Auditions!
Saturday 21 February
Bijou Tasmania is delighted to announce auditions for its 2026 production of Dolly Parton’s hit Broadway musical, 9 to 5 at the Playhouse Theatre this July and August!
Please carefully read the information below and fill out the form to book an audition.
About the Show
9 to 5 The Musical follows Doralee, Violet and Judy, three very different workmates pushed to breaking point by their sexist, egotistical boss. When they hatch a daring plan to kidnap him and turn the tables, the women seize the chance to transform their workplace for the better. But just as the office begins to thrive, an unexpected visit from the CEO threatens to unravel everything.
Bold, funny and sharp, 9 to 5 is a high-energy celebration of friendship, empowerment and taking back control, with big laughs and even bigger heart.
This production will feature a cast of around 20 performers and a 12-piece band.
Season
30 July to 8 August 2026
The Playhouse Theatre, Hobart
Creative & Production Team
Director Karen Kluss
Musical Director Petr Diviš
Choreographer Bonnie Cashion
Assistant Director Zoë Vandervelde
Costume Designer Nicole Ottrey
Lighting Designer Gareth Kays
Set Designer Karen Kluss
Sound Designer Greg Cracknell
Properties Helen Cronin
Associate Producer & Marketing Adelaide Reisz
Producer Karen Kluss
Show Dates & Times
Thursday 30 July 7.30pm (Opening night)
Friday 31 July 7.30pm
Saturday 1 August 2pm
Saturday 1 August 7.30pm
Sunday 2 August 3.30pm
Tuesday 4 August 7.30pm (TBC)
Wednesday 5 August 7.30pm
Thursday 6 August 7.30pm
Friday 7 August 7.30pm
Saturday 8 August 2pm
Saturday 8 August 7.30pm
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.30 – 9.30pm, and on Sunday from 10am – 4pm. First get together will be held in mid-March. Group music calls for all cast will be held from late March until early May, with most people required 2-3 times each week. Blocking and choreography rehearsals will start in May. Not everyone will be called to every rehearsal. Rehearsals will gear up in the final weeks leading up to opening night, with the possibility of three nights a week and a full weekend in the week preceding production week, with calls every night in production week.
Honorarium
While this is an amateur production, Bijou offers performers a small honorarium for their participation in the show as a token of appreciation. The honorarium for 9 to 5 is $100 per performer.
Roles
We are looking for a cast of around 20 for this show. There are five principal roles and eight supporting roles, plus ensemble. As part of the ensemble, we are looking for a select number of skilled dancers to form a dance chorus. These performers are not required to be strong singers.
We are looking for a variety of performers; strong singer / actors for the principal and supporting roles, strong singer / good movers for the ensemble, and strong dancers for the dance chorus. American accents will be required for all roles.
All roles in this show are open for audition. Age ranges are indicative only and
auditions are open to those aged 18+.
Principal Roles
VIOLET NEWSTEAD (Female, 40s – 50s)
Violet is a smart, efficient, widowed mother of a teenage son who is constantly being passed up for promotion in the boys’-club world of climbing the corporate ladder. She runs the office while her boss takes the credit. She is frustrated with her position, but not bitter. Comedic role – witty and sharp.
Vocal range: Alto
JUDY BERNLY (Female, late 20s – 30s)
Judy is a meek housewife with her first foray into the working world when her husband runs off with his secretary. Judy changes throughout the play into a force to be reckoned with, taking control of herself and her life. Comedic role – confusion.
Vocal range: Soprano with a high belt
DORALEE RHODES (Female, 20s – 30s)
Doralee Rhodes is a sexy, country gal who is the secretary for the boss, Franklin Hart. She is misunderstood at the beginning of the play due to rumours about an affair with the boss but comes to be a strong cog in the machine that destroys Hart. She is an eternal optimist, warm and personable, with a ready smile. Country singing. Comedy is sharp and no-nonsense. American country accent is essential.
Vocal range: Mezzo country belt
FRANKLIN HART (Male, 40s – 50s)
Franklin Hart is a pompous jerk of a boss. If he weren’t the boss, he would have no friends at all. Spends his time trying to seduce Doralee. Smarmy. Sexist, Egotistical, Lying, Hypocritical, Bigot.
Vocal range: Bass / Baritone
ROZ KEITH (Female, 30s – 50s)
The attentive office gossip queen and snitch. She has an unrequited love for Mr Hart and does everything she can to undermine the rest of the office to earn his affection. Although she has depth, a lonely woman who seeks solace in her work and Hart. Over the top comedic role. Must be a good mover.
Vocal range: Alto
Supporting Roles
(Most of these roles will double in the ensemble)
JOE (Male, 30s)
Young leading man type. Charming, attractive accountant who is interested in Violet. Has own song. Strong singer.
Vocal range: High baritone / tenor
DWAYNE (Male, 20s – 30s)
Doralee’s husband. He is very supportive of her Country ambitions.
Vocal range: Tenor
DICK (Male, 20s – 30s)
Judy’s sleazy ex-husband.
Vocal range: Any
TINSWORTHY (Male, 50s – 60s)
Chairman of the Board of the company. Has the bearing of an army general. An adventurer, still virile. Hart's boss who may be wiser to Hart's ways than he lets on. Good comedy actor with movement skills.
Vocal range: Any
MARGARET (Female, 20s – 30s)
A secretary in Hart's office with a tendency to drink. Good comedy required.
Vocal range: Any
KATHY (Female, 20s – 30s)
Office gossip
Vocal range: Sop or Mezzo
MARIA (Female, 20s)
A young and vibrant secretary in Hart's office.
Vocal range: Sop or Mezzo
MISSY HART (Female, 30s – 40s)
Franklin Hart's wife, clueless to her husband's true nature. Fluttery and Ditzy.
Vocal range: Any
Ensemble
(18+)
To play other roles including office employees, police officers, hospital employees, businessmen
Vocal range: Any
Dance ensemble
(18+)
We’re seeking a small chorus of skilled dancers who will lead the dance numbers in the show. If you wish to audition for the dance ensemble only, you do not have to attend an individual audition and will attend an advanced group dance audition. More details to come.
Vocal range: Any
Song List
9 to 5 – Violet, Doralee, Dwayne, Kathy, Judy & Ensemble
Around Here – Violet, Judy & Ensemble
Here For You – Hart & Male Ensemble
I Just Might – Judy, Doralee, Violet & Ensemble
Backwoods Barbie – Doralee & Female Ensemble
Heart to Hart – Roz & Ensemble
Dance of Death – Judy, Hart & Ensemble
Cowgirl’s Revenge – Doralee, Dwayne & Ensemble
Potion Notion – Violet, Hart & Ensemble
Joy to the Girls – Ensemble
Shine Like the Sun – Violet, Doralee, Judy & Ensemble
One of the Boys – Violet & Male Ensemble
5 to 9 – Roz
Change It – Doralee, Violet, Judy, Maria & Ensemble
Let Love Grow – Joe & Violet
Get Out and Stay Out – Judy
Finale – Company
Auditions
Auditions will take place on Saturday 21 February.
You may also be called back for a group dance audition on Sunday 22 February and an additional call back at a later date.
The dance chorus audition date will take place on the afternoon of Sunday 22 Feb.
You will be informed of the audition venue closer to the date.
What to prepare for your audition
Own Choice Song – Choose a short (2-3 minute) excerpt from a musical theatre or pop song in the style of the show. It doesn’t have to be a song from this show but it can be if you prefer. The most important thing is to choose something you know well that demonstrates your vocal qualities. Please arrange a backing track to play at the audition (YouTube link is preferable) or arrange for your accompanist to attend on the day. Don’t choose a song without accompaniment.
– AND –
Show Excerpt – Prepare the 13-bar harmony audition excerpt from the song ‘9 to 5’ that can be downloaded below, carefully noting the instructions on the first page on what part to learn. It doesn’t need to be memorised. We’ve also included YouTube links below to the Original Broadway Cast recording and an instrumental backing track you can practice with.
You may also be asked to cold read an excerpt of the script on the day.
Original Broadway Cast Recording
Instrumental backing track
Ready to register?
Fill out the registration form below and we will be in touch to confirm your audition time along with more details, including the audition location and what to bring.
Auditions will take place on Saturday 21 February.
Auditions will take approx. 5-10 minutes and you’ll be called in a block so there may be a short wait time before your audition. There are limited times available so get in as early as possible to ensure your preferred time. If you are no longer able to make your audition time, please let us know so we can release the timeslot to someone else.
Rehearsals will commence in mid to late March. Due to the heavy ensemble nature of this show, it might not be possible to accommodate performers who are rehearsing multiple shows at the same time. Please consider carefully when registering to audition if you can make the commitment to this show.
Do you have questions about the show or auditions?
Send us an email and we’ll get back to you.