Scripps Ranch Theatre is now accepting audition submissions!
Lend Me A Soprano
By Ken Ludwig
Directed by Kate Rose Reynolds
Performance dates: April 24-May 17, 2026
Synopsis
Lend Me a Soprano is the gender-swapped adaptation of Ken Ludwig’s Tony-winning 1986 Broadway comedy, Lend Me a Tenor.
It’s 1934 and all the Cleveland Grand Opera Company general manager Lucille Wylie wants is for the evening’s gala performance to go off without a hitch. Unfortunately for Lucille, the star of the evening, internationally famous Italian soprano Elena Firenzi, comes with a jealous husband, a liking for liquor, and a weakness for men. Despite Lucille enlisting her meek assistant Jo to help keep Elena in line, things inevitably go south. Jo’s attempt to tranquilize Elena results in an overdose that initially seems fatal—but still the show must go on. Lucille then coerces Jo into assuming Elena’s identity to take on the role of Carmen. Meanwhile, the real Elena wakes up from a deep sleep and rushes to the theater.
The second act is a maelstrom of romantic entanglements, mistaken identities, and the meddling of opera aficionados and obsessive fans, with hotel room doors opening and closing riotously as both the real and false Elenas rush in and out. Adding to the confusion – and the inevitable happy ending – are a star struck bellhop, a sexy Dutch tenor, and Jerry – Joe’s ever helpful naive boyfriend.
Character Breakdowns
We are seeking actors of all ethnicity, abilities, body types, and gender identities. Actors please submit for the roles with which you most strongly identify.
*Please note: there will be an Intimacy Director on this project.*
Jo – This role has been cast.
Mrs. Wylie – 50+, female. The General Manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera. A force of nature. Extravagant, outspoken, a little loony.
Jerry – Early 30s, male. The son of Mrs. Wylie and the boyfriend of Jo. A romantic, and a bit of a dork. Intimacy and partial nudity required – kissing, passionate embracing, appears shirtless in boxers.
Elena Firenzi – Female. A world famous soprano. Unstoppable and unforgettable. Elegant, magnificent. A celebrity and she knows it. Must be a classically trained soprano or mezzo soprano. Italian accent. Intimacy required – kissing, passionate embracing.
**If you are submitting for Elena Firenzi, in addition to the character sides, please also include a French aria that showcases your range.
Pasquale – Male. Elena’s husband. As magnificent as Elena (or at least close). A worthy consort. Jealous and passionate. Italian accent.
Bellhop – Any gender. A bellhop at the hotel where Elena is staying. A passionate opera fan, eager and energetic.
Leo – Late 20s-early 30s, male. The principal tenor of the Cleveland Grand Opera. Handsome, warm, confident, sexy. Dutch accent. Intimacy and partial nudity required – kissing, passionate embracing, appears in various stages of undress, including shirtless, in boxers, in a robe, and in a towel.
Julia – 60+, female. Chairwoman of the Opera Guild. High society.
Audition Instructionss
This is a NON-UNION production. First round of auditions will be by video submission only.
Please attach your headshot and resume, labeled with your first and last name, and indicate the character name for which you would like to audition. You will then receive sides from the script to prepare your self-tape.
To submit, email your materials and interest to: auditions@scrippsranchtheatre.org
SELF TAPE DEADLINE: OCTOBER 6
Callbacks
Callbacks will be by invitation only and will take place October 20, 2025.
Performances
Show dates are April 24-May 17, 2026
Industry Night: May 11, 2026
Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30PM
Sundays at 2:00PM
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will begin around March 24, 2026. Rehearsals may be up to 5 days per week, Tues- Fri 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm and Sat 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Tech is all day April 18 & 19.
Questions
Questions should be directed via e-mail to SRT’s Audition Coordinator at auditions@scrippsranchtheatre.org.
**THIS IS A NON-UNION PROJECT.**
SCRIPPS RANCH THEATRE IS ADHERING TO THE AB5 LAW FOR PAYMENT.
Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French