Princess Ida
by Gilbert and Sullivan
Auditions
September 14, 19, and 21, 2026
Show dates: January 29, 30, 31, February 4, 5, 6, 7, 2027
Painting by Corinne Lynch
Those auditioning must prepare a verse of a song from Gilbert & Sullivan, musical theatre, or opera (sung in English) and to read through some dialogue that will be provided in advance based on the role(s) being auditioned. An accompanist will be provided. No dialogue is necessary for new members wishing to audition for the chorus.
NB: Please see the character descriptions, below, for specific pieces to prepare in addition to the aria of your choice.
This is a non-equity show with full orchestra. MADS encourages performers of all ethnicities and ages to apply. Chorus rehearsals are mostly on Monday evenings and lead rehearsals are mostly on Sunday afternoons. Leads must be available for Sundays, some Mondays and some Saturdays in January. Shows and rehearsals take place in the auditorium of St. Anne’s Anglican Church at 651 Dufferin Street, Toronto.
Please complete the Google Form to audition or join this year's production. Contact us if you have difficulty enrolling or have other questions about MADS or Princess Ida.
Auditions will be held:
Monday, September 14th auditions from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Saturday, September 19th auditions from 12:30 to 4:00 pm
Monday, September 21st auditions from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
“PRINCESS IDA” – CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
With thanks to Wikipedia
Princess Ida (Soprano) - The title character and daughter of King Gama. She is fiercely intellectual, proud, and independent, having renounced men to lead a women's university at Castle Adamant. Please prepare Minerva! and To yield at once from the act 2 finale.
Prince Hilarion (Tenor) - King Hildebrand's son. Deeply in love with Ida since their childhood betrothal, he is romantic, persistent, and brave enough to infiltrate her forbidden domain. Please prepare Whom thou hast chain’d from the act 2 finale.
King Hildebrand (Bass-Baritone) - Hilarion's powerful and pragmatic father. He demands the fulfillment of the marriage contract and threatens war when Ida refuses to show. Please prepare Some years ago from the act 2 finale.
King Gama (Comic Baritone) - Ida's bitterly cynical curmudgeon father who is physically twisted and weaponizes a sharp, mordant wit. Please prepare If you give me your attention.
Lady Blanche (Contralto / Alto) - Professor of abstract science at Castle Adamant. Secretly ambitious and resentful of Ida, she hopes to take over the university herself. Please prepare Come mighty Must!
Lady Psyche (Soprano) - Professor of humanities and Florian's sister. She initially helps Hilarion, Cyril, and Florian before yielding to her feelings for Cyril. Please prepare a verse from A lady fair of lineage high.
Cyril (Tenor) - Hilarion's loyal friend who with him and Florian sneak into Castle Adamant. Please prepare Would you know the kind of maid.
Florian (Baritone/Tenor) - Hilarion's loyal friend who with him and Cyril sneak into Castle Adamant. Please prepare a short aria of your choice.
Melissa (Mezzo-Soprano) - Lady Blanche's good-natured daughter who discovers the infiltrators and falls for Florian. Please prepare Death to the invader.
Arac (Bass-Baritone), Guron (Bass-Baritone), and Scynthius (Bass) - King Gama's three hulking, warrior sons who fight a combat trial against Hilarion and his friends. Please prepare a verse from This helmet, I suppose.
Sacharissa (Soprano) - Female student within the academic community. Please prepare a short aria of your choice.
Mathilda (Soprano / Mezzo Soprano) and Cecily (Soprano / Mezzo Soprano) - Female students within the academic community. NB: these roles have been added by MADS. Please prepare a short aria of your choice.
Chloe (Spoken / Chorus) and Ada (Spoken / Chorus) - Female students within the academic community.
To learn a great deal more about the show (roles, synopsis) go to: