The Fates (3)

When auditioning for The Fates, focus on embodying their collective power, mystery, and sly omniscience. The Fates act as a Greek chorus—commentators, manipulators, and sometimes seductresses—who control the flow of fate and toy with the emotions of mortals. They are both alluring and unsettling, so your performance should balance elegance with a hint of menace. In your acting choices, emphasize stillness, precision, and connection with your fellow “Fates” if auditioning as part of an ensemble. Each line and gesture should feel intentional, as though they already know the end of the story. Vocally, aim for tight harmonies, a soulful tone, and confident storytelling; The Fates’ songs often blend jazz, blues, and folk influences that require rhythmic precision and ensemble cohesion.

Physically, The Fates are graceful yet commanding—think serpentine movements and controlled poise. Their power lies in subtlety rather than broad emotion. When performing, project the sense that you’re always one step ahead of the characters onstage, observing with amused detachment. Their songs, like “When the Chips Are Down” and “Word to the Wise,” demand attitude and blend—your goal is to sound and move as one entity while maintaining individual flair. Confidence, musicality, and a cool sense of irony are key to standing out in this unique, otherworldly trio.

Comparable Characters & Suggested Material

The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

The Narrator from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is another strong parallel because, like The Fates, they guide the audience through the story while maintaining emotional distance from the characters. Both roles require storytelling clarity, dynamic control, and the ability to move fluidly between commentary and participation. Studying the Narrator helps an actor master transitions between singing, narrating, and subtly influencing the action—skills essential for performing as one of The Fates.

A strong audition song choice would be “Prologue (Joseph’s Coat)” from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This piece showcases storytelling through song, precise rhythm, and the ability to shift tone as the story unfolds. Singing it demonstrates your control over pacing and phrasing while keeping an audience engaged—skills that directly translate to The Fates’ haunting, jazz-infused narration. Performing this number with confidence and wit can show that you can command a story, draw in an audience, and deliver the layered storytelling that Hadestown demands.

The Schuyler Sisters in Hamilton

The Schuyler Sisters are an excellent alternative comparison to The Fates because they also function as a tight-knit trio whose power lies in their unity, distinct personalities, and sharp vocal blend. Like The Fates, each sister brings a different energy—Angelica’s intelligence and authority, Eliza’s warmth and compassion, and Peggy’s innocence and playfulness—yet together they create a complete and commanding ensemble. Studying The Schuyler Sisters can help an actor auditioning for a Fate learn how to balance individuality with cohesion and how to communicate layered subtext within harmonies and group dynamics.

Suggested song: A strong audition song choice would be “The Schuyler Sisters” from Hamilton. This number captures their precision, sass, and seamless vocal interplay while offering opportunities for distinct character expression. Performing it requires rhythmic control, ensemble awareness, and confident stage presence—all essential for portraying The Fates. The song’s clever lyrics and jazzy energy also align tonally with Hadestown’s modern-meets-mythic vibe. Singing “The Schuyler Sisters” in an audition demonstrates your ability to deliver complex harmonies, embody confident femininity, and maintain a strong sense of storytelling within a trio—skills that directly translate to performing as one of The Fates.

* Our system only provides suggested monologues or songs for select characters if we have matching monologues and song information in our database.