A NEW MUSICAL

Auditions are now open for Off-Brand Opera’s first fully-staged original musical—the world premiere of Nietzsche! Read below for production information and how to apply.

Audition submissions are due Monday, June 9 at 11:59PM.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Nietzsche unveils the cast of characters who shaped the life and legacy of the controversial philosopher—Friedrich (“Fritz”) Nietzsche. His mother wanted him to be a pastor. His musical mentor wanted him to defend anti-Semitism. His sister wanted power. His love interest wanted freedom. And Fritz wanted to love life—all of it. But how? What do you do when you adore people whose values you abhor? The musical unfolds as a series of flashbacks leading to an explosive conclusion: Fritz goes insane; his sister, Elisabeth, allies with the Nazis; and his love, Lou Salomé, vows to honor their bond and write a book that will set the record straight.

PRODUCTION DETAILS

Four performances the weekend of October 10-12, 2025 at A.R.T. New York’s Mezzanine Theater. Rehearsals begin September 18 in NYC, scheduled with actor availability in mind but including significant weekend commitments. Stipends range $300-500, variable by role.

Director: Liz Bealko
Music Director: Erin Kennedy
Choreographer: Kimerer LaMothe

AUDITIONS

Off-Brand Opera is seeking non-union singers and dancers for lead and ensemble roles. We are particularly interested in crossover artists with experience in both classical music and musical theater for singing roles; strong musicians are encouraged to apply.

Audition submissions are due Monday, June 9 at 11:59PM. Actors who receive a callback will be notified by Friday, June 13; callbacks will be held in midtown NYC on the afternoon/evening of June 23. (A virtual option is available for artists unable to attend callbacks in person.)

Audition questions? Reach out to info@offbrandopera.org to get in touch.

SINGERS
Submit a 1-minute video of a musical theater or crossover song suiting the range and style of the character for which you are applying, along with a headshot & resume. You may also (optionally) include a performance or movement reel. All singers will participate in a movement call at callbacks and basic ensemble dance during the show.

DANCERS
Submit a 1-minute movement reel that showcases a contemporary modern style; headshot & resume. You may also (optionally) include a short singing clip or vocal reel. All dancers will be asked to sing an excerpt for callbacks and will participate in basic ensemble singing during the show.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

Casting is open to artists of all races and gender identities; listed genders indicate presentation in the context of the show. Tracks with an asterisk will include the primary listed character and other roles.

Friedrich Nietzsche (Fritz) - male, late 20s-30s
A kind, mild-mannered, driven, brilliant philosopher who suffers from headaches and near blindness. Tenor or high baritone with strong upper extension and belt. (Bb2-G4)

Elisabeth Förster-Nietzsche - female, mid-20s/30s
Fritz’s striking, poised, determined, and opportunistic younger sister, who marries the anti-Semitic Bernhard Förster and moves to Paraguay to found a colony for the pure German race. Mezzo with strong belt. (F#3-E5, belt to C5)

Lou Salomé - female, 20s
Brilliant author and feminist who values her independence above all else. Passionate about philosophy and Fritz. Soprano with strong mix/belt (G3-E5)

Franziska Nietzsche - female, 40+
Exceptionally pious mother of Fritz and Elisabeth. Mezzo or soprano. (Bb3-D5)

Paul Rée* - male, late 20s/30s
Agreeable, beloved Jewish friend of Fritz. Baritone. (C#3-C#4)

Bernhard Förster* - male, 30s-40s
Handsome, anti-Semitic husband of Elisabeth. Baritone. (Bb2-Eb4)

Richard Wagner* - male, 40+
The august, adored, arrogant, volatile composer; revealed to be an anti-Semitic German nationalist. Bass/baritone with belt. (C#3-E4 with options up)

Malwida von Meysenbug - female, 40+
An independent feminist author, and mentor to young women; benefactress of Fritz and Paul. Mezzo or soprano (C4-C#5)

Cosima Wagner - female, late 20s/30s
The proper, devoted wife of Richard Wagner, who nevertheless enjoys flirting with Fritz. Soprano. (C4-F5)

Carl von Gersdorff* - male, 20s-30s
Fun-loving, best friend of Fritz. Tenor. (B2-A4)

Young Fritz* - male, 18+ to play 14 
Teenage Friedrich Nietzsche. A thoughtful son and brother who refuses to accept the deaths of his father and baby brother. Tenor. (Eb3-F4)

Ensemble of Dancers* - female, any age
Contemporary modern dancers with experience in the Graham technique (contraction and release; strong attack and lyrical flow), and skill in improvising, to work together as a tight ensemble. Dancers may also be cast as supporting singing/speaking roles or covers.