Join us on stage!
We’re excited to announce that our next production is The Hunchback of Notre Dame! The show season will be 25 April - 18 May 2025.
Don’t miss out on all the fun! Book your audition now.
Why audition for us?
It’s time to put yourself out there! If you got FOMO from all of our behind the scenes sneak peeks of Les Misérables, here’s your chance to join in on the fun and have an experience of a lifetime.
Being in a Waiata show is so incredibly rewarding. From gaining more confidence, growing your singing and acting skills to making life-long friends, you’ll be wishing you joined us on stage sooner!
The Hunchback of Notre Dame - The Musical Synopsis
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. Peter Parnell’s new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo’s gothic novel.
The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame sound through the famed cathedral in fifteenth-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be "Out There," observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful Romani woman, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the Roma – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.
A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical.
The characters
Quasimodo
The deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame and Claude Frollo’s charge. Lonely and staunchly obedient to Frollo, he possesses a vivid imagination that brings to life the bells and gargoyles of the cathedral. Despite his shyness and uncertainty, he quickly befriends Esmeralda. Big-hearted, and brave when need be.
Male, aged 20 to 30. Vocal range: Bb2 - Bb4
Claude Frollo
Archdeacon of Notre Dame Cathedral and the most powerful cleric in Paris, he is the reluctant caretaker of Quasimodo. He will do whatever it takes to rid the city of the Roma “vermin,” even as he lusts after Esmeralda. Calculating, manipulative, and obsessive.
Male, aged 40 to 50. Vocal range: E2 - D4.
Jehan Frollo
Claude’s reckless younger brother. With Florika, he fathers Quasimodo, who he leaves in his brother’s care. Wild, passionate, and strong-willed.
Male, aged 20 to 30. Vocal range: G#2 - Eb4
Father Dupin
A priest of Notre Dame and Claude and Jehan’s guardian.
Male, aged 40 to 60. Vocal range: C4 - A4
Clopin Trouillefou
The clever and charismatic King of the Roma. An air of mystery surrounds Clopin, who often leaves the scene in a puff of smoke. As the master of ceremonies for the Feast of Fools, he is witty and playful, but he boasts a darker, serious nature when not performing for the crowd.
Male, aged 30 to 50. Vocal range: C3 - G4.
Congregants 1, 2 and 3
Roma, gargoyles, soldiers, and citizens of Paris. The ‘narrators’ of the show.
Gender: Two female roles (large roles), one male.
Ensemble
Gender: Any
Esmeralda
A beautiful and free-spirited Romani woman who possesses the strong sense of justice and morality that Frollo lacks. Compassionate, she frees Quasimodo from the frenzied mob at the Feast of Fools and, against her better judgment, falls for the cocky Phoebus.
Female, aged 20 to 30. Vocal range: Eb3 - Db5
Captain Phoebus de Martin
Returning to Paris after serving in the war, Phoebus takes up his new position as Captain of the Cathedral Guard. Overconfident yet charming, this handsome, strong soldier makes the ladies swoon, yet his moral compass is also strong, and he openly defies the corrupted Frollo.
Male, aged 25 to 40. Vocal range: Ab2 - Ab4.
Saint Aphrodisius
A stained-glass image that comes to life.
Male, aged 30 to 50. Vocal range: B2 - E4 (We will cast a female performer in this role)
Tribunal
A judicial officer.
Male, aged 20 to 50. Vocal range top: G2 - E4
Madam
Owner of a brothel and safe haven for the Roma.
Female, aged 35 to 50.
Lieutenant Frederic Charlus
Lieutenant of the Cathedral Guard and loyal friend to Phoebus.
Male, aged 20 to 30.
King Louis XI
King of France, nicknamed the Prudent.
Male, aged 40 to 50.
Hear what our performers have to say
Scott Mitchell, Cromwell (Marius - Les Misérables 2023)
“Having never been on stage before, I was extremely nervous for my audition, I shouldn’t have worried! They immediately put me at ease. During the whole process you were really made to feel a part of the Waiata family. It was an incredible experience from start to finish, I can’t wait for their next show to do it all again!”
Kim Salmond McKechie, Gore (Understudy Madame Thenardier/Ensemble - Les Misérables 2023)
“I joined the Waiata Theatre Productions 2023 season of Les Mis along with my husband and daughter. We had concerns about taking on the challenge as we lived 2 hours away. Those concerns quickly vanished as Waiata were so understanding of our needs and really looked after those of us who were travelling. We are so happy we took the risk and got involved!”
About us
Waiata Theatre Productions is a musical theatre company formed by performers, for performers. We believe in looking after our people first and foremost, and making sure we create an environment where our performers can thrive.
We bring Broadway-style shows to the small stage - utilising old halls in Central Otago. We produce a big show every second year, which allows our small team to rest, recover and plan ahead to our next big show. Our rehearsals also start early, roughly 9 months out from the show, this way we can keep rehearsals to an easy-to-manage once/twice a week for the majority of the rehearsal period - which works great for people who live far away, and also for locals who want to do a show, but don’t want too much of a time commitment each week. It’s all about that work-life-show balance!
Bringing Broadway shows to the small stage is no easy feat, it requires a lot of creativity and thinking outside the box - but luckily this is one of our strengths! We are extremely passionate about musical theatre and the joy it brings people, whether they are on stage with us, or out in the audience… it’s just magic!
What makes us different?
-
Build lasting friendships
We foster an environment where you will feel comfortable being yourself and connecting with others. The friendships you form will be life-long.
-
Rehearsals are travel-friendly
If you live far away, don’t worry. We only do one main rehearsal a week, and we tailor our rehearsal times around you. Many of our cast also end up car-pooling together.
-
More time to learn and grow
Ever felt rushed when doing a show? You won’t with us. You’ll have time to develop your characters, improve your skills and be really confident in what you’re doing.
-
More performances
We know how amazing it feels to perform, so we do extended seasons to give you a chance to really enjoy the shows and improve your performing skills.
-
Guranteed shows for understudies
We guarantee 2 shows to every understudy, and have opportunities to cover different roles. It’s an exciting challenge to be able to perform in different roles throughout a season.
It’s your time to shine.
Follow us on Facebook
Want to join us behind the scenes?
Whether you want to be in the spotlight or behind the scenes, we have a role for you! We can guarantee that no matter your role, you will be welcomed into the Waiata theatre family with open arms, creating lasting friendships and memories. Check out the different roles below.
-
• Director
• Assistant Director
• Musical Director
• Assistant Musical Director
• Choreographer
• Production Manager
• Marketing Manager
• Social Media Assistant
• Graphic Designer
-
• Stage Manager
• Stage Crew
• Head of Makeup
• Makeup Crew
• Head of Wigs and Hair
• Hair Crew
• Head of Costumes
• Costume Sewers
• Head of Props
• Set Designers/Builders
-
• Head of Sound
• Tech Crew (projections, effects, and more)
• Lighting Operations
-
• Front of House Manager
• Front of House Crew
• Bar Manager
• Bar Crew