The Sound Of Music – Open Casting Call

The Sound Of Music – Open Casting Call

Director: Davey Kelleher

Musical Director: Cathal Synnott

Executive Producer: Eibhlín Gleeson

Senior Producer: Rory Murphy

Production Dates 

Rehearsals: Full time from Monday 15th June 2026

Performances: Thursday 23rd July – Sunday 16th August 2026

 

Applications

Email: auditions@corkoperahouse.ie

Please include a CV, headshot, any relevant performance clips and a 2-sentence introduction. Please indicate which role(s) are to be considered.

All applicants must be 18 years or older.

Closing Date: Monday 22nd December at 12 noon.

 

Casting

Auditions, by appointment only, will take place in Cork in late January / early February 2026.

 

Character Breakdown

Lead: Maria Rainer 

Maria is the central figure, a postulant at Nonnberg Abbey who becomes governess, and then adopted mother to the von Trapp children. She falls in love with their father, Captain von Trapp. She is young, free-spirited, warm, gentle, and kind, underpinned by tremendous determination. Her vocal requirement is a specific “Musical Theatre Mix/Soprano,” with a range reaching B5 to C4. Must be capable of effective physical performance, (required to dance/move well) 
Playing age of 20-35.  

The technical requirement for this role prioritizes a performer who can utilize a strong belt-mix in the mid-high register (D4-G5).  

Lead: Captain Georg von Trapp 

The Captain is a retired Austrian naval officer who runs his household with strict military discipline, largely to repress the sadness stemming from his wife’s death. He is polished and formal, yet underneath this hardened exterior, he is warm, understanding, and determined. Playing age 35-45 

Vocal requirements for the Captain are precise: he is a Baritone, with a demanding range spanning D5 down to F#2/Gb2. The necessity of reaching the low F#2/Gb2 is structurally significant. He is required to move well. 

Featured: Max Detweiller 

Max is charming, vital, sophisticated, and devoted to enjoying the good life; he remains a true and loyal friend to the von Trapp family despite his cynical worldview.  

Playing age 30+  

Vocal requirement is Tenor/Baritone, with a range of F4 down to D3.2 Must move well. 

Featured: Elsa Schraeder 

Elsa is a Baroness of taste and elegance, sophisticated and dignified; a wealthy businesswoman who has her eye firmly set on marrying Captain von Trapp.  

Playing age 30+ 
Mezzo Soprano, spanning F5 to D4.2 She must also move well. 

Featured: Liesl von Trapp 

Liesl is the eldest of the von Trapp children. She is headstrong, and seeking maturity. While she declares she doesn’t need a governess, she warms to Maria.  
Has a romantic relationship with Rolf.  
Soprano role. Dancing required. 
Playing age 16 (going on 17) 

Supporting: Rolf Gruber 

Rolf is the suitor to Liesl, initially a pleasant telegram delivery boy who later becomes a Nazi soldier. Low Tenor voice. Strong dancer. 


 Supporting: Nuns 

  1. Sister Berthe (Mistress of Novices): Mezzo/Alto; she is prudish, straight-laced, and known for her quick tongue. She also serves as the Chant Leader, requiring robust vocal projection and authority. 
  2. Sister Margaretta (Mistress of Postulants): Mezzo/Soprano, she is kind, understanding, and concerned. 
  3. Sister Sophia: Mezzo/Soprano, balanced, she is neither demanding nor critical, adhering strictly to the rules. All three featured nuns must be capable of effective movement.

Supporting: Frau Schmidt (Housekeeper): Spoken / Non-singing role. Stoic, efficient, strong, and somewhat dominating. Playing age 40+ 

The Austrian/Nazi/Party Guest Ensemble (Male/Female Ensemble) 

Ensemble Singers, strong actors and capable of strong movement or dance. 
Must effectively transition from convivial Austrian society to portraying the menace and authority of the Nazi takeover.