gain

confidence

that lasts a lifetime

auditions January 2nd, 3rd and 4th

Mary Poppins is a production of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious proportions! When a posting is made for a nanny to look after Jane and Michael Banks, Mary Poppins wastes no time in seeing that she is hired for the job. With Mary, and a bit of imagination, boring tasks become joyful games, spoiled children gain manners, and the Banks family learns what it means to share their trials and look after one-another.

Mary Poppins runs approximately 2.5 hours with a 15 minute intermission and is most enjoyed by ages 6 -adult. Performances will be held at the Lakeville Area Arts Center (20965 Holyoke Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044)

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 a location in either Farmington or Lakeville. The location will be updated once finalized. Auditions will be open to all actors age 5 - Adult, regardless of experience level. Approx. 150 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. Sept. 16 2024 - with audition slots at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm (30 auditions allowed per time slot)

Wed. Sept. 18, 2024 - with audition slots at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm (30 auditions allowed per time slot)

Fri. Sept. 20, 2024 - with audition slots at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm (30 auditions allowed per time slot)

Callbacks will be held the week of Sept. 23rd and 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 and are assigned to the waitlist 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: Wed. Oct. 2, 2024 (subject to change)

Regular Rehearsals: Oct. 7 through Oct 30

Dress Rehearsals: Dec. 2-5

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.)

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 Dec. 2 and Dec. 15 should not audition without emailing info@castleco.org to find out their likely-hood of being cast.

Performance Dates

Friday, Dec. 6 at TBD Time (possible school performance)

Friday, Dec. 6 at 7pm

Sunday, Dec. 7 at 4pm

Friday, Dec. 13 at TBD Time (possible School performance)

Friday, Dec. 13 at 7pm

Saturday, Dec. 14 at 11am (possible morning performance)

Saturday, Dec. 14 at 2pm OR 3pm

Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7pm

Sunday, Dec. 15 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 (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 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 Sept. 13 to let us know that you would like to submit an audition via video.

production roles

Narrator (portrays female, approx. 14-30) - The Narrator leads the audience through the story as it is acted out on stage. This character must be a strong singer, with comedic presence, and an ability to have chemistry with all other actors on stage. The Narrator sings in a minimum of 15 songs in the show and should plan to rehearse 3-6 days each week. Ability to dance and/or move well is a plus but not a requirement.

Children's Choir (portrays any gender, approx. age 5-13) - A choir of children who work with the Narrator to help tell the story as it unfolds on stage. Actors who are cast in the Children's Choir may be cast in full-time or part-time roles and will sing in between 1 and 5 songs.

Joseph (portrays male, approx. age 16-26) - The youngest son of Jacob, who is obviously the father's favorite. Joseph is a happy-go-lucky guy with a knack for interpreting dreams. Always the positive member of the family, it takes a LOT of misfortune for Joseph to feel down.

Jacob (portrays male, approx. age 70+) - A father of 12 sons, who finds his family fallen on hard times. This role is generally played as an exaggeration of an elderly man.

Brothers (portrays male, approx. age 16-50) - Joseph's 11 brothers, who do not like the fact that their father (Jacob) loves Joseph best. The brothers are often a group with varied ages and appearances. There will be three brothers with featured solos in the songs "One More Angel in Heaven," (country-western feel), "Canaan Days" (Parisian feel), and "Benjamin Calypso" (Harry Belafonte style). The Brothers sing in a total of 10 songs and should plan to rehearse between 3-6 days each week. Actors playing brothers may also be considered for other roles in the show including; Potiphar, Potiphar's Servants, Butler, Baker, Pharaoh, and Pharaoh's Servants. While these characters are typically played by male actors, CCT may consider other genders as well.

Wives (portrays female, approx. age 16-50) - The wives of Joseph's brothers. These actors will sing in 2 or 3 songs. Actors cast as Wives may also be cast as other characters in the show.

Potiphar (portrays male, approx. age 40+) - A witty, flamboyant, villainous character who "owns a large percentage of the Nile". The actor cast as Potiphar may also be cast as other characters in the show.

Mrs. Potiphar (portrays male, approx. age 26-50) - The flirtatious wife of Potiphar, who takes an interest in Joseph's charming looks. The actor cast as Mrs. Potiphar may also be cast as other characters in the show.

Potiphar's Servants (portrays any gender, approx. age 14+) - Servants who work in the Potiphar household. These actors will sing in the song, "Potiphar". Actors cast as Potiphar's servants may also be cast as other characters in the show.

Butler (portrays male, approx. age 16+) - Former servant of Pharaoh who finds himself in an ill position. This character sings in the songs; "Go, Go, Go Joseph," as well as in four songs in the second act. The actor cast as the Butler may also be cast as other characters in the show.

Baker (portrays male, age 16+) - A Baker who finds himself in an ill position. This character sings in the song; "Go, Go, Go Joseph" and its reprise. The actor cast as the Baker may also be cast as other characters in the show.

Go, Go, Go Joe Ensemble (portrays any gender, approx. age 12-26) - A vibrant group of dancers who help Joseph turn the page on the saddest chapter of his story. Strong dancers and/or those with gymnastic/tumbling skills are preferred for this ensemble group. Actors cast in this group will sing in "Go, Go, Go Joseph" and its reprise. The actors cast in this ensemble may also be cast as other characters in the show.

Pharaoh (portrays male, approx. age 24-40) - Ruler of Egypt who has been experiencing some disturbing dreams. This character impersonates Elvis Presley. The actor playing this role should have a large on-stage personality and (ideally) the ability to move/dance well.

Pharaoh's Servants (portrays any gender, approx. age 14+) - Servants to Pharaoh. Actors playing Pharaoh's Servants will sing in 6 songs and should expect to rehearse a minimum of 2 days each week.

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 - 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.
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 $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.)
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.