Children’s Theatre Audition Packet
DISNEY’S THE LION KING JR.
Director: Kate Horvath
As Artistic Director of at the Playhouse Children’s Theatre, Kate is thrilled to share the transformational power of theatre with students, families, and the
community. She earned her BFA in Theatre from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2001 and then worked as an actor and singer in New York City. Some
of her favorite roles include Little Red in Into the Woods (UMD & Duluth Playhouse), Nina in The Seagull (Another Theatre Company, NYC), Julia in The Rivals
(The Pearl Theatre Company, NYC), Horatio in Hamlet (The Zipper, NYC) and Mimi in RENT (Duluth Playhouse). While in New York, Kate studied voice with Liz
Caplan Vocal Studios, and other professionals who fueled her desire to learn about her craft. She is proud of the continued growth and excellence of the
Playhouse Education Program and Children’s Theatre and encourages folks to get involved in one of the most exciting regional opportunities for youth
development, family engagement, and FUN! Kate is the co-creator of Stage Play: Theatre for Children with Autism, with the Scottish Rite Clinic. She is also the
creator of other unique Playhouse programming like InterACT: Home Base residency for middle schools and the advanced teen programs 360° Theatre, and
The Playhouse's Summer Performance Intensives, which offer challenging training and thought-provoking performance opportunities, combined with service
learning for young artists. Some of her favorite directorial credits include; CATS, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, HAMLET, Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, Romeo &
Juliet, and Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses.
Casting ages 12-18 for principle and ensemble roles
The Playhouse Children’s Theatre is casting actors ages 12-18
for a variety of roles in our production of Disney’s The Lion King Jr.
Audition Dates and Times
Monday October 24 and Tuesday, October 25, 6-8pm – due to the popularity of this show title auditions may run long, please plan ahead.
Callbacks: TBA . We will notify you if you are needed for callbacks.
Auditions and Callbacks: at the Playhouse Conservatory (230 W. Superior St. Level One, 3rd Ave. W. Entrance).
PLEASE NOTE: Registration will be in the Lobby and will begin at approx. 5:45 PM. Auditions are by group on a first come first serve basis.
Rehearsal and Performance Information
Rehearsals will begin nightly on January 9 although we may have a few sessions prior to the holidays. We reserve the right to extend rehearsal times as we
transition to the stage and for Tech. & Dress rehearsal prior to opening. Rehearsals typically run between 5 -9 pm, M-F. We may add occasional weekend
rehearsals if necessary. Please note: We have two student matinee days that are subject to change. Students must be excused from school.
Please note all conflicts on the audition form. Rehearsals will be at the Playhouse Conservatory unless otherwise noted.
Performances
Wednesday,
Thursday
Friday,
Saturday,
Sunday,
Thursday,
Friday,
Saturday,
Sunday,
March 15
March 16
March 17
March 18
March 19
March 23
March 24
March 25
March 26
9:30 am & 12:30 am (student matinee) Must be excused from school.
9:30 am & 12:30 am (student matinee) Must be excused from school. 7 pm (Opening)
7 pm
2 pm & 7 pm
2 pm
7 pm
7 pm
2 pm & 7 pm
2 pm
Audition Preparation and Process
All actors must sing 16-32 bars of an appropriate musical theatre song that demonstrates vocal range. Please bring
sheet music, an accompanist will be provided. Actors will be asked to read from the script, and may improvise some
movement. Actors may be asked to dance in the initial audition, so please be dressed to move.
We request actors provide a resume and a current photo or headshot along with their completed audition form.
Sides (scenes from the script) will be provided at the auditions. All are encouraged to read the play before
auditioning. Scripts are available in the Playhouse office for a $5 refundable deposit, maximum of 3 day check out.
The most important thing is: have fun and relax! We are looking for a group of committed young artists who will have
fun working together on DISNEY’S THE LION KING JR.
Character Breakdown (all actors sing and dance)
Rafiki
A wise mandrill who acts as healer of the Pridelands and guides Simba on his journey home. She is an omniscient character,
evincing an air of mystery. Rafiki has significant solos in "Circle of Life" and "He Lives in You," and leads the African chants
throughout the show, must be a confident performer with a strong singing voice.
Ensemble
The ensemble plays various inhabitants of the Pridelands, such as giraffes, elephants, antelopes, wildebeest, and other
creatures. The ensemble must be strong singers, dancers, and actors. There are also several moments to showcase individual
dancers in "The Lioness Hunt" and "I Just Can't Wait to Be King."
Mufasa
The strong, honorable, and wise lion who leads the Pridelands. Mufasa should command respect onstage and also show
tenderness with his son, Simba. This role requires maturity and the confidence to convincingly portray the king.
Sarabi
A featured lioness, Mufasa's mate, and Simba's mother. Sarabi has a few key speaking lines for an actor who can deliver the
power, care, and command, of a queen.
Zazu
The anxious yet loyal assistant to Mufasa who is always busy trying to do his duty. Many of Zazu's lyrics are spoken rather than
sung, and requires impeccable comedic timing.
Scar
The antagonist of the show, overcome with jealousy of his brother, Mufasa, and nephew, Simba. Coldhearted and wickedly
intelligent, he will stop at nothing to become king of the Pridelands. Role requies maturity performer, and complexity to bring
out this villain's dark side while handling Scar's sarcastic sense of humor.
Young Simba
The protagonist of the story, is an adventurous and endearing cub who can't wait to be king of the Pridelands. Simba is playful,
energetic, and naive, but after his father Mufasa's death, Simba struggles with shame and his destiny. Cast a strong singer and
dynamic performer in this role.
Gender: Male
Simba
Grows from a cub to lion in "Hakuna Matata." Older Simba has more complex moments as he reunites with Nala, mourns his
father, and returns to confront Scar, so cast a more mature actor. Be sure that the change in actors is clear: Try having Young
Simba hand-off a costume piece, such as a medallion, to older Simba. Also be sure that Simba and
Lionesses
The fierce hunters of the Pridelands and featured in "The Lioness Hunt," "The Mourning," and "Shadowland." These actors
should be strong singers, and dancers, as the material can be challenging.
Young Nala
A courageous lion and Young Simba's best friend. She is not afraid to speak her mind. While Young Nala does sing a little, look
for a strong female performer who can portray this confident cub.
Nala
Grows from a cub to a lioness before she confronts Scar, so cast a more mature actress to play the character beginning in Scene
10, As with older Simba and Young Simba, ensure that this switch in actors performing a single role is clear. Direct the actors to
share a mask or costume piece that distinctly represents Nala, as well as a movement vocabulary.
Sarafina
A featured lioness and Nala's mother. Part of the Lioness corp.
Shenzi
One of Scar's hyenas who plot to take over the Pridelands. She is the sassy one of the trio and is always looking out for herself.
With Banzai and Ed, she should be able to laugh loudly and long, as well as be menacing to Young Simba and
Banzai
A slick yet childish hyena who works for Scar. He would be the leader of the group if hyenas weren't so lazy. Look for an
outgoing and confident actor who can portray nastiness and gruffness.
Ed
The third member of Scar's trio of lackeys. He has a loud, cackling laugh that is his only form of communication. Ed should be
played by an actor who can laugh unabashedly and communicate through physicality and facial expressions rather than words.
Hyenas
Scar's army, helping carry out his evil plot to take over the Pridelands. Hyenas are mangy, mindless creatures who sing in "Be
Prepared." Strong singers, dancers, actors required!
Timon
An outcast meerkat who lives in the jungle with Pumbaa. He is afraid of his own shadow, but pretends to be the confident,
relaxed leader of the duo. Timon is one of the funniest characters in the show and should be played by a charismatic actor who
understands comic timing.
Pumbaa
A kindhearted, sensitive warthog and loyal friend to Timon and Simba who enjoys his simple life of grubs and relaxation. Actor
must have strong comedic timing with deadpan humor
Disney’s The Lion King Jr.
Audition Information Form
Please bring this completed form with you to the audition along with a resume & current photo or headshot.
Please print clearly.
Name
Birth Date
Home Address
City, State, Zip
Home Phone #
Other Phone #
Youth's E-Mail:
Parent/Adult's E-Mail:
(Important: E-Mail will be used for rehearsal changes, photo call, parent information, and future Playhouse notices.)
Age
Height
Weight
Hair Color
Parent/Guardian Names
If you have had previous stage experience, please list a selection: If you are attaching a resume please note that below.
Play (Show) Title:
Role:
Location (Theatre performed at):
Date:
1.
2.
3.
Are you familiar with the script of Disney’s The Lion King Jr.?
Yes _____
No _____
If so, is there one particular role in the show you are most interested in?
Yes _____
No _____
Yes _____
Yes _____
Yes _____
Yes _____
No _____
No _____
No _____
No _____
If yes, which one(s)?
Will you accept another part if not offered any listed above?
Will you accept a non-speaking role?
Do you have any siblings or relatives auditioning for a part?
If so, will you accept a part if they are not offered one?
Do you sing, dance, play piano or have other special talents? If so, please explain level of skills:
Please review the rehearsal schedule as listed on the Audition INFORMATION sheet.
Do you have ANY conflicts with the rehearsals as listed on that schedule?
Yes _____
Please list ALL conflicts below (be as specific as possible):
No _____
Are you available for all the performance dates as listed in the information packet?
(Including the school matinee performances? )
Yes _____
No _____
Are your parents/guardian aware of the school matinee performances and agree
to excuse you from school on those two days?
Yes _____
No _____
Signature of Parent/Guardian
Date