Frequently Asked Questions

Still unclear about auditioning?

We hope we’ve answered any questions you might have had about the show, auditions and how to book in for an audition. But just in case we haven’t, here are a few additional things you might want to know. If you are still unclear, please send us a message.

What if I’m not auditioning for a specific role?

No problem. If you are not going for any particular part you will still need to sing the song listed for ensemble and select a script part to read.

What if I can’t attend all rehearsals?

While it is essential that we have full commitment during the rehearsal period, there are often unavoidable clashes. If there are any rehearsals you will not be available for, let us know on your audition form and if we are able to, we will try to work these into the schedule.

What if I’m unavailable for the audition date?

It is important that those wanting to audition be available on Saturday 30 November or Sunday 1 December, but if you absolutely cannot make these dates, please contact us and we will see if we are able to fit you in another time before the scheduled audition date, but we make no promises.  There are also call-back dates of Sunday 1 December (from 5pm) and Sunday 8 December (from 10am).

Do I have to fill in an online audition form?

Yes it is preferable. We have included an online audition form to save paper and to make things easier for everyone, but you are able to fill one out when you turn up to audition if you prefer, however, you will need to book an audition time by contacting us.

What is the rehearsal timeframe?

Rehearsals start in February 2025 and will be Tuesday and Thursday evenings (7:30-9:30pm) and Sunday afternoons (2-6pm).  These will run until the show opens on Saturday 10 May 2025.  A clear rehearsal schedule will be available to view after casting. If you have any questions about the rehearsal schedule you can contact us.

Who is Hamilton Musical Theatre?

Hamilton Musical Theatre (formerly Musikmakers) is a community theatre club for people who love musical theatre. With a membership of approximately 120, we produce 2 – 3 musicals each year and endeavour to provide a range of genre from classical style musical theatre to musical comedy and more modern pop operas. Most of our productions are performed in our home base, Riverlea Theatre, in Hillcrest in Hamilton.

The club was formed in 1976 by a group of musical theatre enthusiasts who felt there was room for a theatre group that was prepared to encourage members to develop their skills and ‘give it a go.’ They also wanted the club to be inclusive of anyone who enjoyed participating and wanted a family-friendly atmosphere. They were intent on producing quality musical theatre while having fun!

This philosophy led to a number of young members developing skills in Musikmakers shows before developing their careers in the performing arts and television. People like TVNZ ‘Good Morning’ presenter and jazz singer Sarah Bradley, TV Sports presenter Geoff Bryant, rock singer Kimbra and many others have been in HMT productions.

HMT is dependent on the support of Waikato audiences to continue and the committee and members are committed to producing quality productions that compare favourably with what our audiences can see elsewhere. We have a loyal following of regular audience members and with each show we attract people interested in that particular genre or production, hence we aim to provide a wide variety of productions over time. Approximately 2600 people see our shows each year. We are also committed to providing live accompaniment for our singers where possible and hence most productions use a live band or orchestra. This is a challenge to maintain but we are fortunate to have a group of musicians who enjoy working with us and regularly perform in our shows.

HMT is a registered charity and has donation tax status with Inland Revenue. We are an active and supportive member of Musical Theatre New Zealand with committee members regularly attending both Zone meetings and national conferences. HMT does not employ any staff and all members are volunteers, including our Directors, Production Managers and creative and management teams.

Hamilton Musical Theatre – Key Objectives

• To produce a range of quality, affordable musical theatre for Waikato audiences
• To provide a club for Waikato people of all ages who enjoy participating in musical theatre to develop friendships, skills and self-confidence and to have fun
• To support the development of future participants and audiences of musical theatre through support of children’s and youth Stagecraft classes and other educational opportunities
• To support and participate in ‘Musical Theatre New Zealand’