Next to Normal

Music by Tom Kitt
Book and Lyrics by Brian Yorkey

February 25 – March 20, 2027
Musical
Mainstage | Thursday – Saturday |

Book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, Next to Normal explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, Next to Normal was also chosen as “one of the year’s ten best shows” by critics around the country, including The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone and The New York Times. 

Dad’s an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family. And yet their lives are anything but normal because the mother has been battling bipolar disorder for 16 years. Next to Normal takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family’s story with love, sympathy and heart. This deeply moving piece of theatre provides a wonderful opportunity for performers to explore dramatic material and showcase vocal talents with an energetic pop/rock score. Next to Normal is an emotional powerhouse that addresses such issues as grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life.

Production Team: 

Next to Normal will be directed by Anne Stewart Mark. Music Directed by Jonathan McDonald. Stage Managed by Caroline Cain.  

Schedule: 

• Rehearsals: January 16- February 13, 2027 M-F 6pm-10pm, Sa: 10am-4pm 
• Technical Rehearsals: February 15- February 24, 2027 M-F 6pm-11pm, Sa: 11am-6pm 
• Performances: February 25 – March 20, 2027 (Thursday – Saturdays) 
• Performance pick-up rehearsals: March 3, March 10, March 17 6:30pm-9:00pm 

Audition Info: 

Auditions will be located in the Facilities and Arts Annex (far South-East corner of the parking lot) of Salt Lake Community College’s South City Campus, 1610 South 250 East, SLC, 84115. Parking is available at no charge in the South-East parking lot off of 1700 South. 

Auditions will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  

Please prepare 32 bars (approximately 30–60 seconds) of a song in the style of the show. Actors may use either tracks or the provided accompanist; if using the accompanist, please bring sheet music. 

Video Audition Requirements: 

At the beginning of your video, include a brief slate stating: Your name and what you will be preforming.  

Ensure clear audio and video quality, preferably a full body shot.  

You can submit your video link through the audition form and email your headshot and resume to caroline.cain@slcc.edu. 

Submissions are due by Friday December 4, 2026 at 10:00pm. 

Callbacks will be held on Monday, December 7, 2026 from 6:00pm-10:00pm by invitation only. Some roles may not have a callback. 

• All auditioners must complete the online audition form. 
• A current resume and headshot are required.

Auditions will be located in the Facilities and Arts Annex (far South-East corner of the parking lot) of Salt Lake Community College’s South City Campus, 1610 South 250 East, SLC, 84115. Parking is available at no charge in the South-East parking lot off of 1700 South.

All hired actors are paid via a stipend. The Grand Theatre is committed to diverse, inclusive casting. We welcome all qualified performers, without regard to disability, race, color, gender, national origin or any other basis, unless otherwise specifically indicated.

Background Check Notice:
As part of the new SLCC requirements, we will conduct a background check on all contracted individuals. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter.

Please note: Marketing photos & video may be taken during auditions/callbacks.

Character Breakdown: 

Diana 

• Delusional, bipolar, and depressed. The sexiness of her yesterdays has only recently begun to soften. She is determined to make her family perfect but is tortured by a death in the family. 
• Gender: female 
• Age: 40 to 45 
• Vocal range top: F#5 
• Vocal range bottom: G3 

Gabe 

• Diana & Dan’s son. Dashing, athletic, and bright. He is a playful man and everything a mother could imagine. 
• Gender: male 
• Age: 18 to 21 
• Vocal range top: C5 
• Vocal range bottom: B2 

Dan 

• Diana’s husband. He is handsome and genuine. Though a constant in Diana’s tumultuous life, he has grown tired and weary of her antics. 
• Gender: male 
• Age: 40 to 45 
• Vocal range top: B4 
• Vocal range bottom: Ab2 

Natalie 

• Diana & Dan’s troubled daughter. An accomplished pianist and hardworking student, her struggles are exacerbated by her mother’s behavior. She greatly admires Henry. 
• Gender: female 
• Age: 16 to 16 
• Vocal range top: G5 
• Vocal range bottom: G3 

Henry 

• Natalie’s classmate. The all-around musician, philosopher, and slacker. He has an intoxicating capacity for sympathy and romance. 
• Gender: male 
• Age: 17 to 17 
• Vocal range top: B4 
• Vocal range bottom: G#2 

Dr. Madden 

• Diana’s handsome psychiatrist. Quite assured in his practice and considered somewhat of a rock star. 
• Gender: male 
• Age: 30 to 40 
• Vocal range top: A4 
• Vocal range bottom: A2 

All hired actors are paid via a stipend. The Grand Theatre is committed to diverse, inclusive casting. We welcome all qualified performers, without regard to disability, race, color, gender, national origin or any other basis, unless otherwise specifically indicated. 
 
Background Check Notice: As part of the new SLCC requirements, we will conduct a background check on all contracted individuals. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding in this matter. 
 
Please note: Marketing photos & video may be taken during auditions/callbacks.