Rise Performing Arts is proud to hold auditions for their Fall Semester production of Seussical the Musical!

 

 Be sure to fill out this audition form and the RISE registration form found above! Reminder, you do not have to be a student to audition, all students are welcome! However, it is strongly recommended that students take an acting and dance class to build their skills for the production. 

 

Performances are scheduled for January 10th, 11th and 12th (pending venue approval). 

 

Rehearsals will be held 1- 4 times per week depending on roles. We usually hold rehearsals on Wednesdays  6:45-8:30 (typically for leading roles), Fridays from 4:30-6:30 (typically for rehearsals with larger cast numbers) and Sundays 3:00-5:00 (typically all performers called). These days and times are subject to change depending on performer availability. 

 

Any rehearsals January 3rd - 9th are mandatory. (Performers must be present for all rehearsals and performances with limited absences taken into account for extenuating circumstances.)

 

Upon the start of rehearsals, a conflict sheet will be sent out for any preplanned and excused absences. 

 

 Auditions are open to children/teens ages 6-18 years old. A fee of $120 for RISE members and $150 for non-members will be required after a successful audition to help cover production expenses. There is NO FEE to audition. 

 

This is a dance heavy show. Though a student doesn't need to have previously danced, it would be strongly recommended that students take a dance class currently to build their skills for the production. As always, we recommend enrolling in acting class to build characterization skills for the production.

 

If you can not make it to our audition date but wish to audition, please email the director at bwitter@drew.edu

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Character Breakdown

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The characters in Seussical are fantastic and imaginary creations based on characters featured in the Dr. Seuss collection of stories. They speak in Seussian verse, very rhythmic with incredible rhymes, even when not singing. This is an ensemble based show, working together to create a world unlike our own. The majority of the show is accompanied by music and involves all the characters. Please note that although the gender and voice type of characters are listed, there are many roles that can be considered for genderbending. We encourage any gender to audition for any role they feel would best fit! 

 

The Cat In The Hat - Any gender - Large range

The essence of mischief, fun and imagination. The Cat stirs things up, causes trouble, but always sets things right again. Is the host and emcee of the evening, playing many comic minor parts throughout the story, sometimes improvising with the audience, and a presence in almost every scene. Strong singer with strong movement skills and comic ability. 

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Horton The Elephant - Male - Tenor 

Male - Tenor An elephant and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Gentle, big-hearted, appealing. He is very imaginative and believes in the world’s goodness. He is responsible and always tries to do the right thing for his friends. He is responsible for saving the planet Who and in doing so befriends JoJo. Strong singer/actor with good comic timing. 

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Gertrude McFuzz - Female - soprano 

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. 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. Strong singer/actor with good movement skills and comic timing.

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JoJo- Any gender - Tenor/Mezzo

Male or female. A young boy. JoJo is a Who and is the only child of the mayor and his wife. A "Thinker"--a smart child with a wild imagination. A little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid whose 'Thinks' get him into constant trouble. In the end, his ‘Thinks” save his planet. Strong singer/actor. 

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Mayzie La Bird - Female- Mezzo/Soprano

A bird and a citizen of the Jungle of Nool. Self- centered, selfish and vain. She manipulates anyone she can (especially Horton) into doing what she wants, but she isn’t all bad. Strong singer and dancer. Very comic.

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Mr. Mayor - Male - Tenor

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. Strong singer/actor.

 

Mrs. Mayor - Female - Mezzo/soprano

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. Strong singer/actor.

 

Sour Kangaroo- Female - Belting Alto

Female. 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. Is the main antagonist and the cause of all Horton’s trouble. A strong singer/actor/mover with good comic ability and soulful singing. 

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Baby Kangaroo- Female - alto

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. Good singer/actor with comic ability.

 

General Genius Khan Schmitz - Male - Baritone 

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. Strong singer/actor with comic ability. 

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Wickersham Brothers - Any gender - Different voice types 

Male or Female. Three monkey brothers and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. The tough guys of the jungle 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 and dancers (possibility to showcase acro and hip hop). 

 

Bird Girls - Female - Differing voice types 

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/dancers.

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Yertle The Turtle - Male - Baritone  

A turtle and citizen of the Jungle of Nool. He is the King of the Pond and thinks he is more important that what he really is. Presides as the Judge at Horton’s trial. Strong singer/actor. 

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Thing 1/And Thing 2 - Differing ranges

Male or Female. 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 singers and movers with good comic ability. 

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Citizens Of Nool - Any gender - All voice types

Jungle animals and other characters that live in the Jungle of Nool. They all side with the Sour Kangaroo on her campaign against Horton. Strong singer/dancers. 

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The Whos - Any Gender - All Voice types 

Citizens of Whoville on the Planet of Who. 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. Strong singer/actors/dancers. 

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The Cadets - Any Gender - All Voice types 

Cadets of General Schmitz’ Military Academy and Citizens of Who. They bully JoJo. Not mean, just doing what they are told to do. Strong singer/movers.
 

The Circus - Any Gender - All Voice types 

Animals in  Mr. McGurkus’ Circus who have been caged to play roles in the circus show. Strong dancers.