Jesus is the central figure, a natural and inspiring teacher who gathers a diverse group of followers and communicates profound lessons through parables, games, and song. He is highly charismatic, possesses a wide emotional range, and guides the community with a gentle yet powerful presence.

• Songs Performed: "Save the People," "All for the Best" (with Judas), "Alas for You," "Beautiful City," "Finale" (with Company).
• Vocal Range: Tenor (typically D4 to G5, though some sources indicate G#4 to Db3, highlighting the need for a strong and versatile tenor).
• Vocal Part: Tenor.
• Dance Requirements: Strong movement skills are essential. Jesus often leads physical storytelling and may engage in moments of stylized movement or dance that reflect the contemporary and playful nature of the production.

This dual role is played by one performer, initially serving as Jesus's strongest supporter who brings the community together, then evolves into his betrayer. This character is charismatic, a little touched, physically expressive, and capable of a wide emotional arc, from revolutionary zeal to profound doubt and sorrow.

• Songs Performed: "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord" (as John), "All for the Best" (with Jesus), "On the Willows" (as Judas).
• Vocal Range: Baritone (typically C3 to E4, though some sources indicate G5 to C4 for the John/Judas combined role, suggesting a strong upper range for the Baritone).
• Vocal Part: Baritone.
• Dance Requirements: Requires strong physical comedy skills and the ability to portray a dynamic shift in character through movement. There may be moments of more traditional dance, but physical storytelling and expressive movement are paramount.

Ensemble #1 is naive, earnest and often the first to commit to following Jesus. She embodies a sincere and heartfelt spirit.

• Songs Performed: "Day by Day" (featured soloist).
• Vocal Range: Alto (typically G#3 to C#5).
• Vocal Part: Alto.
• Dance Requirements: Generally requires good movement ability, with an emphasis on expressing character through physical engagement in the ensemble numbers. Specific dance choreography will vary by production

Ensemble 2 is often comic, goofy and playful.  She has a strong presence in leading group instruction.  Performer may play instrument(s) if able.

• Songs Performed: "Learn Your Lessons Well" (featured soloist).
• Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano (typically A3 to A5).
• Vocal Part: Mezzo-Soprano.
• Dance Requirements: Requires strong comedic timing and physical expressiveness. May involve instrumental playing on stage, but dance is typically integrated into the ensemble work.

Ensemble 3 is comfortable with comic improv and audience interplay, known for a wide array of voices and imitations, and bringing a lighthearted energy to the stage. 

• Songs Performed: "Light of the World" (featured soloist).
• Vocal Range: Tenor (typically G3 to E5).
• Vocal Part: Tenor.
• Dance Requirements: Strong comedic physicalization and engaging stage presence are key. Dance requirements are often integrated into the playful and interactive nature of the ensemble scenes.

Ensemble 4 is confident and enthusiastic "show-off" of the group, eager to participate and sometimes jumping in before fully understanding. She brings a vibrant and strong vocal presence.

• Songs Performed: "Bless the Lord" (featured soloist).
• Vocal Range: Soprano (typically G#3 to C#6, with a high A in "Bless the Lord" and a high C in "We Beseech Thee" often associated with a female soloist in the original production).
• Vocal Part: Soprano.
• Dance Requirements: Requires energetic movement and a strong stage presence, often taking initiative in group activities and embodying confidence through physical expression.

Ensemble 5 is sassy, slightly cynical, and the most sophisticated of the group, possessing a playful "sexy" quality.  She brings a strong, grounded vocal performance.

• Songs Performed: "Turn Back, O Man" (featured soloist).
• Vocal Range: Alto (typically E3 to F5).
• Vocal Part: Alto.
• Dance Requirements: Requires confident and expressive movement, often with a sense of playful self-awareness. Dance is typically integrated into the ensemble's overall storytelling.

Ensemble 6 is characterized by high energy, Puck-like playfulness.  They embody a youthful and dynamic spirit.   If the performer has the ability they may be asked to play additional instruments. 

• Songs Performed: "We Beseech Thee" (featured soloist).
• Vocal Range: Tenor (typically B2 to D5).
• Vocal Part: Tenor.
• Dance Requirements: Requires high energy and agility. Their dance requirements may be alligned to instrumentation.

Ensemble 7 is depicted as sweet and innocent, perhaps a little slower on the uptake but possessing a genuine heart. They deliver a heartfelt ballad with sincerity.

• Songs Performed: "All Good Gifts" (featured soloist).
• Vocal Range: Tenor (typically G2 to C4).
• Vocal Part: Tenor.
• Dance Requirements: Requires an ability to convey warmth and sincerity through movement, participating fully in the ensemble's physical storytelling.

Ensemble 8 is often the shyest of the group, sometimes slow to grasp things, but when she does, she commits wholeheartedly and possesses an "earth mother" kind of warmth. She brings a gentle and heartfelt presence.

• Songs Performed: "By My Side" (featured soloist).
• Vocal Range: Alto (typically A3 to B4).
• Vocal Part: Alto.
• Dance Requirements: Requires nuanced movement that can convey shyness and warmth, eventually blossoming into full commitment within the ensemble's dance and physical expression.