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

that lasts a lifetime

auditions January 5th, 6th and 8th

Get swept into a world of magic and adventure this spring with CastleCo Theatre's production of Sleeping Beauty The Musical. This new rendition of the classic tale begins after the birth of Princess Aurora when an unwelcome guest (the evil sorceress Hellisent) curses the baby princess to prick her finger on a spinning wheel (upon her 18th birthday) and die. Unable to reverse the curse, a good fairy alters the spell so that instead of death, the princess will fall into an endless sleep. This show features up-beat songs, special effects, and characters who demonstrate that a little bit of hope and courage, can change one's fate!

Sleeping Beauty The Musical runs approximately 2.5 hours with a 15 minute intermission and is most enjoyed by ages 5-adult. Performances will be held at the Lakeville Area Arts Center (20965 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044)

Listen to the SOUNDTRACK from this New Musical!

scroll down for audition info

audition registration

important:

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

In-person auditions for CCT's production of Willy Wonka are now full. If you wish to submit a video audition, please follow the instructions below. Video auditions MUST be received by CCT no later than Sun. Jan. 8 at 11:59pm (no exceptions, including technology errors). Incomplete submissions will not be accepted.

Qualifications to Submit a Video Audition

In order to qualify to submit a video audition for Willy Wonka, actors must either be 10 years of age (or older) OR be a returning CCT actor who is age 5+ and who has participated in a past CCT production or class. If you are unable to audition for this production, please keep an eye out for CCT's May auditions for Disney's The Little Mermaid. May auditions will have more available slots and a wait list for actors who are unable to secure an in-person registration.

How to Submit a Video Audition

1.) Download the Acting Audition Form, Conflict Calendar, and Singing Audition Form by clicking HERE. Make sure to fill out the forms completely, especially the conflict calendar. If you do not have conflicts, please write, "none" on the conflict calendar. You will need to attach all forms to your email audition in order to be considered for the show.

2.) For your singing audition, please record yourself singing approx. 32 measures (or 30 seconds) of a song of your choosing. PLEASE do not sing a complete song. The song can be as simple as Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, a song from a musical theater production, or another song you enjoy. We recommend recording your singing audition and acting audition separately. You can perform the song in one of the following ways;

Singing Acapella: This means singing the song without accompaniment. We recommend this option for actors who are new to theater/choir, actors aged 10 and under, and for those who don't want to bother with finding accompaniment. (Most actors auditioning will choose this method.)

Sing with a Backing Track: This means singing the song with recorded accompaniment. The backing track should be instrumentation only and not include singing on it. (Try searching for karaoke track with the name of your song, if you are looking for a track on YouTube.)

Sing with Accompaniment: This means singing the song while someone accompanies you on piano. Do NOT choose this method unless you (or someone you know) is VERY confident on piano.

3.) For your acting audition, please record yourself doing ONE of the following auditions. Actors auditioning in-person will not get time to practice, so don't worry about making your acting audition perfect. Simply take a few moments to think about what you'd like to do and then record the audition - don't overthink it :) This audition should only be 20-60 seconds once filmed. If it's easier for you to add a couple lines or words while counting that is ok, but you only need to say the numbers and should not add more than three lines (if you choose to do so).

If you are helping a younger actor audition, you can simply explain the rules, choose one of the options below, and ask them to perform it - no prep needed!

Option 1: Please count from one to ten. At one, pretend you are opening a gift, at ten, pretend you are throwing a temper tantrum.

Option 2: Please count from one to ten. At one, pretend you are doting (supportive) parent, at ten, pretend you are a mad scientist.

Option 3: Please count from one to ten. At one, pretend you are a bird flying in the sky, at ten, pretend you are a scary dinosaur.

4.) Once you have recorded all parts of your audition and filled out the forms, please send an email to info@castleco.org with the subject line Video Audition - [Your Name]

Be sure to attach the following;

- Audition Forms (including the singing form, acting form and calendar)

- Acting Audition Video

- Singing Audition Video

If the directors would like to call you back to read and/or sing for a specific role, you will receive an email by the afternoon of Mon. Jan. 12 with additional info and call times. Most actors who are cast in the production will NOT receive a callback email. Please keep in mind that if CCT is unable to cast everyone who auditions from a certain age group, priority for ensemble roles will be given to actors with the fewest conflicts and those who are auditioning in-person.

The cast list will be posted no later than midnight on Sun. Jan. 15, at www.castleco.org (on the Auditions page) and will include the names of the actors who have been cast and the roles they have been cast in. We will try our best to send an email to all who submit a video audition to let them know when the list has been posted, but it is best to check yourself as we cannot guarantee we won't miss someone.

*Please note that, currently, there are 240 actors registered to audition (not including video auditions). CCT intends to cast approx. 150 actors in the production (most will be cast in ensemble roles). If we are unable to cast you in this production, please audition in the future! CCT's next audition opportunity will be in May for Disney's The Little Mermaid, which will include a cast of 150-200 actors.

We know this is a lot of information to digest, and we appreciate you taking the time to read through it! If you have any questions, please email CCT's Artistic Director, Kayla Yaeger at info@castleco.org

audition info

Audition Dates, Ages and Cast Size

Auditions will be held at the Lakeville Area Arts Center 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. Jan. 5, 2026 - with audition slots at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm (30 auditions allowed per time slot)

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

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

Callback dates are TBD, but will likely be held Jan. 12. 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 Jan. 19

Regular Rehearsals: Jan. 26 - March 22

Dress Rehearsals: March 23-27

IMPORTANT: Music rehearsals will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and (maybe) Sunday evenings. Actors MUST be available at least one of these days (consistently) each week in order to participate in this production. (Actors who are ONLY available on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and/or Saturdays should NOT audition).

Rehearsals will be held weeknight evenings from 5pm - 9pm at CastleCorner (CCT's rehearsal space) in downtown Farmington. 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 March 23 and April 12 should not audition without emailing info@castleco.org. Missing multiple dates in this time frame will likely result in your actor NOT being cast in the show.

Performance Dates

Saturday, March 28 at 2pm and 7pm

Sunday, March 29 at 4pm

Monday, March 30 at 2pm and 7pm (subject to change based on actor availability)

Tuesday, March 31 at 2pm and 7pm (subject to change based on actor availability)

Thursday, April 9 at 7pm

Friday, April 10 at 7pm

Saturday, April 11 at 2pm and 7pm

Sunday, April 12 at 4pm

Participation Fee (paid after casting)

Ages 5-17 = $200 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)

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 Jan. 3 to let us know that you would like to submit an audition via video.

production roles

Aurora (portrays female, approx. age 14-20) - The Princess of Australis who is cursed by Hellisent as a baby. She is unaware of the curse (or that she is a princess) as she has lived in hiding with her mother and two fairy aunts since she was a baby. Aurora is kind and curious, she longs to see the world and is ready to take control of her own life. This is a full-time role. (Please Note: While CCT will consider actors over the age of 18 for this role, it will most likely be given to an actor who is age 18 or under.)

Young Aurora's (portrays female, approx. age 5, 10, and 13) - Young versions of Aurora who come to life in the mind of King Henry (Aurora's dad) as he imagines the days they could have shared if Aurora hadn't gone into hiding. These roles may or may not be used pending the direction of the production. If used, they will be full-time roles.

Prince Perrault (portrays male, approx. age 14-20) - Perrault is the heir to a neighboring kingdom. He was betrothed to marry Princess Aurora when they were children. Feeling trapped in his fate, Perrault travels into the kingdom (in disguise) to experience life (and maybe even love) from those who do not immediately faun over him for being royalty. Perrault is both a dreamer and a diplomat. The actor playing this role must be willing to learn to sword fight. This is a full-time role. (Please Note: While CCT will consider actors over the age of 18 for this role, it will most likely be given to an actor who is age 18 or under.)

Hellisent (portrays female, approx. age 40+) - The villain of the story. Hellisent is an evil fairy rules over a neighboring Kingdom, but has always been jealous of the riches that the Kingdom of Austrailis holds. A spiteful fairy, with a an army of ravens to do her bidding, Hellisent curses the baby Aurora to die at the age of 18, so that she may one day rule Austrailis. The actor playing this role must be willing to learn to sword fight. This is a full-time role.

Skarp (any gender, approx. age 10+) - Leader of Hellisent's raven army who has the ability to talk due to the evil fairy's magic. While he is loyal to Hellisent, Skarp breaks her trust later in the show when she acts against him and loses his loyalty.

King Henry (portrays male, approx. age 45-55) - King of Austrailis and father to Aurora. King Henry stays to rule over Austrailis as Aurora and Queen Catherine hide in the woods for 18 years. King Henry is proud and dutiful but misses the time he may have shared with his wife and daughter. This is a full-time role.

Queen Catherine (portrays female, approx. age 45-55) - Queen of Austrailis and mother to Aurora. Queen Catherine goes into hiding with Aurora (and two fairy helpers), after the child is cursed as a baby. Catherine is the epitome of motherhood, caring, considerate, and always anxious over the safety of her child (even as she nears her 18th Birthday). Catherine struggles with deciding how to tell Aurora that she is a Princess. This is a full-time role.

Fairy Willow (portrays female, approx. age 14+) - Fairy Godmother to Aurora. A supportive and caring friend to Queen Catherine who has taken on an aunt-like role to princess Aurora. Intelligent and level-headed. This is a full-time role. *NOTE: This role could also be played as a male, though it is written as a female.

Fairy Tulip (portrays female, approx. age 14+) - A magical fairy of Austrailis who stood up to Hellisent once and lost her wings because of it. Fairy Tulip has a witty sense of humor and always seeks to lighten the mood with disregard to consequences. Comedic. This is a full-time role. *NOTE: This role could also be played as a male, though it is written as a female.

Palace Staff (includes Featured Roles) (portrays any gender, approx. age 16+) - Staff at the palace of Austrailis where King Henry rules. These characters sing in 2-3 songs and are full-time roles. Featured Roles include: Master of Ceremonies, Mrs. Wells, Chef.

Kingdom Ensemble (includes Featured Roles) (portrays any gender, approx. age 5+) - People who live in the Kingdom of Austrailis. These characters sing in 1 to 3 songs. At this time, these characters are planned to be full time roles. Featured Roles include: Maria, Rachel, Henrietta, and Jean (who are ages 14-24).

Raven Ensemble (Includes Featured Roles) (portrays any gender, approx. age 8+) - Spies of the evil Fairy Hellisent who do her bidding. These characters will sing in 2 to 4 songs and may have part-time and full time role options available. Featured Roles include: Ratty (a raven in jeopardy of losing their wings).

Fairy Ensemble (Includes Featured Roles) (portrays any gender, approx. age 5+) - The magical fairies of Austrailis and neighboring Kingdoms. These characters sing in 1 song and may have part-time and full-time role options available. Featured Roles include: Iris, Lavender, Daisy, Lily, Sweetpea.

Vocal Ensemble (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 2 songs) and off-stage (in all ensemble songs) to create a more full sound to the show.

production FAQs

General1

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.