Santa Monica’s Morgan-Wixson Theatre
Youth Education/Entertainment Series Presents
Open Auditions for the
26th Annual Youth Musical
Roald Dahl’s
MATILDA
The Musical
Book by Dennis Kelly
Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchin
Produced by Special Arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)
Directed by Eve Keller & Kristin Towers-Rowles
Music Directed by Ignoisco Miles
Choreography by Michael Marchak
Produced by Cori Goldberg and Evelyn Vizzi
SYNOPSIS
Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. Unloved by her cruel parents, Matilda uses her courage and cleverness along with her psychokinetic powers to have a profound effect on the life of her highly lovable teacher Miss Honey and the horrible school headmistress Miss Trunchbull.
Packed with high-energy dance numbers and catchy songs, children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.
Covid-19 vaccination of all actors is required.
AUDITION DATES
Tuesday, August 23, from 4:00 - 6:30 pm
Wednesday, August 24 from 4:00 - 6:30 pm
No appointment needed. Actors only need to attend one day of auditions.
CALLBACKS on Saturday, August 27 from 1:00-5:00pm
You will be notified by email if you will be needed for callbacks.
PREPARE
32 bars of a song (verse and chorus) from a standard musical theatre piece along with the music accompaniment on an IPhone, IPad or the Android equivalent.
Try to select a song with a “story” so you can show your acting as well as vocal abilities. Become familiar with the sound and style of this show to guide your selection.
It is not required but encouraged to have a second 32-bar song ready if we ask, especially if you are auditioning for specific roles – target the energy of both of your selections to fit those roles.
Be prepared to dance.
COVID-19 SAFETY INFORMATION
The actors cast in this production will perform unmasked. All rehearsals will be held in masks until the final two weeks of rehearsals when masks will be required only when off stage. Prior to the final two weeks, actors will occasionally be asked to remove masks only if properly distanced and only to work facial expressions and projection. Any portion of rehearsal that is held without a mask will not exceed 15 minutes. Actors may also be asked to present tests if needed closer to showtime.
LOCATION
Santa Monica’s Morgan-Wixson Theatre, 2627 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Street parking available. Venice Family Clinic’s parking lot is available on weekdays after 6pm and weekends.
Do not park at our neighbors AAMCO/Viking Motors or SGI or you will be towed.
Updated….PERFORMANCE DATES
November 5 through November 27 (9 shows). In addition, there are two potential extension dates of Friday, 12/2 and Saturday, 12/3. We will give advance notice if we are able to extend. Show times will vary on Friday & Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons including Thanksgiving weekend. One show per date.
Show schedule will be provided at auditions.
Actors must be available for all performances as well as potential extension dates.
This is NON-NEGOTIABLE!
REHEARSAL DATES/TIMES
Rehearsals begin Monday, August 29 with a read-through from 4:15-6:30pm. We will have a few musical rehearsals that week as well before we break for Labor Day weekend (Fri, 9/2 - Mon, 9/5)
Rehearsal time frames are scheduled in a variety of ways based on theatre availability.
Monday rehearsal time frames will be afternoons between 4:00-6:30pm and/or Monday evenings from 6:30-9:00pm throughout the rehearsal process.
During the weeks of August 30-September 15 rehearsal time frames will be held on Tuesday through Thursday afternoons between 4:00-6:30pm. After September 15, rehearsal time frames on Tuesday through Thursdays will move to evenings and be from 6:30-9:00pm. In addition, large group rehearsals will be held on Saturdays or Sundays from 1:00-6:00pm and /or Sunday evenings from 6:00-9:00pm.
Actors are not called for all rehearsals, only rehearsals where they are being used for a music/scene/dance. Rehearsals will be worked around actor’s schedules as much as possible.
As always, we consider homework a priority!
BRING
• a copy of your Covid-19 vaccination card
• a picture (school picture or snapshot is fine)
• resume or list of shows done
• your music accompaniment for your song(s)
• jazz shoes if you already have them--if not, any shoes you feel comfortable to dance in
• a list of your conflicts for the rehearsal period. All conflicts MUST be submitted prior to callbacks. Please check with your school choir/band/theatre director/sports coaches and anyone who schedules your time PRIOR to auditioning. If additional conflicts arise after casting, it may result in an actor being replaced.
OTHER
Non-Equity, no pay, no fees to participate.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
In reference to the character descriptions that follow—most characters we encounter currently are on the binary and are written with he/him or she/her pronouns and you will see that in the following descriptions. But however limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, gender-fluid, transgender and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with.
We will also list race/ethnicity when specific to the character but are otherwise seeking all races and ethnicities. In addition, we will list disability when specific to a character, but are otherwise seeking actors with disabilities as well as non-disabled actors for all roles. Please let us know if you have any questions, or if there are any accommodations we can provide.
We are actively committed to casting an inclusive show that reflects the community.
*PLEASE NOTE that Y.E.S. productions are for performers up to age 18 and enrolled in senior year (or equivalent) in high school.
Ages listed by each character are for guidance and casting will not be limited to that.
Matilda Wormwood: 8-12
An imaginative girl who is clever and wise far beyond her years. She has a thirst for learning that cannot be quenched. Enigmatic and instinctive acting ability. Vocal range top: D5, Vocal range bottom: A3
Miss Agatha Trunchbull: 13-18
The tyrannical headmistress at Matilda’s school who despises children. Strong character actor with an imposing presence. Agile physicality a plus as this character used to be an Olympian athlete.
Vocal range top: G4, Vocal range bottom: A2 (may be adjusted depending on who is cast)
Miss Honey: 13-18
Matilda’s kindhearted teacher. She is tired of living in fear under Miss Trunchbull. A mild, quiet person with a tangible warmth. She is adored by every child under her care.
Vocal range top: D5, Vocal range bottom: F3
Mr. Wormwood: 13-18
Matilda’s uncaring father. A slimy, greedy used-car salesman who thinks he is smarter than he is. Strong character actor with a bit of an ignorant showman personality.
Vocal range top: A4, Vocal range bottom: D3
Mrs. Wormwood: 13 -18
Matilda’s self-absorbed, negligent mother and an amateur ballroom dancer. She is obsessed with Rudolpho her dancing partner and her looks. Like her husband, she thinks very little of Matilda’s unique abilities and often berates her. She is as loud in her make up and dress as she is in her voice. Strong comedic actor. Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range bottom: A3
Michael Wormwood: 9-14
Matilda’s older brother. He is not very bright and favored by their parents. Needs ability for deadpan comedic delivery and to be able to find a character during a lot of stage time with few words.
Limited singing required so open to vocal range for this role.
Bruce: 8-12
Classmate to Matilda. He is subject to extreme punishment by Miss Trunchbull. Strong vocals needed.
Vocal range top: E5, Vocal range bottom: C4
Lavender: 8-12
Classmate and friend to Matilda. She has a big personality and likes having fun.
Open to vocal range for this role.
Mrs. Phelps: 13 -18
A nurturing librarian who Matilda shares her stories with. She encourages Matilda’s love of reading. Limited singing required so open to vocal range for this role.
The Escapologist: 13-18
A character in a story Matilda tells to Mrs. Phelps who comes to life in their imagination. He is in love with the acrobat. Vocal range top: E4, Vocal range bottom: C3
The Acrobat: 13-18
A character in a story Matilda tells to Mrs. Phelps who comes to life in their imagination. She is in love with the escapologist. Vocal range top: A4, Vocal range bottom: D4
Rudolpho: 13-18
Mrs. Wormwood’s ballroom dance partner. He is fit and athletic. Strong comedic timing and a flair for physical comedy. Strong dancer with ballroom ability a plus.
Vocal range top: A4, Vocal range bottom: D#3
Doctor: 13-18
Mrs. Wormwood’s doctor when she goes into labor with Matilda and may also be in other ensemble numbers. Vocal range top: A4, Vocal range bottom: C3
Children’s Entertainer: 13-18
A party entertainer at the start of the show and may also be in other ensemble numbers.
Vocal range top: Eb4, Vocal range bottom: F#3
Ensemble: 8-18
To play the featured roles of Cook, and Kids. Strong singers/dancers/actors. Also need strong comedic timing actors to play Henchmen 1, 2 and 3.
