Houston Grand Opera Announces Show Boat Actor Auditions

Houston Grand Opera Association is holding auditions for principal non-singing actor roles in its Spring 2027 production of Show Boat. The auditions will take place in Houston, Texas, on October 3, 2026.

This production of the Kern and Hammerstein II classic will be directed by Francesca Zambello and conducted by HGO’s Music Director Emeritus Patrick Summers. The staging will celebrate the centennial of this landmark musical theater work.

Talent Application

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Audition Details

🎭 Production: Show Boat
🏛️ Company: Houston Grand Opera Association
📍 Audition Location: Wortham Theater Center, 510 Preston Street, Houston, TX 77002
📅 Audition Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
🎬 Category: Theater
💰 Payment: Paid
⏰ Submit By: September 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Candidates must register in advance in order to audition. Audition times will be assigned after registration, and sides will be distributed for preparation.

Production Availability

Actors interested in auditioning should have full availability during the production period.

📌 Production Period: March 22 – May 16, 2027
📌 Availability Needed: Up to 30 hours per week for 8 weeks
📌 Weekly Pay: At least $1,450 per week, depending on the role

Contracted actors will receive scale wages on a weekly basis.

Roles Being Auditioned

Parthy Ann Hawks

Non-Black female, 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

Non-Black male, middle age. A debonair and conventionally handsome leading man type.

Pete / Emcee

Non-Black male, middle age. A rough engineer and river rat with a surly personality.

Sheriff Vallon / Bartender

Non-Black male, middle to older age. An old-style “good ol’ boy” sheriff type.

Mrs. O’Brien

Non-Black female, middle to older age. An Irish immigrant and Chicago landlady who rents rooms to boarders in her home.

How to Register

To request a registration form link, email:

auditions@houstongrandopera.org

Audition slots will be assigned after registration. Sides for the audition will also be provided once candidates are registered.

Final Note

This is a strong opportunity for experienced theater actors who are interested in working with Houston Grand Opera on a major classic musical theater production.

Actors should carefully review the role descriptions, confirm full availability for the production period, and request the registration form before the submission deadline. Since audition slots are assigned in advance, early registration is recommended.