Panola Playhouse

A Historic Community Theatre

AUDITIONS

 

Saturday, December 19 at 10 a.m.
or
Monday, December 21 at 6 pm

Ages
8 and up

Preparation
Must prepare a 30 second song to be performed a cappella or
with a performance track(no vocals)
Be prepared to dance (wear comfortable shoes)
Must be able to read dialogue


CAST Descripition 

Cast size: Large (over 20), Flexible
Cast Type: Children in Cast, Ensemble Cast - Many featured roles, Ethnic Roles, Star Vehicle - Female, Star Vehicle - Male, Strong/Large Chorus
Dance requirement: Heavy (Extensive Dance Sections/Solos), Standard (Musical Staging/Some Dance/Optional)
Casting notes: THE CAT IN THE HAT
JOJO/THE BOY
HORTON THE ELEPHANT
GERTRUDE McFUZZ
MAYZIE LA BIRD
THE BIRD GIRLS
THE WICKERSHAM BROTHERS
MR. AND MRS. MAYOR
GENERAL GENGUS KHAN SCHMITZ
SOUR KANGAROO
JUNGLE CREATURES
THE WHOS
THE WICKERSHAM BROTHERS
OTHER ROLES: Cadets, Hunches, circus animals, interviewees, etc.

Character Breakdown

GENERAL GENGUS KHAN SCHMITZ is bursting with pride at the military academy he runs, and the boys he turns out. He is not sadistic, mean or abusive. He is proud! He is doing the right thing for his boys! He is making the world a better place! This makes him a comic character, because it's clear he's so misguided. Please don't play him as a villain or bully. By the end of the show, he's discovered that making war may not be the right thing to do, and that adults can learn from children as well.
GERTRUDE McFUZZ Very self-conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn't perfect. Gertrude changes during the show from a vain, neurotic, nervous and shy bird into one with the power to protect and care for a baby elephant bird and commit herself to Horton. In other words, she stops worrying about her looks and grows up.
HORTON THE ELEPHANT Gentle, rotund and appealing. Think of him as a big-hearted blue collar guy who is steadfast and responsible and always tries to do the right thing for his friends. He is imaginative and receptive to the world around him. He is very un-self-conscious. Horton's view of the world never changes--he believes in its goodness. But by the end of the show, without even realizing it, he is ready to become a parent.
JOJO is a "Thinker"--a smart child with a wild imagination. He can be played as being a little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid whose 'Thinks' get him into constant trouble. By the end of the show, he learns what it means to be a responsible member of his world, using the power and possibilities of his own 'Thinks.'
JUNGLE CREATURES No matter how these actors are costumed, please ask each one to create a distinct human persona. They are real people at heart, just like us, even though they may be described as animal characters. We discourage masks and literal "animal costumes." Be imaginative. Be Wild. Be simple.
MAYZIE LA BIRD Self-centered, selfish and vain, Mayzie will never admit to her own flaws. She manipulates anyone she can (especially Horton) into doing what she wants. But Mayzie isn't all bad. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of generosity--she realizes she isn't the kind of person who'd be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can do for the egg.
MR. AND MRS. MAYOR are parents trying hard to raise a difficult child in a difficult world. They may get aggravated with Jojo, but they love him dearly and try to do the right thing, even if it turns out to be a mistake.
OTHER ROLES Cadets, Hunches, circus animals, interviewees, etc.
OTHER ROLES Cadets, Hunches, circus animals, interviewees, etc.
SOUR KANGAROO She isn't really sour at all. She's just got a lot of attitude. She's loud, brassy and a lot of fun.
THE BIRD GIRLS are like the popular girls in any school--a clique of pretty, self-centered "back up birds" who do whatever Mayzie does.
THE CAT IN THE HAT is the essence of mischief, fun and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but always sets things right again, helping JoJo to discover the power of his imagination as they create the story for the show together. Look for a physically adept actor (male or female) to play the Cat, one who will be able to play many comic cameos (Dr. Dake, helicopter reporter, TV interviewer, auctioneer, Mr. McGurkus, etc.) and is comfortable improvising with an audience.
Can be played by both male and female actors
THE WHOS They're a lot like you and me only so small as to be invisible. Don't think of them as cute midgets or weird little aliens. They should be played for inherent humanity. Encourage everyone playing a Who to try and create his or her own, unique character.
THE WICKERSHAM BROTHERS 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. They enjoy hanging around with one another, making music together on the street corner, and playing off one another. Encourage each of your actors to find his own Wickersham persona.