August 8 – 9, 2026
SIGN UP
While we would love to see everyone in person we understand that people have pre-existing conflicts. Here are instructions for submitting a video submissions. Note: Please fill out the audition form and choose the “8/9 VIDEO-SUBMISSION” slot.
BE PART OF THE STORY
Auditioning for Les Misérables is a chance to be part of one of the most powerful and iconic musicals ever written. Few shows offer the same combination of emotional storytelling, unforgettable music, and meaningful themes. Highlights of being part of this opportunity include:
- The music is legendary
As a fully sung-through epic, songs like One Day More, I Dreamed a Dream, and Bring Him Home are some of the most recognized and moving pieces in musical theatre. - Every role matters
With more than 25 named characters featuring solo lines, the show offers meaningful opportunities for strong vocalists, featured roles, and a dynamic ensemble. - It challenges performers artistically
The show demands strong acting, singing, emotional connection, and ensemble work, making it an incredible growth experience.
KEY DATES
Audition Location: Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre – 710 Sundial Drive, Waite Park
Auditions:
- Saturday, August 8 from 10:00am-3:00pm
- Sunday, August 9 from 4:00pm-7:00pm
Callbacks: Saturday, August 15 from 10:00am-3:00pm
WHAT TO PREPARE
What do I prepare for my Les Misérables audition?
ADULTS:
Please prepare TWO MUSIC SELECTIONS from the provided options that best showcase your singing and acting abilities. You may choose the same or different characters—we’re interested in the storytelling of each piece. Les Misérables is a “sung-through” musical meaning the whole story is told through music with very few spoken words. So, please, sing the story.
YOUTH:
- If auditioning for GAVROCHE: please prepare both excerpts (front and back).
- If auditioning for YOUNG COSETTE/YOUNG EPONINE: please sing the excerpt from “Castle on a Cloud”.
ALL: Please read through the Production Considerations document in order to learn more about specific casting and rehearsal expectations as well as anticipated show content, staged intimacy, and staged violence as outlined in the script/story.
CHARACTER INFORMATION
Les Misérables Casting Information
GREAT is seeking 34-40 actors ages 16+ and 6 young actors ages 9-12 to bring the epic musical Les Misérables to life at the Paramount Theatre. We are looking for a company of performers who are strong storytellers, thoughtful collaborators, and reliable community builders committed to collective growth.
Please review the Production Considerations for Les Misérables.
A Note on Theatrical Intimacy
The definition of theatrical intimacy is any action on stage where the given circumstances of the scene or the overall production calls for physical touch for theatrical purposes, including kissing, embracing, levels of undress, and simulated sexual acts.
Because consent, safety, and clear communication are integral to GREAT’s production processes, information about intimacy expectations for any character who engages in physical contact, stylized movement, or heightened sexual circumstances will be shared in audition materials prior to auditions, and all moments of staged intimacy will follow specific protocols.
A Note on Production Content
Please be aware that Les Misérables contains subject matter that some may find activating and difficult including onstage physical violence, prop weaponry (non-firing replica guns, bayonets, swords, knives), death/murder, suicide, sex work, sexually charged language, extreme poverty, political violence, and abuse.
- Everyone auditioning will be asked to clarify if there are roles/action within/beyond individual boundaries as actor consent will be honored throughout the process.
- Moments of staged intimacy will be choreographed collaboratively with actors, Director/Intimacy Director and Choreographer to ensure that all actors feel confident executing the material.
- Moments of staged violence will be choreographed with the Fight Director and Director to ensure safety and confidence executing the material.
Please note that most characters will engage in some level of staged intimacy: partner dance as well as physical moments to establish character relationships.
Planned moments of theatrical intimacy for each character are listed in the PRODUCTION CONSIDERATIONS document. Review the requirements of the roles carefully, and if you have any questions or concerns about the expectations or the process, please reach out to GREAT.
A Note on Character Descriptions
The ages and gender identities below are the ages and gender identities of the characters. Actors who are outside of the character’s age ranges and/or gender identities will still be considered, based on the role preferences communicated on the actor’s audition form. Actors of all races, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds are strongly encouraged to audition for Les Misérables.
Jean Valjean | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 30s-60s | B4-G#2
The protagonist; a former prisoner (24601) who breaks parole to build a new life of dignity and compassion. He cares for others as he works to keep ahead of his past. A powerful figure, with a character of operatic size and passion. Intimacy/Violence.
Javert | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 30s-60s | F#4-F2
The ultimate “law and order” figure, he is focused on upholding the law and does not believe people are capable of change. He pursues Valjean obsessively in search of “justice” and must exhibit both rigidity and expressiveness. Violence.
The Bishop of Digne | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 30s+ | E4-A2
A compassionate religious man who sees past the convict and offers Valjean food, shelter, and a new beginning.
Fantine | Female | Any Ethnicity | Age: 20s-30s | E5-D3
A struggling, working-class single mother who fights desperate circumstances. She maintains her dignity while weathering injustice after injustice and turns to sex work to survive, eventually dying onstage from illness. Intimacy/Violence.
The Foreman | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 20s-50s | D4-D3
A commanding, predatory man who runs the factory and fires Fantine. Intimacy/Violence.
Bamatabois | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 20s-40s | F4-D3
A dangerous upper-class man who believes it his right to have whatever he wants, including Fantine. Resorts to threats and physical violence. Intimacy/Violence.
Young Cosette | Female | Any Ethnicity | Age: 8-10 | C5-A3
Fantine’s daughter and the Thénardiers’ ward. A timid yet hopeful child who is mistreated until Valjean rescues her and raises her as his daughter. Intimacy/Violence.
Thénardier | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 30s-50s | Eb4-B3
Strong character role who is both the villain and comedic relief. A crooked innkeeper, con artist, and petty thief who is greedy, irreverent, and vulgar. He is self-serving and opportunistic throughout. Intimacy/Violence.
Madame Thénardier | Female | Any Ethnicity | Age: 30s-50s | D5-G#3
Strong character comedienne role. Corrupt, coarse, and boorish, she bullies Cosette and holds her own at the inn and in the streets of Paris, accompanying her husband and their Parisian gang. Intimacy/Violence.
Young Éponine | Female | Any Ethnicity | Age: 8-12 | Non-Speaking
Young Éponine is the pampered and spoiled daughter of the Thénardiers. Clothed and well-fed, she imitates the behavior of her parents, taunting Cosette. (Will also play a child in the Ensemble.)
Gavroche | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 10-12 | G5-B3
A brave, streetwise urchin who acts as the eyes and ears of the streets. He joins the student rebellion and valiantly dies onstage fighting for the cause.
Éponine | Female | Any Ethnicity | Age: 18-25 | F5-F3
The Thénardiers’ tough, street-smart, lovesick daughter. Very unlike her parents, she helps Marius and the student revolutionaries. She wears her heart on her sleeve and dies onstage at the barricades in the arms of her (unrequited) love. Intimacy/Violence.
Cosette | Female | Any Ethnicity | Age: 18-25 | C6-Bb3
Fantine’s strong-willed, devoted daughter. Intelligent, kind, and naive, she lives a comfortable and secluded life with her adoptive father, Jean Valjean. She falls instantly in love with Marius, changing her life and focus. Intimacy.
Enjolras | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 20-30 | G#4-A2
The charismatic leader of the student uprising. He is brave and daring, combining his revolutionary ideals with inspirational leadership, ultimately encouraging the men at the barricades to die for their beliefs. Valiantly fights and dies onstage. Violence.
Marius | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 18-25 | Ab4-Bb2
A passionate, impulsive, and headstrong young student and revolutionary. Upon sight, he falls instantly in love with Cosette, requiring him to choose between his loyalty to the student uprising and his new love. Intimacy/Violence.
Students | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 16-30 | G4-D3
- Named Students: Combeferre, Feuilly, Courfeyrac, Grantaire, Joly, Lesgles, Jean Prouvaire
All are members of the ABC, a secret society of students committed to freedom and social justice. All are youthful, passionate, young men who rise at the barricades and die at the barricades. Violence.
Thénardier’s Gang | Male | Any Ethnicity | Age: 20+ | C#4-B3
- Named Members: Montparnasse, Brujon, Babet, Claquesous
A group of Paris thieves and criminals who work with Thénardier to rob and exhort other Parisians.
Violence.
Ensemble | Any Gender | Any Ethnicity | Age: Varies | Varies
The ensemble is full of featured roles, named characters, and solos. Groupings include: Convicts, Wardens, Constables, Laborers, Peasants, Farmers, Factory Workers, Sailors, Sex Workers, Inn Patrons, Citizens, Wedding Guests, and more! Every ensemble member will play multiple roles. Intimacy/Violence.
Read more about specific moments of staged violence and staged intimacy HERE.
CREATIVE TEAM
Director | Kendra Norton Dando
Music Director | Brandon Nordues
Fight Director | Mason Tyer
Choreographer | Talya Dozois
Scenic Designer | Mark Hennigs
Costume Designer | Risa Alecci
Lighting Designer | Grant E. Merges
Sound Designer | TBA
Prop Designer | Bonnie Bologna
Stage Manager | Grace Wright