Join the Lamplighters

Lamplighters is pleased to announce auditions for H.M.S. PINAFORE. Auditions will be held MARCH 4, 5, and 6, 2025 in San Francisco. Sign-up slots are here. 

Please fill out the audition information form and upload headshots and resumes prior to the auditions (through the form). If you are unable to attend in person, video audition submissions may be uploaded through the form as well. 

STAGE DIRECTOR: M.Jane Erwin

CHOREOGRAPHER: Michael Mohammed

MUSIC DIRECTOR: Brett Strader 

Premiering in 1878, HMS PINAFORE was Gilbert & Sullivan’s first smash hit and became the gold standard for light opera for generations to come. While Gilbert takes aim at class divisions and assumptions of authoritative competence, Sullivan delivers some of the pair’s most famous hummable tunes, including the iconic and much parodied, “When I was a lad.” Sir Joseph Porter’s hymn to himself, this song to this day begs the question, “Is it possible that high offices of state are occupied by clueless idiots?” Queen Victoria may not have been amused by the satire of those in authority, but in nearly 150 years millions of audience members certainly have been! 

The satire is pointed and the music infectious, and the stage director and music director are looking for performers who can sing and act with the passion this revolutionary spoof requires. 

All roles are open. We are looking for strong singer-actors for the roles listed below. Experience in Gilbert & Sullivan is not necessary if you can sing and act the role. Lamplighters welcomes and encourages performers of diverse ethnicities and abilities to audition. We specifically welcome diversity in casting. Some roles may be double-cast or understudied.

Lamplighters is non-AEA and casts a mixture of paid (leads) and volunteer (ensemble) performers. Paid performers will be temporary part-time employees per CA AB5, and must be able to work legally in the United States. Total compensation will be based on actual hours worked, at San Francisco minimum wage, currently $18.67/hour. Transportation and housing are not provided. All ensemble singers will be offered expense reimbursement up to $500 to help offset costs such as purchasing tights and footwear, voice lessons and coaching, travel and lodging, etc.

BREAKDOWN OF ROLES:

 

THE RT. HON. SIR JOSEPH PORTER, K.C.B. (patter baritone) 35-55

The First Lord of the Admiralty, Sir Joseph declares the British sailors under his charge to be the equal of any man, except of course himself. Quick to point out the social shortcomings of others, he is nevertheless quite oblivious to his lack of qualifications for running the British Navy. He is fond of spouting rules and regulations which apply to everyone but him. Strong comic baritone. Principal role with significant lines and solo singing. 

 

RALPH (“RAFE”) RACKSTRAW (tenor) Early to mid-20s

A humble but worthy and able sailor on board the HMS Pinafore, Ralph is secretly in love with Josephine, the Captain’s daughter. His low social station leaves him hopeless of winning her, until he takes courage at Sir Joseph’s teaching that a British sailor is any man’s equal (excepting his). Strong lyric tenor to A (optional Bb). Principal role with significant lines and solo singing. 

 

CAPTAIN CORCORAN (baritone) 45-55

The gallant and kindly captain of the HMS Pinafore, he is beloved by his crew and seeks to do his best by them. He is hopeful of marrying his only daughter Josephine to Sir Joseph Porter in order to secure a good future for her. He harbors feelings for Little Buttercup, but keeps them to himself due to his own superior rank to the lady. Strong lyric baritone to G. Principal role with significant lines and solo singing. 

 

DICK DEADEYE (bass/bass-baritone) 30s-50s

The conscience of the story, Dick Deadeye is the only character who speaks the unvarnished truth. Disfigured and physically limited, his face and form attract more derision than sympathy, which has made him mean. Strong bass or bass baritone up to E. Principal role with significant lines and solo singing. 

 

BILL BOBSTAY (BOATSWAIN) (baritone) 20s and up

The Boatswain’s Mate, who keeps the ship operating smoothly. He has dialogue and a small amount of sung solo lines, plus sings in Sir Joseph’s trio. Also sings in the men’s chorus. 

 

BOB BECKET (bass) 20s and up

The Carpenter’s Mate, who helps in repairs of the ship. He sings in Sir Joseph’s trio. Also sings in the men’s chorus. Solid low E required. 

 

JOSEPHINE CORCORAN (soprano) 18-24

Torn between her secret love for Ralph Rackstraw and her social position, Josephine must decide whether to follow the god of love or the god of reason. Strong lyric singing to high C. Principal role with significant lines and solo singing. 

 

MRS. CRIPPS (LITTLE BUTTERCUP) (mezzo or contralto)

A Portsmouth Harbor bumboat woman who sells trinkets, food and necessities to the sailors on board the ship. With a secret fancy for Captain Corcoran, Buttercup has a secret in her past which has the potential to turn everything upside down. Strong mezzo or contralto singing down to G below middle C. Principal role with significant lines and solo singing. 

 

COUSIN HEBE (mezzo)

One of Sir Joseph’s many female relatives, Cousin Hebe herds the adoring crowd and has hope of securing Sir Joseph’s hand herself. Consequently, she aids Josephine and Ralph in their alliance. Mezzo to Eb. A few spoken and sung solo lines, small ensemble singing, and part of the women’s chorus. 

 

CHORUS OF SAILORS AND SIR JOSEPH’S SISTERS, COUSINS AND AUNTS

As with most Gilbert & Sullivan shows, the chorus is a very important part of the action and has much stage time and wonderful music. We need 5 to 6 each sopranos, altos, tenors and basses.

 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek

Saturday 2nd August 2025 – 2 pm

Saturday 2nd August, 2025 – 8 pm

Sunday 3rd August 2025 – 2 pm

Mountain View Performing Arts Center, Mountain View

Saturday 9th August 2025 – 2 pm

Sunday 10th August 2025 – 2 pm

Also tentatively scheduled at (to be confirmed):

Blue Shield Theater at Yerba Buena Center, San Francisco

Saturday 16th August 2025 – 2 pm

Saturday 16th August 2025 – 8 pm

Sunday 17th August 2025 – 2 pm

 

AUDITIONS ARE HELD AT THE LAMPLIGHTERS REHEARSAL HALL, 469 BRYANT STREET (between 2nd and 3rd Streets in the South of Market area of San Francisco). Please use this sign-up program to book your audition time. No phone calls or emails, please!

AUDITION FAQs: Please come to the preliminary audition with two contrasting songs in English, preferably from opera, operetta or classical music theatre, that you feel will show off your voice well. You may only be asked to sing one song. An accompanist will be provided. Bring your music in the key in which you will sing it.

Also be sure to bring your calendar so that you can give us any conflicts that you may have during the rehearsal period. If you are needed for a callback, you will be notified.

CALLBACKS WILL BE HELD SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH – BY INVITATION APPOINTMENT ONLY.

REHEARSALS will begin on or around June 15th and will be held Sunday – Thursday evenings. Some Sunday afternoons and/or Friday and Saturday rehearsals may be scheduled as opening night approaches. A tentative schedule will be available at the auditions, and more detail will be provided as soon as available. We will take breaks for the major holidays, but will probably not be able to cast people with extensive holiday travel plans.

THE VOCAL SCORE.  We use the G. Schirmer edition. It is available at music stores or online services such as J.W. Pepper or sheetmusicplus. The cost is around $23.

 

PLEASE NOTE: As with any period production, cast members may be required to provide special undergarments that may be necessary (e.g., women, Merry Widows- men, dance belts), as well as tights and footwear. Also, it may be necessary for men to alter or eliminate facial hair. Cast members may be asked to donate a few hours to help with costumes, sets, mailings, etc.