What are the Covid-19 guidelines for participating in the production?

There are no Covid-19 guidelines for CCT productions at this time. CCT usually follows school and state guidelines for Covid-19 prevention. Stricter guidelines may be in place for rehearsals during high transmission times. CCT does not require actors to wear masks for performances unless actors have had a recent Covid-19 infection and are still contagious.

gain

confidence

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auditions May 11, 13 and 15

Disney's Tarzan the Stage Musical is based on Disney's epic 1999 animated film, with show-stopping music by rock legend, Phil Collins and special guest artists Nsync. When an infant boy is lost in the jungle, a mother ape decides to take him in and raise him as her own. Tarzan learns to think, act, move and speak like a gorilla, while seeking acceptance from his father - who only see's Tarzan as a potential threat to the animal family. When Jane (a young explorer) and her father arrive in the jungle, Tarzan is faced with seeing himself as he really is, learning what the word "family" truly means, and deciding which path he must take towards his future.

Disney's Tarzan runs approx. 2 hours mins in length, with a 15 minute intermission, and is most enjoyed by audiences age 5 and up.

Performances will be held at Lakeville South High School (21135 Jacquard Ave. Lakeville, 55044)

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audition info

important:

Please read all information below before registering for an audition time. If you have specific questions, please email us at info@castleco.org.

Audition Dates, Ages and Cast Size

Auditions will be held at Kenwood Trail Middle School (subject to change) and are open to actors age 5 - adult, regardless of experience level. Approx. 140-200 actors will be cast in the production. Actors will have the option to select a full-time or part-time preference for their role. Full-time actors participate in all performances and dress rehearsals and have a more strenuous production schedule. Part-time actors participate in half of the performances and dress rehearsals and have a less strenuous production schedule. The fee is the same regardless of being cast in a part-time or full-time role.

In-Person Audition dates and times:

Mon. May 11, 2026 - with audition slots at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm (30 auditions allowed per time slot)

Wed. May 13, 2026 - with audition slots at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm (30 auditions allowed per time slot)

Fri. May 15, 2026 - with audition slots at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm (30 auditions allowed per time slot)

Callbacks will be held Mon. May 18. Callbacks are invitation only. Most actors who are cast in the production will NOT need to attend a callback.

Email/Recorded Auditions may also be permitted for those who are unable to secure an in-person audition spot or those who will be out of town during all audition dates. Casting preference is often given to those who are able to audition in-person.

Rehearsal Dates

Script Pick-Up: (TBD) week of May 18

Regular Rehearsals: May 25 - July 19

Dress Rehearsals: July 20-23

Rehearsals will be held weeknight evenings from 5pm - 9pm at either CastleCorner (CCT's rehearsal space) in downtown Farmington or a Lakeville School (usually LSHS or Kenwood). Saturday and/or Sunday rehearsals may be scheduled if needed. Rehearsals for younger actors in part-time roles, usually do not run past 8:00pm

Dress Rehearsals will run each night from 5pm - 10pm. (Most actors will not need to arrive until 6pm and will be able to leave at 9pm.)

CCT will ask actors to fill out their availability on a calendar prior to their audition. Casting priority will be given to actors who have the most availability to rehearse. Actors who will be out of town or miss dates between July 20 - August 2, should not audition without emailing info@castleco.org. Missing multiple dates in this time frame will likely result in actors NOT being cast in the show.

Performance Dates

Friday, July 24 at 7pm

Saturday, July 25 at 2pm and 7pm

Sunday, July 26 at 4pm

Wednesday, July 29 at 7pm

Thursday, July 30 at 7pm

Friday, July 31 at 7pm

Saturday, August 1 at 2pm and 7pm

Sunday, August 2 at 4pm

Participation Fee (paid after casting)

Ages 5-17 = $225 each (first two actors per family) and $75 each (each additional actor per family)

Ages 18+ = $0 (actors age 18+ are encouraged to help through volunteering)

Additional Costs: All actors in the production should expect to supply their own shoes and socks to wear for the show. (Guidance on acceptable shoes and socks will be given out after the show is cast. Most actors should expect to wear solid black shoes and solid black socks.) Actors who are cast as apes will also be asked to provide their own solid black, brown or gray leggings/pants (pending costume color) to wear for the show. Actors unable to supply these items due to financial hardship are able to borrow them from CCT.

Accessibility Information

CCT wishes to make theatre accessible to everyone, including those with limited mobility, learning needs and those unable to pay the participation fee due to financial need. If you need accommodations in order to audition, please email info@castleco.org. Fee assistance will be available for those cast who are in need of financial assistance and can be applied for after the production is cast.

Recorded Audition Information

If you are unable to attend auditions and wish to audition via recorded video, please prepare to fill out several forms of paperwork and create two videos which you will send as part of your audition. Please email info@castleco.org by May 4th to let us know that you would like to submit an audition via video.

production roles

Tarzan (male, approx. age 16-18) - Tarzan is a human who was raised by apes after a leopard killed his parents in infancy. Tarzan moves like an ape, speaks like an ape, and lives with the apes. His greatest wish is to fit in with his family of gorillas and make his father (Kerchak) proud enough to accept him as his true son. Tarzan knows nothing of the human world, but he is bright and eager to learn. The actor playing Tarzan must be able to balance the humor of the character with the authenticity of Tarzan's emotions and experiences. (Note: CCT generally casts youth actors in the title roles of its shows - unless stated otherwise. While CCT plans to cast Tarzan to be played by a youth actor, older actors will be considered if the directing staff does not feel the role is suited for the youth actors auditioning.)

Jane (female, approx. age 16-18) - Jane is an eager, intelligent and artistic explorer, who has journeyed to Africa with her father to study plant life and gorillas. When an even more interesting discovery is made - that of a human raised by apes, Jane is even more excited to explore Africa. Jane is instantly intrigued by Tarzan and wishes to know more about him and his upbringing. With Tarzan eager to learn, Jane teaches him about the human world, and Tarzan trusts Jane with his greatest treasure (his ape family). (Note: CCT generally casts youth actors in the title roles of its shows - unless stated otherwise. While CCT plans to cast Jane to be played by a youth actor, older actors will be considered if the directing staff does not feel the role is suited for the youth actors auditioning.)

Professor Porter (portrays male, approx. age 40-55) - Jane's father who has traveled with her to Africa to study gorillas and learn more about their family groups. A caring father, humanitarian and environmentalist, Professor Porter plays the comedic relief throughout the show.

Kala (portrays female, approx. age 40-55) - Tarzan's ape mother and wife of Kerchak. Kala is strong-willed, brave, and ready to stand for what is right. After her infant ape son is killed by a Leopard, Kala finds Tarzan abandoned and takes him home to raise him as her own. Kala feels a strong pull to motherhood and believes that family can overcome any differences - even the differences between humans and gorillas. The actor playing Kala must have the ability to show tenderness as well as strength.

Kerchak (portrays male, approx. age 40-55) - Lead of the gorilla family and husband to Kala. After the loss of his ape son, Kerchak is unable to see another (let alone a human) take the place of his child. Strong and noble, Kerchak see's his greatest responsibility as the protection of his family - regardless of the cost. Kerchak struggles to balance his love for his wife with his role as leader.

Terk (any gender, approx. age 14-18) - Tarzan's best ape friend who is always ready to cheer him up, and support his non-gorilla inventions - crazy as they may seem. Tarzan and Terk have a very human (best-friend) relationship, supporting each other one moment, while jabbing each other the next. Terk brings humor, confidence, and jazz to his jungle family!

Young Kerchak (portrays male, approx. age 16-30) - A younger version of Tarzan's ape father. Young Kerchak opens the show, sees his child stolen, and struggles to comprehend Kala (his wife's) love for Tarzan. Kerchak leaves Tarzan in the jungle as a small child, for fear that he will grow into a hunter when he becomes an adult.

Young Kala (portrays female, approx. age 16-30) - A younger version of Tarzan's ape mother. Young Kala sees her child stolen and finds contentment in the idea of raising Tarzan as her own. Kala is willing to do whatever it takes to raise Tarzan, even if it means separating herself from her family.

Young Tarzan (portrays male, approx. age 8-10) - A child who has been raised as an ape, but is begining to understand (and notice) that he is different. Young Tarzan struggles to balance his love for his family, with the ever present feeling that he doesn't fit in.

Young Terk (portrays male, approx. age 8-10) - A confident ape, ready to make friends with anyone and everyone. Terk instantly befriends Tarzan with his care-free personality and over-the-top confidence.

Tarzan's Mom (portrays female, approx. age 16-30) - A young woman, ship-wrecked on an unknown island.

Tarzan's Dad (portrays male, approx. age 16-30) - A young man, ship-wrecked on an unknown island.

Clayton (usually portrays male, approx. age 16+) - A strong-headed member of Jane and Professor Porter's jungle expedition crew and the villain of the story. Clayton has come to Africa to find the gorilla's nesting grounds in hopes of hunting them (not researching them).

Snipes (any gender, approx. age 14+) - A member of the expedition crew who assists Clayton in his hunt.

Leopard Puppeteer(s) (portrays male, approx. age 14+) - One (or two) puppeteers in charge of bringing the Leopard puppet to life. These roles will not have lines or singing but will be pivotal in telling the story. Actors cast in these roles may be cast as other characters as well pending availability, interest, and overlap in rehearsal schedules.

Spider Puppeteer(s) (portrays any gender, approx. age 14+) - One (or two) puppeteers in charge of bringing the spider (or possibly snake) puppet to life. These roles will not have lines or singing but will be pivotal in telling the story. Actors cast in these roles may be cast as other characters as well, pending availability and overlap in rehearsal schedules.

Expedition Crew (any gender, approx. age 14+) - A small crew of explorers who have journeyed to the jungle with Jane and Professor Porter. These actors will have no lines or songs. Members in the expedition crew will most likely be double-cast in another role pending availability, interest, and overlap in rehearsal schedules.

Ape Ensemble (any gender, approx. age 5+) - The large family of apes who live in the Jungle. This ensemble group will include actors of all ages, genders and experience levels. Actors will be split into songs based their availability and interest for full-time or part-time roles. All actors in the ape ensemble will participate in at least one song/dance with many also participating in acting scenes. Some actors may participate in additional songs/dances, have solos, and/or featured dance parts. (This ensemble group includes part-time and full-time roles).

Jungle Ensemble (any gender, approx. age 5+) - The jungle ensemble is made up of the flowers, plants and (possibly) animals/insects, who bring the jungle to life for Jane upon her first arriving in Africa. This ensemble will mainly include part-time actors, though some full-time actors may be added. Actors in this ensemble will participate in one song/dance. (This ensemble group includes part-time roles).

Puppet Ensemble (TBD) (any gender, age 8+) - The puppet ensemble will appear in the opening song in the show, when Tarzan's parents wake up on the shore of an unknown land. Actors cast in this ensemble may also participate in other ensemble roles pending availability, interest and overlap in rehearsal schedules.

Vocal Ensemble (any gender, approx. age TBD) - This is the choir that will provide the backbone for the songs in the show. This group of actors will perform both on-stage (in a minimum of 1 song) and off-stage (in all ensemble songs) to create a more full sound to the show. Actors cast in the Vocal Ensemble are generally age 14+. Occasionally, the music director may choose to cast only adult actors in this ensemble OR open it up to actors as young as age 12.

audition FAQs

Usually, CCT auditions are open to anyone age 5 through Adult. During CCT's 2023-2024 season, some changes do apply, due to licensing restrictions for certain shows (see below). Fall Show - King Arthur and Princess Arthena (ages 5 - Adult may audition) Spring Show - Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins (ages 5 - Adult may audition) Summer Show - Disney's Frozen JR (ages 5 - 18 may audition) While some production roles may require different ages, heights, and vocal ranges, CCT does not discriminate in casting based on race, gender, sexual orientation, ability to pay participation fee, accessibility needs, etc.

There are a lot of costs that go into making a great theater production, script licensing, space rental, costumes, sets, technical elements, printing, marketing, and instructor stipends (to name a few). Because of this, CCT charges a participation fee for all actors age 17 and under. (Adult actors are encouraged to volunteer in other ways by assisting with marketing, set move-in, prop construction, etc.) Fees vary by show because the cost to produce the show, and the number of tickets each show is expected to sell, also varies. Fees for most shows are $200 per actor (age 17 and under). Families with multiple actors in the production will pay $200 per actor (for the first two actors in their family) and will pay $75 per actor (for each additional actor). ALL actors must also provide their own shoes and possibly socks to wear for the production. The style of shoe and sock will be based on the character that each actor plays. Financial assistance is available for those who need it (for both participation fees and shoes/socks) and can be registered for after the production has been cast. (CCT does NOT turn actors away due to inability to pay the fee.)

The information below pertains to all CCT productions. The time commitment to participate in a show depends on the role that each actor is cast in. Some actors may rehearse between one and six hours each week while others may rehearse 20 hours per week. At auditions, actors will be able to select if they'd like a role that requires less rehearsal and performance time. These roles are called part-time roles. Part-time roles rehearse an average of 1 or 2 hours each week and perform in half the performances. Rehearsals are held Monday-Friday evenings from 6pm - 9:00pm and occasionally Saturday mornings/afternoons. Actors will be asked to fill out a conflict form at auditions. CCT does its best to work around actors' conflicts when possible and will prioritize having younger actors rehearse earlier in the evenings. Playing a sport once or twice each week may be something that can be scheduled around. CCT can occasionally schedule around vacation conflicts, however, priority will be given to those who can attend the majority of rehearsals. It is extremely important that you fill out your conflict form honestly!

Actors MUST register in order to audition for all CCT productions. The registration link can be found towards the middle of this page. Registration is free and secures your audition spot. On the day of your audition, please bring a list of conflicts that can be used to fill out the conflict calendar (if not filled out in advance). You may also wish to bring a pen/pencil and a notebook (or other hard surface) for filling out your audition form. (If possible, we will send an email a week prior to auditions which will allow you to fill out forms in advance and print them yourself to bring with you.) Your audition for a non-musical will consist of an acting audition ONLY. Your audition for a musical will consist of two parts, an acting audition and a singing audition. During the acting audition, actors will be asked to portray different animals, characters or emotions while counting from one to ten. Example: Please count from 1 to 10. At one, pretend you are sad, at 10, pretend you are happy. For the singing audition (used for Musicals ONLY), actors will be asked to sing a short section of a song (around 20-30 seconds is enough). Actors may choose any song they like, but it should be something that you feel confident singing! Your song does NOT have to be from the show you are auditioning for.