The Mother of All Musicals!
Regarded by many theatre professionals as the finest musical ever created, Gypsy is the ultimate tale of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughters’ success – while secretly yearning for her own. Set all across America in the 1920s and 30s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born, Arthur Laurents’ landmark show explores the world of two-bit show business with brass, humor, heart and sophistication.
Book by Arthur Laurents Music by Jule Styne Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee
Directed & Choreographed by Travis Guillory Music Directed by Jeremy Stevens Stage Managed by Evan Tansey
WHEN
AUDITIONS
Youth Cast
December 16, 2025
6-9pm
Adult Cast
December 17, 2025
6-9pm
Callbacks
December 18, 2025
6-9pm
WHERE
Theatre Tulsa Studios
5521 S. Peoria Ave. Tulsa, OK 74105
AVAILABLE ROLES
**PLEASE SEE SONG CUT LIST BELOW FOR WHAT TO PREPARE FOR AUDITIONS**
ROSE (Female-presenting, 35–55) The ultimate stage mother — bold, brash, and unstoppable. Rose is fiercely determined to make her daughters stars, especially her youngest, Louise. She’s driven by her own unfulfilled dreams and an unrelenting desire for recognition. Rose is a powerhouse of ambition, charm, manipulation, and vulnerability, all wrapped in one unforgettable character. This is a tour-de-force role that requires commanding stage presence, impeccable comic timing, and a strong belt voice. A true force of nature.
LOUISE / GYPSY ROSE LEE (Female-presenting, 18–35) Shy, awkward, and often overlooked, Louise begins the show in the shadow of her sister and mother — uncertain of her place in the world. But over the course of the story, she transforms into the confident and magnetic burlesque star, Gypsy Rose Lee. This role requires a nuanced actor with a strong emotional range who can portray both vulnerability and glamor. Strong actor-singer with movement ability and comfort with tasteful burlesque performance.
HERBIE (Male-presenting, 40–60) A kind, patient, and loyal man who serves as Rose’s long-suffering manager and would-be husband. Herbie is a gentle counterbalance to Rose’s relentless ambition, offering stability and unconditional support — until he finally reaches his breaking point. A warm and grounded presence with strong acting chops and a natural, understated charm. Baritone or character voice; minimal singing required.
DAINTY JUNE (Female-presenting, 16–30) Rose’s star daughter — a precocious, high-energy performer groomed from childhood to be a headliner. June is flashy, cheerful, and relentlessly “on,” but underneath her polished stage presence lies a girl longing for independence from her overbearing mother. Must have strong dance skills (preferably ballet and tap), excellent comedic timing, and a big personality. Strong singer with a bright, youthful voice.
BABY JUNE (Female-presenting, 8–13) The ultimate child star — adorable, outgoing, and full of energy. Baby June is the center of her mother’s attention and the star of the family’s vaudeville act. She sings, dances, and performs with exaggerated charm and confidence. Must have strong stage presence, solid vocal ability, and strong dance/movement skills (especially in tap). A big personality in a small package.
YOUNG LOUISE (Female-presenting, 10–13) Timid, quiet, and overshadowed by her sister June, Young Louise is sensitive and observant, often fading into the background of the family act. She adores her sister and longs for her mother’s approval, though she’s not naturally suited for the spotlight. This role requires a strong young actor with emotional depth, subtlety, and the ability to show the early hints of the woman she’ll grow into.
TESSIE TURA (Female-presenting, 30s–50s) A veteran burlesque performer and former ballerina, Tessie is brassy, bold, and proud of her craft — even if it’s not exactly high art. She’s one of the trio of strippers who mentor Louise in the world of burlesque. Tessie is humorous, sharp-tongued, and has great comedic timing. Must move well and be comfortable with tasteful burlesque. Strong character actor with a confident stage presence.
MAZEPPA (Female-presenting, 30s–50s) A bold, deadpan, no-nonsense stripper who proudly plays the trumpet in her act. Mazeppa is tough, sarcastic, and unbothered by what anyone thinks — and she’s got a hilariously dry delivery. One of the three seasoned performers who teach Louise the ropes of burlesque. Must have strong comedic timing and physicality. Ability to fake playing trumpet is a plus but not required.
ELECTRA (Female-presenting, 30s–50s) A flashy, eccentric stripper whose gimmick involves an electrified light-up costume. Electra is quirky, glamorous, and a little spacey — but knows how to steal the spotlight in her own unique way. One of the trio of seasoned burlesque performers who guide Louise. Must have excellent comedic timing, confidence, and physicality. Comfort with tasteful burlesque required.
TULSA (Male-presenting, 18–35) A charming and ambitious young dancer in the vaudeville troupe who dreams of breaking out on his own. Tulsa is sweet-natured, optimistic, and has genuine chemistry with Louise. He gets his big moment in the show-stopping number “All I Need Is the Girl,” showcasing strong technical dance ability (especially jazz and tap) and a smooth baritone or tenor voice. Triple threat performer preferred.
FARM BOYS (Male-presenting, 18–40) A lively group of wholesome, energetic young men featured prominently in the numbers “Dainty June and Her Farm Boys” and “Broadway.” They bring humor, charm, and strong ensemble skills through singing, dancing, and acting. Triple-threat performers preferred who can create a fun, spirited atmosphere onstage and support the storytelling with sharp, synchronized movement.
HOLLYWOOD BLONDES / BURLESQUE DANCERS (Female-presenting, 18–40) A versatile group who first appear as Madame Rose’s Toreadorables — a sassy, high-energy vaudeville dance ensemble — and later transform into the glamorous burlesque dancers in Gypsy Rose Lee’s iconic striptease sequence. Performers must have strong jazz or burlesque dance skills, confident stage presence, and the ability to shift between playful vaudeville charm and sultry burlesque style. Triple-threat performers preferred.
NEWS BOYS (Male-presenting, 10–15) A group of energetic young boys (could absolutely be girls in news boys costumes) who perform alongside Baby June in “Baby June and Her News Boys” and the “Military Routine.” They bring youthful charm, playful energy, and tight ensemble work through singing, dancing, and acting. Strong triple-threat skills preferred for this featured ensemble role. Tap dance skills are a plus!
UNCLE JOCKO / CIGAR / KRINGELEIN / WEBER (Male-presenting, 40–60) A versatile character actor role covering several distinct supporting parts:
Uncle Jocko: a rough-and-tumble carnival barker with a gravelly voice and boisterous energy.
Cigar: a sharp, no-nonsense theatre manager in Wichita.
Kringelein: a pragmatic hotel manager in Akron.
Weber: a polished theatre manager in Los Angeles.
Each role requires strong character acting skills and vocal versatility to differentiate personalities, along with excellent comedic timing and physicality. Minimal singing but strong stage presence is essential.
POP / MR. GOLDSTONE / PHIL (Male-presenting, 50s–60s) A versatile character actor playing multiple supporting roles:
Pop: a warm, fatherly figure who offers wisdom and support.
Mr. Goldstone: a sharp, businesslike character involved in the vaudeville and theatre world.
Phil: Gypsy Rose Lee’s savvy and polished press agent, skilled at navigating the world of publicity and media.
This triple-role requires strong versatility, clear characterization, and solid ensemble skills. Minimal singing required. Physicality and comedic timing are helpful.
ENSEMBLE(All Ages)
Various roles including child performers (iconic balloon girl), vaudeville performers, stagehands, burlesque performers, and more. Strong singers, dancers, and character actors of all ages.
ABOUT THE AUDITION
VOCALS
We are asking everyone to sing a selected song from the show. Please see the song listed below for each character and follow the link for the selected music cuts for each song. What you see uploaded is the entire cut you should prepare. We will have physical copies of the sheet music available at auditions.
Rose - Everything’s Coming up Roses, Callback cut - Rose’s Turn
Louise - Little Lamb, Callback cut - If Momma Was Married
June - Farm Sequence, Callback cut - If Momma Was Married
Herbie - Together Wherever We Go
Baby June/Baby Louise - Let Me Entertain You
Mazeppa/Electra/Tessie Tura - You Gotta Get a Gimmick
Tulsa - All I Need Is The Girl
For all other roles please choose any cut from the list above.
DANCE
Please come prepared to do a quick dance call after each vocal audition block.
AUDITION TIMES
December 16, 2025 - Youth Auditions
Block A
6:00-7:00pm (Vocals & Dance)
Block B
7:00-8:00pm (Vocals & Dance)
Block C
8:00-9:00pm (Vocals & Dance)
December 17, 2025 - Adult Auditions
Block A
6:00-7:00pm (Vocals & Dance)
Block B
7:00-8:00pm (Vocals & Dance)
Block C
8:00-9:00pm (Vocals & Dance)
Callbacks will be held Thursday, December 18 at Theatre Tulsa’s studio space. Callback notifications will be sent no later than December 17 at 11pm.
VIDEO AUDITIONS
If you are unable to attend in-person auditions, please submit a video with your vocal selection and a video showcasing your dance abilities. Submissions can be uploaded via Casting Manager. Videos due by December 16.
IMPORTANT INFO
Rehearsals will begin February 23, 2026. Rehearsals will be Monday/Tuesday/Thursday from 6:30-9:30pm and Saturdays (as needed).
Performances will be April 24 - May 3, 2026 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.
For more information, contact info@theatretulsa.org