Disney’s The Lion King Jr has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world, and now we offer students the chance to create their own version of this iconic story. The African savannah will come to life with Simba, Nala, Rafiki, and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle...and back again in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale.
Breckenridge Backstage Theatre’s S.T.E.P. (Student Theatrical Enrichment Program) is auditioning students to participate in this unique all-student production to be directed by BBT Artistic Director Christopher Willard (Babe The Sheep-Pig), music directed by Lenore Giardina (The Little Mermaid Jr.), and choreographed by Jess Belflower (Shrek The Musical).
We are seeking actors, singers, and dancers for all roles. All auditions are by appointment only and will be conducted Sunday, October 2nd from 3 PM to 8 PM. Callbacks for select characters will be held Monday, October 10th from 6:15 PM to 8:30 PM. All auditions are at the Breckenridge Theater, 121 S. Ridge Street in Breckenridge.
Each participant will be required to sell 22 tickets ($10/each) for the performances. Each participant must provide valid credit card information, and credit cards will be charged final ticket balance due (up to $220) on March 31, 2017. Regular tickets sold from the box office will be $15.
Sign-up for auditions at
backstagetheatre.org.
Audition Requirements (please read carefully):
ALL ACTORS MUST BE IN 3RD GRADE THRU 9TH GRADE TO BE ELIGIBLE TO AUDITION.
Prepare 16 bars of a musical theatre song in the style of the show and/or the character that you are most interested in playing. PLEASE DO NOT CHOOSE A SONG FROM THE SHOW. Bring recorded accompaniment that does not have a primary singer (i.e. a karaoke track). This should be either on a phone, iPad, or other MP3 player with a mini headphone jack that can plug into a speaker (we will provide speaker and cable). Download, edit, and cue your device in advance. NO A CAPPELLA AUDITIONS ARE ALLOWED. We encourage you to secure your own audition material and playing device, but for your convenience, you may choose one of two audition songs available on our website. Download sheet music and accompaniment tracks at
backstagetheatre.org.
Students in Grades 3-4 should also prepare a short joke to tell that shows their personality. Students in Grades 5-9 should memorize a one minute monologue (comic or dramatic). Cold readings from the script may also occur at this audition.
Bring a current photo and resume to the audition. If you do not have a resume, be prepared to provide a list of shows/roles you have done on your audition form. Also bring a list of your conflicts with rehearsals. Any conflicts with the posted schedule must be discussed with the Directors and agreed to before casting can be confirmed.
Rehearsals will typically be held on Sundays from 4 PM to 8 PM, beginning in October. Rehearsals are tentatively scheduled for the Breckenridge Theater but may be moved to a larger venue. Not every actor will be called for every rehearsal. Additional rehearsals will likely be added closer to the performance dates.
Performances are scheduled for April 28-30, 2017 and will be held at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge.
This show is a great vehicle for both experienced actors and those new to S.T.E.P. We look forward to meeting you at the auditions!
TO BE CAST:
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. Gender: Female, mezzo-soprano.
MUFASA – The strong, honorable, and wise lion who leads the Pridelands. Mufasa commands respect onstage and also shows tenderness with his son, Simba. Gender: Male, baritone.
SARABI – A featured lioness, Mufasa’s mate, and Simba’s mother. Sarabi has some key speaking lines. Sarabi will also be in the dancing ensemble. Gender: Female.
ZAZU – The anxious yet loyal assistant to Mufasa who is always busy trying to do his duty. Zazu’s lyrics are usually spoken rather than sung. Also functions as puppeteer. Gender: Either.
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. Scar also has a sarcastic sense of humor. Gender: Male, baritone.
YOUNG SIMBA – The protagonist of the story, 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, he struggles with shame and his destiny. Gender: Male, baritone.
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. Gender: Male, tenor.
YOUNG NALA – A courageous lion and Young Simba’s best friend. She is not afraid to speak her mind. Gender: Female, mezzo-soprano.
NALA – Grows from a cub to a lioness. She confronts Scar and encourages Simba to fulfill his destiny. Gender: Female, mezzo-soprano with belt.
SARAFINA – A featured lioness and Nala’s mother. Will also be in the Lioness/Dancing Ensemble. Gender: Female.
SHENZI – One of Scar’s hyenas who plots 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 Young Nala. Also functions as puppeteer. Gender: Female.
BANZAI – A slick yet childish hyena who works for Scar. He would be the leader of the group if hyenas weren’t so lazy. Nasty and gruff. Also functions as puppeteer. Gender: Either.
ED – The third member of Scar’s trio of lackeys. He has a loud, cackling laugh that is his only form of communication. Actor needs to be able to laugh unabashedly and communicate through physicality and facial expressions rather than words. Also functions as puppeteer. Gender: Either.
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. Strong comic timing. Also functions as puppeteer. Gender: Either.
PUMBAA – A kindhearted, sensitive warthog who enjoys his simple life of grubs and relaxation, loveable and loyal friend to Timon and Simba with deadpan humor. Also functions as puppeteer. Gender: Either.
LIONESS DANCERS – They are the stealthy hunters of the Prideland. Graceful, agile, and powerful. Featured dancers/singers in “The Lioness Hunt,” “The Mourning” and “Shadowland” sequences. Gender: Female.
ENSEMBLE – Ensemble members will play various animals, wildebeests, hyenas and more. All ensemble members will be considered to operate puppets in the telling of the story.
If you have further questions, please contact Kim via the Breckenridge Backstage Theatre at
970.485.2164.
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