Rise Above Performing Arts
Auditions Season 11
Puffs is up next. Join us for seven increasingly
eventful years at a certain school of magic in one of the funniest,
fastest, and most imaginative productions of the season.
Explore Puffs audition information and character opportunities,
plus upcoming auditions for the remainder of Season 11.
Before You Audition
-
Bring:
a current headshot and resume -
Prepare:
carefully review the Puffs signup information for the
required audition material -
Character:
bold choices, comic commitment, and strong characterization
are encouraged -
Movement:
be prepared for physical and ensemble-based storytelling -
Location:
Rise Above, next to Connors, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail,
Suite 1175, Sarasota, FL 34239 -
Casting Note:
many performers in Puffs may portray multiple characters
Featured Audition
Puffs
Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain
School of Magic and Magic
Fast. Fearless. Ridiculous. And surprisingly full of heart.
For seven years, a certain young wizard attended a certain
school of magic and repeatedly saved the world.
This, however, is not his story.
Puffs follows Wayne Hopkins and the members of the
school's most overlooked house through seven increasingly
dangerous years of magical education. Expect rapid character
changes, huge comedy, physical storytelling, and plenty of
opportunities to create unforgettable characters.
Performances: Feb 18–21 & 25–28, 2027
Auditions: Dec 5
Callbacks: Dec 6
Many performers portray multiple characters.
Come ready to make bold choices, commit completely,
and play.
Quick Audition Guide
Upcoming Season 11 Auditions
The remaining audition opportunities for Season 11,
all in one place.
Puffs
Auditions:
December 5
Callbacks:
December 6
Signups begin:
November 5
The Addams Family
Auditions:
January 9
Callbacks:
January 10
Signups begin:
December 8
Note:
Show Choir Only
Mean Girls
Auditions:
March 6
Callbacks:
March 7
Signups begin:
February 6
Sweeney Todd
Auditions:
Video submissions only
Deadline:
March 1
Note:
Alumni Show
Character Breakdown
Puffs
Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain
School of Magic and Magic
Auditions December 5 • Callbacks December 6
Synopsis
For seven years, a certain young wizard attended a
certain school of magic and repeatedly saved the world.
This, however, is not his story.
Puffs follows Wayne Hopkins and the members
of the school's most overlooked house as they experience
seven increasingly dangerous years of magical education.
Fast-paced, heartfelt, and extremely funny, the play
features broad physical comedy, rapid character changes,
imaginative theatrical storytelling, and numerous
opportunities for memorable characters.
Casting Note
Many performers portray multiple characters.
Tracks and role doubling may be adjusted based on
the needs and size of the production.
Wayne Hopkins
An awkward but deeply sincere young wizard from
New Mexico who arrives convinced that he may be
destined for greatness. Earnest, loyal, imaginative,
and endearingly uncool.
Oliver Rivers
A brilliant and analytical math enthusiast who
struggles with the unpredictable rules of magic.
Nervous, dryly funny, and fiercely loyal.
Megan Jones
A guarded student convinced that she belongs with
the Snakes instead of the Puffs. Sarcastic,
rebellious, sharp-witted, and slow to trust.
Narrator
The audience's guide through seven chaotic years
at a certain school of magic. Requires excellent
comic timing and audience connection.
Cedric / Mr. Voldy
Cedric is the Puffs' confident and compassionate
golden student. Mr. Voldy is a heightened embodiment
of evil. Requires two sharply contrasting characters.
Leanne
An eccentric and endlessly enthusiastic Puff who
embraces friendship with her entire heart.
Requires fearless comedy and strong physical
characterization.
Susie Bones / Harry / Additional Roles
Susie is gloomy and constantly worried that death
is near. Harry is famous and always occupying the
center of someone else's story.
J. Finch Fletchley / Additional Roles
An upbeat and enthusiastic Puff with bright comic
energy and a genuine desire to belong.
Sally Perks / Additional Roles
A socially awkward Puff with a highly specific
view of the world. Requires strong comic instincts
and physical commitment.
Ernie Mac / Additional Roles
A confident and self-impressed Puff who carries
himself as though everyone already knows how
important he is.
Hannah / Additional Roles
A shy and gentle Puff whose innocence and sincerity
create both comic and touching moments.
Additional Students, Professors & Magical Characters
Students, professors, ghosts, authority figures,
villains, creatures, family members, sports figures,
and other inhabitants of the magical world.
Expanded Ensemble
Depending on casting, doubled characters may be
divided among additional performers. Ensemble
members should be energetic, expressive, and
comfortable with physical comedy.
Show Breakdown
The Addams Family
Auditions January 9 •
Callbacks January 10 •
Show Choir Only
Synopsis
Wednesday Addams has fallen in love with a nice,
normal boy, and Gomez is asked to keep it secret
from Morticia. Chaos follows when both families
meet for dinner.
Gomez Addams
Suave, funny, and caught between daughter and wife.
Morticia Addams
Elegant, dry, sexy, and emotionally grounded.
Wednesday Addams
Darkly iconic, strong-willed, and newly in love.
Pugsley Addams
Funny, anxious, and missing his sister's attention.
Uncle Fester
Lovable narrator with big comic energy.
Grandma / Lurch
Highly featured comic characters with strong physicality.
Mal / Alice / Lucas Beinecke
The "normal" family bringing conflict and comedy.
Thing / Cousin It / Ancestors
Featured ensemble roles woven throughout the show
with singing and dancing.
Show Breakdown
Mean Girls
Auditions March 6 • Callbacks March 7
Synopsis
Cady Heron moves from Africa to suburban Illinois
and learns the social rules of North Shore High
while taking on Regina George and the Plastics.
Cady Heron
Bright, warm, and the emotional center of the show.
Regina George
The magnetic and ruthless queen bee.
Janis Sarkisian
Bold outsider with humor and edge.
Damian Hubbard
Fiercely loyal, funny, and high-energy.
Gretchen Wieners / Karen Smith
Two core Plastics with very different comic energies.
Aaron Samuels
Charming, grounded, and more than just the cute guy.
Mrs. Heron / Mr. Heron / Mrs. George /
Ms. Norbury / Mr. Duvall
Strong featured adult roles with comedy and presence.
Kevin G / Martin / Ensemble
Students, Mathletes, party guests, show choir,
dance team, and many featured lines.
Character Breakdown
Sweeney Todd
(Alumni Show)
Video submissions only • Due March 1
Synopsis
Stephen Sondheim's dark masterpiece follows
Sweeney Todd, a barber driven by vengeance after
losing everything he once loved.
Returning to London, he partners with Mrs. Lovett
in a chilling tale of obsession, justice, and
moral collapse.
This alumni production demands exceptional vocal
ability, acting depth, and a strong command of
storytelling.
Sweeney Todd
A former barber, husband, and father consumed by
vengeance after years of wrongful imprisonment.
Charismatic yet volatile, terrifying yet deeply
human. Requires strong vocal control and emotional
range. Estuary/London dialect.
Mrs. Lovett
A cunning pie shop owner who turns survival into
opportunity. Sharp, comedic, and ambitious, she
masks desperation with charm. Deeply in love with
Todd. Requires excellent comedic timing.
Cockney accent.
Anthony Hope
A hopeful young sailor who falls in love with Johanna.
Romantic, idealistic, and occasionally reckless.
Johanna
Sweeney's daughter, held captive by Judge Turpin.
Intelligent, observant, and yearning for freedom.
Tobias Ragg
A young apprentice who evolves from loyal and naive
to deeply traumatized and unstable. Emotionally
complex with strong storytelling moments.
Cockney accent.
Judge Turpin
A corrupt authority figure masking cruelty with
righteousness. Driven by obsession and hypocrisy.
Beadle Bamford
A theatrical and pompous official who enjoys
power and control. Darkly comedic with a polished
exterior hiding unsettling tendencies.
Beggar Woman / Lucy Barker
A mysterious figure living on the streets.
Haunting, prophetic, and tragic. Holds the
emotional key to the entire story.
Adolfo Pirelli
A flamboyant con artist posing as a world-famous
barber. Over-the-top, comedic, and dangerous when
threatened.
Jonas Fogg
The eerie owner of an asylum. Cold, detached,
and disturbingly fascinated by his patients.
Ensemble
Functions as a Greek chorus, shaping the world
of the show. Highly featured throughout with
complex vocals, harmonies, and storytelling
responsibility.