Houston Grand Opera Announces Open Auditions for Show Boat

Houston Grand Opera is holding auditions for principal non-singing actor roles in its Spring 2027 production of Show Boat.

The production will celebrate the centennial of the landmark Kern and Hammerstein II musical theater classic. Directed by Francesca Zambello and conducted by HGO’s Music Director Emeritus Patrick Summers, this upcoming staging is looking for actors to fill several paid principal roles.

Auditions will take place in Houston, Texas, and interested performers must register in advance to receive an audition time and preparation materials.

Talent Application

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Audition Details

Production:
🎭 Show Boat

Company:
Houston Grand Opera

Audition Category:
Theater

Audition Date:
📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026

Location:
📍 Wortham Theater Center
510 Preston Street
Houston, TX 77002

Payment:
💵 Paid

Submit By:
September 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Production Commitment

Actors who are interested in auditioning should have full availability for the production period. Candidates may be called for up to 30 hours per week during the 8-week rehearsal and performance schedule.

Production Period:
March 22 through May 16, 2027

Contracted actors will receive weekly scale wages of at least $1,450 per week, depending on the role.

Roles Being Auditioned

🎭 Parthy Ann Hawks

A non-Black female role, middle to older age. Parthy is a stoic, moralistic, sharp-tongued New England wife of a Louisiana showman. She strongly dislikes show business.

🎭 Steve Baker / Max

A non-Black male role, middle age. This character is described as debonair, conventionally handsome, and a leading-man type.

🎭 Pete / Emcee

A non-Black male role, middle age. Pete is a rough engineer and river rat with a surly personality.

🎭 Sheriff Vallon / Bartender

A non-Black male role, middle to older age. This role is described as an old-style “good ol’ boy” sheriff.

🎭 Mrs. O’Brien

A non-Black female role, middle to older age. Mrs. O’Brien is an Irish immigrant and landlady who rents rooms to boarders in her Chicago home.

How to Register

Audition times will be assigned after registration. Sides and audition materials will also be distributed once candidates are registered.

To request the registration form link, email:

auditions@houstongrandopera.org

Applicants should request the form and submit their materials before the deadline of September 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM.

This is a strong opportunity for actors interested in paid theater work with a major opera company and a historic musical theater production.