High-Stakes Auditions for New Zealand’s & Juliet Begin in Wellington

A significant casting call for the New Zealand premiere of & Juliet commenced on Sunday at Te Auaha in Wellington. Director Hamish Mouat and his creative team are seeking a talented cast of just 20 performers from nearly 400 hopefuls who have auditioned across the country. With only five minutes to impress the panel through singing, dancing, and overall presence, participants face a challenging selection process for this dynamic production.

As the auditions unfolded, the energy in the studio remained palpable. Mouat, along with choreographer Destiny Anderson and musical director Zac Johns, expressed excitement over the caliber of talent they encountered throughout their casting roadshow, which included stops in Auckland and Christchurch. “The energy in the room during auditions around the country has been amazing,” Mouat remarked, reflecting on the exceptional performers showcasing their skills.

Inside the studio, the atmosphere was a blend of focused intensity and anticipation. While the panel maintained mostly neutral expressions, subtle signs of approval occasionally surfaced—a shared glance or a slight smile indicated when a performer struck the right chord. The audition process varied for each participant; some were thanked after a single song, while others were invited to showcase additional material.

Mouat highlighted the unique demands of & Juliet, which combines various musical styles, including pop, hip hop, and traditional musical theatre. “We need the theatricality of musical theatre mixed with all these modern styles,” he explained. “It fuses two worlds that often don’t get fused together.” This blend requires performers to possess versatility and a strong stage presence.

In the reception area, the next group of auditionees arrived, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie. Performers stretched, practiced their scales, and exchanged encouraging words before stepping into the studio. One participant, having traveled five hours, described the experience as “the quickest audition of my life.” Another, visibly shaken, lay on a bench, still processing the adrenaline rush.

Mouat is clear about the attributes he seeks in candidates. “We’ve seen some phenomenal singers, but we also need that X-factor,” he said. “It’s a show where everybody needs to be able to hold a stadium—heightened exuberance, charisma, and performance.” He remains composed, even when a performer impresses him, mentally evaluating how they fit into the broader ensemble.

Among the auditions, one candidate delivered a performance that left Mouat with goosebumps. “Literally the first sound that came out of their mouth,” he recalled, showcasing the unpredictable nature of talent discovery. The role of Juliet is particularly crucial, described by Mouat as the show’s “beating heart.” He noted, “She’s layered—innocent and confident, sweet and sassy. We’ve got to fall in love with her straight away.”

As the audition process continues over the coming weeks, the selection team faces the daunting task of finalizing the cast from a diverse pool of talent. “A lot of very talented people will miss out, simply because we are looking for a cast of 20,” Mouat stated. “It’s been really exciting to see the talent the country has to offer. I can’t wait to share this show with audiences.”

& Juliet, produced by G&T Productions, is set to run in Auckland from April 9 to May 3, 2024, in Wellington from May 9 to May 24, and in Christchurch from May 30 to June 13. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and Ticketek.