Musical Theater Auditions

March 9 – Instrumental Hall
March 10 – Recital Hall
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

All FIU Students Are Welcome

Two brand new stories will be brought to life by the Wertheim School of Music this spring, giving students the opportunity and experience to develop musical theatre works from their inception.

Audition Requirements

  1. Two full contrasting songs
  2. A one-minute committed monologue

A pianist will be provided.

Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Based on the painting of the same name by Helnwein, this musical adaptation explores the highs and lows of celebrity and stardom.

Inspired by the famous artwork (itself a reinterpretation of Hopper’s Nighthawks), the story explores the moral complexities and sacrifices people make in pursuit of fame.

The show opens with a cinematic fanfare as we see a tableau of the painting. Three of the four stars disappear, leaving Rick Hopper (based on Humphrey Bogart) alone.

We are then thrown into the chaos of Hollywood: actors, directors, producers, writers, and photographers all chasing fame.

The story introduces:

  • Jett Byron (based on James Dean), a megastar surrounded by paparazzi and fans
  • Jeannie Miller (based on Marilyn Monroe), an ambitious actress chasing artistic fulfillment
  • Jane and Judy, aspiring actresses and Jeannie’s friends
  • Aron (based on Elvis Presley), a naïve young musician working as a busboy at the Halfway Diner
  • Hattie, a mysterious waitress with deep secrets

Rick Hopper manipulates Jeannie with a deal promising fame. As her star rises, her relationships deteriorate and her life spirals toward loneliness and substance abuse.

Meanwhile Jett tries to escape the Hollywood machine but dies in a motorcycle accident. As Jeannie falls deeper into turmoil, Aron signs Rick’s deal — continuing the cycle.

Jean “Jeannie” Miller

A dedicated actress desperate for recognition.

Vocal quality: Alto / Mezzo

A small-town dreamer with ambition and vulnerability. Loosely based on Marilyn Monroe.

 

Jett Byron

Dashing and handsome movie star.

Vocal quality: High Baritone / Tenor

A rising star questioning the value of fame. Loosely based on James Dean.

 

Aaron “Vegas” Love

Young musician from Mississippi working as a busboy.

Vocal quality: Baritone / High Baritone

Charming but principled. Loosely based on Elvis Presley.

 

Rick Hopper

The powerful figure behind Hollywood.

Vocal quality: Baritone

A slick, mafia-like businessman who controls the industry. Loosely based on Humphrey Bogart.

 

Hattie

A mysterious waitress who watches over dreamers.

Vocal quality: Mezzo

A former dreamer who chose independence over fame. Loosely based on Hattie McDaniel.

 

Gladys Vernon

Jett’s overbearing mother.

Vocal quality: Alto / Mezzo

Lives through her son’s success.

 

Pearl Baker

Jeannie’s mother.

Vocal quality: Alto / Mezzo

Strongly opposed to Jeannie pursuing acting.

 

Roger

Aaron’s younger brother.

No singing role currently.

 

David

An introverted busboy secretly in love with Jett.

Vocal quality: High Baritone / Tenor

 

Jane

Jeannie’s friend and aspiring actress.

Vocal quality: Alto / Mezzo

Energetic and enthusiastic about commercial filmmaking.

 

Judy

Another aspiring actress and Jeannie’s friend.

Vocal quality: Alto / Mezzo

Intellectual and focused on cinema as art.

 

Ensemble Roles

Directors

Photographers / Paparazzi

Reporters

Producers

JILTED

Produced at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center

April 18 and 19, 2026

Producers and writers will be in attendance.

“Jilted” is a new musical by Lauryn Gaffney that tells the story of Jill, an American photographer who moves to Ireland for her career. After falling in love and being left at the altar, Jill embarks on a journey of self-discovery and emotional growth.

The musical explores themes of heartbreak, friendship, and self-acceptance. Throughout her journey, Jill learns to value her friendships over romantic relationships, ultimately finding that self-love and acceptance are more important than seeking a partner. The show combines catchy songs with heartfelt moments, making it a modern musical that resonates with audiences.

Jill (Female)

Jill is the heart of Jilted, a quick-witted, emotionally complex American. A talented wedding photographer, her world unravels after being left at the altar, causing her to abandon the career she once loved. As she navigates heartbreak, Jill begins the rocky but empowering journey toward rediscovering herself and chasing her long-held dream: creating a photography book titled The Meaning of Life: Captured.

Jill is layered — funny, vulnerable, self-deprecating, and quietly hopeful. Her arc is about reclaiming identity, healing through art, and learning to love again (starting with herself).

Voice: Strong contemporary musical theatre voice with a powerful high belt.

Vocal range: Low E (chest voice) to top D (mix/belt)

Playing age: Late 20s to early 30s

 

Margo (Female)

Margo is the secondary female lead and Jill’s best friend. She is a nurse who is deeply caring and always goes above and beyond for others.

Throughout Act One she hides a secret: her cancer has returned, which is revealed in Act Two.

Margo has a lot of singing in the show and requires a strong high belt.

Playing age: Late 20s to early 30s

 

Joe (Male)

A touring musician and close friend to both Margo and Jill. Joe is funny, charismatic, and lovable, bringing lightness to the story.

Joe sings frequently and should be a tenor.

Playing age: Late 20s to early 30s

 

Dr. Sam / Therapist (Male or Female)

A vital character who narrates the show.

Dr. Sam guides Jill through her journey of healing, helping her face anxiety and abandonment issues.

Playing age: 30s to 40s

 

Devonne D (Female)

An African American global pop star touring with Joe.

Devonne is a vibrant character with star quality and impeccable vocals. Jill briefly rebounds with Devonne while visiting Joe on tour.

Devonne may also double as additional minor vocal roles.

Vocals: Powerful high alto / soprano with strong belting

Playing age: 20s to 30s

 

Ex-Fiancé / Fiach (Male)

An Irishman from a wealthy background who leaves Jill at the altar.

He functions as a villain-like character: serious yet slightly laughable and clearly lost in life.

Fiach appears at the end of Act One and opens Act Two with a musical number.

Vocals: Ideally tenor, though baritone/bass may be workshopped

Playing age: Late 20s to early 30s

 

Carol (Any Gender)

Introduced in Act Two as a hospital patient beside Margo.

Carol becomes friends with Jill and Margo and later reveals they are actually a publisher who offers Jill a deadline to finish her photography book before retiring to travel the world.

Carol will double or triple several roles including Influencer 1 and 3.

Playing age: Ideally over 50

 

Influencers

Male / Female / Non-Binary performers.

They also double as fans and New Yorkers and often act as Jill’s subconscious.

They sing solos and harmonies throughout the show.

Playing age: Any

 

Hotel Manager / Security Guard / Doctor

Small but fun character roles.

No singing required.

 

Fiach’s Dad

Older character with an Irish accent.

Sings a short song.

Lauryn Gaffney is an internationally acclaimed musical theatre composer and songwriter whose work has earned five Broadway World Awards, including Best Musical.

Her first original show Big Shot enjoyed an Off-Broadway run in New York and performances at 54 Below, following sold-out performances at Dublin’s Helix Theatre and shows across Ireland, London, San Diego, and Mexico.

Praised by the Irish Mirror as “a theatrical storm worthy of a Tony gong,” Big Shot confirmed Lauryn’s place as one of musical theatre’s most dynamic emerging voices.

A 2024 Hot Press Songwriter of the Year nominee, Lauryn has also achieved success as a pop songwriter, with her music receiving radio play across Ireland, the UK, and the United States.

She co-founded The GráGaff, a management company and female music collective supporting emerging Irish female artists.

Lauryn’s innovative radio musical I’m Here To Say Goodbye, supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, was named Hot Press Track of the Day and praised by Broadway World as “an extraordinary piece that brings listeners on an emotional rollercoaster in 15 minutes.”

She is currently developing her newest musical Jilted, which has played to sold-out audiences at London’s The Other Palace, the Irish Cultural Centre, and Dublin’s Sugar Club. The show recently made its U.S. debut at New York’s iconic 54 Below.

Lauryn is excited to have Jilted workshopped and presented in its World Premiere at Aventura Theatre Miami in April 2026.