Auditions for “Fiddler on the Roof Jr” will be February 3-6

More information, sign-ups and audition workshops will be coming in January!

Character Breakdown

Tevye (Male; strong soloist)

Tevye is the heart and conscience of Fiddler on the Roof JR. Tevye is often cast as a larger young man, but his stature really comes from his integrity and zest for life. Tevye should be able to show the wide range of conflict, joy and pain that this character feels throughout the story. Your actor needs to be comfortable speaking directly to the audience and must develop a comfortable rapport with them. He does not need to have a great singing voice, but he must have a strong, easily projected voice that can fill your performance space.

Golde (female; strong soloist)

Golde is the backbone of the family. She has a rather gruff exterior, but in her heart is sheer dedication to her family. When casting Golde, remember that she must be able to manage Tevye. She runs the household, and must be able to keep Tevye s more emotional side in check. Conversely, she should be able to show a softer side when dealing with Chava and Tevye s rift. She, like Tevye, does not need to be the greatest singer in the world but should have a commanding voice.

Tzeitel (female; featured singer)

Tzeitel is the oldest daughter of Tevye and Golde. She is the first to challenge the traditions of Anatevka by pleading with her fateher to let her marry Motel the tailor, to whom she has pledged her love. Keep in mind that she is the oldest daughter, is determined and can manipulate her father. This is the perfect spot for a dramatic actress.

Hodel (female; strong solo singer)

Hodel is a strong, independent middle child. She is outspoken but respectful. She has her eye on the Rabbi’s son at the outset of the story, but she is charmed by the revolutionary Perchick the moment she meets him, though she may not show it right away. Her dedication and love is real as she follows him to Siberia. Cast an excellent singer and actor as Hodel.

Chava (female; featured singer)

Chava is the scholarly daughter who loves to read. Her love the Russian, Fyedka, tests her father to the very limit and provides the largest conflict in the story. Cast an actress who is able to display a wide emotional range.

Shprintze and Bielke (female; featured actresses)

Shprintze and Bielke are the youngest daughters of Tevye and Golde. They are considerably younger than the three matchmaker daughters. They only have a few lines but are featured in quite a few scenes. They don t need to be strong singers or actresses but should be confident onstage.

Motel (male; strong solo singer)

Motel is the poor, young tailor who is charmed with Tzeitel. He is an endearing character, with a bookish charm. He requires a sensitive and nervous, yet lovable portrayal.

Perchik (male; small solo singer)

Perchik is a young student who brings with him radical new ideas that challenge the traditions of the community. Perchik should be able to hold his own with Tevye. He is a strong character, and clashes with Tevye idealistically, but is likable, charming and ultimately becomes a loyal family member.

Fyedka (male)

Fyedka is a strong, young, Russian soldier who falls in love with Chava. He is handsome and completely devoted to Chava. This is a great role for a strong, non-singing actor.

Lazar Wolf (male; small solo singer)

Lazar Wolf is a butcher, the town’s wealthiest citizen and is the same age as, if not older, than, Tevye. Lazar must appear rather distasteful and feisty, which is why Tzeitel is frightened to marry him.

Fiddler (any gender)

The Fiddler is a silent role used to help tell the story and support the music with live violin playing. Not only should the Fiddler be a proficient violin player, but show expression and emotion as they play. There will be a special violin call-back just for those who are interested in playing the Fiddler.

Yente (female)

Yente is the middle-aged widow who matches up the young people of the village in hopes that they will marry. She is a village busybody and knows all the news of the town. Cast a girl with great comedic timing.

Constable (male)

The constable is the local sheriff representing the Russian government. Cast an actor who can provide a sense of threat and conflict. The constable is a complex character, caught between his good nature towards the people of Anatevka and his duty to the non-Jewish Russian government. This is a non-singing role that requires a strong actor.

Featured Ensemble

Mordcha, Yussel, Avram, the Rabbi and Mendel are smaller roles that add much to the richness of the community portrayed in “Fiddler on the Roof Jr.” Mordcha is a friendly, interesting innkeeper. Yussel is a hatter. Avram is a bookseller. Mendel is the Rabbi’s son. The Rabbi is the spiritual center of the community and the actor should be able to play an old man onstage. He should have a comic feel, although this is a serious role. These roles have a short part in “To Life” that can be spoken or sung.

Villagers

The Villagers will portray the people of the village as Papas, Mamas, Sons or Daughters. Also included in this group are the Guests, Inn Patrons, Motel’s Parents and Motel’s Relations. They are the faces of Anatevka.

Russian Soldiers

The Russian Soldiers are under the command of the Constable. These are perfect roles for kids who have had little or no experience. Sasha has two short lines, and all the Russians sing together.