CURRENT AUDITIONS

What to Prepare:

Please prepare 32 bars from a musical of your choice that best demonstrates your vocal range. An accompanist will be provided. If you are singing from Seussical, the accompanist will use the original score in the original key. If a track is preferred, a Bluetooth speaker will be available.

**You will be required to do a dance audition**. Please bring dance shoes or closed-toed athletic shoes and the appropriate clothing. While there will be time for review during auditions, we ask that you arrive with the dance prepared.

** The dance call is OPTIONAL for those auditioning for the YOUTH ENSEMBLE. The dance call is REQUIRED for all other roles (including  JOJO).

Dance Call Prep Video: https://youtu.be/NNghTQ_8tFY?feature=shared

Video submissions will be accepted until September 23rd at 6:00 PM. 

Please send video submissions to the director, Tyler Atkinson, at jtyleratkinson@gmail.com.

Callbacks will be by invitation only on the evening of September 28th. All those called back will receive notice via email to the address they provided in the audition registration form.

Rehearsal Dates:

This production will follow a regular rehearsal schedule of Sunday afternoons/evenings, Monday evenings, and Wednesday evenings. See the full tentative rehearsal schedule HERE (note that not all performers will be called to every rehearsal).

All cast members are required to attend Strike on Sunday, December 13th. Additional performances or partner events such as meet-and-greets with the cast may be added. Rehearsals and performances will be at Footlighters Theater - 58 Main Ave, Berwyn, PA.

Tech/Dress Rehearsals:

Sunday, November 29th, 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (TECH) (time subject to change)

Monday, November 30th, 6:00 - 11:00 PM (DRESS I)

Tuesday, December 1st, 6:00 - 11:00 PM (DRESS II)

Wednesday, December 2nd, 6:00 - 11:00 PM (INVITED DRESS)

Performance Dates:

December 4th, 5th, 11th, and 12th at 7:30 PM

December 5th, 6th, 12th, and 13th at 2:00 PM

A Note on Conflicts

We understand that conflicts are unavoidable, and we will do our best to accommodate severe conflicts whenever possible. However, due to the demands of this production, if you anticipate a significant number of conflicts or are unable to attend any of the tech rehearsals or performances, we kindly ask that you refrain from auditioning.

Production Details:

Footlighters of Berwyn is a volunteer, membership-based organization; all roles are open and non-paid. If cast in this production, you must be willing to become a member of Footlighters Theater ($25.00 annual dues). Membership benefits include voting rights in the annual Board elections. All cast members are expected to contribute to other aspects of production, including but not limited to, building and painting sets, soliciting ads and donations, and sourcing costumes and props. Cast members will be expected to provide their own shoes. Some of the set build dates will be included in the rehearsal schedule and are mandatory. Others will be on a volunteer basis.

Character Descriptions:

All roles are open, and Footlighters strongly encourages all performers to submit for ANY role with which they identify, regardless of type, gender, age, ability, sexuality, neurodiversity, body type, and similarity to previous casts. We acknowledge that the roles fall on a gender binary, but invite transgender and non-binary performers to audition for the roles they most identify with.

Auditions are open to those ages 16 and up.

Auditions for Jojo and the Youth Ensemble are open to those ages 10-15.

THE CAT IN THE HAT

The essence of mischief, fun, and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but

always sets things right again. They are the host and emcee of the evening, playing many

comic minor parts throughout the story, sometimes improvising with the audience, and a

presence in almost every scene. Strong singer with strong movement skills and comedic ability.

Any gender presentation. F2 - F4. Strong mover or dancer.

THE BOY / JOJO

The boy is a regular young boy before the Cat throws him into the story to play Jojo the Who. A “Thinker.” ­­A smart child with a wild imagination. In the end, his Thinks save his planet. Strong singer/actor.

Male-presenting. Ab3 - C5. Mover or strong mover.

HORTON THE ELEPHANT

An elephant and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Gentle and big-hearted. He is very imaginative and believes in the world’s goodness. He is responsible for saving the planet Who and, in doing so, befriends JoJo. Strong singer/actor with good comedic timing.

Male-presenting. A2 - F4. Mover.

GERTRUDE MCFUZZ

A bird and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Very self­conscious, shy, and nervous at first. She

grows into a kind and caring protector. She is in love with Horton and does what she can to get

his attention, including foolishly growing an enormous feathered tail. Strong singer/actor with good comedic timing.

Female-presenting. F3 - F5. Mover.

MAYZIE LA BIRD

A bird and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Self­centered, greedy, and vain. She manipulates

anyone she can (especially Horton) into doing what she wants. She isn’t ALL bad; she’s just the dramaaa. Strong singer/actor and very comedic.

Female-presenting, but open to exploration. G3 - Eb5. Mover or strong mover.

SOUR KANGAROO

A kangaroo and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. She isn't really sour at all: she's just got a lot of

attitude. She's loud, brassy and a lot of fun. Is the main antagonist and the cause of all Horton’s

trouble. A strong singer/actor with good comic ability and soulful singing.

Female-presenting. F#3-F5. Mover.

MR. MAYOR

The Mayor of Whoville. He tries hard to raise his son JoJo in a difficult world. He may get aggravated with JoJo, but he loves him dearly and tries to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake. Strong singer/actor.

Male-presenting. Tenor. Mover.

MRS. MAYOR

The wife of the Mayor of Whoville. She tries hard to raise her son JoJo in a difficult world. She may get aggravated with JoJo, but she loves him dearly and tries to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake. Strong singer/actor.

Female-presenting. Soprano. Mover.

GENERAL GENGHIS KHAN SCHMITZ

A Who General who is bursting with pride at the military academy he runs, and the boys he

turns out. He is not mean; just very strict. Strong singer/actor with comedic ability.

Male-presenting. Baritenor. Mover.

BIRD GIRLS

THREE fierce birds and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. Self­centered "backup birds" who do

whatever Mayzie does. They often act as storytellers, picking up where The Cat left off. A big

presence throughout the evening. Utilized as our story’s “featured dancers” with the Wickershams. Will play a variety of ensemble tracks.

Female-presenting. Strong movers or dancers.

WICKERSHAM BROTHERS

Three monkey brothers and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. These are not bad guys! They're

simply a lot like kids who tease, play pranks, and get a kick out of making mischief, although

often at others' expense. Utilized as our story’s “featured dancers” with the Bird Girls. Will play a variety of ensemble tracks.

Male-presenting. Strong movers or dancers.

ADULT ENSEMBLE

We are seeking TWO well-rounded performers to make up our adult ensemble. Those cast will play a variety of ensemble characters, tentatively including the Grinch, Vlad Vladikoff, and Tweet McFirth. Strong singers/actors.

Any gender presentation. Movers or strong movers.

YOUTH ENSEMBLE

We are seeking FOUR youth performers to make up our youth ensemble. Those cast will play a variety of ensemble characters. All will be featured.

Any gender presentation. Movers.