Thank you for your interest in auditioning for Stars In Your Eyes at the Lake Wānaka Centre in September 2026. We are very excited to be bringing this production to Wānaka audiences once more!

The following information explains more about the show, how auditions will be carried out, and about rehearsals and performance requirements. Please read all of the following information carefully and complete all sections of the online audition registration form. 

About Stars In Your Eyes

Founded by local farmer Jamie Robertson over thirty years ago, Stars In Your Eyes is Wānaka’s longest-running show and plays to sell-out audiences every year in the Lake Wānaka Centre. It is organised by Wānaka Musicians Incorporated, which exists to present live musical performances by and for the local community and to use the proceeds of ticket sales in support of music education. Although run almost entirely by volunteers, it aspires to the highest  standards with a full band, backing singers, dancers and professional audio and lighting engineers supporting locals imitating kiwi and international artists. Here is your opportunity to step out on stage and live out your dream of being a star for a night (or four or five!).

Auditions

Anyone auditioning will be expected to be available for all show nights and technical rehearsals (see timetable below). Other rehearsal requirements are relatively light - fifteen minutes per week on either Monday or Wednesday evenings beginning 3 August until show week - and it is the expectation that all performers will honour this commitment. If there is any problem with this please mention it in your audition registration. Non-attendance on any show night is not negotiable. 

If you are keen to audition but are unable to attend on 13 June, please email David on info@wanakastars.org or call him on 021 277 0552 to discuss options.  

All roles in Stars In Your Eyes are limited to performers aged 16 and above on the date of our first rehearsal on  3 August 2026. 

We are seeking talented singers who are eager to showcase a particular star or group and perform a cover version of one of their most popular songs. Singing ability is of course important, but delivery of entertainment is our top priority, with visual impact and passion counting for a lot with our audiences. We’ve noticed over the years that iconic group performances are enjoyed at least as much as the most powerful soloists, so if you can get together with a group of friends you have a very high chance of success. 

The choice of song can also be critical - a ‘crowd pleaser’ by a decent singer will probably go down better than a little-known song delivered by an outstanding singer. 

We also have to consider the balance of songs across the whole show and while we do need some slow ballads, we need variety in order to hold our audience’s attention. For this reason we ask you to prepare two songs, preferably one slow one and one upbeat one, so that we can assess which might fit the show’s needs best. We might even ask you, on the basis of your audition, if you are willing to learn something you hadn’t thought of. For this reason, while we ask you to prepare two songs, we are not asking you to deliver them perfectly - the audition is an opportunity to discuss how you might appear in the show, not the performance itself. A music stand will be available for any lyrics you want to bring, but do be familiar enough with them that we can see your vision of your eventual performance.  

It is not a requirement but it can help your case if you have a vision for how you would like to appear. For example, an artist who has been performing for decades will have gone through several development stages and looks (e.g. Elvis - the Vegas years). Do you see a big role for backing singers? Dancers? Clarity around this kind of thing can help us imagine the finished product.

We ask on the form for details of any previous stage/performance experience, but this is absolutely not essential. Enthusiastic performers willing to learn are warmly welcome! 

While talent is the primary consideration when casting, a high level of commitment is essential. Our final choices for all roles will be made with this firmly in mind. 

All performing roles  are on an unpaid basis. 

You will be auditioning in front of a panel consisting of the Director, Music Director and a maximum of two representatives of Wānaka Musicians Incorporated. Auditions may also be videoed for reference during the casting process. All video information remains private and confidential. 

For your audition you may use a backing track (with no vocals please) for your own choice song selection unless you intend to accompany yourself on guitar or keys (which will be available). We will have a speaker with 3.5mm/aux jack input that you can connect your device to. If you prefer you may bring your own bluetooth speaker or email us your backing track in advance. We shall have mics available for those who wish to use them but you do not have to.

Do not be offended if you do not get to sing all of your prepared vocals – it does not mean you are not being considered.