performers stretch, run vocal scales, and share encouraging words with each other, creating an atmosphere of support. Some emerge from the studio exhilarated, while others express disappointment over brief auditions.

Mouat is acutely aware of what he seeks in candidates. “We’ve seen some phenomenal singers, but we also need that X-factor. It’s a show where everybody needs to be able to hold a stadium—heightened exuberance, charisma, and performance,” he stated. The director remains focused, calculating how each performer might fit into the overall vision for the production.

Surprises abound in the audition process. Mouat recalled a moment where a performer gave him goosebumps from the first note. Yet, the most significant challenge remains the role of Juliet, described as the show’s “beating heart.” Mouat elaborated on the character’s complexity: “She’s layered—innocent and confident, sweet and 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.”

In the coming weeks, Mouat and his team will face the difficult task of narrowing down the candidates. “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 jig-saw making sure it all fits,” he noted. Despite the challenges, he expressed excitement about the wealth of talent available in New Zealand, eagerly anticipating the show’s debut.

& Juliet is set to perform in Auckland from April 9 to May 3, 2024, in Wellington from May 9 to May 24, 2024, and in Christchurch from May 30 to June 13, 2024. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and Ticketek.