- Thursday, December 8, 2022 – 7:00-10:00
- Friday, December 9, 2022 – 7:00 – 10:00
- Callbacks by invitation – Saturday, December 10. 2022 – 10:00am
Ages 8+
Please prepare a 16-32 bar, memorized musical selection in the style of the show that shows your range. You may sing a song from the show if you like. Bring your sheet music or a digital accompaniment in the correct key. Please do not choose to sing a cappella. An accompanist will be provided.
There will be a general dance audition. Auditionees should come prepared to move. Soft soled shoes are best with no open toes. No flip flops and no bare feet. Please pull your hair back out of your face. Also, please let us know if you have any tumbling skills.
Want to learn the choreography for the auditions? – Click Here
If you would like to audition for the role of The Cat in the Hat, please prepare a short monologue in the style of Dr. Seuss.
We encourage you to bring your completed audition form and conflict calendar.
If you would like to audition but are not available for the scheduled audition times, please contact the Stage Manager, Christy Gantt, at [email protected] BEFORE the scheduled audition times to make other arrangements.
Video auditions will be permitted if you cannot make other arrangements. Video auditions must be submitted to [email protected], [email protected], and ([email protected]) by 7:00pm, Monday, December 5. Videos should include a 16-32 bar vocal audition with accompaniment and the provided dance combination(s). Completed audition form and conflict calendar must be included in your email.
Rehearsals:
Sunday (2:00-6:00)
Monday-Thursday (7:00-10:00)
Rehearsal Location: 130 E Mountain St, Kernersville (basement of the Salvation Army/old library)
First company meeting – Tuesday, December 13, 2022
All performances at James Fitzpatrick Auditorium, 512 W. Mountain Street, Kernersville
Show dates: 2/24, 2/25, 3/3, 3/4 at 7:30 pm; 2/26, 3/5 at 2:00 pm
There will also be a mandatory daytime show on March 2nd at the elementary school.
MUSIC BY Stephen Flaherty
LYRICS BY Lynn Ahrens
CO-CONCEIVED BY Eric Idle
Production Team:
Director: Melissa Mericle
Music Director: Maggie Gallagher
Choreographer: Rachel Conway
Stage Manager: Christy Gantt
The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.” Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.
Character Descriptions:
THE CAT IN THE HAT – Any gender identity. 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 own imagination as they create the story for the show together. Looking for a physically adept actor to play The Cat; someone who will be able to play many comic cameos, is comfortable improvising with an audience and has a presence in almost every scene. Vocal range top: F4; Vocal range bottom: F2
JOJO – Any gender identity. Jojo is a “Thinker”, a smart child with a wild imagination. They can be played as being a little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid whose Thinks get them into constant trouble. By the end of the show, they learn what it means to be a responsible member of their world, using the power and possibilities of their own Thinks. In the end, their Thinks save their planet. Age: appear age 9-14; Vocal range top: C5; Vocal range bottom: G#3/Ab3
HORTON THE ELEPHANT – Horton the Elephant is a gentle giant. Think of him as a big-hearted blue-collar guy who is steadfast, 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 unselfconscious. Horton’s view of the world never changes – he believes in its goodness. By the end of the show, without even realizing it, he is ready to become a parent. Vocal range top: F4; Vocal range bottom: A2
GERTRUDE MCFUZZ – Gertrude McFuzz is very self-conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn’t perfect. A bird and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Very self-conscious, 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. She is a bit naïve at times, but always is a voice of reason. Good comedic timing. Vocal range top: F5; Vocal range bottom: F3
MAYZIE LA BIRD – A bird and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Mayzie La Bird is 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 she isn’t all bad. Big, bold and comedic. Vocal range top: D# 5/Eb5; Vocal range bottom: G3
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. She is the main antagonist and the cause of all of Horton’s trouble. A strong singer/actor with good comic ability and soulful singing. She’s loud, brassy and a lot of fun. Vocal range top: F5; Vocal range bottom: F#3/Gb3
YOUNG KANGAROO – A baby kangaroo and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. She is the Sour Kangaroo’s daughter and does whatever her mother does. She’s very sassy with lots of attitude. Vocal range top: F5; Vocal range bottom: F#3/Gb3
BIRD GIRLS – Three sassy birds and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. The popular girls in any school–a clique of pretty, self-centered “back up birds” who do whatever Mayzie does. They often act as storytellers, picking up where The Cat left off. A big presence throughout the evening. Good singer/movers with lots of soulful, sassy singing. Vocal range top: F5; Vocal range bottom: F#3/Gb3
THE WICKERSHAM BROTHERS – Any gender identity. 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. They side with the Sour Kangaroo in her campaign against Horton and cause more trouble for poor Horton. Strong singer/movers with lots of soulful singing. Will be looking for people who can move well, jump high and possibly tumble. Vocal range top: C5; Vocal range bottom: G#2/Ab2
MR. MAYOR – A Who. The Mayor of Whoville and JoJo’s Dad. He and his wife try 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. Vocal range top: E4; Vocal range bottom: D3
MRS. MAYOR – A Who. The Mayor’s Wife and JoJo’s Mom. Her and her husband try 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. Vocal range top: A4; Vocal range bottom: A3
THING 1 and THING 2 – Any gender identity. The Cat’s main helpers and an extension of his personality. Essence of mischief, fun and imagination. They assist The Cat in many ways, either playing small roles or causing havoc. They have a presence in almost every scene. Strong comedic ability. Must be able to tumble and move well. Must be great at mime and improv. No lines or vocals (except finale).
GENERAL GENGHIS KAHN SCHMITZ – Any gender identity. A Who. A General who is bursting with pride at the military academy he runs, and the boys he turns out. He is not mean; he honestly thinks he is doing the right thing and is making the world a better place. Vocal range top: E4; Vocal range bottom: B2
THE WHOS – Any gender identity. They’re a lot like you and me only so small as to be invisible. They live in fear that their planet is in trouble. They should be played for their inherent humanity.
THE GRINCH – The Grinch is a green beastie who lives in Whoville. He is a happy member of the Who community, but this wasn’t always the case. He once lived angrily apart and wished to disrupt the pleasantry of the Whos. His story and change of heart are all part of Who culture now, and happily retold every Christmas. A fun mover. Vocal range top: F#3/Gb3; Vocal range bottom: G#2/Ab2
JUNGLE CREATURES – Any gender identity. Jungle animals and other characters that live in the Jungle of Nool. They all side with the Sour Kangaroo on her campaign against Horton.
FISH/HUNCHES/CIRCUS PERFORMERS/THINKS – Any gender identity. Other roles as cast from the ensemble. Play circus animals in Mr. McGurkus’ Circus, Fish, Hunches, and ‘Thinks’ that JoJo creates.
THE CADETS – Any gender identity. Cadets of General Schmitz’ Military Academy and Citizens of Who. They bully JoJo. Not mean, just doing what they are told to do. Vocal range top: Db5; Vocal range bottom: A3
JUDGE YERTLE THE TURTLE – Any gender identity. Yertle believes he has been endowed with some superior gifts not shared by the other animals and deserves a higher stature. He has a sense of entitlement and has a need for order. He likes to be the one who is looked to for decision-making and setting things right. Vocal range top: F4; Vocal range bottom: F2
VLAD VLADICOFF – Vlad Vladikoff does the Wickershams’ dirty work. In his full glory, with his large imposing wing spread, he is scary and formidable. His movement is powerful, precise and needs to be executed carefully. Vocal range: Tenor, Baritone, Bass
ELEPHANT BIRD – Any gender identity. This is a small, featured role at the very end of the show. This child may or may not also be cast as a tiny Who.
Take the Stage!
At KLT, we conduct open auditions and welcome anyone in the community to have the opportunity to “take the stage”. Auditions are generally held three to four months prior to the show’s production dates. Details of upcoming auditions will be communicated on our Facebook page, through email blasts and on our website.
For information on preparing for your audition and what to expect when auditioning at Kernersville Little Theatre, please scroll to the bottom of this page. We want to make sure you make the most of your audition experience.
Audition Preparations
*Audition Form – Our audition form is now available here for you to download. Please bring 3 copies with you to auditions! This will speed up the process.
*Age Range – Look for the character descriptions and any minimum age requirements in each audition notice.
We want you to get the most out of your audition with KLT. Below are some general guidelines about our audition process and tips on preparing for your audition.
*Experience – You don’t need any experience to audition, or even to get a great part at Kernersville Little Theatre. We get people with lots of experience and some with none at all. All that is required is an interest in performing and a willingness to commit!
*What to Bring – You will be asked to identify any conflicts that you will have starting with the audition dates and running through the last performance, so bring your calendar. If you have a resume showing your performing experience, you can bring that, but most people don’t. We will ask you to fill out an audition form with your contact information and experience.
*What to Wear – Always wear comfortable clothes and shoes – NO SANDALS OR FLIP FLOPS, especially if you are auditioning for a musical. If you are an experienced dancer you may want to bring your specialty dance shoes.
*What to Prepare – The audition for non-musicals will consist of reading from the script. You do not have to prepare anything, but it can be helpful to have read or seen the play ahead of time so that you are familiar with what is going on in the script. Individual directors may ask you to participate in some improvisations or theatre exercises, but don’t let that intimidate you – we’re here to have fun and to learn more about you!
If you are auditioning for a musical, you will also need to be prepared to sing a song. You should bring a rehearsed song as well as the piano accompaniment. The accompanist will be seeing your music for the first time, so don’t worry if they don’t play it perfectly – just do your best! The Music Director will probably also ask you to sing some scales to understand your vocal range.
Musical auditions may also include a simple dance routine. The choreographer will give you some dance steps to do in a group to evaluate your basic ability.
*Most Important – Relax and have fun! And don’t be afraid to ask questions if anything isn’t clear to you. KLT is all about creating opportunities for you to get experience on and off stage. Come PLAY with us!
Special Thanks to Our Season Sponsors
The Arts Council of Winston-Salem & Forsyth County
North Carolina Arts Council
Kernersville Foundation
River Landing at Sandy Ridge
Town of Kernersville
Vintage Sound & Light
Yes! Weekly