Phoenix Performing Arts Presents
Production Camp
Hadestown is a Tony Award-winning musical with book, music, and lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell. It weaves together two ancient love stories: Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Hades and Persephone.
Set in a stylized mythic world colored by American folk music, vintage New Orleans jazz, and the blues, the show follows Orpheus, a passionate and naïve young musician, as he journeys into the underworld to rescue the woman he loves. Meanwhile, Hades rules Hadestown as an industrial empire where the dead are bound to endless labor, and his queen Persephone grows more restless with every season.
Hadestown is a sung-through musical, meaning the entire show is performed through song. It is a tragedy. It explores love, doubt, fate, power, and the courage to keep singing even when you know how the story ends. Its themes of hope against uncertainty make it one of the most emotionally powerful shows in contemporary musical theater, and a profound challenge for any young performer.
The Teen Edition adapts the show for high school voices and ensembles while preserving the full emotional and dramatic weight of the original.
Hadestown Teen Production Camp is a musical theater intensive where students spend five weeks rehearsing, training, and building a full production of Hadestown: Teen Edition together.
Students work with director and choreographer Amber Coughlin, vocal director Julie Strebler, and guest artists throughout the program. Every week builds toward opening night, with eight performances across two full weekends.
Enrollment is capped at 20 students so everyone has a real role and real responsibilities from day one.
Work with Amber Coughlin, Julie Strebler, and guest artists across vocal technique, movement, and performance. Instruction runs throughout all five weeks, not just at the start.
With 20 students, you will know your castmates and your director from the first day. Everyone contributes to how the show comes together.
Eight performances across two weekends in a cabaret-style venue built around the jazz club world of the show. Reserved seating, full tech, and a real run.
All ranges listed are specific to Hadestown: Teen Edition. Phoenix welcomes performers of all backgrounds and gender identities to audition for any role. Casting is based on voice, performance, and ensemble chemistry.
Exceptional vocal ability and emotional depth required. Strong falsetto is essential to this role.
Strong acting across a wide emotional range is as important as vocal ability. One of the show's most demanding roles.
A resonant, commanding voice with genuine gravitas is required. The Teen Edition range is slightly adjusted from the Broadway version.
Commanding stage presence and dynamic emotional range required. One of the show's richest and most complex roles.
Natural charisma and a commanding presence are essential. Hermes is onstage for much of the show.
All three Fates must be skilled harmonizers and strong movers. The trio functions as one unified force throughout the show.
In the Teen Edition, Workers form a full SATB choral ensemble with expanded opportunities for featured moments. Strong movers and committed ensemble performers are essential. The Workers are the backbone of this production.
Students work with our creative team throughout all five weeks of rehearsal. Guest artists will join at various points in the program for additional instruction.
A Pittsburgh-native dancer and choreographer now based in Akron, Amber began choreographing for musicals while still in high school, earning first place for choreography at the 2013 Gene Kelly Awards in Pittsburgh for her work on All Shook Up at Penn Hills High School. She went on to study dance at the University of Akron, training in ballet under Pauline Reilly-Howe and modern technique under Tom Smith, who trained under Martha Graham. Since graduating, she has continued to dance and choreograph with companies including Division Dance Company, Cleveland Dance Project, and JAM Dance Academy. Amber founded Phoenix Performing Arts with the goal of making the arts accessible for all, and has been at the heart of the organization ever since.
Julie brings 24 years of experience teaching high school choir at Coventry Local Schools, alongside her work directing the Preparatory Academy and Chamber Choruses at the Cleveland Institute of Music and teaching Choral Methods at Ashland University, where she completed her undergraduate degree in music education. She holds a master's degree in music education from Kent State University and continues her own studies through Baldwin Wallace University. Julie also sings with the Cleveland Chamber Choir and is thrilled to bring her expertise to the Phoenix community for this production.
Auditions take place in person in a 10–11 AM slot before callbacks. You will prepare one vocal selection from the show and learn a short dance combination on site with choreographer Amber Coughlin.
This program is open to students ages 14 to 19. Per licensing requirements, students must not turn 20 before July 31, 2026.
Use the form to claim one of the available in-person audition slots. Spots are limited and registration closes when they fill. You will receive confirmation with date and location details after submitting.
Prepare a 16 to 32 bar cut from Hadestown: Teen Edition. Choose something that shows your voice and your ability to connect to a character. Bring an accompaniment track or sing acappella.
You do not need to prepare anything in advance for the movement portion. Choreographer Amber Coughlin will teach a short combination at the start of your audition slot. Wear comfortable clothes you can move in.
Auditions run 10–11 AM. You will sing your prepared selection and learn and perform the dance combination taught on site. You will be told before you leave whether you are needed to stay for callbacks, which run immediately after from 11 AM to 3 PM on May 9.
Tuition covers five weeks of rehearsal, guest artist instruction, tech week, and eight performances. Payments are split across three dates to make it more manageable.
Tuition is non-refundable once a role has been accepted. Questions about financial accessibility? We offer scholarships -- learn more and apply here, or email get.help@phoenixperformingarts.com.
Ready to Audition?
In-person audition slots are limited. Prepare a 16–32 bar cut from the show, reserve your spot, and we'll handle the rest when you arrive.
We’re hosting a Meet the Directors session this Sunday for anyone interested in auditioning for Hadestown: Teen Edition. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, get clarity on expectations, and connect with the team before submitting your audition.
Sunday, April 19
7:30–8:30 PM (ET)
Join here: https://meet.google.com/ozg-huma-sfs
We’re hosting a Meet the Directors session this Sunday for anyone interested in auditioning for Hadestown: Teen Edition. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, get clarity on expectations, and connect with the team before submitting your audition.
Sunday, April 19
7:30–8:30 PM (ET)
Join here: https://meet.google.com/ozg-huma-sfs