ELEVATOR THEATRE COMPANY AUDITIONS
Production: ONCE by Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, and Enda Walsh
Performance Dates: June 3-13, 2026
Director: Josh Rigo
Stage Manager: Kenzie Barrera
Performance Location: The Gladstone Theatre
Audition Deadline: End of day on Wednesday, January 21
ABOUT THE SHOW
Winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Once tells the story of a Dublin street musician and a Czech immigrant whose chance encounter sparks an unexpected connection. As their relationship deepens over the course of one week, the lines between friendship and love blur in a story about hope, heartbreak, and the power of music to bring people together.
Performed by actor-musicians who play their own instruments on stage, Once is an intimate and emotionally charged celebration of music, community, and courage.
INSTRUMENTS TO BE PLAYED BY CAST MEMBERS
Insturments in the show include Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Violin, Cello, Accordion, Percussion, and Drum Kit.
Additional folk instruments to be incorporated into the production: fiddle, mandolin, ukulele, banjo, and harmonica.
ROLES TO BE CAST
Note: Every performer in ONCE must play at least one instrument live on stage. The specific pairings below represent traditional and/or required instrumentation, but there is room for flexibility depending on the strengths of the ensemble. (For example, the role of Baruska typically plays the accordion, but could instead play violin if that better suits the performer.)
GIRL
Female presenting, stage age of 20–35
Direct, intelligent, and witty. A Czech immigrant and pianist who meets Guy and changes both their lives. Has worked hard and expects nothing for free.
Must play: Piano
Accent: Czech
GUY
Male presenting, stage age of 20–40
A struggling Dublin street musician on the verge of giving up. Sensitive, soulful, and magnetic in his vulnerability.
Must play: Guitar
Accent: Irish (Dublin)
BILLY
Male presenting, stage age of 25–50
Owner of the music shop where Girl plays piano. Loud, opinionated, loyal, and funny.
Typically plays: Guitar (open to other instruments)
Accent: Irish (Dublin)
REZA
Female presenting, stage age of 20–35
Girl’s vivacious and flirtatious Czech roommate. Big-hearted and full of life.
Typically plays: Violin (open to other instruments)
Accent: Czech
BARUSKA
Female presenting, stage age of 45+
Girl’s mother. Loving, generous, and idealistic with a sharp sense of humor.
Typically plays: Accordion and Piano (open to other instruments)
Accent: Czech
BANK MANAGER
Any Gender Identity, stage age of 30–50
Corporate on the outside, artistic at heart. Uptight but secretly passionate about music.
Must play: Guitar
Also typically plays: Cello (open to other instruments)
Accent: Irish (Cork or Dublin)
DA
Male presenting, stage age of 50+
Guy’s father. A quiet, caring man who supports his son’s dreams in his own understated way.
Typically plays: Guitar (open to other instruments)
Accent: Irish (Dublin)
SVEC
Male presenting, stage age of 20–40
An eccentric Czech roommate obsessed with television and coffee. A comedic wildcard.
Typically plays: Drum Kit / Percussion (open to other instruments)
Accent: Czech
ANDREJ
Male presenting, stage age of 20–35
Earnest and hopeful Czech roommate with big dreams of success. Gentle and optimistic.
Typically plays: Guitar and Electric Bass (open to other instruments)
Accent: Czech
EAMON
Male presenting, stage age of 25–50
The studio manager who records Guy and Girl’s music. Gruff but ultimately compassionate.
Typically plays: Guitar (open to other instruments)
Accent: Irish (Dublin)
EMCEE
Any Gender Identity, stage age of 25–50
Host of the open mic at the Dublin pub. Warm, charming, and full of personality.
Typically plays: Guitar and/or Accordion or piano (open to other instruments)
Accent: Irish (Dublin)
*We are not holding auditions for the roles of Ivonka and Ex-Girlfriend.
*This is a non-equity production. Equity actors must obtain exemption pre-approval from CAEA if interested in auditioning.
AUDITION VIDEO
Please submit a single video that includes the following elements:
1. Monologue
Perform a 1-minute contemporary monologue that showcases your emotional range and connection to character.
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2. Accent Sentences
-Read the following in a Dublin/Irish accent:
“I never thought a street corner could feel like home until tonight. There’s a kind of magic here I can’t explain, but it’s real.”
-Read the following in a Czech accent:
“Music is the only language that doesn’t need translation. It speaks to everyone, whether you understand the words or not.”
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3. Song
Sing a 1-minute cut of a song of your choice, accompanying yourself on your main instrument. Choose something that reflects the style and emotional tone of Once — folk, acoustic, or indie-inspired.
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4. Instrument Showcase
Briefly demonstrate any other instruments you play.
Video Length: The entire video should be no longer than 5 minutes.
CALLBACKS
All actors will receive an update once the audition window has closed.
Individual callbacks will be arranged for those moving forward in the process.
All communication will come from info@elevatortheatrecompany.ca, please be sure to monitor your inbox and spam folder for a message from this address.
ETC VALUES
At ETC, we prioritize empathy, depth, and artistry in every production. We are committed to casting with openness and inclusivity, and we strongly encourage submissions from artists of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
REHEARSALS
Rehearsals will take place three evenings per week in downtown Ottawa.
Rehearsals are usually held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with occasional dates on Wednesday or Sunday. The rehearsal period will begin late February/early March.
Tech week begins May 25, and nightly availability will be needed from May 25 through June 13.
COMPENSATION
Each actor will receive a $400 honorarium following the final performance.
Our goal at Elevator Theatre Company is to steadily increase our actor pay over time. Thank you for your interest in being part of this growing company.
QUESTIONS
Please contact info@elevatortheatrecompany.ca with any questions.
Thank you!