Description:

Big Noise Theatre: "Especially For Kids" is excited to announce Non-Equity auditions for a special one-hour theater for young audiences version of Roald Dahl's JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH. The fantastical tale of a boy, his insect friends and their amazing journey across the ocean on a giant piece of fruit. Featuring a wickedly tuneful score by the award winning team of Pasek and Paul.

Directed by Brent Walker
Music Direction by Nicholas Roman

Choreography by Carrie Vignali Rossi Audition Dates: October 21 and 22, 2019 at 7pm with potential callbacks on October 24. Walk-ins welcome!

Location: St. Stephens Church, 1280 Prospect Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60018 - There is a large parking lot at the back of the church for you to park. One of the doors there will have a sign marking the entrance to our audition space.

Commission and Comps Policy: Big Noise Theatre's new ticket policy offers performers two options: traditional comps or a commission on tickets sold. More details available at auditions.

Character Breakdown:

James
Male or Female - Age 7 to 15 - A lonely young boy who lacks confidence. Having lost both his parents in a freak accident, he feels he belongs nowhere in the world. However, when given the right encouragement he becomes resourceful and innovative. A good friend. This role may be double cast.
Vocal range: C4 to G5

Ladahlord
A strange, magical storyteller. Often inserts themself into the story, in disguise, to help push the action forward.
Vocal range: A2 to A4

Spiker
Age 40 to 60 - James' mean aunt. A thief and a scoundrel. Shrewd and opportunistic. Quite lanky.
Vocal range: F3 to D5

Sponge
Age 40 to 60 - James' other mean aunt. Also a thief and a scoundrel, but not nearly as bright as her sister. Very corpulent, she often has her mind on food.
Vocal range: F3 to D5

Ladybug
Age 20 to 50 - A motherly ladybug who has become human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. Respectable and classy, she has a warm, caring heart. Has her eye on Grasshopper.
Vocal range: E3 to F5

Grasshopper
Age 20 to 50 - A wizened grasshopper who has become human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. An excellent musician. Has his eye on Ladybug.
Vocal range: B2 to Gb4

Spider
Age 20 to 50 - A normal spider who has become human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. Her husband was killed and eaten by Spiker and Sponge. She is warm and friendly to James.
Vocal range: E3 to Eb5

Centipede
Age 20 to 50 - An ornery centipede who becomes human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. Hates humans, in part because Spiker and Sponge fumigated his family. Prickly and rude, everyone thinks he is a pest.
Vocal range: B2 to G4

Earthworm
Age 20 to 50 - An earthworm who has become human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. A bit of a scaredy-cat. He is neurotic and worried about everything, but is very friendly and brave when called upon.
Vocal range: C3 to G#4

Ensemble
Various roles.

Big Noise Theatre is committed to diversity and encourages all its staff to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Big Noise Theatre encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition. No phone calls, please.

All auditions may be recorded on video. Expect to stay for a short time past your chosen time slot.

It is the policy of Big Noise Theatre to accept walk-in auditions.

Time Commitment:
Rehearsals will be held in Des Plaines from November 1 to January 4 (No rehearsals November 27 through 29 and December 23 through 27). Performances are at Prairie Lakes Theater in Des Plaines, IL Saturdays, January 4, 11, 18, and 25 at 11am and 1pm; Sundays January 5, 12, 19, and 26 at 11am; and Thursdays, January 16 and 23 at 7pm.

Material To Prepare:
16-32 bars of any upbeat musical theatre song that shows your voice at its best. Please be sure music is in a book or double sided in a 3-ring binder. Be prepared to move and dance. Bring a headshot and resume if available. Come prepared to fill out complete conflict calendar.