PLOT SUMMARY
Fiddler on the Roof is a classic musical with a touch more than many musical comedies offer. It is a musical filled with laughter, entertainment, tears and questioning of life and the paths that are taken by those brave enough to challenge traditions. Tevye is a Jewish father in 1905 on the eve of the Russian revolution. His life seems to be following the expected route until his 3 eldest daughters unconventionally choose husbands going against both cultural and religious tradition. This occurs in conjunction with the racial prejudices of the Russians, driving out the Jews from their villages. Tevye is forced to reflect upon cultural beliefs, religious beliefs and question his understanding of life through his conversations with God. ‘Fiddler’ is filled with principal characters, supporting characters, minor characters and cameo roles. Each one is a full identity in itself and has the ability to weave its own intriguing tale throughout the show in subplots. All cast in the show will be required to engage in-depth emotions showing the tumultuous journey each human being encounters on its travel through life when unexpected events occur. It is therefore exceptionally important that this show is cast with performers who are prepared to focus on their acting skills. Versatility in all areas is an advantage; however, being prepared to attempt all aspects of performance with determination and focus is the prerequisite. Please be prepared to read for any characters during the audition if they fit vaguely into your physical description.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Tevye — A passionate and stubborn man. who deeply loves his family and religion. He uses his belief in tradition, God and his relationships to find answers in amongst the confusion and challenges his life encounters
Role: Lead
Voice: Baritone (B♭2 to F4)
Dancing: Light

Chava — Tevye's third daughter who is gentle and compassionate. Loves to read which leads her to meeting a Russian gentile (Fyedka) who she marries against her family’s wishes.
Role: Supporting
Voice: Mezzo (B3 to C5)
Dancing: Medium (neo-classical)

Golde — Tevye's spirited, stubborn and hardworking wife, who often makes decisions based on superficial factors (e.g. superstition, marriage to wealth).
Role: Supporting
Voice: Mezzo (A3 to E♭5)
Dancing: Light

Hodel — Tevye's second-eldest daughter who is spirited, quick witted and is willing to confront others’ opinions. Falls in love with a student. (Perchik)
Role: Supporting
Voice: Mezzo/Soprano (B3 to E5)
Dancing: Medium

Lazar Wolf — A wealthy member of the village whose wife is dead and therefore wishes to marry the much younger Tzeitel. Can be mulish, self-centred and uncomplicated.
Role: Supporting
Voice: Bass/Baritone (high: C4)
Dancing: Light

Motel — A young, gentile, nervous tailor who is has been family friends with Tzeital all his life and is in love with her.
Role: Supporting
Voice: Tenor (E3 to G♭4)
Dancing: Light

Perchik — A modern Jewish man who is a student revolutionary. He is confident, passionate and philosophical. He falls in love with Hodel.
Role: Supporting
Voice: Baritone/Tenor (high: E4)
Dancing: Light

Tzeital — Tevye's oldest daughter who is mature and shrewd. She is in love with her childhood friend Motel and is the first daughter to confront her father and break tradition.
Role: Supporting
Voice: Mezzo (B3 to E♭5)
Dancing: Medium

Yente — A talkative pushy matchmaker who has an eccentric personality.
Role: Supporting
Voice: Alto (F3 to E♭5)
Dancing: Light

Avram — The bookseller (MALE).
Role: Cameo
Voice: Baritone (D3 to E♭4)
Dancing: Light

Bielke — Tevye's youngest daughter.
Role: Cameo
Age: 6 - 14
Voice: N/A
Dancing: Light

Constable — A Russian officer who is friendly with Tevye but follows orders to orchestrate pogroms against the Jews.
Role: Cameo
Voice: Spoken
Dancing: N/A

Fruma-Sarah — Lazar Wolfe's terrifying dead first wife.
Role: Cameo
Voice: Soprano (C4 to E♭5)
Dancing: Medium (agile)

Fyedka — A charming, kind Russian non-Jew young man who has integrity and overlooks cultural differences resulting marriage to Chava.
Role: Cameo
Voice: Tenor ( ? - B)
Dancing: Heavy

Grandma Tzeitel — Golde's dead grandmother.
Role: Cameo
Voice: Mezzo (D♭4 to E♭5)
Dancing: N/A

Mendel — The rabbi's son.
Role: Cameo
Voice: Baritone (B2 to E♭4)
Dancing: Light

Mordcha — The Innkeeper (MALE).
Role: Cameo
Voice: N/A
Dancing: Light

Nachum — The beggar (MALE).
Role: Cameo
Voice: Spoken
Dancing: N/A

Rabbi — The spiritual leader of Anatevka (MALE)..
Role: Cameo
Voice: Baritone (high: C4)
Dancing: Light

Sasha — Fyedka's friend (MALE).
Role: Cameo
Voice: Spoken
Dancing: Heavy

Shaindel — Motel's mother
Role: Cameo
Voice: Spoken
Dancing: Light

Shprintze — Tevye's second youngest daughter.
Role: Cameo
Age: 10 - 16
Voice: N/A
Dancing: Light

The Fiddler- violin playing an advantage (MALE).
Role: Cameo
Voice: Mute
Dancing: Light

Yussel — A Hatter (MALE).
Role: Cameo
Voice: Spoken
Dancing: N/A

Villagers & Russian soldiers
Role: Chorus
Age: All