Walter M. Mayes, Artistic Director of South Bay Musical Theatre, announces auditions for

SOUTH PACIFIC

South Pacific - Bali Hai is calling you

Music by RICHARD RODGERS
Lyrics by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II
Book by OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II and JOSHUA LOGAN
Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Tales of the South Pacific” by James A. Michener

  • Director: Vinh G. Nguyen
  • Choreographer: Nicole Tung
  • Vocal Director: Anita Hsiung Carey
  • Music Director: Joseph Kelly
  • Stage Manager: Quentin Tepliuk

Initial auditions will be held Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 4 – 10 pm and Monday, November 2, 2026, from 6 – 10 pm

Please schedule a vocal audition slot at:

https://sbmt.ivolunteer.com/sbmt_southpacific_002   (signup link goes live at 1:00 a.m. Sept. 25, 2026)

AUDITION INFORMATION

Please prepare 32 bars of a song in the style of the show with sheet music in the correct key. No recordings or a capella, please. An accompanist will be provided. Bring a headshot, résumé, conflict calendar through June 12, and comfortable clothes and shoes for moving. Auditioners must attend a dance call, but may choose to do so before or after their vocal audition time if available.

Auditions will be held at 761 Mabury Rd, Suite 20, in San Jose.

Callbacks, by invitation only: Saturday, Nov 7, 2026.

The rehearsal calendar is compact and fast-paced. Therefore, conflict calendars will be a primary consideration for casting. Only minor conflict schedules will be considered, if any.

No conflicts during tech week accepted.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE: In approaching this seminal Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece, I want to reexamine South Pacific’s historical context by deepening our exploration of the cultural clashes and relationships among the American, French, and Native characters in the show. I strive to create an inclusive production grounded in care, sensitivity, and respect for the Native characters, while still honoring the show’s powerful themes of love and overcoming prejudice. I am excited to welcome back longtime fans and introduce a new generation of musical theatre lovers to this beloved classic. Actors of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to audition. I hope you will come and help us bring this fresh and lush production to life.

– Vinh G. Nguyen

SBMT Casting Commitment

South Bay Musical Theatre is actively reshaping our company to better reflect the community we serve. We practice non-traditional and identity-conscious casting in all our productions. We highly encourage all actors to submit, regardless of race/ethnicity/caste, disability, body type, age, orientation, or gender/gender identity.  We can’t change the script or the music, but are open to considering actors of any gender identity for roles of specific gender identities. The actor would need to demonstrate the ability to portray the specified character and sing the required range. If you wish to be considered for specific roles, please note them on your audition form.

All cast members are volunteers, with a performance per diem of $250 for the run.

ROLES

All roles are open:

  • ENSIGN NELLIE FORBUSH (Female-presenting) An optimistic and simple Navy nurse from Little Rock, Arkansas, who falls in love with Emile; with subtle comedic timing, undeniable charms, and strong mezzo vocals.
  • EMILE DE BECQUE (Male-presenting) A wealthy, cultured, and dignified French leading man with grit and glamour who falls in love with Nellie; Strong baritone vocals.
  • LIEUTENANT JOSEPH CABLE (Male-presenting) A young, formal, and charming officer who falls in love with Liat; Strong soaring tenor vocals.
  • LIAT (Female-presenting) Bloody Mary’s daughter, A young Tonkinese girl who falls in love with Cable. Heartbreakingly delicate, beautiful, and innocent; Must move well.
  • BLOODY MARY (Female-presenting) A bold Tonkinese souvenir dealer who connects Cable to her daughter Liat; witty, brassy, and full of character; with excellent comedic timing and strong mezzo vocals.
  • LUTHER BILLIS (Male-presenting) A schlubby, mediocre entrepreneur; a friend to all and a man with a lust for the ladies; with strong comedic abilities and baritone vocals.
  • CAPTAIN GEORGE BRACKETT (Male-presenting) A pompous yet competent officer who hides a heart of gold; with baritone vocals.
  • COMMANDER HARBISON (Male-presenting) Officious Navy man; Brackett’s second-in-command and right-hand man; with baritone vocals.
  • NGANA and JEROME (Pre-teen children) Emile’s son and daughter by his late Polynesian wife. Walk on roles with some light singing.
  • HENRY/ENSEMBLE (Male-presenting) A native of the island, he works as Emile’s butler.
  • STEWPOT/ENSEMBLE (Male-presenting) A funny, schlubby character man with strong tenor vocals; one of the sailors and Luther Billis’ cohorts.
  • PROFESSOR/ENSEMBLE (Male-presenting) A funny character man of the studious type; strong singer; one of the sailors and Luther Billis’ cohorts.
  • ROB MCCAFFREY/ENSEMBLE (Male-presenting) A sailor and radio operator who communicates with Lt. Cable during his mission.
  • ENSEMBLE: (Any gender) A company of strong singers and movers to play Sailors, Marines, Seabees, Patrolmen, Ensigns, Islanders, Nuns, Officers, Soldiers, Pilots.

KEY DATES

  • Rehearsals begin Sunday, March 21, 2027
  • Move-in Saturday, May 1, 2027
  • Open May 22, 2027
  • Close & strike June 12, 2027, with a possible extension until June 19, 2027