A loving send-up of the 1950s, small-town America, teenagers, and rock & roll,
Bye Bye Birdie remains as fresh and vibrant as ever. Teen heartthrob Conrad Birdie has been drafted, so he chooses All-American girl Kim MacAfee for a very public farewell kiss. Featuring a tuneful high-energy score, plenty of great parts for teens, and a hilarious script,
Birdie continues to thrill audiences around the world.
Director's Vision Letter
We can’t wait to bring Bye Bye Birdie to life! This classic, high-energy musical is wacky, laugh-out-loud funny, and full of heart.
Every character in Bye Bye Birdie contributes to the comedy and storytelling. From featured roles to ensemble moments, this show offers plenty of opportunities for performers to shine through humor, movement, strong character work, and engaging, fast-paced choreography. My goal is always to create a fun, dedicated rehearsal environment that encourages growth in skills, teamwork, and confidence on stage.
While Bye Bye Birdie explores themes such as growing up, relationships, and navigating cultural expectations, our artistic team is committed to presenting the story in a way that is uplifting and age-appropriate. While there are no formal age restrictions on auditions, Bye Bye Birdie is best suited for performers who can convincingly portray teen and adult characters and engage with a more mature storyline. There is one supporting role for a younger boy performer (Randolph, portraying a child approximately 9–12 years old), as well as limited ensemble participation for younger students in select town scenes.
We can’t wait to see you shine in the audition room! One of my favorite parts of the process is watching you push yourselves, overcome obstacles, and fully commit to showing us what you can do in the audition room.
Audition Tips for Bye Bye Birdie
- Choose a 45-60 second song & monologue, either in style or character, that reflects the show or the role you are auditioning for.
- Whether singing your audition song or performing your monologue, use the space as if you were on stage. Show your commitment to the character and don’t be afraid to take risks.
- We will explore character development together during rehearsals but begin thinking about the layers and choices you can bring to your audition pieces now.
- For callbacks if called please come prepared being familiar with the characters and show.
To sum it up, we are looking for high energy, strong character commitment, expressive facial work, and a positive, hardworking attitude.
Remember, casting is a puzzle, and our job is to place each of you where you can be showcased at your very best. So get ready to have a ton of fun and cheer on your friends and fellow auditioners.
As a cast and creative team, our focus this season will be guided by our show verse, Romans 12:2
2 Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Through Bye Bye Birdie, we will explore this verse by observing characters who are influenced by culture and trends, allowing us to learn how wisdom, discernment, and transformation can come from grounding our lives in Jesus and His Word.
Excited to start this adventure with you all,
Christine Tonkin
