Disney’s The Lion King JR
Music and Lyrics by Elton John & Tim Rice
Additional Music and Lyrics by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Hans Zimmer
Book by Roger Allers & Irene Mecchi
Based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor
Music Adapted & Arranged and Additional Music & Lyrics and “Luau Hawaiian Treat” written by Will Van Dyke
“It’s a Small World” written by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
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IN PERSON AUDITIONS:
Tuesday, May 2 at 6:00pm
There will be no callbacks.
VIDEO AUDITIONS:
Video auditions MUST be submitted prior to April 21.
PRODUCTION DATES:
June 9 – 18, 2023
Performances Friday, Saturday at 7:00pm and Sunday at 2pm
(Possible extension through June 25)
A Youth Musical in the Youth Theater
The African savannah comes to life with Simba, 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.
To Audition:
Auditioners are asked to prepare an age-appropriate monologue from a previously published work, not to exceed 2 minutes in length, and 16 to 32 bars of an upbeat song or ballad that best shows off their voice. Please bring sheet music in the appropriate key (an accompanist will be provided). A CD or edited karaoke track in the proper key may be substituted for sheet music, but must be queued to the desired start, must contain music only with no vocal assist, and must come with any special connectors necessary for your playback device. Dress to move for dance audition following.
Auditioners should:
– Sign up at this link, or through above button, and download, read, and fill out audition packet on sign-up page.
– Bring headshot, and resume if available and if not already submitted via link above
Video Auditions:
Video Auditions can be submitted prior to April 21st, and may substitute for appearing at the Saturday and Sunday auditions, however candidates will be required to appear in person at callbacks on Tuesday, April 25th. Video should include 16 bars of a song showing off voice and range, an age appropriate monologue not to exceed 2 minutes in length, and a description of your dance background and ability. Register for the Video Audition time slot below, then send your video audition to play@fhtaz.org along with your headshot, a resume (if available), and a completed audition form from the audition packet downloaded from the signup page. If you send your video as a link, the link permissions must be set so that anyone who has the link may view.
Production fees: If cast, your child will be receiving over 110 hours of professional direction from trained, industry professionals. Please be advised that if your child is cast in this show, there is a production fee of $100.00 per participant which includes a show t-shirt and a flash drive of production photos. Parents are also required to volunteer for 10 hours. Scholarships are available. NO ONE will be denied participation based on the ability to pay.
COVID-19 Protocols: Because our actors will be performing indoors and in close proximity, they may be required to wear masks during rehearsals, and wear face shields during performances, both onstage and off. Vaccinations are strongly encouraged. Cast members may be required to take a COVID test before tech week and each Thursday before performance weekends. It is recommended that the audience wear a mask during performances. The safety of our young performers and our community is our number-one priority, and we greatly appreciate your understanding.
*PLEASE NOTE COVID PROTOCOL REQUIREMENTS ARE BEING RE-EVALUATED CONSTANTLY! WE WILL KEEP EVERYONE INFORMED IF ANYTHING CHANGES!
CASTING FOR (Ages 10-19):
Rafiki: A wise mandrill who acts as healer of the Pridelands and guides Simba on his journey home.
Mufasa: The strong, honorable, and wise lion who leads the Pridelands.
Sarabi: A featured lioness, Mufasa’s mate, and Simba’s mother.
Zazu: The anxious yet loyal assistant to Mufasa who is always busy trying to do his duty.
Scar: The antagonist of the show, overcome with jealousy of his brother, Mufasa, and nephew, Simba.
Young Simba: The protagonist of the story, is an adventurous and endearing cub who can’t wait to be king of the Pridelands.
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.
Young Nala: A courageous lion and Young Simba’s best friend.
Nala: Grows from a cub to a lioness before she confronts Scar
Shenzi: One of Scar’s hyenas who plot to take over the Pridelands. The sassy one of the trio
Banzai: A slick yet childish hyena who works for Scar. He would be the leader of the group if hyenas weren’t so lazy.
Ed: The third member of Scar’s trio of lackeys. He has a loud, cackling laugh that is his only form of communication.
Timon: An outcast meerkat who lives in the jungle with Pumbaa. Afraid of his own shadow, but pretends to be the confident.
Pumbaa: A kindhearted, sensitive warthog who enjoys his simple life of grubs and relaxation.
Ensemble: The ensemble plays various inhabitants of the Pridelands, such as Lionesses, Hyenas, giraffes, elephants, antelopes, wildebeest, and other creatures.
Fountain Hills Theater is a 501(c)(3) organization. All gifts are tax-deductible. The Theater is 100% funded by ticket sales and donations. Ticket sales alone do not cover operating expenses. For more information about donating or volunteering, please call 480.837.9661 x3 or read here.
Disney’s The Lion King JR is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com