The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is holding auditions in May for the first two MainStage productions in their 2023-2024 season at the Taft Theatre.
All roles are paid positions.
TCT, the nation’s oldest theatre for children, is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace and is committed to a dynamic casting process. All roles are open to everyone regardless of ethnicity, background, ability, or gender identity.
Upon audition registration, you may indicate which shows for which you would like to be considered. Auditions are by appointment only.
You only need ONE audition appointment, even if you are interested in both productions.
Adult performers and young performers ages 9-18 who would like to be considered for TCT’s Young Artist Company, may make an audition appointment by visiting the link below:
Appointment dates:
- Sunday, April 30, 2023, between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM
- Monday, May 1, 2023, between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM
- Tuesday, May 2, 2023, between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM
- Wednesday, May 3, 2023, between 5:30 PM and 8:30 PM
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: Youth Edition callbacks will take place on Saturday, May 6, 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
NARNIA: The Musical callbacks will take place on Sunday, May 7, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Auditions and Callbacks are held at TCT’s headquarters located at: 4015 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati OH 45227.
If you are unable to attend auditions in person and would like to inquire about a virtual submission, or for information concerning auditions email Maddie Jones at Maddie.Jones@tctcincinnati.com.
Visit the link below to sign-up for an audition appointment.
PREPARATION CHECKLIST
Please prepare the piano sheet music to a memorized song that shows your acting and vocal range. (1-minute max). The song must be age appropriate. Remember to have your PIANO SHEET MUSIC, as we will not be auditioning for a cappella skills. An accompanist will be provided. Your sheet music MUST have the piano part, not just the vocal line, and music should be in a 3-ring binder with any cuts CLEARLY marked for the accompanist.
You only need a song. You do NOT need to prepare a monologue.
- Bring a RECENT 8×10 headshot and up to date performance resume. Even if you upload to the audition website, a hardcopy of your headshot and resume is needed.
- Plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes ahead of your appointment to check/correct previously submitted paperwork. If we are ahead of schedule, we may bring you in to audition early.
- Come with your scheduling conflicts. Due to concentrated rehearsal periods, we ask that conflicts during rehearsals are at a minimum. In an effort to best facilitate all rehearsal times, you will be asked to list all conflicts at the time of the audition. Conflicts may result in a stipend adjustment. Please take note of when rehearsals begin, the day and evening tech and performance schedule, and bring your calendar with you to the audition.
ABOUT THE SHOWS
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL: Youth Edition
Based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg
Book: Kyle Jarrow
Musical Production Conceived by: Tina Landau
Directed by: Maddie Jones
Choreography by: Roderick Justice and Maddie Jones
The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical, as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world!
The SpongeBob Musical is based on the beloved animated series created by Stephen Hillenburg.
Rehearsals: September 9 – October 7, 2023
Mon – Thurs: 6:30-9:30 PM, Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
Tech in the Taft Theatre: October 11–13, 2023 Daytime/Evening
Performances: October 14 –23, 2023
The first Monday of the week is dark after opening. Throughout the week, TCT hosts morning and afternoon performances for school field trips. Afternoon and evening performances for the public take place Friday-Sunday.
SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: (any gender, portrays male) He is optimistic, innocent, and boyish; energetic and sometimes hyperactive. This actor should have the ability to move well and be an extremely physical actor – unafraid of climbing and being on tall objects. Additionally: Must be naturally funny and have great comedic skills and precision. Strong pop tenor.
SQUIDWARD Q. TENTACLES: (portrays male)Grumpy, cynical, dry, short- tempered, generally negative but lovable! This Actor must be a strong tap dancer. Comedic timing skills are necessary.
PATRICK STAR: (portrays male) Well-intentioned but lacking common sense or skills;
kind and somewhat clueless, an innocent; a big softie, who can also be prone to sudden child-like fits of rage or frustration.
SHELDON J. PLANKTON: (portrays male) His personality outweighs his size- slick,
scheming, nefarious; has the ability to charm; determined, he will do anything to get
ahead in life; very greedy, but his heart is still open enough to rekindle a romance with
his wife. This character will need to dance and rap skills a plus.
KAREN, THE COMPUTER: (portrays female) Glamorous, a robotic wife of Plankton. She’s been there for Plankton’s every scheme and plot and has become jaded – she’s been there and done that. Strong comic actor, as well as singer and mover.
PEARL KRABS: (portrays female)Mr. Krabs’ bratty teenage daughter. This is a character role with Gospel vocal overtones.
SANDY CHEEKS: (portrays female)A brainy and athletic Texan squirrel who came to Bikini Bottom for a research project. She acts as SpongeBob’s most trusted ally on their quest to stop the volcano from erupting, using her vast amount of scientific knowledge and brilliant inventions to aid the mission.
EUGENE KRABS: (portrays male) The greedy owner of the Krusty Krab, and employer of SpongeBob and Squidward. While everyone is off panicking about Bikini Bottom’s imminent doom, he decides to strike the iron while it’s hot and puts on a huge “apocalypse sale” at his restaurant, exploiting the fear of his fellow fish to make him even richer.
FEATURED ENSEMBLE ROLES:
-Mayor of Bikini Bottom
-Perch Perkins
-Sardines
-Old Man Jenkins
-Mrs. Puff
-Larry the Lobster
ELECTRIC SKATES: Rock and roll band members, the Skates are hard-core, grungy, heavy metals meet World Wrestling. Strong Dancers, very comfortable on skateboards (need to “play” guitar while skating), ability to do skateboard tricks a plus. Also open to rollerblade or inline skating if the actor is expert, with tricks available.
ENSEMBLE: A variety of character types to play several featured ensemble roles; Actors with comedic timing, extremely strong pop/rock or contemporary musical theatre voices and be able to tap and dance Hip-hop extremely well; Seeking STRONG Dancer, Singer, Actors with versatile singing and acting ability who will cover principal roles.
NARNIA THE MUSICAL
Based on C.S. Lewis’
The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe
Book: Jules Tasca
Music: Thomas Tierney
Lyrics: Ted Drachman
Directed by: Roderick Justice
Choreography by: Maddie Jones & Roderick Justice
NARNIA THE MUSICAL tells the story of four English schoolchildren – brothers and sisters – sent away from London during World War II to stay with their uncle in a large manor. They stumble upon (and through) a wardrobe into the magical kingdom of Narnia, held in the power of the White Witch, whose evil spell has frozen the land, so that it is “always winter – and never Christmas.”
In this spellbound landscape, filled with creatures of myth and fable, the children face temptation and fear, but learn deep lessons of courage, unselfishness, and wisdom that help them grow in spirit and prepare them for life in our world.
From the excitement of the opening number “Doors and Windows,” to the poetry of “Narnia (You Can’t Imagine),” to the stirring “To Make the World Right Again,” your spirits will soar with all those in this enchanted land in Narnia The Musical.
Rehearsals: November 4 – December 2, 2023 (No rehearsal November 22 – 24. Potential added rehearsal Sunday, November 26) Mon – Thurs: 6:30-9:30PM, Sat: 10AM – 4PM
Tech in the Taft Theatre: December 6 – 8, 2023 (Daytime/Evening)
Performances: December 9 – 18, 2023
The first Monday of the week is dark after opening. Throughout the week, TCT hosts morning and afternoon performances for school field trips. Afternoon and evening performances for the public take place Friday-Sunday.
SEEKING THE FOLLOWING:
ASLAN: (portrays male) Regal and powerful but with an underlying passion, the lion stands as the rightful king of Narnia.
WITCH: (portrays female) Cunningly sweet one moment then strikingly wrathful the next, she is the one who has usurped the throne from Aslan.
PETER: (portrays teenage male) The oldest of the four children who venture to Narnia. While a young man of integrity, he has had to play the role of parent perhaps too young and thus reflects a somewhat bossy persona.
SUSAN: (portrays teenage female) The second oldest of the four children who venture to Narnia. While compassionate, she also has had to play the role of parent a bit too young, and thus reflects a slight bossy persona.
EDMUND: (portrays young male) The second youngest of the four children who venture to Narnia. Cranky and temperamental, he sides with the witch without his siblings.
LUCY: (portrays young female) The youngest of the four children who venture to Narnia. Sincere and sweet, she leads her family in the adventure.
MR. BEAVER: (portrays male) A cranky pessimist, but at heart a true Narnian patriot who aids the children.
MRS. BEAVER: (portrays female) Plucky and boisterous, she also aids the children in their venture.
TUMNUS: (portrays male) Quirky and nervous, the good-hearted faun gets mixed up in the wrong crowd.
RENWITH: (any gender) The stubborn, tough, and vengeful wolf who challenges Peter to a sword fight in the name of The White Witch.
FENRIS: (any gender) The arrogant and militant wolf who leads The White Witch’s secret police.
DWARF: (any gender) The crusty character serves as the witch’s main ever scratching sidekick.
THE PROFESSOR: (portrays older male) A cheerful yet mysterious man who narrates the show.
FATHER CHRISTMAS: (portrays older male) A Santa-like character, lacking many of the overt stereotypes, leaves a profound sense of hope and cheer.
ASLAN’S ARMY/ENSEMBLE/PUPPETEERS: (any gender, ages 9+) Various Narnians who fight for Aslan in the final battle and stand by his side when he faces the witch.
