West Side Story

Musical Theatre West is seeking Equity chorus dancers for West Side Story, and principal dance roles are welcome to attend.

Music by Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by Arthur Laurents
Director: Marisa Harrera
Choreographer: Kyle Coffman
Music Director: Dennis Castellano
Executive Director/Producer: Paul Garman
Associate Producer: Bren Thor
Casting Director: Isaak Olson

1st Rehearsal: March 22, 2027
1st Public Performance: April 9, 2027
Closes: April 22, 2027

$1,054 weekly minimum (Tier 2+) - 2026 rate

Actors local to the Los Angeles / Orange County area are encouraged to audition.

THE SHARKS - A Puerto Rican gang:

• ANITA: Strong and assertive. Has her own big dreams. Bernardo's girlfriend. She dispenses "older sister" advice to Maria and tries to shield her from the dangers of the gangs. Strong Alto (Mezzo-Soprano range a plus). Range: F3 to F5. Strong dance required.
• BERNARDO: A proud, strong man. Bernardo seeks to carve out territory as a sense of identity for him and his community. Maria's older brother and Anita's boyfriend. Leader of the Sharks. Limited solo singing. Baritone. Range: A2 to E4. Strong dance required.
• CHINO: An angry and, at times, naive Shark who turns murderous and vengeful. Suitor to Maria and friend of Bernardo's. Baritone. Dancing required.
• 4 ENSEMBLE SHARK BOYS (including PEPE, INDIO, LUIS): Strong dancing/Baritone singing required.
• ROSALIA: Indio's girlfriend, more demure, still finding her footing in the world. Mezzo-Soprano with belt.
• CONSUELA: Grounded and well-seasoned in life, despite being young. Pepe's girlfriend. Mezzo-Soprano with belt.
• FRANCISCA: Youthful, often reacts to situations with innocent confusion, one of Maria's close friends. Luis' girlfriend. Mezzo-Soprano with belt.
• 2 ENSEMBLE SHARK GIRLS: Strong dancing/Alto singing required.

THE JETS - A Caucasian gang:

• RIFF: An athletic, quick-tempered leader of the Jets. He seeks to eliminate the Sharks and establish his own gang's dominance. Tony's best friend, he is eventually murdered by Bernardo. Strong singer/dancer. Range: A2 to F4. Strong dance required.
• ANYBODYS: (female or non-binary) A spunky tomboy who is desperate to become a member of the Jets. The other Jets mock her for her ambitions, but generally appreciate her company. Full of energy and heart. Alto. Strong dance required.
• DIESEL: Second-in-command of the Jets. Leader after Riff's death. Baritone. Strong dance required.
• ACTION: The most quick-tempered member of the Jets, always ready for a fight. Baritone. Strong dance required.
• A-RAB: Slightly less quick tempered than Action. Baby John's best friend. Is jumped by the Sharks during the opening sequence. Baritone. Strong dance required.
• BABY JOHN: The youngest of the Jets, impressionable, looks to A-Rab for guidance. Tenor. Strong dance required.
• 1 ENSEMBLE JET BOY: Baritone.
• GRACIELLA: Riff's girlfriend. Mezzo-Soprano. Strong dance required.
• 2 ENSEMBLE JET GIRLS: Strong dancing/Singing required.