gain

confidence

that lasts a lifetime

auditions for this show have passed

Based on the children's book "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory", Willy Wonka follows the story of five children who are chosen to tour Mr. Wonka's world-famous chocolate factory. Watch to find out if the children will succeed in winning a lifetime supply of chocolate, or if their naughty behaviors will get the best of them... This stage production features songs from the 1971 Gene Wilder film version.

Willy Wonka runs approximately 3 hours with a 15 minute intermission and is most enjoyed by ages 7-adult. Performances will be held at the Lakeville Area Arts Center (20965 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044)

scroll down to view the cast list

audition registration

important:

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

Show Description

Based on the animated Disney film of the same name Disney's The Little Mermaid, will introduce audience members to a colorful world under the sea. The story follows the adventures of Ariel, a young mermaid who dreams of exploring the world above. Despite her father's warnings that humans are innately dangerous, Ariel saves a Prince from drowning, quickly falling in love with the young man. With the help of the evil sea-witch Ursula, Ariel trades her voice for a pair of legs, and ventures to land with hopes of meeting the Prince and learning the truth about humans.

Audition Dates, Ages and Cast Size

Auditions will be held at Lakeville North High School Auditorium and will be open to all actors age 5 - Adult, regardless of experience level. (Actors age 4 may be permitted to audition with permission. Please email info@castleco.org for information.) Approx. 150-200 actors will be cast in the production. Actors will have the option to select a full-time or part-time preference for their roles. 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:

May 9, 2023 - with audition slots at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm (30 auditions allowed per time slot)

May 10, 2023 - with audition slots at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm (30 auditions allowed per time slot)

May 11, 2023 - with audition slots at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm (30 auditions allowed per time slot)

Email/Recorded Auditions may also be permitted for those who are unable to secure an in-person audition spot and are assigned to the waitlist. Casting preference is often given to those who are able to audition in-person.

Rehearsal Dates

Script Pick-Up & Read-Through: Wed. May 24, 2023 (subject to change)

Regular Rehearsals: May 29 through July 19

Dress Rehearsals: July 20-27

Rehearsals will be held weeknight evenings from 6pm - 9pm at Lakeville South High School and the Castle Corner (CCT's rehearsal space) in downtown Farmington. Saturday morning/afternoon rehearsals may be scheduled if needed for some actors. Rehearsals for younger actors in part-time roles usually do not run past 8:30pm

Dress Rehearsals will run each night from 6pm - 10pm.

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 rehearsals between July 20 and August 6 should not audition without emailing info@castleco.org to find out their likely-hood of being cast.

Performance Dates

Friday, July 28 at 7pm

Saturday, July 29 at 2pm

Saturday, July 29 at 7pm

Sunday, July 30 at 4pm

Wednesday, Aug. 2 at 7pm

Thursday, Aug. 3 at 7pm

Friday, Aug. 4 at 7pm

Saturday, Aug. 5 at 2pm

Saturday, Aug. 5 at 7pm

Sunday, Aug. 6 at 4pm

Participation Fee (paid after casting)

Ages 4-17 = $175 each (first two actors per family) and $75 each (each additional actor per family)

Ages 18+ = $0 (adults are encouraged to help through concession donations, volunteering, etc.)

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 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. Additional information will be posted at the start of May. If you do NOT see information by May 1st, please email info@castleco.org for details.

production roles

Ariel (portrays female, approx. 16-18) - The most famous chocolate maker in the world and also the narrator of the play. Willy Wonka is charming, charismatic and sometimes a bit wonky. Actors portraying this character should be energetic and also portray a sense of timelessness. CCT is committed to casting youth actors in the title roles whenever possible, therefore it is VERY unlikely that actors over the age of 18 will be considered for this role.

King Triton (portrays male, approx. age 40+) - One of Willy Wonka's golden ticket winners. A sweet, honest, humble boy from a poor family.

Mersisters (portray female, approx. age 14-22) - One of Willy Wonka's golden ticket winners. A gluttonous German boy who is cheerful and jolly. He defines himself by his ability to eat large quantities of food.

Sebastian (portrays male or non-binary, approx. age 16+) - One of Willy Wonka's golden ticket winners. A wealthy, spoiled British girl. She is accustomed to having her father giver her everything she wants, no matter the price, and does not like the word "no".

Scuttle (portrays any gender, approx. age 14+) - One of Willy Wonka's golden ticket winners. A lover of video games and the internet, a bit of a know-it-all who is addicted to media and cares little for anything else.

Flounder (portrays male, approx. age 8-12) - One of Willy Wonka's golden ticket winners. A competitive girl who focuses all of her attention on coming in first, no matter the contest or prize. Constantly chewing gum.

Ursula (portrays female, approx. age 40+) - A local candy vendor who believes whole-heartily in the magical feeling that only opening a bar of chocolate can provide.

Flotsam & Jetsam (portrays any gender, approx. age 14-22) - A lively reporter covering the Golden Ticket story. This role does NOT sing.

Prince Eric (portrays male, approx. age 16-20) - CCT is committed to casting youth actors in the title roles whenever possible, therefore it is most likely that an actor age 16-18 will be cast in this role.

Grimsby (portrays male, approx. age 40+) - Charlie's mother. Takes care of the family, including four aging grandparents who seldom leave their bed.

Chef Louis (portrays male, approx. age 18+) - Charlie's (arguably favorite) grandparent. A caring, patience and kindhearted man who finds a new burst of youthful vigor after several years in bed.

Captain (portrays male, approx. age 18+) - Charlie's grandmother.

Maids (portrays female, approx. age 18+) - Charlie's grandfather who is hard of hearing.

Princesses (portrays female, approx. age 14-22) - Charlie's grandmother.

Vocal Ensemble (portrays any gender, approx. age 14+) - This ensemble group will be made up of strong singers, usually those with several years of singing or theatre experience. Members of this ensemble group will sing in most/all ensemble songs in the show. Some songs will be sung off-stage as vocal support for the onstage actors, while others will be sung onstage performing as various roles throughout the show.

Sea Creature Ensemble (portrays any gender, approx. age 5+) - Local youth and adult villagers who celebrate in the story of the Golden Tickets and appear throughout the first act in various scenes. Actors in this group will sing in one or two songs and participate in one or more scene. Many of the actors in this group will likely be members of the Vocal Ensemble. These roles will most likely be played by full-time actors.

Land Animal Ensemble (portrays any gender, approx. age. 5+) - Chefs who rejoice in Augustus finding a golden ticket. Members of this ensemble sing in I Eat More. Many of the actors in this group will likely be members of the vocal ensemble. These roles will most likely be played by full-time actors.

Seagull Ensemble (portrays any gender, approx. age. 5+) - Mysterious workers employed by Willy Wonka who work tirelessly, but joyfully, to create the candies in his factory. Most/all actors cast as Oompa Loomps will participate in 1-2 songs in the production. Some actors cast as full-time Oompa Loompas may participate in up to 6 songs. These roles will be played by full-time and part-time actors. Actors cast as Oompa Loompas will NOT be asked to wear facepaint.

Chef Ensemble (portrays any gender, approx. age. 12+) - Mysterious workers employed by Willy Wonka who work tirelessly, but joyfully, to create the candies in his factory. Most/all actors cast as Oompa Loomps will participate in 1-2 songs in the production. Some actors cast as full-time Oompa Loompas may participate in up to 6 songs. These roles will be played by full-time and part-time actors. Actors cast as Oompa Loompas will NOT be asked to wear facepaint.

production FAQs

Who can audition for the show?

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 - TBA (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.
Is there a fee to participate?

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 $175 per actor (age 17 and under). Families with multiple actors in the production will pay $175 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.)
What is the time commitment / when are rehearsals?

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!
How do I prepare for auditions?

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.
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.