The global casting campaign “Searching for Jia Baoyu” for the stage adaptation of The Dream of Red Mansions, led by JessC, has drawn an overwhelming response.
More than 100 hopefuls from the United States, Taiwan, and Malaysia մասնակցated in the auditions. After an intensive four-day selection process, the field has been narrowed down to the final 12 candidates, who will advance to the last round of evaluation. Ultimately, only one will be chosen to take on the coveted role.
A Rigorous Selection Process
Director Brian Choot revealed that while only one actor will be selected, several candidates have already stood out for their potential. He noted that future period productions may provide opportunities for these promising talents to return, encouraging those not selected to remain motivated.
To preserve the authenticity of this literary masterpiece, Symphony Theatre (SPAC) assembled a panel of scholars specializing in Redology to assist in the judging process. The first round focused on physical presence and facial suitability, narrowing the pool to 40 candidates before the final 12 were chosen.
Participants came from diverse backgrounds, including amateur and professional actors, local artistes, and models. Some even traveled internationally—flying in from Australia—to attend the auditions.
Redefining Jia Baoyu for the Stage
Brian Choot emphasized that casting for Jia Baoyu requires exceptional precision, as the role carries significant weight throughout the production. He pointed out that many people misunderstand the character:
“Jia Baoyu is often misinterpreted as a frivolous romantic figure, but that is not how he was written by Cao Xueqin. This production aims to reveal who Jia Baoyu truly is.”
In the stage play, the selected actor will share numerous scenes with JessC, who portrays Lin Daiyu, including several emotionally intimate moments that demand strong chemistry and depth of performance.
Closing Note
As the competition enters its final stage, anticipation continues to build. Beyond casting a single role, the project is shaping a new generation of performers while reintroducing The Dream of Red Mansions to contemporary audiences through a fresh theatrical lens.
