The Sound of Music

We love working with cast members of all ages and experience levels. If you want to be on stage, we welcome you to audition for our show!

Nothing! While we certainly welcome charitable donations to further our mission, we don’t want financial barriers to stand in the way of people being part of our community.

No. All roles are assigned based on merit, and every cast member is expected to audition. Directors may invite specific performers to audition for a production, but a role will only be offered after a full audition process. We value fairness, transparency, and the opportunity for all performers to be considered.

No. A cast member’s involvement in a production is not dependent on the involvement or support of any other individual.

Time commitment varies by role — principal and supporting roles will naturally require a greater level of commitment.

We ask that auditioners list out all schedule conflicts for rehearsals and productions. While we will do our best to work around your conflicts, an excessive number of conflicting dates may affect casting.

Absolutely. Our program relies heavily on the generosity of volunteers who give joyfully of their time.

If you have off-stage experience, a special skill, or just want a community to be part of, there’s a place for you at Columbia.

Great question — we don’t know yet. If you’re a vendor who is interested in helping us explore these options, feel free to email us at columbiatheaterartsfoundation@gmail.com

20–30, Soprano (C4–B5)

A postulant at Nonnberg. She is free-spirited, outspoken, and youthful. Tender, warm, and at times unorthodox, she discovers her truest, most sacred calling is not the one she had planned for herself.

30–40+, Baritone (F♯2–D4)

A retired naval captain. Dignified, upright, and morally rigid, his presence commands any room he finds himself in. Quietly heartbroken over the death of his wife, he begins the story with a heart of stone and must relearn what it means to love.

20–35+, Mezzo-Soprano (C4–E5)

Mistress of Novices at Nonnberg Abbey. Harsh, strict, and judgmental, she does not approve of Maria’s oddities and sees them as a threat to the Abbey’s order. Often confuses joy for one of the seven deadly sins.

20–25, Mezzo-Soprano (B3–E5)

Mistress of Postulants at Nonnberg Abbey. She is kind and down-to-earth; a peacemaker at heart. She accepts Maria as she is, without judgment, and encourages the other nuns to do the same.

45+, True Soprano (B3–A♭5)

The head nun of Nonnberg Abbey. Regal, wise, understanding, Mother Abbess is deeply respected by all and inspires Maria towards her true calling. This role requires a very strong actor and singer.

16, Mezzo-Soprano (B3–E5)

The eldest Von Trapp child. Intelligent, witty, and optimistic, Liesl is growing up too fast for her own good. As she begins to navigate love and independence, she realizes that adulthood is far more complex (and more meaningful) than the fairytale she imagined.

14, Tenor (C4–G5)

The second-oldest Von Trapp child and the eldest son. Quiet and serious beyond his years, Friedrich longs to earn his father’s approval by being the man of the family. Over time, he learns that true strength is not found in hardness or silence, but in the courage to choose what is right—especially when it’s difficult.

13, Mezzo-Soprano (C4–G5)

A carefree, rebellious prankster. Louisa may be the smartest of the Von Trapp children, and she uses it to stir up trouble. Underneath the typical teenager attitude, we learn that Louisa is still deeply wounded by her mother’s passing.

10 (almost 11), Countertenor, strong Falsetto (C4–G5)

Sincere and sensitive, Kurt is the middle of all seven. He’s a peacemaker who wants to be taken seriously.

9, Mezzo-Soprano (C4–G5)

Precocious and honest to a fault, Brigitta is often found with a book in her hands. She is very perceptive and a good judge of character.

7, Mezzo-Soprano (C4–G5)

Marta is shy and quiet, lacking the mischievous streak found in her older siblings.

5, Mezzo-Soprano (C4–G5)

The youngest of the Von Trapp family, Gretl is the “Awwww” factor of the show. She’s endearing, innocent, and lives in her own world.

40–50+, Tenor (D3–F4)

A close friend of Captain Von Trapp, Max Detweiler is affectionately known to the children as “Uncle Max.” He’s a salesman through and through, and uses his position as a talent agent to catapult the Von Trapp Family Singers to success. Must have excellent comedic timing.

30–40, Soprano (D4–F5)

A wealthy widow and the Captain’s love interest at the start of the story. Elsa is not a villain. She’s well-educated, driven, and a shrewd businesswoman who cares about appearances and status.

17, Tenor/Baritone (C4–E5)

A telegram delivery boy who serves as Liesl’s love interest. Rolf is confident, well-spoken, and idealistic. As the story progresses, he goes from a naïve errand boy to a fanatic believer of the Third Reich.

20–40+, Mezzo-Soprano (B3–E5)

A nun at Nonnberg Abbey. She is gentle, curious, and open-minded, often caught between Sister Berthe’s strictness and Sister Margaretta’s warmth. She provides occasional comic relief among the nuns.

40+, Spoken

The Von Trapp household butler. Loyal, reserved, and proper, Franz speaks with formality and keeps the household running efficiently. As the political climate shifts, he shows signs of sympathizing with the Nazi regime.

40+, Spoken

The Von Trapp housekeeper. Efficient and no-nonsense, she is somewhat gruff but ultimately kind-hearted. She has a practical outlook on life and dutifully supports the household's routines and expectations.

40–60+, Spoken

The Nazi-appointed Gauleiter (governor) of the region. Stern, authoritative, and menacing, Zeller represents the threat of Nazi control and exerts pressure on Captain Von Trapp to align with the Third Reich.

50+, Spoken

A distinguished Austrian nobleman. Proud and patriotic, Baron Elberfeld is outspoken in his disapproval of Nazi occupation. He represents the old guard of Austrian society that resists fascist ideology.

50+, Spoken

A high-ranking officer in the German Navy. Formal and imposing, he approaches Captain Von Trapp with a commission to serve the Third Reich. His presence signals the tightening grip of Nazi authority.