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YOUTH
AUDITIONS

BY F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
Adapted by Melissa Ruegg
Directed by Piper J. Distel and Lori Robinson Distel
Choreography by Melissa Ruegg
SHOW DATES
JANUARY 28-31, 2026 at Fergus Grand Theatre
(244 St Andrew St W, Fergus, Ontario, Canada)
AUDITION DATES
Friday, September 5th from 6:00-10:00 PM
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
(810 King St. East. Cambridge, ON.)
In the summer of 1922, the shimmering world of Long Island’s Gold Coast is alive with jazz, champagne, and whispered secrets. Into this glittering landscape arrives Nick Carraway, a young man drawn into the lavish parties and restless dreams of his enigmatic neighbour: the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby. As Nick becomes entangled in the lives of Gatsby, the beautiful and elusive Daisy Buchanan, and the jaded aristocrats of East Egg, he witnesses a story of obsessive love, reckless ambition, and moral decay behind the glittering façade of the American Dream. Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of a perfect past collides with the harsh realities of the present, leading to betrayal, heartbreak, and tragedy. This stage adaptation captures the elegance and excess of the Jazz Age with a streamlined, intimate focus on the novel’s most poignant moments. Against a backdrop of glittering parties and crumbling illusions, The Great Gatsby explores timeless questions of identity, longing, and the price of dreams deferred.
PRODUCTION INFO
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO AUDITION?
We are currently seeking talented performers, ages 14-30; with a particular interest in those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour (BIPOC). In reimagining this iconic story, we are committed to fostering a more inclusive and representative vision of the Jazz Age—one that acknowledges the diverse voices and experiences that have long been excluded from traditional narratives. We welcome artists of all backgrounds to bring their unique perspectives and talents to this production, and we encourage BIPOC performers to audition as we work to create a dynamic and vibrant ensemble.
WHAT TO PREPARE
Nothing! The audition will consist of a cold-reading from the script.
Auditionees will be asked to read for various characters.
Those auditioning for a ‘dance’ role will be required to attend the movement portion of the audition.
SHOW FEE
In order to participate in THE GREAT GATSBY, performers are asked to pay a show fee of $80. This fee covers the costs of producing high-quality theatrical productions, and DOES NOT pay the Creative Team. If you require a payment plan, we would be happy to discuss the options. All those who pay the fee receive the following:
- 1 complimentary ticket to the show
- A professional-quality headshot
- A bound copy of the script
IMPORTANT DATES
REHEARSAL DATES
Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-10:00 PM in Cambridge, ON.
FIRST REHEARSAL
Tuesday, October 14th, 2025
TECH WEEK
January 25-27, 2026
SHOW WEEK
Wednesday, January 28th at 10:00 AM (School Performance)
Thursday, January 29th at 8:00 PM
Friday, January 30th at 8:00 PM
Saturday, January 31st at 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
NICK CARRAWAY (NARRATOR) | Masculine
Nick serves as the narrator of the story, often caught between admiration and disillusionment as he becomes entangled in the world of Gatsby and the wealthy elite. Grounded, reflective, and intelligent, he is both insider and outsider—watching, questioning, and ultimately changed by what he witnesses.
NICK CARRAWAY (YOUNG) | Masculine
A thoughtful, observant, and quietly ambitious Midwesterner who moves to New York to make his mark in the bond business.
JAY GATSBY | Masculine
Charismatic, enigmatic, and fiercely driven, Gatsby is a self-made millionaire who throws extravagant parties in hopes of rekindling a lost romance. Beneath his polished exterior lies deep vulnerability, longing, and obsession. Gatsby is both dazzling and tragic—a dreamer chasing an ideal that may never have existed.
DAISY BUCHANAN | Feminine
Elegant, alluring, and emotionally complex, Daisy is the object of Gatsby’s enduring love and a symbol of wealth and privilege. Beneath her charm and grace lies a deep sense of restlessness and conflict, torn between comfort and passion, illusion and reality. She is magnetic yet elusive—both romantic ideal and flawed human.
JORDAN BAKER | Feminine
A professional golfer with a sharp wit and cool, composed exterior, Jordan is confident, independent, and unapologetically modern. She moves through high society with ease, masking a calculating nature beneath her sophistication. Jordan is both a foil and confidante to Nick, offering insight into the glamorous yet hollow world they inhabit.
TOM BUCHANAN | Masculine
Wealthy, arrogant, and domineering, Tom is a former athlete who clings to his status and power with an aggressive sense of entitlement. He is forceful and often cruel, driven by jealousy, insecurity, and deep-seated prejudice. Tom embodies the corruption and moral decay beneath the surface of privilege.
MYRTLE WILSON | Feminine
Bold, sensual, and fiercely ambitious, Myrtle is trapped in a loveless marriage and yearns for a better life. She becomes Tom Buchanan’s mistress in hopes of escaping her circumstances, embracing glamour and excess with tragic consequences. Myrtle is vibrant and emotionally volatile, capable of both fiery passion and heartbreaking vulnerability
GEORGE WILSON | Masculine
A weary, working-class mechanic who runs a garage in the valley of ashes. George is quiet, humble, and deeply devoted to his wife Myrtle, though increasingly broken by poverty and betrayal. His desperation and heartbreak ultimately lead to devastating consequences.
MEYER WOLFSHEIM | Masculine
A shrewd and mysterious figure from Gatsby’s past, Wolfsheim is a powerful underworld associate with connections to organized crime. Charming but unsettling, he represents the darker side of Gatsby’s rise to wealth. While often portrayed with harmful stereotypes, this role will be approached with care, nuance, and complexity.
MRS. MCKEE | Feminine
A talkative and superficial woman from the New York social scene, Mrs. McKee is an aspiring socialite with a flair for drama and an eye for opportunity. Often found in the company of her husband Chester, she provides moments of comic relief and insight into the pretensions of the urban elite.
MR. MCKEE | Masculine
A slightly awkward, self-important photographer with social ambitions, Mr. McKee often seeks validation and recognition within New York’s artistic circles. He is somewhat pompous yet endearing, providing a glimpse into the pretentiousness lurking beneath the glamorous surface.
CATHERINE | Feminine
Myrtle Wilson’s sister, Catherine is vivacious, sharp-tongued, and unapologetically bold. She moves effortlessly in the social circles surrounding Tom and Myrtle, often acting as a spokesperson for Myrtle’s desires and justifications. Catherine brings a mix of street-smart savvy and flirtatious energy, adding texture to the world of the valley of ashes.
OWL EYES | Masculine
A curious and somewhat eccentric party guest known for his keen observation and fascination with Gatsby’s mysterious persona. Nicknamed for his large, bespectacled eyes, he symbolizes insight amidst the superficiality of Gatsby’s world.
ENSEMBLE | Any Gender
Diverse performers of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. The ensemble brings to life the vibrant world of The Great Gatsby—from glamorous party guests and wealthy socialites to working-class characters and everyday New Yorkers. Ensemble members support key scenes with dynamic energy, movement, and atmosphere, helping to create the bustling Jazz Age setting.
DANCERS | Any Gender
Energetic, versatile performers skilled in jazz, swing, and 1920s-inspired dance styles. Dancers will bring the lavish Gatsby parties and vibrant social scenes to life with dynamic movement, rhythm, and style. Strong technique, musicality, and the ability to perform both ensemble choreography and featured moments are essential.