The Drowsy Chaperone – Audition Announcement
The Adelaide Repertory Theatre is excited to announce details of the audition process and requirements for The Drowsy Chaperone.
Step into the sparkling, tap-dancing, champagne-popping world of The Drowsy Chaperone.
We are seeking a dynamic ensemble of exceptional singers, actors, and dancers to bring this hilarious, high-energy Broadway comedy to life. With the roles of the Man in Chair (Scott Nell) and the Chaperone (Bronwyn James) already cast, we are now assembling a talented cast of performers ready to embrace big characters, bold comedy, and show-stopping musical numbers.
If you love classic musical theatre, relish clever comedy, and are eager to perform in a vibrant ensemble packed with personality, glamour, and plenty of jazz-age flair, don’t hesitate to audition now.
Production Team
• David Sinclair – Director
• Rodney Hrvatin – Musical Director
• Kerry-Lynne Hauber – Co-Choreographer
• Chloe Svaikauskas – Co-Choreographer
• Stage Manager – Amanda Rowe
• Production Manager – Misch O’Keeffe
Auditions
• The roles of “Man in Chair”, “The Chaperone” and “Underling” have been pre-cast and therefore are not available to audition for. We are excited to announce that Scott Nell and Bronwyn James are reprising their star performances in these roles. All other roles are available.
• Auditions will be held on
o Saturday June 20th 10.00am to 6.40pm
o Sunday June 21st 10.00am to 6.40pm
• Your audition will comprise a 10 minute individual audition for dialogue and vocals. You are also required to attend a 20 minute group audition for movement and choreography.
• An audition time can be booked online by clicking on this link BOOK YOUR AUDITION
Movement auditions are scheduled in the middle of
each group.
If your audition is in the 1st half of a group, then your
movement audition will be after your individual
audition. (For example: audition time 10:10am then
your movement audition will be 10:50am)
If your audition is in the 2nd half of a group, then you
must arrive in time for the commencement of the
movement audition in your group. (For example:
audition time 11:30am then arrive early to attend the
10:50am movement audition).
Performance Dates
• Bump In Sunday 8th November 2026
• Performance 1 Thursday 12th November 7.30pm
• Performance 2 Friday 13th November 7.30pm
• Performance 3 Saturday 14th November 7.30pm
• Performance 4 Sunday 15th November 4.00pm
• Performance 5 Thursday 19th November 7.30pm
• Performance 6 Friday 20th November 7.30pm
• Performance 7 Saturday 21st November 2.00pm
• Performance 8 Saturday 21st November 7.30pm
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will be held Monday and Wednesday evenings 7.00pm to 10.00pm, Sunday’s (time to be confirmed).
Rehearsals will commence on 17th August 2026 allowing for a 12 week rehearsal period.
Monday and Wednesday rehearsals will be held at the ARTS Theatre in the Thomas Nave room.
Sunday rehearsals will focus on choreography and will be held at Kerry’s dance studio.
A rehearsal schedule will be provided.
Characters and Roles
Janet Van de Graaff: Stage Age: (30s)
Star of Feldzieg’s Follies who is conflicted about giving up her life on the stage to marry Robert Martin. Attractive, vivacious, outgoing personality. She loves being the center of attention and is the consummate 1920s starlet. Strong movement and special skills (acrobatics, juggling, splits etc.) a plus.
Vocal range: Alto with big belt (G3-E5) Janet Audition Material
Robert Martin: Stage Age: (30-40)
The groom-to-be who is deeply in love with Janet. He is the token 1920s leading man – debonair, dashing, and a matinee idol. He is cheesy, cheerful, and optimistic. Must be able to tap dance and roller skate.
Vocal range: Tenor (C3 – Ab4) Robert Audition Material
Aldolpho: Stage Age: (40s)
Latin lothario. A womanizing cad who is very impressed with himself. He is confident, vigorous, and a buffoon. Vaudeville-style acting and fake Spanish/Italian accent required. Should have great comic timing.
Vocal range: Bass/Baritone + great falsetto (A#2-G4) Aldolpho Audition Material
Mrs Tottendale: Stage Age:(45-60)
A wealthy widow and host of the wedding. She is flighty, eccentric, often times forgetful, and funny. She is absolutely charming, bubbly and oblivious to the confusion her behavior generates in other people.
Vocal range: Alto character voice (G3-Db5) Tottendale Audition Material
Feldzieg: Stage Age:(40s-60s)
Harried producer who will do anything to stop the wedding in order to keep Janet in the Follies. He is nervous, sarcastic, impatient, overbearing, and insensitive.
Vocal range: Baritone (Db3-Db4) Feldzieg Audition Material
Kitty: Stage Age: (30s)
Classic 1920’s dumb blonde chorine. She is Feldzieg’s “companion” and will do anything to be a leading lady. A cross between Norma Cassady from Victor Victoria and Lena Lamont from Singin’ in the Rain.
Vocal range: Soprano comedic belt (Bb3-F5) Kitty Audition Material
George: Stage Age: (30s-40s)
Robert’s anxious best man. He is loyal, sincere, and nervous. Makes looking out for Robert’s interests his top priority so that the wedding will come off without a hitch. Must be able to tap.
Vocal range: Tenor (F3-Bb4) George Audition Material
Gangsters 1 & 2: Stage Age: (20s-40s)
Two jovial gangsters who are posing as pastry chefs. Typical 1920s Broadway gangsters full of word play and stylized movements. Good comic timing and dancing skills required.
Vocal range: Tenor (Db3-Gb4) Gangster Audition Material
Trix the Aviatrix: Stage Age: (35-50)
The brave and brash female aviator. She is sassy, sleek and a take charge kind of gal. May double in the ensemble.
Vocal range: Alto (Ab3-Eb5) Trix Audition Material
Ensemble: Varying Stage Ages (20-40)
A strong, dancing/singing ensemble consisting of 4 men and 4 women.
Vocal range: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass Ensemble Audition Material
About the Production Team
David Sinclair – Director
Director, David Sinclair is a multifaceted talent in the world of theatre. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, he has made significant contributions as an actor and director and is the president of the Adelaide Repertory Theatre.
David’s journey in the arts began with his passion for acting. Over the years, he has taken on numerous roles in various productions, showcasing his versality and dedication to the craft. His performances have been well-received by audiences and critics alike, earning him a reputation as a skilled and compelling actor. In addition to his acting career, David has also made a name as a Director.
His directing credits include plays such as the award winning “August Osage County”, “Come Back to the Five and Dime Jimmy Dean Jimmy Dean”, “Noises Off” and last year’s critically acclaimed “The Other Place”. He has directed many award winning musicals including “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, “Pippin”, “Legally Blonde”, “Les Miserable”, “Phantom of the Opera” as well as the acclaimed production “Come From Away” winning the Adelaide Theatre Critics Circle award for outstanding production team and best musical from TASA.
David also directed the South Australian premier production of “The Drowsy Chaperone” in 2012 which also won best musical and best actor in that year.
Rodney Hrvatin – Musical Director
Rodney has been a part of Adelaide community theatre for over 3 decades. He has performed either as musician, musical director, or onstage with most of the major theatre companies in Adelaide. As a musical director he has conducted shows for MBM (“Into The Woods”, “Footloose”, “Hairspray”, “Phantom Of The Opera”), The Met (“Carousel”, “Fiddler on the Roof”, “West Side Story”, “Evita”), MS Society (“Oliver!”, “Gypsy”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat”) and Therry (“A Little Night Music”, “Company”).
He has sung professionally for the State Opera of SA Chorus (“Ring Cycle”, “La Boheme”, “Aida”, “Moby Dick”).
He is absolutely delighted to be working on “The Drowsy Chaperone” with David, Kerry and The REP.
Kerry-Lynne Hauber – Co-Choreographer
Kerry-Lynne Hauber is celebrating her 50th year of teaching dance, bringing a lifetime of experience, knowledge, and passion to the studio and stage. Qualified in all forms of dance, Kerry-Lynne has trained and taught across multiple styles throughout her career, although in recent years she has become particularly known for her expertise in tap dance.
Kerry-Lynne previously owned and directed her own successful dance school before joining TIDC Performing Arts, where she has been teaching for the past 25 years, mentoring generations of dancers and helping them develop both strong technique and a genuine love of performance.
In addition to her teaching, Kerry-Lynne has adjudicated extensively across Australia, sharing her insight and encouragement with dancers at competitions and festivals nationwide.
Her choreographic work also extends into the theatre world. Since 2009, beginning with Fame for Northern Light Theatre Company, Kerry-Lynne has choreographed for several amateur theatre productions, bringing her creativity and strong musicality to the stage.
With five decades dedicated to dance education and performance, Kerry-Lynne continues to inspire dancers through her experience, artistry, and enduring enthusiasm for the art of dance.
Chloe Svaikauskas – Co-Choreographer
Chloe has built a career spanning more than 20 years as a dance instructor and choreographer, teaching at a wide range of dance schools across Adelaide and sharing her passion for dance with students of all ages and levels.
Alongside her studio teaching, Chloe has contributed to the broader dance education community by assisting in the development of high school dance programs and teaching within TAFE dance courses. She also spent many years as Deputy Principal of Desalyne Dancers, where she gained her teaching qualifications through ComDance and played a key role in mentoring students.
Chloe now focuses primarily on choreography, creating routines that showcase both strong technique and engaging performance quality. She has collaborated with local and interstate choreographers to train dancers and develop award-winning routines. Her work also extends into musical theatre, including choreographing youth productions of Frozen Jr. and The Addams Family Jr.. Chloe is excited to join the team for the Drowsy Chaperone.
About the Show
The Drowsy Chaperone is a loving and hilarious parody and celebration of the golden age of Broadway musicals. The story begins with a lonely theatre fan known simply as Man in Chair, who invites the audience into his apartment to listen to the recording of his favourite 1928 musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. As he plays the record, the show magically comes to life in his living room, and the audience is transported into the glamorous, exaggerated world of a classic Jazz Age musical.
The musical-within-the-musical follows Janet Van De Graaff, a glamorous Broadway star who has decided to give up show business to marry wealthy oil tycoon Robert Martin. On the morning of their wedding, a series of comic complications unfold. Janet’s producer tries desperately to stop the wedding to save his show, a pair of gangsters masquerade as pastry chefs to sabotage the ceremony, a dim-witted best man attempts to keep everything running smoothly, and the well-meaning but perpetually tipsy Drowsy Chaperone struggles to keep the bride calm.
As misunderstandings, disguises, and show-stopping musical numbers pile up, the wedding appears increasingly doomed. But, in true musical comedy fashion, everything resolves with joyful absurdity, romance triumphs, and the cast celebrates in a dazzling finale. Throughout the performance, Man in Chair continues to comment on the action, sharing his passion for old musicals and revealing why this show means so much to him.
Both a hilarious spoof and a heartfelt tribute, The Drowsy Chaperone celebrates the escapist magic of musical theatre and the joy it brings to those who love it.
The musical has been widely acclaimed, winning five Tony Awards in 2006, including Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score, and seven Drama Desk Awards. It also received the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Musical following its London production. With its clever script, affectionate satire, and energetic score, The Drowsy Chaperone has become a favourite with theatre companies and audiences around the world.
Book an Audition.
The process is similar to buying a ticket for a production. Don’t worry, you will not be charged to audition.
We look forward to seeing you at your audition!
