Once on this Island Audition Notice
The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater is pleased to announce auditions for their upcoming production of Once on this Island.
Once on a golden and verdant Caribbean island, a little girl is rescued from a disastrous storm by four gods—Asaka, Mother of the Earth; Agwé, god of Water; Erzulie, goddess of Love; and Papa Ge, demon of Death. So starts the myth told in this breathtaking story of Black joy and sorrow, the aftermath of colonization and isolation, and the triumph of love against all forces. Told with Caribbean rhythms and instruments, this Tony Award–winning musical is a testament that a beautiful story simply told has the power to inspire and heal all.
Slated for the intimate Lindsay Theater, our production will focus on immersive design and storytelling.
Video Submission
Please film yourself performing a 1-minute song in the style of the show that shows character. Please sing with piano accompaniment or backing tracks.
For all submissions, YouTube links and non-secured Google Drive links are the easiest. Many people will be watching your audition video and open links make it the simplest for everyone to access.
Additional Info
Callbacks -
Callbacks will be held in-person and are scheduled for the Saturday, November 8, 2025. Callbacks will be by invitation only.
This page will be updated when callback invitiations and casting have been sent.
Rehearsals & Performances -
Rehearsals will begin on or around February 9, 2026.
The show runs May 9 - July 11, 2026.
Production Team -
Directed by Lisa Hall
Music Direction by Alec Powell
Choreography by Izzy Arrieta
A Note About Casting -
At The Ruth & Nathan Hale Theater we seek to honor the authors intent pertaining to each our productions. We care deeply about casting in a way where everyone feels respected, supported, safe and welcomed.
We invite anyone and everyone to audition for any and all of our productions, regardless of any physical attribute, gender, race, age, ability, ethnicity, or experience. All are welcome at The Ruth.
Our company traditionally works with a double-cast system. Moving forward, we are looking to increase the number of performers who are single cast (performing in all scheduled performances). This helps us maintain consistency and streamline the rehearsal/performance process.
If you are able to commit to a single cast role, please indicate that on your audition form.
We understand that not everyone is able to make this level of commitment. If you are only available for double-casting, we still welcome and encourage you to audition.
Character Descriptions
All roles are available. Most of the performers will play other characters in addition to their titled role. We are looking for a diverse cast with a variety of body types.
Ti Moune
Feale Presenting, able to play late teens-20s
Vocal Range: C4-E5
A peasant girl full of energy, curiosity, and love. Spirited, compassionate, and driven by faith and destiny. She saves and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, and her devotion becomes a test of the gods’ will.
Daniel Beauxhomme
Male Presenting, able to play 20s
Vocal Range: C4-F#5
A handsome, wealthy young man from the grand Beauxhomme family. Charming and romantic, but bound by class and family expectations. Grateful to Ti Moune for saving him yet unable to defy societal divides.
Mama Euralie
Female Presenting, able to play 40s-50s
Vocal Range: Gb3-B4
Ti Moune’s loving adoptive mother. Warm, practical, and wise; deeply protective of Ti Moune.
Tonton Julian
Male Presenting, able to play 40s-50s
Vocal Range: A2-E4
Ti Moune's gentle, caring adoptve father. Believes deeply in the power of faith and destiny.
Asaka, Mother of the Earth
Female Presenting, any age
Vocal Range: A3-E5
The nurturing goddess of the earth, protector of farmers and provider of life Warm, humorous, and full of vitality.
Agwe, God of Water
Male Presenting, any age
Vocal Range: B2-E4
Majestic, commanding, and unpredictable like the sea itself. Rules the ocean and controls the rain and storms.
Erzulie, Goddess of Love
Female Presenting, any age
Vocal Range: A3-C#5
Graceful, compassionate, and wise. Believe love is the most powerful force of all and advocates for it in the gods' wager.
Papa Ge, Demon of Death
Any Gender, Any Age
Vocal Range: TBD
Dark, sly, and cunning, with an intimidating presence. Though sinister, an essential force in the balance of life and death.
Andrea Devereaux
Female presenting, able to play 20s
Vocal Range: B3-D5
Daniel’s well-bred fiancée from the upper class. Elegant, poised, and confident.
Armand Beauxhomme
Male presenting, able to play 40s-50s
Vocal Range: D5-A3
Daniel’s stern father and head of the Beauxhomme family. Wealthy, arrogant, and steeped in prejudice.
Little Girl
Female presenting, able to play 7-8, actors 7+ only
Vocal Range: B4-E4
A frightened but spunky survivor of a great flood who is saved by the god Agwé and adopted by Mama Euralie and Tonton Julian.
Storytellers / Ensemble
2-3 Female presenting, 2-3 male presenting; various ages
The heart of the show. Serve as narrators, villagers, and forces of nature throughout the story. Often double as trees, animals, and elements of the environment, making the island itself a living character. Strong singers, dancers, and storytellers with expressive physicality.