CHARACTERS
Principals
Quasimodo – Tenor (Bb2 – Bb4). Age: 20s
The bellringer of Notre Dame, has a curved spine which affects his posture and gait. A life ringing the enormous bells has made him incredibly strong, but also made him partially deaf. Curious and intelligent, Quasimodo dreams of being free to walk among the citizens of Paris. He speaks freely and confidently with his ‘friends’ – the statues and gargoyles of the Cathedral, but is much more withdrawn with his master and uncle, Frollo. A lifetime imprisonment in the bell tower makes him nervous around other humans, but learns to come out of his shell with Esmeralda.
NOTE – Quasimodo’s deformity should never become a caricature. He is a fully-rounded character, full of heart and soul and love. As well as being very vocally demanding, this is a very physically demanding performance. The character will incorporate some sign language into the performance (not required for the audition).
Audition pieces are:
Vocal: Made of Stone – Bar 116 – End AND Out There – All
Acting – Act 1 Scene 1 from “Marie, you’re in good voice today” Pg 11 to “You master” Pg 13 AND Act 2 Scene 7 from “We’ve done it” Pg 98 to “And the wicked shall not go unpunished!” Pg 99
Esmeralda – Alto (Eb3 – Db5). Age: 20s
A free-spirited young Romani woman who uses her talent as a dancer to support herself. Independent and strong-willed, she speaks her mind and always stands up for what she believes in. Falls in love with Phoebus, in spite of herself, and is the first one to ever show true compassion to Quasimodo and treat him as an equal.
NOTE – must be a confident mover.
Audition pieces are:
Vocal: Rhythm of the Tamborine – Bar 72 – 89 AND Someday – Bar 5 – 40
Acting: Act 1 Scene 4 from “Sing for Esmeralda” Pg 45 to “Your kind never do” Pg 47
Dom Claude Frollo – Bass (E2 – D4). Age: 45+
Archdeacon of Notre Dame, a dangerously obsessive man with a strong sense of what he believes is right and just. Strong and imposing presence is essential, commands attention and utter obedience whenever he is in the room. Cares for Quasimodo out of a sense of duty to his brother (Quasimodo’s father). Justifies his hatred with his self-righteous and warped perception of his duty to God and the church. Despises the Romani people, and would love to purge them from the city. Deeply ashamed of his intense physical lust for Esmeralda.
Audition pieces are:
Vocal: Hellfire – All
Acting: Prologue from “I was asked to come to this place” Pg 7 to “Jehan? Jehan!!” Pg 8 AND Act 1 Scene 4 from “Filling the boy’s head with dreams?” Pg 46 to “Good night” Pg 48
Captain Phoebus de Martin – Tenor (C3 – Ab4). Age: 30s
The dashing new Captain of the Cathedral Guard. Conflicted between following his duty (and Frollo’s prejudices) and doing what is right. Effortlessly charming (and knows it), swaggering and supremely confident, but easily likeable. Keen to enjoy life’s pleasures, partly to cover up the trauma of fighting on the front lines. Falls for Esmeralda and defies Frollo to protect her.
Audition pieces are:
Vocal: Rest and Recreation – Bar 19 – 36
Acting: Act 1 Scene 3 from “I thought you disappeared” Pg 38 to “Where are you going?” Pg 39 AND Act 1 Scene 5 from “I’m sorry but soldiers aren’t welcome here” Pg 50 to “I’m not as good as everybody likes to think” Pg 51
Clopin Trouillefou – Tenor (D3 – A4). Age: 30+
The “King of the Gypsies”. Clever and agile, an entertainer, and leader of the Romani people. Loves to play to the crowd. Acutely aware of Frollo’s prejudices, and determined to protect his people above all else. Runs their hideout, the Court of Miracles, as a tight ship, and is very distrusting of outsiders as suspected spies from Frollo.
NOTE – listed as male, but can be played by either gender. A confident mover would be good, but not essential.
Audition pieces are:
Vocal: The Court of Miracles – Bar 23 – 96
Acting: Act 2 Scene 3 from “These men are my friends” Pg 78 to “Thank you Clopin” Pg 79
Featured Ensemble – will also be included in all ensemble/congregation scenes and will be cast based on audition (for principal or ensemble) – May be required for recalls
Florika – Soprano (C#4 – F5). Age: 20+
Quasimodo’s mother. Jehan’s Romani partner. Keen to celebrate. Flirtatious and fun.
NOTE – this actress will also double as the statue of Mary during Hellfire
Audition pieces are:
Vocal: Finale – Bar 44 – 67
Saint Aphrodisius – Baritone (B2 – E4). Any age.
One of the statues in the Cathedral who comes to life and encourages Quasimodo to help Esmeralda. Compassionate and kind, he sheltered Mary and Joseph when they fled into Egypt with Jesus. Martyred by beheading.
NOTE – listed as male, but can be played by either gender.
Frederic Charlus. Speaking part. Age: 30s
Lieutenant of the Cathedral Guard. A loyal friend to Phoebus, tries to save him from Frollo’s wrath.
Jehan Frollo – Baritone (G#2 – Eb4). Age: 20+
Frollo’s brother and Quasimodo’s father. Reckless and rebellious, he sees the Church’s teachings as an inconvenience, and would rather be out drinking and partying than praying.
Official – Baritone (G2 – E4). Age: 30+
An officer in the court of Louis XI, who also assists in the hunt for Esmeralda. Commanding presence and vocals are essential.
Father Dupin – Baritone (C3 – A3). Age: 40+
Devout priest of Notre Dame, takes in Claude and Jehan. Strict and stern.
King Louis XI. Speaking part. Any age.
Nicknamed “The Prudent”, hates to appear weak. Believes more in astrology and superstition than fact, and is persuaded to allow Frollo to persecute Esmeralda publicly.
Madam. Speaking part. Any age.
The stalwart owner of a Parisian brothel, acts as a safe haven for the Romani people, and is willing to defend them and stand up to Frollo to protect them.
Ensemble. All voice types. Any age.
The piece hinges on its strong ensemble. Whilst the parts listed above have a few more lines, the story is told primarily through various members of the ensemble. To that end, even if you don’t want to go for one of the parts, there will still be huge amounts of solo lines throughout the entire show for you. These will be divided up in rehearsals. Listed as Congregation / Congregrant in the libretto. As you are all playing citizens of Paris, gargoyles, statues, soldiers, Romani, nobles, parishioners; all genders and ages are welcome.
NOTE: As so much of the show is sung through by the ensemble, we do need to hear everyone sing who wants to be involved, even in the ensemble.
Audition piece is:
Vocal: 02B (The Bells of Notre Dame part 3) – Bar 2 – 39 – Sing all parts AND any vocal extract from above (Florika for high women, Someday for low women, Hellfire for low men, Quasimodo or Phoebus for high men)
Choir
A separate group of singers that accompany the music in the show. Excellent singers required for each part, aiming for 4 singers for each voice part. Should be comfortable/familiar with singing church style music, often in Latin.
Soprano (C4 – B5, opt D6)
Alto (F#3 – E5)
Tenor (C3 – A4)
Bass (F2 – E4)
Please identify on your form if you are interested in a part in the Choir only. As vocal blend is essential for this, again we will need to hear your range.
Audition piece is:
Vocal: Any vocal extract from above (Florika for high women, Someday for low women, Hellfire for low men, Quasimodo or Phoebus for high men)
Please find a link to all the audition materials HERE