Please take your time going through the breakdowns, productions, and audition requirements below and familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the production(s) you are submitting for. You can find all of these details below.

After doing so, you’ll find a button at the bottom of the page to submit your audition

The Highland Arts Theatre is always seeking to mirror the vast diversity of culture in the social fabric of Unama’ki/Cape Breton Island. Our work seeks to provoke discussion and redefine traditions of identity and character. Therefore, we encourage submissions from artists of all backgrounds, including, but not limited to, race, gender, body type, ethnicity, ability, and members of other under-represented communities. We welcome applicants to inform us of their pronouns and to include details about how their identity informs their artistic practice, should they wish.

***If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at: info@highlandartstheatre.com***

If you need help creating an unlisted youtube for your submission click here.

CASTING BREAKDOWN

AUDITION CALL FOR MALE, FEMALE, & NON-BINARY ACTORS
(Ages 16 & Up with any level of experience)

This Summer, we will be hosting Video Auditions for anyone wishing to be considered for performing opportunities for the 2025 Summer Season at the Highland Arts Theatre. This is a general call to gauge interest and meet people. Call backs for specific roles may be requested, especially for Hairspray.

You should receive a confirmation message that your audition was submitted, but we cannot commit to individual feedback at this time. If you don’t hear from us, you will still be in consideration for future projects.

Perspective productions include:

HAIRSPRAY
THE HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL
Creative Team to be Announced Imminently

Rehearsals: July 5 to 30
Performance Dates: July 30 to August 3, 2025

PLEASE NOTE: Characters of all ethnicities and backgrounds will be considered for this show, but there are several characters that will be specifically cast with Black performers. Performers who identify as trans, non-binary, LGBT+, Indigenous, and plus size are all strongly encouraged to audition as well.

BACK TO BROADWAY
A SINGULARLY SENSATIONAL DINNER & A SHOW
Directed by Wesley J. Colford

Rehearsals: May 21 to June 5
Performance Dates: June 5 to 8, 2025

PLEASE NOTE: Only non-union performers will be able to be considered at this time.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

For your video audition, please prepare one Musical Theatre song from a show of your choice – your piece should be no more than 2 minutes. Please use a karaoke track or piano accompaniment in your video.

If you are interested in HAIRSPRAY, please choose something in the style of the show (can be a pop song from the ‘60’s, but if so, please infuse it with character and objective so that it comes to life with a clear story).

If you are interested in a specific character from HAIRSPRAY, you are invited to choose a song that character sings in the show. Please ensure you are using a track with the original key from the musical.

Both productions will feature heavy dance components. Hairspray, in particular, revolves around a Teen Dance TV Show, and all characters will be required to dance to some degree. If you are chosen for a call back, you will be sent a short dance combo from the choreographer to prepare. In your initial submission, a dance sample or reel is not mandatory but if you have something prepared, you are encouraged to include it.

All videos will be required to be linked to the below form as Unlisted YouTube videos.

Please include a recent photo or headshot (can be a selfie if necessary) and, if possible, a resumé of performance experience.

HAT SUMMER 2025 AUDITION FORM

Email *

Preferred Full Name *

First Name

Last Name

Phone *

(###)

###

####

What are your pronouns? *

she/her

he/him

they/them

she/they

he/they

other (specify below)

Other:

Age or Age Range *

What is your province or territory of residence? *

Are you currently based in Cape Breton, (or have a Cape Breton connection)? *

Checkbox *

Are you a member of any of the following Unions:

Canadian Actors Equity Association

ACTRA

Do not belong to the above Unions

Other (specify below)

Other:

Do you have an agent or manager we should be contacting? (If so, please provide their name and e-mail) *

What is your availability for rehearsals like typically? *

Available during daytime on weekdays

Available only on Evenings and Weekends

Flexible Schedule

Modulating Schedule (ie, rotating shift work, etc) - if so, please clarify

Seasonal Availability (home for the summer, etc) - if so, please clarify

Other (specify below)

Please link to a photo you feel accurately represents you, a headshot if applicable. (If sent via google drive, please ensure anyone with link has "permission to view"): *

Please link to a PDF of your theatrical resumé (if applicable):

If you don't have a theatrical resumé, please tell us a little bit about your performance/theatrical/artistic experience: *

If wishing to be considered for singing roles, do you know your vocal range?

Do you play any instruments? If so, what?

Do you have any dance experience? (If so, what styles?)

Do you have any other Special Skills?

If comfortable doing so, you are invited to self-identify in any of the following equity-seeking category listed:

Indigenous

Black

Person of Colour

LTGBTQ+

Transgender

Non-Binary

Neurodivergent

D/deaf

French Canadian

English Second Language

Not Equity Seeking

Other (specify below)

Other:

What roles would you like to be considered for (check all that apply)? *

Speaking Roles

Singing Roles

Musician Only

Dancer Only

Volunteer Performance Opportunities

Paid Performances Only

Technician

Stagehand

Stage Management

Assistant Director

Assistant Choreographer

Assistant Music Director

Other (specify below)

What upcoming productions are you interested in being considered for? *

The Confidential Musical Theatre Project (musical)

Hairspray

Back To Broadway

Are you interested in being considered for Scholarships to classes at the HAT Academy? *

If you would like to be considered for singing roles in plays and musicals, please provide a link to an unlisted YouTube video of yourself performing a song of your choice - ideally from a musical. Length should be between 60-90 seconds (feel free to make cuts). You may use an accompanist, "karaoke"/instrumental YouTube track, or accompany yourself. (For assistance in preparing an unlisted YouTube link, please refer to this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnvlfKY300k)

Optional: If you would like to be considered for as a musician, please provide a link to an unlisted YouTube video of yourself performing a song of your choice on any instruments you'd like to be considered for. Length should be approximately 60 seconds per instrument (feel free to make cuts). (For assistance in preparing an unlisted YouTube link, please refer to this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnvlfKY300k)

Optional: If you would like to be considered as a dancer, please provide a link to an unlisted YouTube video of yourself dancing in a style of your choice. Length should be approximately 60 seconds per instrument (feel free to make cuts). (For assistance in preparing an unlisted YouTube link, please refer to this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnvlfKY300k)

Would you like to be added to the Mailing Lists for any of the following Volunteer Positions (check all that apply):

Usher

Stage Crew

Assistant Stage Manager

Props

Costumes

Set Construction

Lighting

Is there anything else we should know about you? *

Thank you so much for submitting for our casting call. We appreciate your time and energy and hope there’s a chance to work together soon.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: 11:59 PM on April 18th, 2025 to Guarantee Consideration
Please have all video submission links ready.

Thank you very much and break legs!

Location

40 Bentinck Street,
Sydney, NS
B1P 1G2

Box office Hours

Tuesday — Friday
12:00pm — 6:00pm

Contact

boxoffice@highlandartstheatre.com
info@highlandartstheatre.com

(902) 565-3637

NOW CASTING:FOR SUMMER 2025

CASTING BREAKDOWN

Location

Box office Hours

Contact

NOW CASTING:
FOR SUMMER 2025