9 to 5 The Musical self-tape auditions


Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton. Book by Patricia Resnick. 
Directed by Ben Freeth. Music direction by Richard Marrett. Choreography by Kira Josephson with Associate Choreographer Hana Pearce 

Rehearsals: 13 October – 20 November 2025 (including dress and preview). Season: 21 November – 1 February 2026 

With a rip-roaring score by the Queen of Country, 9 to 5 The Musical tells the story of three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the ladies manage to reform their office, or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? 

Inspired by the iconic 80s film and brought to you by Dolly herself, this hilarious new production is about teaming up, standing up, and taking care of business! 

The Court Theatre is delighted to invite self-tape submissions for all roles.  

The deadline for submissions is 11 April.  

Callbacks will be held in early May, in person in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, with online callbacks possible for those based elsewhere. 

Audition Requirements

Please prepare the provided excerpt (the piano track is also provided), and a number of your choosing in a style appropriate to the show (about one minute in length). You can download the piano track here and sheet music here.

For reference, the original cast recording can be found here.  

Please upload your tape to a video sharing site (YouTube, Vimeo, Daily Motion - reminder: set to unlisted), self-tapes that require downloading will not be accepted.

This production recognises the diversity of Aotearoa’s performing arts community. We strongly encourage applications from performers of varied experiences, perspectives and circumstances including performers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, performers with disabilities, and performers from all gender identities and body types. 

The Court Theatre is proud to have a strong relationship with Equity New Zealand. All contracts will be in line with the Collective Agreement between The Court Theatre and Equity New Zealand. 

Characters 

VIOLET NEWSTEAD (Female) - Lead 
Description: Violet Newstead 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. 
Playing age: 35 - 45 
VOCAL RANGE: Alto / Mezzo Soprano 

JUDY BERNLY (Female) - Lead 
Description: Judy Bernly 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.
Playing age: 30 - 40  
VOCAL RANGE: Soprano with high belt (to D#) 

DORALEE RHODES (Female) - Lead 
Description: 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. 
Playing age: 25 - 35 
VOCAL RANGE: Country singing - High Belt 

FRANKLIN HART JR (Male) - Lead 
Description: 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. 
Playing age: 40 - 55 
VOCAL RANGE: Bass / Baritone 

ROZ KEITH / ENSEMBLE (Female) - Supporting 
Description: 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. 
Playing age: 40 - 50 
VOCAL RANGE: Alto 

TINSWORTHY / DICK BERNLY / ENSEMBLE (Male) - Supporting 
Description: Chairman of the Board of the company. An adventurer, still virile. Hart's boss who may be wiser to Hart's ways than he lets on. 
Doubles with Dick Bernly, Judy’s sleazy ex-husband. 
MAY BE REQUIRED TO UNDERSTUDY 
Playing age: 35 - 50 
VOCAL RANGE: Baritone 

JOE / ENSEMBLE (Male) - Supporting 
Description: Young leading man type. Charming, attractive accountant who is interested in Violet. 
MAY BE REQUIRED TO UNDERSTUDY. 
Playing age: 25 to 35 
VOCAL RANGE: High baritone / Tenor 

DWAYNE RHODES / ENSEMBLE (Male) - Featured 
Description: Doralee’s husband. He is very supportive of her Country ambitions. 
MAY BE REQUIRED TO UNDERSTUDY. 

MARGARET / ENSEMBLE (Female) - Featured 
Description: A secretary in Hart's office with a tendency to drink. Good comedic skills required. 
MAY BE REQUIRED TO UNDERSTUDY. 

ENSEMBLE 
Description: Strong jazz dancers and singers required to appear in the ensemble and undertake understudy duties. 
Some will be required to play small cameo roles: 
“Josh Newstead” – Violet’s teenage son. Must look young enough to pass as a teenager. 
“Bob Enright” - Franklin Hart’s Yes-Man. Trained by Violet and promoted over her. 
“Kathy” - Office Gossip. 
“Missy Hart” - Franklin Hart's wife, clueless to her husband's true nature. Fluttery and Ditzy. 
“Maria” - A young and vibrant secretary in Hart's office. Spanish-speaking. 
Plus office employees, police officers, hospital employees, businessmen. 
VOCAL RANGE: ALL RANGES. Strong singers.  

SWING 
Description: Strong jazz dancers and singers required to appear in the ensemble and undertake swing duties. 
VOCAL RANGE: ALL RANGES. Strong singers.