In Character Entertainment is thrilled to announce auditions for Popeye the Musical! which will be premiering at the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival this summer from August 14 – 24 2025. This production will bring the iconic cartoon world of Popeye to life with hilarity, heart, and high-energy musical numbers. We are looking for dynamic performers to join us on this adventure. Below are the character breakdowns and requirements:
POPEYE
Age: 20s-40s
Vocal Range: Baritone/tenor with a gritty, character-filled quality.
Physical Requirements: Male identifying. Lean, short, strong build; must be comfortable showcasing exaggerated physicality. One eye squinted closed.
Skills: Must master Popeye’s iconic voice and laugh. Strong comedic timing and physical comedy skills are required. Plenty of cartoonish stage combat.
Personality: Endearing and brave. Has a heart of gold beneath his rough-and-tumble exterior.
OLIVE OYL
Age: 20s-30s
Vocal Range: Soprano with a bright and versatile voice.
Physical Requirements: Female identifying. Slim, tall, and agile; expressive movement and body language are key.
Skills: Must portray Olive’s dramatic energy and unique voice. Tap dance experience is a plus but not necessary.
Personality: Spirited, charming, and a bit of a drama queen. Always finds herself in outrageous situations.
BLUTO
Age: 20s-40s
Vocal Range: Baritone with a booming, menacing tone.
Physical Requirements: Male identifying. Larger-than-life stature or commanding presence preferred.
Skills: Strong stage presence and ability to play a lovable yet over-the-top villain. Physical comedy is a must. Plenty of cartoonish stage combat.
Personality: Gruff, tough, and hilariously self-absorbed. An antagonist who wants to finally have it his way.
WIMPY
Age: 30s-50s
Vocal Range: Tenor.
Physical Requirements: Male identifying. Rounder build preferred but not required; must be able to embody Wimpy’s relaxed, gentlemanly demeanour.
Skills: Strong comedic timing and ability to deliver effective punchlines. Plenty of solo time onstage to push the narrative further. Tap dance and/or ukulele experience is a plus but not necessary.
Personality: Well-spoken, witty, and hamburger-obsessed. A lovable side character who always ends up dragged into the middle of things, even if he has no interest.
BETTY BOOP (Cameo Role) & PUPPET ROLES
Age: 20s-50s
Vocal Range: Soprano (Very little singing)
Physical Requirements: Female identifying. Must embody the retro “flapper” vibe.
Skills: Must capture Betty’s flirtatious charm and high-pitched, cartoonish voice. This is a cameo role, however, any skills in puppetry are highly valued as we are interested in having this actor also portray 2 separate puppet roles.
Personality: A washed-up showgirl. Flirty, sassy, and full of charisma.
Additional Details
Audition Dates: Sunday, March 2nd. 8:45am – 12:00pm – Video Submissions will be considered for any who cannot attend auditions in person.
Location: The Playhouse – 10033 80 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB
What to Prepare: Audition Packages will be sent to successful applicants chosen to audition.
Rehearsals & Performance Dates: First Read Through will be Sunday, March 30th 6pm – 9pm. Rehearsals will start soon after. Edmonton Fringe runs August 14 – 24, 2025.
Submission Deadline: Please submit a resume, headshot, and indicate which role you’re interested in auditioning for by February 21st.
Come ready to channel your inner cartoon character! For questions or to book an audition slot, email [email protected].
Only those selected will be invited to audition.
Each role plans to pay $500 or profit share, whichever is larger.
We can’t wait to see you bring these beloved characters to life!
