AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD MAY 15 (evening) & MAY 17 (afternoon)
CALLBACKS ARE MAY 23 (9:30am-1p) & MAY 24 (1-5pm)
About the Show
Fiddler on the Roof is one of Broadway’s most celebrated masterpieces brought to life by the legendary team of Jerry Bock (music), Sheldon Harnick (lyrics), and Joseph Stein (book). Originally produced by Harold Prince and directed/choreographed by Jerome Robbins, this Tony Award-winning musical has touched hearts worldwide for over 60 years and remains one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history.
Journey with us to the small village of Anatevka, where Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, struggles to maintain his family’s cherished traditions while the world around him rapidly changes. Like a fiddler on the roof, he finds himself in a precarious position… trying to balance the weight of tradition with the winds of change. As his three daughters challenge age-old customs and outside forces threaten their way of life, Tevye — and the entire village — must discover what truly matters: the rules that bind us, or the love that sustains us.
While the show delivers unforgettable songs like “Tradition,” “Matchmaker,” and “If I Were a Rich Man,” Fiddler’s true power lies in its profound message about finding strength in community, faith in God, and the unbreakable bonds of family. This timeless story about resilience, love, and holding onto what’s truly important proves that some themes transcend time and culture — speaking to the heart of what makes us human.
With stunning period costumes, evocative sets, and Upper Room Theatre’s signature professional-caliber production values, this deeply moving musical promises to be a beautiful full-circle moment as we celebrate our 25th anniversary season! We’re especially excited to have professional theater veteran bringing his decades of stage experience to the role of Tevye.
Click here to listen to the beautiful music on YouTube (opens in a new window).
About Upper Room Theatre
Founded in 2002 and celebrating 25 seasons this year, Upper Room Theatre has grown into one of DC’s most dynamic theatrical forces, where professional-caliber artistry meets community impact.
Our award-winning sold out shows don’t just draw 3,000+ audience members each summer… they help fund nearly 300 youth and young adult ministry programs throughout the year. We’ve won multiple “Best of” awards (11 awards for last year’s 2025 production of Shrek!), including BroadwayWorld’s “Favorite Local Theatre” and DC Theater Arts’ “Staff Favorite.” This proves that artistic excellence AND meaningful purpose go hand in hand.
Our alumni have gone on to perform at The Kennedy Center, Signature Theatre, Olney Theatre, Arena Stage, National Tours, Off-Broadway, CBS, Disney World, cruise ships, symphonies and more… but what truly sets us apart is the transformative experience we create for everyone involved. Here, you’ll find yourself part of something bigger: a creative family united by theatrical passion and a dedication to faithfully serving others through the arts.
Which means your time with us won’t just be rewarding professionally… it’ll be personally meaningful as you forge lifelong friendships and grow alongside our professional creative team.
Casting Details
ALL roles are open to rising 9th-12th graders, college students, and young adults in their 20s and 30s.
AGE EXCEPTIONS FOR 2026: The roles of Tevye, Golde, Yente, Lazar Wolf, and Rabbi are also open to adults 40 and older.
| CHARACTER (some roles double) | Gender | *Character's Age (*Actor can be older or younger than this) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tevye | M | 50-60 | This Role is Already Cast |
| Golde | F | 45-55 (Women 40 and over can audition) | Strong actress, good comic timing, exudes sarcasm; Mezzo/Alto (A3 – Eb5) |
| Tzeitel | F | 19-23 | Strong dramatic actress; Soprano/Alto (B3 to D5) |
| Motel, the Tailor | M | 20-25 | Must have good comic timing and the ability to show vulnerability; Strong Tenor (E3 - F#4) |
| Hodel | F | 17-21 | Strong dramatic actress; Soprano with strong chest voice (B3 – E5) |
| Perchik, the Student | M | 19-25 | Strong acting skills. Actor must show intensity as well as likeable and charming; Tenor (B2 – E4) |
| Chava | F | 16-18 | Strong dramatic actress; Soprano/Alto; Ballet and/or Lyrical Modern dance training preferred |
| Fyedka, the Russian | M | 18-24 | Strong actor who can use a Russian accent; Mainly Speaking (opt Russian Tenor solo); Strong dancer preferable |
| Sprintze | F | 13-15 | good stage presence and reactions; Soprano/Alto |
| Bielke | F | 11-13 | good stage presence and reactions; Soprano/Alto |
| Yente | F | 45-60 (Women 40 and over can audition) | Strong comedic talents; Soprano/Alto (F3 – F5) |
| Lazar Wolfe | M | 40-60 (Men 40 and over can audition) | Strong, feisty actor with good comic skills; Baritone (C3 – F#4) |
| Rabbi | M | 40-60 (Men 40 and over can audition) | Mostly an Acting Role with comedic timing |
| Mordcha. Avram, Yankel, Nahum | 3-4 M | mid 30s-40s | "Papas" of Anatevka; Acting w/ lines plus Choral and Movement |
| Shaindel, Sima, Mirala, Rifka | 3-4 F | mid 30s-40s | "Mamas" of Anatevka; Acting w/ lines plus Choral and Movement |
| Mendel, Yussel, Ruchel, Moishe, Fredel, Anya, Sureha | 5-7 M/F | Teens | "Sons & Daughters" of Anatevka; Acting w/ lines plus Choral and Movement |
| The Constable, Russian | M | 30s | Strong Acting Character Role; no singing or dance |
| Sasha and Ivan, Russians | 1-2 M | 18-29 | Strong Dance plus one of these could be the Russian Tenor Soloist |
| Fruma-Sarah (will double) | F | 35 - 55 | Strong Actress; Mezzo/Alto (C4 – Eb5) |
| Grandma Tzeitel (will double) | F | 60 - 70 | Strong Actress; Mezzo/Alto (C#4 – D5) |
| Fiddler | M/F | a talented violinist who can move is ideal - possibility to double w/ a Russian |
ROLE OF FIDDLER: We aim to identify a violin performer who can portray the iconic role of the Fiddler. Ideally an actor who can play the fiddle with some movement. If you are interested, please send a video of you playing the violin while moving. (Feel free to play the opening solo music from the show, too!) Send videos and any related questions to: [email protected]
Rehearsals
Rehearsals begin MAY 27, 2026 (that is a full company rehearsal). Those cast will only be called to rehearsals when needed, sometimes for parts of rehearsals as well (you will not be called to every single rehearsal until July). The bulk of rehearsals will happen on Saturdays ~9:00am-2:00pm, Sundays from 5:00-10:00pm and two additional floating weekday evenings from 6:30-10:00pm (generally Mon, Tues, Wed, or Thurs as we try to avoid Fridays). Those preparing to audition should do everything possible to keep those dates and times available.
Performances
The production will run July 21-26. There are 7 performances total (Tuesday through Sunday evenings, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday). There is a required full company strike (take down of all set/lighting/clean-up) after the closing July 26 show and late afternoon of July 27.
Audition Requirements
You will be required to sing a traditional musical theater piece for us. We expect that your vocal performances for us always demonstrate your storytelling and ACTING abilities. Every single role in this show requires strong acting.
Plan for a 45-second private audition with our directors to show off your singing and acting.
SINGING: While you should know your entire song, for your audition we want to hear a cut that is no longer than 45 seconds (approximately 32 bars of music). We would prefer if you choose a traditional musical theater song in the style of this show (not a modern or pop-sounding show). Please do not choose a piece from Fiddler. Arrive 10 minutes early, bring your music prepared as we instruct, and bring your completed Audition Information Form you will receive after you sign up for an audition slot.
Above all, it’s important whatever you choose to do, that you are telling us a clear story. The priority is that we can hear your voice and see your acting. We’ve got a LOT of great roles and opportunities in this show for many different types of voices!
We are providing a fantastic pianist for your audition accompaniment (but wired speakers will be available too only if you are bringing a device that has a headphone jack, and bluetooth speakers will be available as well. NO CDs). If you choose to perform a song, we ask you to bring sheet music for our audition accompanist. We also ask you please avoid a cappella singing as we want to hear you with music. If sheet music is available for your song, we would much prefer live music accompaniment played by our pianist.
DANCING: We will not require a dance for your first audition. HOWEVER, if you have a dance background, we want to know about it! Please put it on your form, plus you may add dance to your song OR use some of your 45 seconds to show us a short routine and shorten your singing to 16 bars of music. If you are called back to the second round of auditions on May 23 & 24, then you may be asked to learn and perform a dance for us.
(NOTE: If you can’t make our in-person initial auditions and want to send in a video, please email [email protected] for special arrangements.)
Creative Team in the Room
Director: Rob Tessier
Music Director: Chris Zavadowski
Choreographer: Marianna Constable
Assistant Director: Jack Tessier
Additional Information
Upper Room Theatre Ministry is sponsored by All Saints Catholic Church. Casting will result in a mixture of members from All Saints in addition to those outside the church membership. We certainly welcome anyone within the required age ranges to audition. Be aware that because we are a ministry, we incorporate prayer into our rehearsal process by beginning and ending our rehearsals with prayer and dedicating our efforts to God. You don’t have to be Catholic, just open to allowing faith into the theatrical process.
Everyone is a volunteer. Proceeds from the production directly support the Youth and Young Adult Ministry spiritual opportunities and missions in addition to supporting future theatrical productions and improvements.
Anyone involved with our production over 18 must be Virtus-approved (this is our child protection program, since we will have people involved with the production under 18). It’s EASY to be approved as long as you fill out paperwork (this is the link to Virtus details), permit a background check, and attend a 3-hour training on a Saturday morning. You can learn more at www.virtus.org (our diocese is Arlington). You do NOT need to do this prior to auditioning, but if you are called back, you will be required to do the initial steps (background check) BEFORE callbacks.
QUESTIONS? Email [email protected]
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