"Please sir, I want some more"
Based on Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, Oliver! is a thrilling, heart-lifting musical packed with unforgettable songs, larger-than-life characters, and a story that balances grit with joy. From the warmth of the workhouse boys’ chorus to the swagger of Fagin’s band of pickpockets, this classic tale bursts with humour, hope, and humanity.
As young Oliver navigates a world of hardship, temptation, and kindness, he reminds us that compassion can be found even in the darkest corners—and that belonging is worth fighting for. With its soaring melodies, dazzling dance numbers, and a company full of energy and heart, Oliver! is a timeless musical theatre favourite for all ages—perfect for longtime theatre lovers and first-timers alike.
Directed by Kristie Elliott, featuring Choreography by Brenda Bennett, under the Musical Direction of Shaun Bzdel, with vocal coaching by Jennifer Rommens; Saskatoon Summer Players is very excited to once again present this musical theatre classic, complete with an incredible children’s ensemble, for Saskatoon audiences.
June 19th to 28th, 2026
Remai Arts Centre
Auditions
January 21st to 25th, 2026 (Callbacks January 31st)
Wednesday January 21st 6:00-7:30pm (Children Only*) 7:30-10:00pm (Adults Only)
Thursday January 22nd 6:00-7:30pm (Children Only*) 7:30-10:00pm (Adults Only)
Friday January 23rd 6:00-7:30pm (Children Only*) 7:30-10:00pm (Adults Only)
Saturday January 24th 6:00-7:30pm (Children Only*) 7:30-10:00pm (Adults Only)
Sunday January 25th 1:00-2:30pm (Children Only*) 2:30-4:00pm (Adults Only) 4:00pm-5:30pm (Children Only*)
Saturday January 31st Callbacks (If Required)
The Auditions are at the “The SSP Community Studio” Unit #5- 1527 Ontario Ave. Saskatoon (Click Address for Map)
The auditions will be in slots roughly 60 minutes in duration.
They will be in small groups and will include a 30 minute singing/acting portion and a 30 minute movement/choreography portion.
*Grade 3 and up (Under 15 must be accompanied by guardian)
**If you are unable to attend the in person Audition, we will also accept video submissions. Please send a link to your video to [email protected] by 6:00pm January 22nd**
***You do not need to be a member to Audition but All Artists are required to be Saskatoon Summer Players members in order to participate in the production.***
Rehearsals for Oliver! will begin March 13th and go until the show opens June 19th. (Tech week June 13th to 18th)
Rehearsals are Monday and Friday from 7:00pm to 10:00 pm and Saturday from 1:00pm till 5:00pm.
If you have questions please reach out to [email protected]
Cast of Characters
Oliver: A workhouse boy. Male presenting, age 11 (considering any gender, ages 9-14), have unchanged voice.
Fagin: An elderly receiver – runs a training academy for young pickpockets. Male presenting, baritone, older for Victorian times, 40+
Nancy: A graduate of Fagin’s academy and works under Bill Sikes as a prostitute Female presenting, alto/mezzo, age 23 (*must be 18 or older to audition for this role*)
Dodger: Fagin’s brightest pupil.Male presenting, changed or unchanged voice, age 12+
Sikes: A villain, graduated from Fagin’s academy. Male presenting, baritone-bass, age 20+
Mr. Bumble: A large and pompous Beadle of the workhouse. Male presenting, baritone, age 35 – 60
Widow Corney: A sharp-tongued, domineering widow, – the Workhouse Mistress. Female presenting, soprano,age 30 – 55
Mr. Brownlow: An old gentleman of wealth and breeding. Male presenting, age 55+, may also be part of ensemble
The performers in these roles will also be part of the ensemble.
Mr. Sowerberry: The undertaker. Male presenting, baritone, adult
Mrs. Sowerberry: Mr. Sowerberry’s wife and overseer. Female presenting, mezzo, adult
Bet: A girl in Fagin’s establishment – idolizes Nancy. Female presenting, alto, teen
Charlotte: Sowerberry’s daughter. Female presenting, teen/young adult
Noah: Mr. Sowerberry’s apprentice. Male presenting, young adult
Mr Grimwig: A doctor. Male presenting, adult
Mrs. Bedwin: The Brownlow’s Housekeeper. Female presenting, adult
Ensemble:
Adult Ensemble: All genders, all voice types
Teen/Youth Ensemble: All genders, all voice types
Children’s Ensemble: All genders, grade 3 and up, unchanged voices. Will be in the workhouse as well as members of Fagin’s gang.
Orchestra
Are you excited to lift notes from the page to the ear?
Are you looking to join a dedicated and exciting group of people with a shared passion for live musical theatre?
Are you itching to show your skills to an eager and excited audience?
Under the Musical Direction of Shaun Bzdel, we are looking for the following.
We have parts specifically for:
ACCORDION
ACOUSTIC BASS
CELLO
GUITAR
HORN
PERCUSSION
REEDS: FLUTE , PICCOLO , SOPRANO RECORDER
REEDS: COR ANGLAIS , OBOE
REEDS: Bb CLARINET , Eb CLARINET
REEDS: Bb CLARINET , BASS CLARINET , FLUTE
REED: BASSOON
TROMBONE: TENOR TROMBONE
TROMBONE: BASS TROMBONE , EUPHONIUM , TUBA
TRUMPET/FLUGELHORN
VIOLA
VIOLIN
Creative Team
Director
Choreography
Music Director
Vocal Coach
Set Design
Costume Design
Sound Design
Lighting Design
Props
Stage Manager
Stage Crew
Kristie Elliott
Brenda Bennett
Shaun Bzdel
Jennifer Rommens
Catherine Hui
TBD
TBD
TBD
Courtney Forrest
TBD
TBD
You must sign the CODE OF CONDUCT to be in an SSP production.
Feel free to review the AUDITION POLICY.
For info on Roles and Expectations, check out the PRODUCTION MANUAL.
The Board of SSP must adhere to the BOARD PRODUCTION ROLE POLICY.