Posted by Who Is Esther Productions
Who Is Esther
After years of rewrites, workshops, fine-tuning, and studio recordings, we’re ready for our world premiere of the new Canadian musical, Who Is Esther at the Kingston Fringe Festival. If you’re excited by this, and you have experience as an actor/singer, then we’d like to speak to you! (Check out some of the music, the branding, and the surprising back-story on our website.)
- Rehearsals in Toronto at a location easily accessible by public transit, targeted starting the week of May 4the, and running up to 3/week until the show. (There will be more intensive rehearsals in the two weeks prior to the show.) We may also do a few preview performances in Toronto.
- Performance at Kingston Fringe, Aug 6-16, 2026, with 6-8 performances, plus a possible additional performance for Fringe awards. Mandatory tech rehearsal day will occur on one day between August 1- 5.
Production Description: Who is Esther is about a modern-day heroine who inspires people to believe that everyone has it within themselves to make a difference. The entire story is told through music: like Evita or Les Mis, there is no dialogue except through song.
Synopsis: Mr. Verious is a not-so-smart corporate CEO. After his VP quits, he recruits a replacement – Esther. The conniving Ham takes his hatred out on all who are different. Esther summons the strength to thwart Ham’s plans. And yes, good does triumph over evil!
Compensation – We are able to offer compensation on a profit share model, plus $200 honorarium. In addition, we will provide billetting in Kingston during the time of performance. We will also professionally videotape the performance, and provide the video to you for your portfolio.
Length of engagement: April 2026 – August 16, 2026
Future Opportunities: Our intention is to produce this in Toronto in 2027, and our desire is for the same cast to do the Toronto run.
Citizenship Requirements: Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Union status: This is a non-union production.
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ROLES TO BE CAST
Esther (she/her)
- Mezzo, Female age 25-35, Black
- She’s educated, street-smart, and from the gritty part of town. She rises to be the VP.
Uncle Mo (he/him)
- Bass or Baritone, Male age 50, Black
- Esther’s uncle, mentor, confidante, and wise elder stateman
Mr. Verious (he/him)
- Tenor, Male age 60, Caucasian, heavier build
- CEO of a major corporation.
- A caricature: not so smart, and easily influenced by others.
Ham (he/him)
- Tenor, Male age 45-55, Caucasian or Asian
- Self-important, self-serving (and slimy).
- His toxic beliefs eventually lead to his downfall.
Vashti / Contestant one / Chorus (she/her)
- Mezzo, Female age 35-45, Caucasian, shapely, blond
Ham’s wife / Contestant two / Chorus (she/her)
- Mezzo, Female age 45-55, Caucasian, heavier, matronly
Schemer one / Chorus (he/him)
- Baritone, Male age 25-45, no other restrictions
Schemer two / Aide / Chorus (he/him)
- Tenor, Male age 25-45, no other restrictions
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DATES
Deadline: April 21st, 2026, 11:59PM (Note: we may close submissions earlier)
Callbacks by April 22nd.
In Person Auditions:
- April 24, 2-6pm
- April 25, 2-6pm
- April 26, 2-6pm (if necessary)
Rehearsals targeted to begin: week of May 4th and continue June and July (Toronto)
Tech rehearsal week: One day between Aug 1 – 5: exact date TBD (Kingson)
Performances: August 6 – 16 2026; exact dates TBD (Kingston)
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CASTING PROCESS
Selected candidates will be asked to sing an excerpt from their prepared ballad and uptempo piece. We may also provide a piece of music that they should be prepared to sing during the audition.
Who Is Esther Productions has a responsibility to create workspaces where people are comfortable in the creation process, and can be themselves in every capacity. If there are any potential barriers preventing you from applying to audition, please let us know and we will work with you to find a suitable application process.
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HOW TO SUBMIT
Please submit here: https://forms.gle/oVa4WX744HB1vjm98
The audition panel will receive your information electronically..
DEADLINE for submission packages is April 21st, 2026, at 11:59pm.
AUDITIONS WILL BE HELD IN TORONTO APRIL 24-25-26.
Note: We will review submissions as they come in, and may choose to do an ( additional) audition earlier.
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Who Is Esther Productions
Tracey Forster, Director
Linda Craig, Co-producer
Randall Craig, Co-producer, composer and writer