CHOIR BOY AUDITION INFORMATION

Audition Requirements

Please prepare: Dramatic Monologue

  • One contemporary dramatic monologue

  • Approximately 1–2 minutes in length

Vocal Audition

  • Prepare one verse and one chorus of a gospel song

  • Must be performed a cappella

  • Demonstrate vocal ability, musicality, and emotional connection

  • Traditional gospel, contemporary gospel, hymns, and spirituals are all acceptable

Callbacks

Callbacks will include:

  • Scene readings from the script

  • Group singing exercises

  • Movement and stepping combinations

Character Breakdown

PHARUS JONATHAN YOUNG
Age: 18-25
Race: Black/African American
A senior and leader of the prestigious school choir. Intelligent, articulate, talented, and unapologetically himself. Pharus struggles with the expectations placed upon him by his peers and institution while seeking acceptance and belonging.
Vocal Requirement: Strong singer (Tenor preferred)
Role Type: Lead

BOBBY MARROW
Age: 18-25
Race: Black/African American
A new student and nephew of the Headmaster. Charismatic, athletic, and confident. Bobby quickly forms connections with the choir members while navigating his own place within the school’s culture.
Vocal Requirement: Strong singer
Role Type: Supporting Lead

ANTHONY JUSTIN “AJ” JAMES
Age: 18-25
Race: Black/African American
A senior student, athlete, and member of the choir. Popular and outspoken, AJ often represents the traditional expectations of masculinity within the school.
Vocal Requirement: Singer preferred
Role Type: Supporting Lead

DAVID HEARD
Age: 18-25
Race: Black/African American
A thoughtful and observant choir member. Loyal to his friends and often serves as a voice of reason amid growing tensions.
Vocal Requirement: Strong singer
Role Type: Supporting

JUNIOR DAVIS
Age: 18-25
Race: Black/African American
Energetic, humorous, and eager to fit in. Junior often helps lighten the mood but is deeply affected by the conflicts surrounding him.
Vocal Requirement: Strong singer
Role Type: Supporting

HEADMASTER MARROW
Age: 45–65
Race: Black/African American
The respected leader of Charles R. Drew Prep School and Bobby’s uncle. Proud of the institution’s traditions and deeply invested in its reputation. Commands authority while wrestling with difficult decisions.
Vocal Requirement: No singing required
Role Type: Supporting Adult

MR. PENDLETON
Age: 30–55
Race: White/Caucasian
A faculty member and mentor within the school. Thoughtful, educated, and compassionate.
Provides guidance while navigating the challenges facing his students.
Vocal Requirement: Singing ability preferred but not required
Role Type: Supporting Adult

ADDITIONAL ENSEMBLE ROLES

CHOIR ENSEMBLE / STUDENTS

Age: 18+ (must convincingly portray high school students)

Seeking strong singers, movers, and actors to help create the world of Charles R. Drew Prep School. Ensemble members may serve as:

  • Additional Choir Members

  • Students

  • Classmates

  • Chapel Attendees

  • Graduation Participants

  • Featured Soloists (depending on vocal ability)

Ensemble members will help strengthen the gospel sound, support musical moments, participate in stepping and movement sequences, and contribute to the school’s atmosphere throughout the production.

Vocal Requirement: Strong singing ability preferred

Movement Requirement: Willingness to learn stepping and choreography

Role Type: Ensemble / Featured Ensemble

Casting Notes

All student characters portray high school-aged young men; however, performers must be 18 years of age or older at the time of auditions.

We are seeking actors who can convincingly portray teenagers and young adults.

Strong singing ability is highly encouraged for all student roles.

No prior stepping experience is required. Training and choreography will be provided during rehearsals.

This production explores mature themes including faith, sexuality, masculinity, identity, acceptance, and homophobia.

Black male performers are strongly encouraged to audition.

Ensemble opportunities may be available for additional choir members and students.





Important Content Notice

Choir Boy explores themes of faith, sexuality, masculinity, identity, acceptance, and homophobia within a religious and educational setting. The production contains mature subject matter, strong language, and moments of emotional vulnerability.

Some roles may involve discussions of sexuality, physical proximity, and staged moments of intimacy. An Intimacy Coordinator will be part of the production team to ensure a safe, respectful, and collaborative rehearsal environment for all performers.

Actors auditioning should be comfortable engaging with the themes and content of the play.