CHILDREN OF EDEN — AUDITIONS

​

The Underground Performing Arts Collective (UPAC), in partnership with the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, is excited to present Children of Eden, a spectacular, uplifting musical by Stephen Schwartz, the acclaimed composer of Wicked and Godspell.

Inspired by the stories of Genesis, Children of Eden tells the stories of Adam and Eve, Noah and the Great Flood, and the generations that follow. But this is more than a retelling of biblical stories. At its heart, Children of Eden is a deeply human story about parents and children, faith and doubt, love and loss, forgiveness, and the courage to let go and begin again.

With powerful music, rich storytelling, humor, and opportunities for a large ensemble, the production celebrates the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

​

A MULTIGENERATIONAL PRODUCTION

​

We are seeking children, teens, and adults to join this exciting production. Children of Eden offers opportunities for performers of different ages and experience levels, including principal roles, supporting characters, ensemble members, singers, and movers.

We are especially interested in building an ensemble that reflects the diversity, energy, and spirit of our Hampton Roads community.

​

No previous professional theatre experience is required. We are looking for performers who are willing to collaborate, learn, take creative risks, and bring their authentic selves to the story.

​

PRINCIPAL & FEATURED ROLES

​

FATHER (Male, age range 35-65) (baritone)
The powerful, loving, sometimes demanding Creator. Father is the central figure connecting both stories and carries much of the show's philosophical and emotional weight.

​

ADAM / NOAH (Male, age range 25-45) (tenor)
A dual role. Adam is the first man and Father’s beloved creation. Noah, generations later, becomes the father chosen to build the ark. Both characters wrestle with their relationship with Father and what it means to be a parent.

​

EVE / MAMA NOAH (Female, age range 25-45) (mezzo-soprano)
A dual role. Eve is Adam’s partner and the first mother; Mama Noah is Noah’s wife and the mother of his children. Both women bring strength, compassion, and emotional grounding to their families.

​

CAIN / JAPHETH (Male, age range 18-30) (tenor)
A dual role. Cain is Adam and Eve’s son whose feelings of rejection and jealousy have devastating consequences. Japheth is Noah’s youngest son, who falls in love with Yonah and challenges his father's expectations.

​

ABEL / HAM (Male, age range 18-30) (tenor/baritone)
A dual role. Abel is Cain's younger brother, whose relationship with Cain becomes central to Act I. Ham is one of Noah's sons and part of the next generation struggling to understand his father's decisions.

​

YONAH (Female, age range 18-30) (mezzo-soprano)
A young woman descended from Cain's lineage who serves Noah's family. She is strong-willed, compassionate, and deeply in love with Japheth. Her relationship with Japheth becomes one of the emotional centers of Act II.

​

SETH / SHEM (Male, age range 18-30) (tenor/baritone)
A dual role. Seth is another son of Adam and Eve; Shem is one of Noah's sons. Both characters are part of the continuing family lineage connecting the two acts.

​

FEATURED ROLES

​

APHRA (Female, age range 18-30) 
Aphra is Shem's wife and one of the women connected to Noah's family. She has featured moments within the ensemble and contributes to the family dynamic.

​

AYSHA (Female, age range 18-30)
Aysha is Ham's wife and another member of Noah's family.

​

YOUNG CAIN (11-17)
The younger version of Cain. This role gives a younger performer an opportunity to portray Cain before his relationship with his father and brother becomes complicated.

​

YOUNG ABEL (11-17)
The younger version of Abel. A wonderful opportunity for a child performer.

​

THE SNAKES
A group of performers who embody the mysterious and sometimes mischievous presence of the Snake. This can be an exciting opportunity for performers who enjoy movement, dance, physical storytelling, and ensemble work. The role may be cast with multiple performers.

​

CHILDREN'S ENSEMBLE (Age range 8-17)

​

STORYTELLERS / ENSEMBLE (ALL AGES)
This is a particularly important part of Children of Eden. The ensemble helps create the world of the story through singing, movement, storytelling, character work, and scene transitions.

​

PERFORMANCE DATES

​

📍 Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts

Friday, October 2 — 7:00 PM
Saturday, October 3 — 2:00 PM
Saturday, October 3 — 7:00 PM