Non Union.

Amélie

Book by Craig Lucas

Music by Daniel Messé

Lyrics by Nathan Tysen & Daniel Messé

Based on the motion picture Amélie written by Jean-Pierre Jeunet & Guillaume Laurant

Director: Catie Thorne

Choreographer: Nicholas Rocque

Music Director: Sophie Jestadt

Contract runs August 3rd to October 11th, 2026.

Shifting Ground Collective is seeking non-union performers for their upcoming Fall production of Amélie.

Shifting Ground Collective works to support the next generation of Toronto musical theatre. We seek self-identified early-career artists for our productions.

THE STORY

Amélie is a young, inventive, but shy young woman in 1990s Paris who lives vividly and happily inside her own imagination, as she secretly improvises small acts of mischief and kindness for those around her. But when she discovers a mysterious box under the floorboards of her apartment, it sets off a chain of events that will change her life forever – and when a kindred soul crosses her path, Amélie realises she’ll need to move beyond the lonely isolation of her youth and allow herself to be truly seen.

 

Lovingly adapted from the iconic Oscar-nominated movie that captivated audiences at TIFF 25 years ago, Amélie follows an imaginative young woman who quietly transforms the lives of everyone around her while discovering the courage to change her own. Magical, romantic, and brimming with heart, Amélie is a celebration of the small moments and unexpected connections that can change everything.

THE PROCESS

Rehearsals will begin the week of August 3rd in downtown Toronto. Exact dates and locations are yet to be confirmed, but will rehearse on three weeknights (6-10:30pm) and a Sunday (10am-6pm) each week.

Technical Rehearsals will take place September 18th through 20th at Native Earth’s Aki Studio Theatre (585 Dundas St E).

Performances will take place from September 21st – October 10th. There will be evening performances each night except September 22nd, 29th, and October 6th, with additional matinees on September 27th, October 3rd, and 10th. Performance schedule is subject to change.

If you have additional questions about the specifics of the rehearsal or performance schedule, please reach out. We are more than happy to share additional information with you should you need. 

COMPENSATION

Performers will be guaranteed a $845 honorarium for participating in the production, with an additional revenue share option depending on the net ticket revenue of the production.

More details surrounding the compensation structure are available upon request.

ROLES

We are seeking dynamic and character-oriented performers of all ages who are comfortable with movement and choreography. Puppeteering experience is a plus – if you have any, let us know!

Performers of any gender expression, nationality, and physical ability are encouraged to submit. Submissions will be considered for all roles.

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR: It’s essential to understand that every character in this show is home to a rich inner life. They’re fun, they’re strange, and they’re so full of vitality. We’re looking for performers who love to make a meal out of every part and who balance the abject comedy and tragedy of being alive. This is a show for the character actors. I subscribe to the same notion that Sam Pinkleton does when casting Mary’s for Oh Mary: “That person is an Academy Award-winning actor. That person is also the girl you went to high school with who had four lines in Into the Woods, was, like, Jack’s Mother, and walked away with the whole show.”

The role of Amélie Poulain has been cast. However, the performer playing GINA WELLS will understudy the role of Amélie, and those called back for this character may be requested to read some material for her character.

AMÉLIE POULAIN (she/her, to play 20s) – Range Bb3- F5. Still imaginative, still sees the best in things, still independent, but her independence might be growing into a more permanent state of isolation. Seeking a physically dynamic performer who can establish a comfortable connection with an audience, as she leads the audience through her story.

NINO QUINCAMPOIX (he/him, 20’s) – Range A2-A4. A loner and artist; is incredibly interested in the lives of others, and eventually finds himself desperate to connect with Amélie.

RAPHAEL POULAIN (he/him, 40s) – Range Bb2-G4. Amélie’s father, a clinical Army physician; orderly, sees the worst in things; finds his daughter incomprehensible. Also plays BRETODEAU, who used to live in Amélie’s apartment as a child, and appears at the receiving end of one of Amélie’s anonymous good deeds. (This performer will also cover the role of DUFAYEL.)

AMANDINE POULAIN (she/her, 30s) – Range B3-D5. Amélie’s mother, a neurotic teacher, tries to do right by her daughter in her own perhaps misguided way. Also plays PHILOMENE, an airline hostess; a frequent customer of Two Windmills, frequently away. 

HIPOLITO JEUNET (he/him, 20s-40s) – Range Ab2-Ab4. Unpublished and curious writer; a frequent customer of Two Windmills. Also plays ELTON JOHN and BELGIAN TOURIST. Piano playing is an asset but not required. Performers interested in this track should also include a song in the style of Elton John in their tape.

JOSEPH COTTARD (he/him, 20s-30s) – Range B2-E4. Gina’s misogynistic ex-lover, a plumber; frequent customer of Two Windmills. Also plays FLUFFY, a goldfish – basic puppeteering ability is a plus.

JULIEN DUFAYEL (he/him, 40s+) – Range A2-C4. Amélie’s neighbour, an elderly recluse with degenerative bone disease and a bad case of artist’s block. Also plays COLLIGNON, a local grocer.

BLIND BEGGAR (any age) – Range C3-C#5. Irritable Parisian, appears at the receiving end of one of Amélie’s anonymous good deeds. Also plays GARDEN GNOME, a knee-high plaster garden gnome who sings of his travel adventures, and ANCHORPERSON.

LUCIEN VILLEPARISIS (he/him, 20s/30s) – Range B2-D4. A naive employee of the local grocery store. Also plays ADRIEN WELLS, Gina’s dead husband, a macho explorer who sings his final letter from beyond, GOOD-LOOKING LUG, and MYSTERIOUS MAN. (This performer will also cover the role of NINO.)

SUZANNE SACRIPANT (she/her, 40s+) – Range G3-D5. Owner of Two Windmills Café, Amélie’s boss. Walks with a limp from a long ago circus accident. Seeking a performer who might be comfortable being lifted.

GINA WELLS (she/her, 20s) – Range G3-D5. Waitress at Two Windmills; a young widow. (This performer will also cover the role of AMÉLIE.)

GEORGETTE CORNUEL (she/her, 20s/30s) – Range G3-D5. Hypochondriacal waitress at Two Windmills. Worrier. Also plays SYLVIE LEGRANDIN, sex shop worker. Should be comfortable around intimacy.

SUBMISSION INFO

Please submit a cut (under 2 mins) of a character-focused song that demonstrates a sense of your vocal range. Please include a slate stating your name, union status, and city of residence. Dance reels, while not mandatory, are encouraged. If you can’t submit a dance reel, please tell us about your comfort with movement and/or dance as part of your slate!

Callbacks will be held in Toronto on June 19th and 20th.

Submissions can be made via the Google form linked below.

Deadline for submission: Thursday, June 4th, 2026 at 5:00PM

Please reach out to [email protected] (or to Artistic Producer Joshua Kilimnik at [email protected]) with any questions, concerns, or access needs.