DOGFIGHT the musical

AUDITION NOTICE

Book by Peter Duchan

Music & Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul

Submissions are now closed!

The hauntingly beautiful musical, Dogfight, with a book by Peter Duchan and music & lyrics by Pasek and Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land, The Greatest Showman, Edges, James and the Giant Peach, A Christmas Story). Based on the 1991 Warner Brothers film, Dogfight takes audiences on a romantic and heartbreaking theatrical journey that stays with you long after the performance. It's November 21, 1963. On the eve of their deployment to a small but growing conflict in Southeast Asia, three young Marines set out for one final boys' night of debauchery, partying and maybe a little trouble. But, when Corporal Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, an awkward and idealistic waitress whom he enlists to win a cruel bet with his fellow recruits, she rewrites the rules of the game and teaches him the power of love and compassion.

ABOUT DOGFIGHT

PRODUCTION INFORMATION:

IMPORTANT DATES (subject to change)

Tech Rehearsals Begin: Sept. 24th, 2026

Rehearsals Begin: July 19th , 2026

First show : October 1st, 2026

Closing: October 18th, 2026

GENERAL INFORMATION

Union Status: Non-Equity/CAEA permitted

Compensation: Profit-share

THE CREATIVE TEAM

Direction by

Cathy Wilmot

Music Direction by

Taylor McKee

Jaime MacLean

Choreography by

AUDITION INFORMATION

Audition Dates & Times: February 20th (6pm-10pm | February 21nd & 22nd (10:00am - 6:00pm)

Callbacks: Callbacks will be held February 26th - 28th. Specific dates and times will be communicated to those selected. Callback materials will be provided in advance.

Audition Panel: You will be auditioning for the Director Cathy Wilmot, Choreographer Jaime MacLean, Musical Director Taylor McKee and Producer Dave MacLean

What are we looking for?

Dogfight is an exciting, soulful and high energy show and it needs a cast to match. We are looking for:

Diversity
Variety in look with all shapes and sizes
Versatility in acting range, with the ability to play more than one character, including characters of contrasting ages
Strong solo singers who can also blend in an ensemble
Strong singers who can dance
Strong dancers who can sing
Friendly people who work hard
Commitment to the collaborative nature of the show and rehearsal process
Kindness

Currently Casting for:

Please Note: the roles of ROSE FENNY & EDDIE BIRDLACE have been cast. As well, understudy tracks will be guaranteed at least one show during the run of the production.

A Marine private first class. He is well respected and a natural leader amongst his comrades. Initially a hothead; a cocky smooth talker. He eventually sheds his brash exterior when he falls for Rose. Special note: Actor will be asked to cut hair short (“crew cut”). The role of Birdlace will include onstage intimacy so any actor auditioning for this role must be comfortable with the requirements of this role.
Vocal Range : A4 - A2 | Male identifying, to play age 18-25 yrs. Old
A diner waitress who dreams of life as a musician. She is a naturally shy girl, naive of the world around her. She becomes smitten with Birdlace and discovers a lot about her self-worth, self-respect, and confidence along the way. Special Note:The role of Rose will include onstage intimacy so any actor auditioning for this role must be comfortable with the requirements of this role. The ability to play guitar is an asset.
Vocal Range : E5 - G3 | Female identifying, to play age 18-21 yrs. old.
A Marine private first class and Birdlace's good friend. A bit nerdy and very inexperienced with the opposite sex. Special note:Actor asked to cut hair short (“crew cut”).
Vocal Range: B4 - B2 | Male identifying, to play age 18-25 yrs. old
A Marine private first class and Birdlace's closest friend. A poor Southern cad, he is the most vocal supporter of the dogfight and fairly crude in his behaviour and language. Special note:Actor asked to cut hair short (“crew cut”).
Vocal Range: B4 - B2 | Male identifying, to play age 18-25 yrs. old
Boland's date for the dogfight. She is a nearly toothless and homely sex trade worker. Crass and brash, but sneaky and cunning.
Vocal Range Top: Eb5 - F#3 | Female identifying, to play age 25-45 yrs. old
Ruth Two Bears: Bernstein’s date to the dogfight. Also plays other characters throughout. We are seeking to cast an indigenous artist in this role.
Vocal Range: Flexible | Female identifying, to play age 35-55 yrs. old
The owner of the local diner. She is unamused by the Marines' antics and protective of her daughter, Rose. Also plays other characters throughout.
Vocal Range: Flexible | Female identifying, to play age 35-55 yrs. old
Lounge Singer: Main male identifying adult figure.
Vocal Range: Tenor | Male identifying, to play age 30-50 yrs. old
Male identifying Ensemble: Gibbs, Fector and Stevens *Special note: TheseActors will be asked to cut hair short (“crew cut”) Other Characters: Pete, Sergeant, Diner Patron, Waiter and Big Tony – Vocal Range: D2-B4
Female identifyingEnsemble: Peggy, Suzette, Librarian and Chippy (sex worker) – Vocal Range: Flexible
Two swings may be engaged for this production to cover the primary tracks. They will appear on-stage in ensemble numbers. Vocal ranges: reflect the roles listed above.

You must be 18 years or older at the time of the audition.

IMPORTANT CONTENT WARNINGS

Dogfight deals frankly with serious and important subjects. We acknowledge some of these subjects may be challenging for some people. Please take care while considering your ability and comfort in dealing with these issues. In particular, you should note the following:

- The heart of the text deals with issues regarding body image and perceived attractiveness
- BIRDLACE and ROSE are required to kiss and depict a sex scene
- BIRDLACE appears to be struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after returning home from war
- BIRDLACE, BERNSTEIN and BOLAND visit a sex worker (CHIPPY) where sexual assault is implied.
- Some scenes depict war themes, violence and death - including gun violence
- Some scenes and songs include coarse language and adult themes
- There is misogynistic content throughout the piece

We have included this information not to put you off from auditioning but rather to be honest about what the show includes. To avoid difficulties later, we encourage all auditionees to read the full synopsis of the show, listen to the cast recording and consider watching the movie prior to auditioning.