AKS Performing Arts department
THE STORY
Sent to jail for stealing a loaf of bread in 19th-century France, prisoner Jean Valjean earns his release after 19 years of imprisonment only to find a world unwilling to give him a second chance. When a kind Bishop comes to his aid, Valjean breaks his parole in the hope of starting a new life. In time, Valjean is able to become a prosperous business owner, loving adoptive father, and politician. But not all is serene as police inspector Javert, convinced Valjean cannot change, relentlessly pursues the parole breaker. As Valjean confronts and evades Javert at various turns, each man must face how their game of cat and mouse has challenged their ideas of a virtuous life. A story filled with revolution and romance, Les Misérables is an epic tale of hope and redemption.
CHARACTERS
Jean Valjean - The hero of the show; it is his life journey that we follow. Valjean is an ex-convict who leaves behind a life of hatred and deceit and makes his fortune with his innovative industrial techniques. He finds fulfilment in loving his adopted daughter and helping people who are in difficult situations, even when it means risking his own life and welfare. Jean Valjean is a vocally demanding role.
Javert - He is the inspector who serves as antagonist to Jean Valjean. Javert is unswerving in his belief that men cannot change for the better. "Once a thief, always a thief" is his mantra. At first glance, Javert might appear to be the villain of the story, but upon closer examination, it is clear that he is not an evil man. He is a dedicated policeman with a profoundly strong sense of duty.
Cosette - The orphaned girl adopted by Valjean, Cosette, is a key character in the story and the subject of many Les Miserable songs. The fair and definitively good daughter of the ill-fated Fantine, she is Jean Valjean’s reason for being kind, the object of desire for Marius, and the source of envy for Eponine.
Marius - The main love interest in the show and our gateway into the revolution, Marius falls for Cosette and must choose his love or his country in the show’s climax. Young, misguided and giddy with infatuation, he is the depiction of youth and bravery during troubled times.
Fantine - Young girl who, abandoned by her lover, is left to fend for herself and her daughter, Cosette. She is rejected by society and forced through circumstances to sell herself. She is a brave woman defeated by life who clings to her dignity and is sustained by her love for her daughter, sacrificing everything for the young Cosette.
so desperately needs. By giving him an alibi and forgiveness, the virtuou actions of the holy man send Valjean on a path of decency and good intentions.
CHARACTERS
Gavroche* - The beloved Gavroche is a streetwise urchin who pick-pock his way to survival. The brave child joins the uprising and puts the fight in perspective.
Young Cosette* - Fantine's daughter and lives with the Thénardiers'. She been forced into child labour. She is underfed, beaten by Madame Thénard and bullied by Eponine.
*The characters starred are non-gender specific roles
AUDITION DETAILS
Please note students must wear ALL BLACK practical clothing e.g. t-shirt and leggings/tracksuit bottoms
Ensemble/Young Cosette/Gavroche Auditions:
When: 15/09/25 4.00pm - 6.30pm
Where: AKS Drama Studio
Principle Auditions:
When: 16/09/25 4.00pm - 6.30pm
Where: AKS Drama Studio
All students will take part in a singing and acting audition. Students should consider the emotions associated with their chosen character/lyrics/dialogue. This needs to be communicated through their facial expression, vocal skills and physicality.
Call Backs (invite only via email):
When: 18/09/25 4.00pm - 6.30pm
Where: AKS Drama Studio
What: Different roles will be worked through in a workshop style audition.
Cast announcement:
When: 19/09/25 11.00am
Where: AKS Drama Studio
AUDITION MATERIALS
Students must prepare the relevant song:
Ensemble
‘Do You Hear The People Sing’
Principal Child (Year 7 - Year 8)
‘Little People’ and ‘Castle on a Cloud’
Principal Boy (Year 9 - Year 13)
‘Stars’
Principal Girl (Year 9 - Year 13)
‘I Dreamed a Dream’
Don’t forget to use facial expressions and body language as well as thinking about your vocal quality and diction.
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MATERIALS
