West Side Story in Concert - Casting Call

Nationwide casting call for young actors for West Side Story in Concert with National Symphony Orchestra Ireland and Irish Youth Musical Theatre at the National Concert Hall. Presented in partnership with the Royal Irish Academy of Music

West Side Story, with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Arthur Laurents, was the musical that changed Broadway. On Thursday 23 and Friday 24 July, National Symphony Orchestra Ireland (NSOI), by arrangement with Music Theatre International, will partner with Irish Youth Musical Theatre (IYMT) and the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) at the National Concert Hall for two concert performances by young actors aged 16 to 25 of this masterpiece re-telling of Romeo and Juliet. All leading and ensemble roles will be cast on the basis of open auditions for actors currently in training or recently graduated.

Featuring the original Broadway orchestration, West Side Story in Concert is directed by Irish West End director, Séimí Campbell, with Anthony Gabriele, renowned for his work as a Musical Director on London’s West End and a leading proponent of Film with Orchestra in concert, as conductor and music supervisor. The full creative team remains to be announced.

West Side Story in Concert follows on from the hugely successful concert performances of Evita (2022) and Sweeney Todd (2025),both presented in collaboration with Irish Youth Musical Theatre and the Royal Irish Academy of Music. The unique approach followed offers performance, mentorship and training opportunities in a professional environment for young actors aged 16 to 25 from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Participants engage in an intensive programme of instruction in singing, acting, and movement, delivered by leading industry practitioners. This training is designed to prepare young performers for participation in the culminating performances presented in collaboration with the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland. The course offers a unique pre-professional experience, affording participants the opportunity to develop advanced stage and musical skills within a professional orchestral environment

Audition Information

Casting is now open to all actors aged 16-25 for the following roles: Maria, Tony, Riff, Bernardo, Anita, Chino, Anybodys, as well as Ensemble.

Applicants should complete the form below, outlining any experience and/or training (if any), and upload a self-tape no longer than 90 seconds that best demonstrates their acting through song. You may select any song of your choice (not limited to West Side Story) that best showcases your skill and range.

The closing date for applications has been extended to Wednesday 4th March at 6pm. Callbacks will be held in person in Dublin on 21st and 22nd March.

Successful cast members will be required at rehearsals on the following dates:

7th-10th April, RIAM Dublin
30th May - 1 June, venue to be confirmed, Dublin
6th - 10th July, RIAM Dublin 
13th to 17th July, RIAM Dublin 
20th - 24th July, NCH Dublin 

Course fees: €600 tuition fee (Instalment payment plans are available)

Application Form