Overview
High Note: G#4/Ab4
Low Note: G#2/Ab2
Analysis
In Act I, this actor plays George Seurat, the French Impressionist painter. Obsessive, detailed, and troubled, Seurat’s life is his art-- which means he often sacrifices the connections he makes personally; he is a true struggling artist who wants to share his life with others, but is unable to open himself up... except through his work. He is a perfectionist in his art, and despite his affection for Dot, his model and lover, he often can only see her as a part of the landscape -- and one that won’t stop moving her mouth.
In Act II, this actor plays George Seurat’s descendant George, a burnt-out and frustrated artist-cum-inventor. He is struggling to fit into the changing art community with his innovative and odd work. In his search to make meaning of his art and his life, George looks back into his own history.
Featured Songs
Featured Scenes
Suggested Audition Pieces
Auditioning for this character? Based off of his/her attributes, we recommend you consider these audition pieces!
Editor Picks & Commentary
George is an intensely internal character, so your audition should communicate thought and focus as much as emotion. He is observant, analytical, and often emotionally guarded, processing the world through shape, colour, and structure rather than through overt feeling. Avoid playing him as cold or aloof; instead, let the audience sense the passion underneath his restraint. Stillness is your ally—small, precise physical choices (a fixed gaze, controlled breath, deliberate movement) can suggest his artistic discipline and perfectionism. Vocally, clarity and control matter more than volume; Sondheim’s writing demands clean diction and an ability to sustain long, thoughtful phrases without over-emoting.
At the same time, George is deeply human and deeply flawed. His emotional journey hinges on his struggle to balance artistic obsession with personal connection, particularly with Dot. In your audition, look for moments where frustration, longing, or vulnerability break through his composure. This contrast—between intellect and emotion—is key. Allow flashes of irritation or tenderness to emerge organically, especially at moments when he feels misunderstood or interrupted. Showing that George wants connection but doesn’t quite know how to achieve it will make your performance layered and compelling.
Comparable Characters and Suggested Material
Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden
Archibald Craven shares George’s emotional reserve, grief-driven isolation, and slow emotional awakening. Both characters live largely in their own heads and struggle to communicate with the people around them. Using Archibald as a reference can help you tap into a sense of quiet melancholy and internal conflict, while still maintaining a grounded, adult presence onstage—qualities that align closely with George’s emotional landscape.
Suggested Song: “Lily’s Eyes” is an excellent audition piece because it showcases introspection, restrained emotion, and lyrical storytelling—hallmarks of George’s musical world. The song allows you to demonstrate control, warmth, and emotional depth without becoming melodramatic. Focusing on Archibald’s private longing and regret can mirror George’s inability to articulate his needs, making the piece feel thematically and stylistically appropriate for Sunday in the Park with George.
Bobby in Company
Bobby, like George, is emotionally detached, intellectually curious, and uncertain about how (or whether) to fully engage in relationships. Both characters are observers rather than participants for much of their stories, analyzing life instead of fully living it. Bobby’s modern, conversational style and emotional ambiguity make him a useful parallel for capturing George’s contemporary-feeling psychology despite the show’s historical setting.
Suggested Song: “Being Alive”. “Being Alive” works well as an audition piece because it charts a clear emotional progression—from detachment to yearning—that closely parallels George’s arc. While more openly emotional than much of George’s music, it still requires sincerity, clarity of intention, and thoughtful phrasing. If sung with restraint and honesty rather than theatrical excess, it can effectively demonstrate your ability to convey emotional growth and vulnerability, key traits casting teams look for in a George audition.
More Suggestions
Monologues
Songs
* Our system only provides suggested monologues or songs for select characters if we have matching monologues and song information in our database.