Melchior:

Male, 18-25 to play 16-18, any ethnicity
A smart, attractive, curious, charismatic, and headstrong boy who questions societal norms and oppressive ideologies. Raised by a relatively open-minded mother, he is an atheist with radical views compared to his peers. Though book-smart, he struggles with his intense feelings for Wendla, leading to tragic consequences.

• Content: Violent situations, simulated sexual acts, physical intimacy, extensive kissing and intimate scenes with Wendla, partial nudity (including exposing the buttocks).
• Musical Requirement: Possibly plays an instrument.
• Vocal Range: B4 – G2, baritenor

Wendla:

Female, 18-25 to play 14-16, any ethnicity
Innocent, curious, compassionate, and naive with a rebellious spirit. She seeks to understand adolescence in a repressive society. Both vulnerable and proactive in her journey of self-discovery, her exploration of sexuality with Melchior leads to tragedy.

• Content: Violent situations, simulated sexual acts, physical intimacy, extensive kissing and intimate scenes with Melchior, upper body nudity.
• Musical Requirement: Possibly plays an instrument.
• Vocal Range: E3 – E5, mezzo-soprano

Moritz:

Male, 18-25 to play 16-18, any ethnicity
An anxious, troubled, and misunderstood teenager. Melchior’s best friend, struggling with his father’s expectations and societal pressures. His haunting sexual dreams and academic failures lead him into despair.

• Content: Simulated suicide, violent situations, and physical intimacy.
• Musical Requirement: Possibly plays an instrument.
• Vocal Range: A4 – C3, tenor

Ilse:

Female, 18-25 to play 16-18, any ethnicity
Bold, resilient, poetic, and emotionally complex. A free spirit who left home due to abuse, now living in an artists’ colony. She embodies the painful side of rebellion and holds onto hope despite a cycle of abuse.

• Content: Violent situations and physical intimacy.
• Musical Requirement: Preferably plays violin or viola.
• Vocal Range: E5 – E3, mezzo-soprano

Martha:

Female, 18-25 to play 14-16, any ethnicity
Shy, sensitive, and insecure, deeply vulnerable due to physical and sexual abuse. She finds strength within her pain and harbors a secret crush on Moritz.

• Content: Violent situations and physical intimacy.
• Musical Requirement: Possibly plays an instrument.
• Vocal Range: E5 – E3, mezzo-soprano

Ernst:

Male, 18-25 to play 16-18, any ethnicity (also plays Reinhold)
Sensitive, reserved, and wholesome, with a quiet curiosity about his sexuality. Shows tenderness and vulnerability, seduced by Hanschen.

• Content: Kissing and intimacy with Hanschen, violent situations, and physical intimacy.
• Musical Requirement: Possibly plays an instrument.
• Vocal Range: Ab2 – A4, tenor

Hanschen:

Male, 18-25 to play 16-18, any ethnicity (also plays Rupert)
Confident, humorous, and flirtatious. He manipulates the status quo instead of challenging it. Attracted to men and women, and seduces Ernst.

• Content: Kissing and intimacy with Ernst, violent situations, physical intimacy, and simulated masturbation.
• Musical Requirement: Possibly plays an instrument.
• Vocal Range: A4 – C3, baritenor

Thea:

Female, 18-25 to play 14-16, any ethnicity
Sweet, energetic, and trusting of societal systems. Just beginning to experience crushes.

• Content: Violent situations and physical intimacy.
• Musical Requirement: Plays violin, viola, cello, guitar, bass, or drums.
• Vocal Range: E5 – E3, mezzo-soprano

Georg:

Male, 18-25 to play 16-18, any ethnicity (also plays Dieter)
Funny and energetic, struggling with his lustful feelings for his piano teacher.

• Content: Physical intimacy with a female-presenting character’s chest, violent situations, and physical intimacy.
• Musical Requirement: Plays piano.
• Vocal Range: Ab2 – D5, baritenor

Anna:

Female, 18-25 to play 14-16, any ethnicity
Lively, sensible, and caring. Less naive than Wendla but still constrained by societal norms.

• Content: Violent situations and physical intimacy.
• Musical Requirement: Plays violin, viola, cello, guitar, bass, or drums.
• Vocal Range: E5 – E3, mezzo-soprano

Otto:

Male, 18-25 to play 16-18, any ethnicity (also plays Ulbrecht)
An insecure schoolmate who experiences a lustful dream about his mother.

• Content: Violent situations and physical intimacy.
• Musical Requirement: Plays violin, viola, cello, guitar, bass, or drums.
• Vocal Range: Ab2 – D5, baritenor

Adult Woman:

Female, 40-50, any ethnicity
Plays a variety of rigid adult roles, showcasing versatility in portraying multiple mothers and teachers.

• Content: Violent situations and physical intimacy, including contact with the character’s chest.
• Musical Requirement: Plays violin, viola, cello, guitar, bass, or drums.
• Vocal Range: D3 – A4, mezzo or alto