GUSCO @ THE ROCK, 2026
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
August 14-15
Ages 14-24
See below for company and audition information
LOCATION:
Rockwell Theater
Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School
70 Memorial Boulevard
Bristol, CT
REHEARSAL:
We rehearse Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9AM-3PM
The first daytime rehearsal is Tuesday, June 30th.
Due to Bristol Public Schools getting out so late, there will be at least 2 evening rehearsals prior to the 30th.
Generally, the schedule is as follows:
9-12 Music (and specific actor calls when possible)
12-12:30 lunch (BYO or drive/walk to a local establishment)
1:00-3:00 Scene work/Choreo
(Some days are altered by staff/actor schedule conflicts etc)
Calendar days breakdown:
2-3 evenings @ BAIMS (6-9 PM) TBD
June 30
July 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
August 4, 6
Tech week times TBD August 10-14
Shows: August 14 @ 7:00, August 15th @ 2:00 and 7:00
Strike: August 17
As a GUSCO actor, you are asked to provide a membership fee of $60 which can be paid in increments or at once. You will receive a GUSCO t-shirt as a "Thank you" for this contribution. This helps us sustain our production quality year to year and we greatly appreciate it!
(For Bristol Central and Bristol Eastern students enrolled in the 21C GRANT, this fee is waived.)
Rockwell Theater
Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School
70 Memorial Boulevard
Bristol, CT
REHEARSAL:
We rehearse Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9AM-3PM
The first daytime rehearsal is Tuesday, June 30th.
Due to Bristol Public Schools getting out so late, there will be at least 2 evening rehearsals prior to the 30th.
Generally, the schedule is as follows:
9-12 Music (and specific actor calls when possible)
12-12:30 lunch (BYO or drive/walk to a local establishment)
1:00-3:00 Scene work/Choreo
(Some days are altered by staff/actor schedule conflicts etc)
Calendar days breakdown:
2-3 evenings @ BAIMS (6-9 PM) TBD
June 30
July 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
August 4, 6
Tech week times TBD August 10-14
Shows: August 14 @ 7:00, August 15th @ 2:00 and 7:00
Strike: August 17
As a GUSCO actor, you are asked to provide a membership fee of $60 which can be paid in increments or at once. You will receive a GUSCO t-shirt as a "Thank you" for this contribution. This helps us sustain our production quality year to year and we greatly appreciate it!
(For Bristol Central and Bristol Eastern students enrolled in the 21C GRANT, this fee is waived.)
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
“What’s the buzz? The first musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. The iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as ‘Superstar,’ ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’ and ‘Gethsemane.’” -(Concord Theatricals)
This includes song SUGGESTIONS. Please choose what is in the style of the show, best for your voice, that lets us see options for placing you in a role. You do not have to choose one of these songs. All suggestions are interchangable--especially the pop/rock options. This is a ROCK OPERA..sung-thru, intense--full of choreography, ensemble work, and leads who sing their faces off. Show us what you can do!!
JESUS
Jesus is a powerful leader who didn’t expect things to go this far. At the start, he is calm, centered, and inspiring. People are drawn to him. But as the show goes on, he becomes overwhelmed. He is exhausted, frustrated, and afraid of what’s coming. He is not played as “perfect.” He is human. He questions. He doubts. He feels alone. The audience must see both his strength and his breaking point.
Actor Needs:
Strong emotional honesty
Ability to lead a room without yelling
Vulnerability in quiet moments
Stamina (this role barely leaves the stage)
Vocal Style: High rock tenor.
Big sustained notes with emotional build (especially in “Gethsemane”).
Audition suggestions:
From JCS: “Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)”, “The Last Supper”, “Poor Jerusalem”, “Heaven on their Minds”
MT canon: “Corner of the Sky” (Pippin), “Being Alive” (Company)
Rock / pop: “Dream On” (Aerosmith), “Somebody to Love” (Queen), “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” (U2)
Gender: traditionally male (and male pronouns in the script will not be changed) but can be played by an actor of any gender with the vocal range and leadership presence. Will LIKELY be cast male but please feel free to audition as you see fit.
JUDAS
Judas is not a villain. He is smart, passionate, and scared. He sees the political danger building around Jesus and believes things are spinning out of control. He truly thinks he is trying to stop a disaster. He loves Jesus — as a friend and leader — but feels ignored and pushed aside. His frustration turns into anger, then regret. This role requires intensity from the first moment to the last.
Actor Needs:
Strong acting choices
Comfort with emotional anger
Ability to show inner conflict
Fearlessness on stage
Vocal Style: High rock tenor with grit.
Requires stamina and emotional attack.
Gender: Traditionally male but works with any gender casting. Pronouns will not be altered in the script.
Audition suggestions:
From JCS: “Heaven on Their Minds”, “Damned for All Time”, “Blood Money”, “Superstar”
MT canon: "Alive", "Confrontation" (Jekyll & Hyde), “Hellfire” (Hunchback of Notre Dame), “Raise a Little Hell” (Bonnie & Clyde) "Pity the Child" (Chess)
Rock / pop: “Bring Me to Life” (Evanescence), “Creep” (Radiohead), “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (Green Day), Aerosmith, Queen, Journey
MARY MAGDALENE
Mary is grounded, maternal, warm, and emotionally honest. She focuses on care and connection while others fight over politics. She struggles with her feelings for Jesus and her place in his world.
Vocal Style: Mezzo or soprano.
Emotional storytelling is more important than high notes.
Actor Needs:
Emotional sincerity
Subtle acting (small moments matter)
Strong connection to scene partners
Gender: Female
Audition Suggestions
From JCS: “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”, “Everything’s Alright”, “Could We Start Again Please?”
MT: “On My Own” (Les Misérables), “Somewhere That’s Green” (Little Shop of Horrors), “Still Hurting” (The Last Five Years)
Rock / pop: “Landslide” (Fleetwood Mac), “Jar of Hearts” (Christina Perri), Sarah Bareilles, Adele
PONTIUS PILATE
Pilate is a politician. He doesn’t want drama. He wants peace and control. He senses that Jesus is innocent but feels pressure from the crowd and religious leaders. He is torn between his own judgment and protecting his position. By the end, he chooses safety over courage. He should feel intelligent and restrained, not evil.
Actor Needs:
Calm authority
Strong stillness
Ability to show conflict under control
Vocal Style: Baritone.
Clear, steady tone.
Gender: Any
Audition Suggestions:
From JCS: “Pilate’s Dream”, “Trial Before Pilate”, “39 Lashes”
MT canon: “Stars” (Les Misérables), “Falcon in the Dive” (Scarlet Pimpernel), “If I Can’t Love Her” (Beauty and the Beast), "No Good Deed", "I Know the Truth", "Winner Takes it All"
Rock / pop: “Hurt” (Johnny Cash), “Mad World” (Tears for Fears), “Demons” (Imagine Dragons), Heart, Kelly Clarkson, Janis Joplin
CAIAPHAS
Caiaphas is the high priest, focused on protecting the system. He is strategic, cold, and commanding.
Actor Needs:
Strong physical presence
Commanding stillness
Confidence
Vocal Style: Low bass. Strong female alto also works really well.
Dark, resonant tone.
Gender: Traditionally male due to low range, but open to any gender with a strong voice/would be inclined to cast someone who could sing belting/mixed options into the rafters OR a true alto female. :)
Audition Suggestions:
From JCS: “This Jesus Must Die”, “Damned for All Time”
MT canon: “Stars” (low baritone cut from Les Misérables), “The Confrontation” (Les Misérables), “Prologue / Hellfire” (Hunchback of Notre Dame)
Rock / pop: “Seven Nation Army” (The White Stripes), “Way Down We Go” (Kaleo), “Paint It Black” (The Rolling Stones)
ANNAS
Annas is clever, energetic, and persuasive. He supports Caiaphas but is sharper and more lively.
Actor Needs:
Quick energy
Strong ensemble awareness
Clear character choices
Vocal Style:Tenor.
Agile and expressive.
Gender: Any
Audition suggestions:
From JCS: “This Jesus Must Die”, “Damned for All Time”
Broadway canon: “Take Me or Leave Me” (Rent), “Astonishing” (Little Women), “Right Hand Man” (Hamilton cut)
Rock / pop: “Take Me to Church” (Hozier), “Believer” (Imagine Dragons), “Smooth Criminal” (Michael Jackson) "You Oughta Know" (Alanis Morrisette), Heart, Pat Benetar, Queen, Aerosmith, etc
KING HEROD
Herod is flashy, theatrical, and indulgent. He treats Jesus as entertainment. This role is almost comedic or satirical. Indulgent character acting.
Actor Needs:
Strong comic timing
Confidence
Willingness to be bold and strange
Vocal Style: Character tenor.
Style, personality, and energy matter more than range.
Gender: Any
Song Options:
From JCS: “King Herod’s Song”
Broadway canon: “Dentist!” (Little Shop of Horrors), “Master of the House” (Les Misérables), “The Ballad of Guiteau” (Assassins)
Rock / pop: “I’m Still Standing” (Elton John), “You Really Got Me” (The Kinks), “Uptown Funk” (Bruno Mars)
PETER
Peter is loyal but human. When he denies Jesus, it comes from fear, not cruelty. His guilt afterward is important.
He represents how ordinary people fail under pressure.
Actor Needs:
Emotional honesty
Strong reaction work
Ability to play fear truthfully
Vocal Style: Tenor or bari-tenor.
Gender: Any
From JCS: “Could We Start Again Please?”, “Peter’s Denial”
MT canon: “Not While I’m Around” (Sweeney Todd), “Finishing the Hat” (Sunday in the Park with George) All Good Gifts" or "Beautiful City" from Godspell, "Left Behind" from Spring Awakening:
Rock / pop: “Fix You” (Coldplay), “Let Her Go” (Passenger), “Chasing Cars” (Snow Patrol)
SIMON ZEALOTES
Simon is the "firebrand" of the group. He is a high-energy radical who wants Jesus to lead a physical revolution against the Roman Empire. He represents the danger of turning a spiritual movement into a violent political one. This role requires a massive amount of physical and vocal stamina.
Actor Needs:
High-octane energy
Strong rhythmic precision
Strong dance/movement ability (Simon leads the most intense dance number in the show)
Ability to command a crowd
Vocal Style: High rock tenor.
Needs a bright, "pingy" belt and the ability to stay on top of a very fast tempo.
Gender: Any
Audition Suggestions:
ENSEMBLE ROLES
Auditioning for the ensemble in Jesus Christ Superstar is unique because the ensemble isn't just a "background group"—they are a physical force that shifts from adoring fans to a lethal mob. We are looking for strong "rock" voices with distinct personalities.
We will also depend on or pull from this group to be our dance corps. Like many GUSCO shows, choreography is embedded throughout the production as the thread that holds moments together. This dance ensemble is the core of the production which will use fabric/lighting/minimlist pieces to tell this epic story. IF YOU ARE A DANCER WHO DOES NOT WANT TO SING FOR A ROLE PLEASE SEE BELOW.
Here is a breakdown of the ensemble groups and song suggestions.
The Apostles & Followers
Hopeful, earthy, youthful, and eventually deeply traumatized. They are the emotional heart of the show.
The Soul Girls (The Trio)
High-energy, soulful, and sharp. They provide the "Superstar" backup vocals and act as a Greek Chorus.
Cold, calculation, and ominous.
The Mob / Roman Soldiers / Merchants
Aggressive, frantic, and overwhelming.
IMPORTANT: SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR DANCERS
Because this is a sung-thru rock opera, ALL performers must submit a vocal cut to be considered for the cast. We need to know everyone can contribute to the "wall of sound."
A Note for "Dancer-First" Performers: Do not be discouraged by the vocal requirement! If you are a strong dancer but feel you are a "weaker" singer, the Dance Cut is your insurance policy. * If you submit a vocal cut that is just "okay," we may not realize your full potential. By submitting a dance cut, you ensure we see your primary strength.
Breakdown of counts: youtube.com/shorts/dfFmguXo9H0?feature=share
Full out with Kristi and Carson: https://youtu.be/p-bteq6MiY4
This includes song SUGGESTIONS. Please choose what is in the style of the show, best for your voice, that lets us see options for placing you in a role. You do not have to choose one of these songs. All suggestions are interchangable--especially the pop/rock options. This is a ROCK OPERA..sung-thru, intense--full of choreography, ensemble work, and leads who sing their faces off. Show us what you can do!!
JESUS
Jesus is a powerful leader who didn’t expect things to go this far. At the start, he is calm, centered, and inspiring. People are drawn to him. But as the show goes on, he becomes overwhelmed. He is exhausted, frustrated, and afraid of what’s coming. He is not played as “perfect.” He is human. He questions. He doubts. He feels alone. The audience must see both his strength and his breaking point.
Actor Needs:
Strong emotional honesty
Ability to lead a room without yelling
Vulnerability in quiet moments
Stamina (this role barely leaves the stage)
Vocal Style: High rock tenor.
Big sustained notes with emotional build (especially in “Gethsemane”).
Audition suggestions:
From JCS: “Gethsemane (I Only Want to Say)”, “The Last Supper”, “Poor Jerusalem”, “Heaven on their Minds”
MT canon: “Corner of the Sky” (Pippin), “Being Alive” (Company)
Rock / pop: “Dream On” (Aerosmith), “Somebody to Love” (Queen), “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” (U2)
Gender: traditionally male (and male pronouns in the script will not be changed) but can be played by an actor of any gender with the vocal range and leadership presence. Will LIKELY be cast male but please feel free to audition as you see fit.
JUDAS
Judas is not a villain. He is smart, passionate, and scared. He sees the political danger building around Jesus and believes things are spinning out of control. He truly thinks he is trying to stop a disaster. He loves Jesus — as a friend and leader — but feels ignored and pushed aside. His frustration turns into anger, then regret. This role requires intensity from the first moment to the last.
Actor Needs:
Strong acting choices
Comfort with emotional anger
Ability to show inner conflict
Fearlessness on stage
Vocal Style: High rock tenor with grit.
Requires stamina and emotional attack.
Gender: Traditionally male but works with any gender casting. Pronouns will not be altered in the script.
Audition suggestions:
From JCS: “Heaven on Their Minds”, “Damned for All Time”, “Blood Money”, “Superstar”
MT canon: "Alive", "Confrontation" (Jekyll & Hyde), “Hellfire” (Hunchback of Notre Dame), “Raise a Little Hell” (Bonnie & Clyde) "Pity the Child" (Chess)
Rock / pop: “Bring Me to Life” (Evanescence), “Creep” (Radiohead), “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” (Green Day), Aerosmith, Queen, Journey
MARY MAGDALENE
Mary is grounded, maternal, warm, and emotionally honest. She focuses on care and connection while others fight over politics. She struggles with her feelings for Jesus and her place in his world.
Vocal Style: Mezzo or soprano.
Emotional storytelling is more important than high notes.
Actor Needs:
Emotional sincerity
Subtle acting (small moments matter)
Strong connection to scene partners
Gender: Female
Audition Suggestions
From JCS: “I Don’t Know How to Love Him”, “Everything’s Alright”, “Could We Start Again Please?”
MT: “On My Own” (Les Misérables), “Somewhere That’s Green” (Little Shop of Horrors), “Still Hurting” (The Last Five Years)
Rock / pop: “Landslide” (Fleetwood Mac), “Jar of Hearts” (Christina Perri), Sarah Bareilles, Adele
PONTIUS PILATE
Pilate is a politician. He doesn’t want drama. He wants peace and control. He senses that Jesus is innocent but feels pressure from the crowd and religious leaders. He is torn between his own judgment and protecting his position. By the end, he chooses safety over courage. He should feel intelligent and restrained, not evil.
Actor Needs:
Calm authority
Strong stillness
Ability to show conflict under control
Vocal Style: Baritone.
Clear, steady tone.
Gender: Any
Audition Suggestions:
From JCS: “Pilate’s Dream”, “Trial Before Pilate”, “39 Lashes”
MT canon: “Stars” (Les Misérables), “Falcon in the Dive” (Scarlet Pimpernel), “If I Can’t Love Her” (Beauty and the Beast), "No Good Deed", "I Know the Truth", "Winner Takes it All"
Rock / pop: “Hurt” (Johnny Cash), “Mad World” (Tears for Fears), “Demons” (Imagine Dragons), Heart, Kelly Clarkson, Janis Joplin
CAIAPHAS
Caiaphas is the high priest, focused on protecting the system. He is strategic, cold, and commanding.
Actor Needs:
Strong physical presence
Commanding stillness
Confidence
Vocal Style: Low bass. Strong female alto also works really well.
Dark, resonant tone.
Gender: Traditionally male due to low range, but open to any gender with a strong voice/would be inclined to cast someone who could sing belting/mixed options into the rafters OR a true alto female. :)
Audition Suggestions:
From JCS: “This Jesus Must Die”, “Damned for All Time”
MT canon: “Stars” (low baritone cut from Les Misérables), “The Confrontation” (Les Misérables), “Prologue / Hellfire” (Hunchback of Notre Dame)
Rock / pop: “Seven Nation Army” (The White Stripes), “Way Down We Go” (Kaleo), “Paint It Black” (The Rolling Stones)
ANNAS
Annas is clever, energetic, and persuasive. He supports Caiaphas but is sharper and more lively.
Actor Needs:
Quick energy
Strong ensemble awareness
Clear character choices
Vocal Style:Tenor.
Agile and expressive.
Gender: Any
Audition suggestions:
From JCS: “This Jesus Must Die”, “Damned for All Time”
Broadway canon: “Take Me or Leave Me” (Rent), “Astonishing” (Little Women), “Right Hand Man” (Hamilton cut)
Rock / pop: “Take Me to Church” (Hozier), “Believer” (Imagine Dragons), “Smooth Criminal” (Michael Jackson) "You Oughta Know" (Alanis Morrisette), Heart, Pat Benetar, Queen, Aerosmith, etc
KING HEROD
Herod is flashy, theatrical, and indulgent. He treats Jesus as entertainment. This role is almost comedic or satirical. Indulgent character acting.
Actor Needs:
Strong comic timing
Confidence
Willingness to be bold and strange
Vocal Style: Character tenor.
Style, personality, and energy matter more than range.
Gender: Any
Song Options:
From JCS: “King Herod’s Song”
Broadway canon: “Dentist!” (Little Shop of Horrors), “Master of the House” (Les Misérables), “The Ballad of Guiteau” (Assassins)
Rock / pop: “I’m Still Standing” (Elton John), “You Really Got Me” (The Kinks), “Uptown Funk” (Bruno Mars)
PETER
Peter is loyal but human. When he denies Jesus, it comes from fear, not cruelty. His guilt afterward is important.
He represents how ordinary people fail under pressure.
Actor Needs:
Emotional honesty
Strong reaction work
Ability to play fear truthfully
Vocal Style: Tenor or bari-tenor.
Gender: Any
From JCS: “Could We Start Again Please?”, “Peter’s Denial”
MT canon: “Not While I’m Around” (Sweeney Todd), “Finishing the Hat” (Sunday in the Park with George) All Good Gifts" or "Beautiful City" from Godspell, "Left Behind" from Spring Awakening:
Rock / pop: “Fix You” (Coldplay), “Let Her Go” (Passenger), “Chasing Cars” (Snow Patrol)
SIMON ZEALOTES
Simon is the "firebrand" of the group. He is a high-energy radical who wants Jesus to lead a physical revolution against the Roman Empire. He represents the danger of turning a spiritual movement into a violent political one. This role requires a massive amount of physical and vocal stamina.
Actor Needs:
High-octane energy
Strong rhythmic precision
Strong dance/movement ability (Simon leads the most intense dance number in the show)
Ability to command a crowd
Vocal Style: High rock tenor.
Needs a bright, "pingy" belt and the ability to stay on top of a very fast tempo.
Gender: Any
Audition Suggestions:
- From JCS: “Simon Zealotes”, “Poor Jerusalem”, “What’s the Buzz”
- MT Canon: “King of the World” (Songs for a New World), “Great Expectations” (Outsiders), “The Bitch of Living” (Spring Awakening), “Streets of Dublin” (A Man of No Importance)
- Rock / Pop: “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” (Elton John), “Footloose” (Kenny Loggins), “The Rocker” (Thin Lizzy), “I’m Believer” (The Monkees / Smash Mouth version)
ENSEMBLE ROLES
Auditioning for the ensemble in Jesus Christ Superstar is unique because the ensemble isn't just a "background group"—they are a physical force that shifts from adoring fans to a lethal mob. We are looking for strong "rock" voices with distinct personalities.
We will also depend on or pull from this group to be our dance corps. Like many GUSCO shows, choreography is embedded throughout the production as the thread that holds moments together. This dance ensemble is the core of the production which will use fabric/lighting/minimlist pieces to tell this epic story. IF YOU ARE A DANCER WHO DOES NOT WANT TO SING FOR A ROLE PLEASE SEE BELOW.
Here is a breakdown of the ensemble groups and song suggestions.
The Apostles & Followers
Hopeful, earthy, youthful, and eventually deeply traumatized. They are the emotional heart of the show.
- Show Song: "Look at All My Trials" (Peter/Mary) or "What's the Buzz."
- Musical Theater: * "Corner of the Sky" from Pippin
- "All Good Gifts" from Godspell
- Pop/Rock: * "Landslide" by Fleetwood Mac
- "Father and Son" by Cat Stevens *****Note: We will be looking for a Maid by the Fire from this group—a soulful, clear voice for the trio in "Peter's Denial."****
The Soul Girls (The Trio)
High-energy, soulful, and sharp. They provide the "Superstar" backup vocals and act as a Greek Chorus.
- Show Song: "Superstar" (The "Angels" section).
- Musical Theater: * "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game" from Motown: The Musical.
- "Dreamgirls" from Dreamgirls (To show blend and tight harmonies).
- Pop/Rock: * "Proud Mary" by Tina Turner (Showcases the "growl" and stamina).
- "Chain of Fools" by Aretha Franklin (For that grounded, soulful power).
Cold, calculation, and ominous.
- Show Song: "This Jesus Must Die" or "Blood Money."
- Musical Theater: * "The Arraignment" from Sweeney Todd .
- "Hellfire" from Hunchback of Notre Dame
- Pop/Rock: * "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones .
- "Killer Queen" by Queen .
The Mob / Roman Soldiers / Merchants
Aggressive, frantic, and overwhelming.
- Show Song: "The Temple" or "Trial by Pilate" (The "Crucify Him" section).
- Musical Theater: * "The Abduction" from Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812
- "Bitch of Living" from Spring Awakening
- Pop/Rock: * "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes
- "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette (Raw, unhinged frustration).
IMPORTANT: SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR DANCERS
Because this is a sung-thru rock opera, ALL performers must submit a vocal cut to be considered for the cast. We need to know everyone can contribute to the "wall of sound."
A Note for "Dancer-First" Performers: Do not be discouraged by the vocal requirement! If you are a strong dancer but feel you are a "weaker" singer, the Dance Cut is your insurance policy. * If you submit a vocal cut that is just "okay," we may not realize your full potential. By submitting a dance cut, you ensure we see your primary strength.
- We do not need a dance cut from everyone—only those who want to be considered for the Core Dance Corps or those who want to ensure their movement skills are prioritized over their vocals.
Breakdown of counts: youtube.com/shorts/dfFmguXo9H0?feature=share
Full out with Kristi and Carson: https://youtu.be/p-bteq6MiY4
