Auditions: The Sound of Music

Sing-A-Long • Radio Play
Brown County Playhouse

Audition Dates: January 6 & 7
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Brown County Playhouse

The Brown County Playhouse is excited to announce auditions for The Sound of Music – Sing-A-Long • Radio Play, a unique and imaginative presentation of one of the most beloved musicals of all time.

This special production reimagines The Sound of Music as a radio play, focusing entirely on voice, music, and sound. There will be no elaborate sets or visual staging. Instead, performers will bring the story to life through dialogue, singing, and live sound effects (Foley), creating “cinema for the ears.” If you love storytelling, character work, and vocal performance, this production is for you.

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About The Sound of Music

Released as a film in 1965, The Sound of Music is approaching its 60th anniversary in 2026 and celebrates 65 years as a stage production. The film reigned for five years as the highest-grossing film in history and remains one of the most enduring and beloved works in musical theatre.

Known for its breathtaking cinematography and unforgettable songs such as “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” and the title song, the film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won five, including Best Picture and Best Director for Robert Wise.

Set in the late 1930s, the story follows Maria, a young postulant at an Austrian abbey whose free spirit and love of music make convent life a challenge. She is sent to serve as governess to the seven children of the widowed Captain Georg von Trapp, a former naval officer who runs his household with strict military discipline. Maria’s warmth, humor, and kindness gradually transform the family, bringing joy and music back into their lives. The Sound of Music remains the number one sing-along worldwide.

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About This Production

This is a radio play adaptation of The Sound of Music. Performers will not rely on costumes, choreography, or physical scenery. Instead, the focus will be on:

• Distinctive and expressive voices

• Clear storytelling and character work

• Singing and choral blend

• Live sound effects and vocal cues

Think classic radio theatre or modern narrative podcasts. This format allows performers of all experience levels to shine through vocal performance alone.

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Casting Information

Roles are available for children, teens, young adults, adults, and mature adults. Strong vocal ability, clear diction, and the ability to create character through voice are essential.

Principal Roles

Maria Rainer
Female | Adult | Lead
Voice: Soprano (High: B5, Low: C4)
A headstrong, free-spirited young woman whose warmth, humor, and love of music transform the von Trapp household. A natural leader with deep compassion and emotional openness.

The Mother Abbess
Female | Adult/Mature Adult | Lead
Voice: Soprano (High: G#5, Low: B3)
An inspirational leader with a strong moral compass, wisdom, and warmth beneath her disciplined exterior.

Captain Georg von Trapp
Male | Adult | Lead
Voice: Bass-Baritone (High: D5, Low: F#2)
A dignified and disciplined former naval captain struggling with grief, loyalty, and love. Brave, honorable, and deeply principled.

Liesl von Trapp
Female | Late Teen | Lead
Voice: Mezzo-Soprano (High: E5, Low: B3)
The eldest von Trapp child, on the cusp of adulthood, yearning for independence and love.

Rolf Gruber
Male | Late Teen | Lead
Voice: Baritone (High: E5, Low: C4)
Liesl’s suitor, a charming but conflicted young man drawn into dangerous ideology.

Baroness Elsa Schraeder
Female | Adult | Lead
Voice: Mezzo-Soprano (High: F5, Low: D4)
A refined, wealthy widow whose values ultimately clash with the Captain’s convictions.

Max Detweiler
Male | Adult (30s–40s) | Lead
Voice: Tenor (High: F4, Low: D3)
A charming, humorous opportunist with a big heart and a love for music and comfort.

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The von Trapp Children

Friedrich – Male | Early Teen (14) | Tenor
Louisa – Female | Early Teen (13) | Mezzo-Soprano
Kurt – Male | Child (10) | Countertenor
Brigitta – Female | Child (9) | Mezzo-Soprano
Marta – Female | Child (7) | Mezzo-Soprano
Gretl – Female | Child (5) | Mezzo-Soprano

Each child plays an essential role in the story, with strong vocal and character opportunities.

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Supporting and Featured Roles

• Sister Berthe – Mezzo-Soprano

• Sister Margaretta – Mezzo-Soprano

• Sister Sophia – Mezzo-Soprano

• Franz – Spoken

• Frau Schmidt – Spoken

• Herr Zeller – Spoken

• Baron Elberfeld – Spoken

• A New Postulant – Spoken (may sing in chorus)

• Admiral von Schreiber – Spoken

• Ursula – Spoken

• Saengerbund of Herwegen Trio – Non-speaking

• Fraulein Schweiger – Non-speaking

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Ensemble

The ensemble represents nuns, postulants, party guests, Nazi troops, and festival performers. Ensemble members are vital vocalists who sing throughout the production and help create the rich, immersive soundscape of the show.

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Audition Notes

• Performers of all experience levels are encouraged to audition

• Strong singing voices and clear spoken delivery are essential

• Children must be able to follow direction and work in a group setting

• This is a vocal-forward production; memorization and vocal characterization are key

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Auditions: January 6 & 7 | 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Brown County Playhouse

Join us in bringing this timeless classic to life in a fresh, imaginative way—through voice, music, and the power of sound.

Performances are on Feb 6-8. No sign up required. Just show up. Video auditions are accepted.