The Wizard of Oz
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
The following brief descriptions of each character include casting ideas and requirements for singing (if solo).
LEADING & SUPPORTING ROLES
(in order of appearance)
Dorothy Gale – sweet, innocent young lady with a streak of boldness, outspoken and headstrong, but
dearly loves family, friends and her dog, Toto. Lives on farm with Aunt Em & Uncle Henry but dreams of
escaping to a far-off place where she will not get into trouble. Must be a strong vocalist & good dancer.
Toto – Dorothy’s beloved dog and constant companion. In Kansas, Toto will be a puppet manipulated by onstage
puppeteer. In Oz, Toto will be an actor (male or female) dressed as a dog. Requires extensive make-up, energy and
exuberant body language. Limiting singing role (group parts) but must be able to bark with expression.
Aunt Em – typical hard-working farmer’s wife who is firm & no-nonsense but also warm and caring.
Sings reprise of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” as duet with Dorothy. Mainly an acting role requiring
ability to show both strong and softer sides.
Uncle Henry – Dorothy’s adoring uncle and farm owner, but lets his wife Em stay in charge. Non-singing role has only
a few lines and requires a good character actor.
Hunk (Scarecrow) – Clumsy one of 3 farmhands on Dorothy’s farm. Both characters talk about being
smart and having a brain – audience should see connection between characters through body language
and speech. Requires extensive make-up, excellent body control, match pitch and good rhythm. The
two roles may be split between two actors and/or cast as female.
Hickory (Tin Man) – Kind, sweet and nurturing one of 3 farmhands. Tin Man has no heart, but is very
caring. Requires extensive make-up, good physical control, match pitch and pleasant singing voice. The
two roles may be split between two actors and/or cast as female.
Zeke (Cowardly Lion) – Third farmhand who lacks courage. Acts tough, but true fearful self comes out in
any scary situation. Requires extensive make-up, good comedic timing, strong character voice, physical
control and matching pitch. The two roles may be split between two actors and/or cast as female.
Miss Gulch (Wicked Witch of the West) – Well-off, cold-hearted Gale neighbor, who hates Toto. The non-singing role
requires extensive make-up, intense dramatic commitment, strong stage presence, vocal control and ability to
succeed with classic witch’s cackle.
Professor Marvel (Wizard) – Travelling salesman who lives by telling fortunes. A bit of a con man but with a good
heart. This non-singing role requires versatility to demonstrate strong & commanding Oz yet show the soft & caring
side. Also requires memorization of large chunks of dialogue.
Glinda – Good Witch of the North who is the mother figure for Munchkins and Dorothy, whom she guides
through Oz. Delicate and graceful, the role requires a lovely singing voice and sweet speaking tone.
Although written to double with Aunt Em, the two roles will most likely be divided between two actors.
ENSEMBLE & CAMEO ROLES
Ensemble members may play roles from one or more groups listed below in order of appearance.
Cyclone – Dancers will help create the tornado effect through interpretive dance, moving scenery and manipulating
puppets or rigged costumes. Non-singing roles require ability to correctly complete a variety of dance turns & leaps.
Cyclone Victims – Brief one-line speaking roles require manipulating a large prop/costume.
Lady in rocking chair, Cow (2 people), 2 men in rowboat
Munchkins – Little people who live in Munchkinland where Dorothy’s house lands. Full of joy, enthusiasm and
celebration. All sizes eligible. Group singing and reacting. Munchkins with speaking lines:
2 Munchkin Teachers, Munchkin Mayor, Munchkin Barrister, 2 City Fathers, and Munchkin Coroner
Munchkins with vocal solos:
Munchkin Mayor
Munchkin Coroner 3 Munchkin Tots
3 Tough Guy Munchkins
Lullaby
League
Lollipop
Guild
Yellow Brick Roadsiders – Represent the background during scenes where Dorothy meets Scarecrow, Tin Man & Lion.
Cornstalks, Apple Trees, Wild Trees: Non-speaking, non-singing roles with simple costume changes and body
physicality to suggest different locations.
Two trios sing back-up vocals and have a few funny lines:
3 Crows:
3 Apple Trees:
The 3-male group provides
back-up vocals and “corn”-ey
jokes for Scarecrow scene.
The 3-female group provides
back-up vocals and “punny”
wit for Tin Man scene.
Jitterbugs – Forest creatures who serve the Wicked Witch to dance the shoes off Dorothy’s feet! This fast-paced,
swing number requires excellent dancers and will put you out of breath!
Optimistic Voices – Late 1930’s female vocal trio (or more) who sing short chorus welcoming Dorothy to
the gates of Emerald City. Requires excellent singers for perfect 3-part harmony.
Doorman & Guard – 2 comical characters in Emerald City. Doorman tries to be tough but turns into a “softy.”
Likewise, Guard changes from harsh to sympathetic because Dorothy cries. The script indicates Uncle Henry plays
these roles. In the MGM movie, both characters were played by Professor Marvel/Wizard. The director may choose
any of the above or split the roles.
Ozians – Citizens of Emerald City, non-solo group song and dance, including non-solo parts for stylists, tin restorers &
straw stuffers and a Cat who briefly distracts Toto.
Winged Monkeys – Wicked Witch’s menacing animal army. Non-singing, non-speaking but plenty of monkey
business and sounds! Requires posture control and very high energy. Will include all genders and all ages!
Nikko – Leader of the Winged Monkeys. Non-singing but does have a small speaking part.
Winkie Guards – Wicked Witch’s slave-guards who are over-joyed at her death. Simple group vocal parts will include
all genders. Must have physical control to demonstrate crisp military movements.
Leader of Winkies – Leader of the Winkie Guards. Small speaking part, no vocal solo. The script indicates Uncle
Henry plays this role. In the MGM movie, it was played by Professor Marvel/Wizard. The director may choose either
option or cast another actor entirely.