Auditions will be held November 7th, 8th, 11th, 12th, and 13th

AUDITIONS will take place in San Francisco at the Lamplighters Rehearsal Hall, 469 Bryant Street (between 2nd and 3rd Streets in the South of Market area of San Francisco). Please use this sign-up program to book your audition time. No phone calls or emails, please!

Please fill out the audition information form and upload headshots and resumes prior to the auditions (through the form). If you are unable to attend in person, video audition submissions may be uploaded through the form as well. 

STAGE DIRECTOR: Kristen Jones

MUSIC DIRECTOR: Jennifer Ashworth

We are seeking bold, versatile, and playful performers for a fresh, reimagined ensemble production of The Pirates of Penzance—a fully immersive, interactive theatrical experience where the line between actor and audience blurs. This high-energy adaptation brings together spectacular singing, dynamic movement, and fast-paced witty dialogue.

Pirates of Penzance, Gilbert and Sullivan’s clever satire, shows that when blind obedience to duty and strict observance of moral codes are taken to extremes, they become ridiculous. Set sail for this swashbuckling, immersive Pirates of Penzance where YOU are part of the adventure! 

This voyage is packed with clashing swords, booming laughter, and voices that will send shivers down your timbers. Watch young Frederick navigate duty, love, and a few questionable decisions, while cheering on a band of surprisingly sentimental pirates and somewhat bumbling policemen.  Fall head over heels alongside our young lovers as they sing their way through chaos, class, comedy, and courtship.

Perfect for families, first-time theatergoers, and seasoned fans alike—this is a joyful, high-energy theatrical escape where anything can happen… and often does.

So gather your crew, pour the pirate sherry, and prepare for a night/afternoon of music, mischief, and merry mayhem!

We are looking for artists who:

• Are confident singers, expressive movers, and skilled actors comfortable speaking and responding to audience members in real time
• Can improvise while maintaining character integrity and musical precision
• Bring a sense of play, curiosity, and collaboration to the rehearsal room
• Are eager to explore a fresh, contemporary approach to a beloved classic

This production is proudly inclusive. We enthusiastically welcome performers of all races, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, ages, body types, and abilities to audition for any role – please note that we will be keeping voice parts in their original octaves. We are committed to building a vibrant, diverse cast that reflects the world around us and brings new perspectives to this timeless story.

Lamplighters is non-AEA and casts a mixture of paid (leads) and volunteer (ensemble) performers. 

• Paid performers will be temporary part-time employees and must be able to work legally in the United States. Performers will be compensated hourly for hours worked at San Francisco minimum wage, $19.18/hour. Transportation and housing are not provided. 
• All ensemble singers will be offered expense reimbursement up to $350 to offset costs such as purchasing tights and footwear, voice lessons and coaching, travel and lodging, etc.

BREAKDOWN OF ROLES

Frederic — A member of the Pirates. Just turned 21, genuine and innocent, he instantly falls in love with Mabel. His strong sense of duty causes him to be conflicted about where his loyalties should lie. Vocal range top: G4. Vocal range bottom: Bb2.

 Mabel — Daughter of the Major-General. Mabel is sympathetic in nature. She and Frederic fall in love at first sight. We seek to give her more agency in this production, all ideas are welcome. Vocal range top: Eb6. Vocal range bottom: Bb3.

 Pirate King — The leader of the pirates. Despite a sharp and loud bark, the Pirate King is actually a whole-hearted romantic and has been carrying a torch for Ruth for years. Vocal range top: F4. Vocal range bottom: A#2.

 Major-General — A father with many daughters, he is charming and cheerfully oblivious to his privilege. Sings one of the most famous patter songs in the G&S canon. Vocal range top: E4. Vocal range bottom: Bb2.

 Ruth — Frederic’s lifelong nanny, she is excited to see him taking his place in the world. This leaves her free to consider the attentions of the Pirate King. (Note – the lyrics for her song “Oh False One, You Have Deceived me” will be changed). Vocal range top: Eb5. Vocal range bottom: G3.

 Ensemble (all other roles are ensemble) — As this is an immersive ensemble production, we are expanding the roles of the ensemble. All ensemble roles will be named, and can expect spoken and sung solo lines. Daughters, Pirates, Policemen

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

San Francisco, Theater TBD

• March 12-14; Friday at 7pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2pm
• March 19-21; Friday at 7pm; Saturday and Sunday at 2pm 
• March 26-27; Friday at 7pm; Saturday at 2pm 
• Additional performances may be held on Saturday evenings

AUDITION INSTRUCTIONS 

Please come to the preliminary audition with:

• Two contrasting songs under a minute each.
• Songs should suit the vocalist’s strengths and do not need to be from the G&S songbook.

You may only be asked to sing one song. An accompanist will be provided. Bring your music in the key in which you will sing it.

CALLBACKS WILL BE HELD NOVEMBER 21 & 22—BY INVITATION APPOINTMENT ONLY.

• Callbacks will include some movement and improvisation, materials will be shared in advance.