October 13 & 16, 2021
Through dazzling performances and pumped-up musical arrangements, the twisted genius of Roald Dahl comes to life on stage in this story of an extraordinary girl. Armed with a sharp mind and vivid imagination, Matilda dares to take a stand against the nasty, name-calling, bullying adults in her life and change her story. Youth and grown-ups will be captivated by this hit musical that celebrates the power of imagination and the importance of becoming your own person. Get ready for a little revolution!
Key Dates
Auditions: Sign Up Now!
- In-Person Auditions: Wednesday, October 13th 6:00-9:00 pm & Saturday, October 16th 9:00am-1:00pm at the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre. 710 Sundial Drive, Waite Park.
- Call-backs: Wednesday, October 20th 6:00 pm (if needed: some may be called for a callback to see them act, sing or dance again.)
- Rehearsals: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00pm and a few Saturday rehearsals (November 20th, January 15th, and January 22nd) beginning November 15th. (No rehearsals November 24th-28th nor December 23rd-January 2nd.) Not everyone will be called to every rehearsal.
- Tech rehearsals: January 17th, 18th, 20th, 22nd, 24th, 25th, 26th & 27th. All actors will be called.
- Performances: January 28th, 29th, 30th, & February 4th, 5th & 6th, School Matinees – February 1st & 3rd (9:00 am & 12:00 pm shows)
Directed by Kendra Norton Dando, Musical Direction by Hillary Vermillion and Choreography by Sara Bartlett
SAFETY
GREAT remains committed to monitoring the current recommendations, guidelines and restrictions and will continue to follow CDC guidelines and executive orders.
- REHEARSALS: GREAT VOLUNTEER safety guidelines can be found HERE.
- TECH WEEK & PERFORMANCES: Paramount Center for the Arts announced that they will be instituting a required COVID vaccination/testing policy (proof of vaccination or negative Covid test taken within 72 hours) for everyone age 12+ (artists, volunteers, staff and audiences), effective Nov 1st – Dec 31st, 2021. While this policy, set forth by the venue, doesn’t currently affect our performances of Matilda, it may be changed and could be required in future. We ask that you please consider this possibility before auditioning. Safety policies for the Paramount Center for the Arts can be found HERE.
WHAT TO PREPARE FOR AUDITIONS
1) MONOLOGUE
Please prepare one of the monologue selections from the options provided (youth or adult). Choose a character that allows you to showcase your acting/storytelling skills (characterization – physicality, vocal expression, interpretation). You will be considered for all roles regardless of your monologue choice (unless you state that you are not interested in a specific role). Please click on the link below for the monologue.
- Youth Matilda Audition Sides (choose one): Matilda, Lavender, Bruce, Nigel
- Adult Matilda Audition Sides (choose one): Miss Honey, Mrs. Phelps, Mr. Wormwood, Mrs. Wormwood, The Trunchbull, The Escapologist, Sergei
2) SONG
Please prepare one song from our provided list that best showcases your voice and demonstrates a connection to the character that you are most interested in playing. Please click on the song title link below to listen to the songs on YouTube AND click on the character name to print out the music for the songs!
Telly (All I Know) – Mr. Wormwood
3) DANCE
Matilda is a dance-heavy show and will come to life with lively, energetic choreography! Please prepare one of the dances to perform during your audition. Please dress for movement at your audition. Click on the links below to see the choreography for the chosen song on YouTube.
Matilda’s Frequently Asked Questions
Should I audition with a British accent?
No thanks! We’re not doing British accents for our show. We DO want strong diction, though!
Can a male actor play Mrs. Trunchbull?
We are looking for a female-identifying actor to play Miss Trunchbull for our production.
Are any roles double-cast?
We are looking to cast two actors in the role of Matilda. They will split the performances between the two of them (which shows to be determined at a later date).
Is there a specific age for any of the roles?
We want to cast the children roles as children and the “Big Kid”/adult roles as high school students/adults, but there is not a specific age that defines what role you can play. (Don’t rule yourself out of a role by deciding you’re too old or too tall…go for it!)
How many roles are in the play?
We are looking to cast around 30 performers.
How do I prepare for Matilda auditions?
Choose one song, one monologue, and one dance to learn and prepare for your audition. The music, monologue, and dance options are all listed above. Optional workshops where you can learn the music and talk monologues are happening on Saturday, Oct. 9 over Zoom. Sign up here if interested.
More General Audition Questions Found HERE
CHARACTERS
Matilda Wormwood: The title character; an imaginative, clever, and powerful young girl. Matilda has exceptional abilities, a thirst for learning, and a strong sense of right and wrong. Matilda must be small, mature, and ready to handle carrying the entire show. Strong singer and actor. Vocal range: A3 – D5
Miss Agatha Trunchbull: The tyrannical headmistress of Matilda’s school who was once a famous athlete. She despises and terrorizes children, bullying students and teachers alike. Must be a strong actor with an imposing presence. *While played on Broadway by a male we will be auditioning all genders for this role. Vocal range: A2 – G4
Miss Honey: Matilda’s teacher; she is quiet, kind, and loved by every child she meets. She is tired of living in fear of Miss Trunchbull and supports Matilda’s learning, believing in her exceptional abilities. Emanates warmth. Vocal range: F3 – D5
Mr. Wormwood: Matilda’s neglectful father; a greedy, slimy, used-car salesman. He’s a bully to Matilda and a con-man to his customers. Strong comedic acting needed. Vocal range: D3 – A4
Mrs. Wormwood: Matilda’s self-absorbed, over-the-top, negligent mother; an amateur ballroom dancer. She is an inattentive parent who is more concerned with her appearance than her children. Strong comedic actor, singer & dancer needed. Vocal range: A3 – F5
Michael Wormwood: Matilda’s older brother; he is the favoured child though not very bright. Comedic Actor. Needs good comedic skills: lots of stage time but few words.
Mrs. Phelps: The local librarian; she is kind, welcoming, and encourages Matilda’s advanced reading and storytelling. Does not have to be a singer.
Rudolpho: Mrs. Wormwood’s over-the-top ballroom dance partner. Strong singer & dancer. Vocal range: D#3 – A4
Sergei: The head of the Russian mob; he is intimidating and doesn’t like when people underestimate his intelligence.
The Acrobat: A circus performer in Matilda’s story who comes to life through her imagination. Strong singer and dancer. Vocal range: D4 – A4
The Escapologist: A circus performer in Matilda’s story who comes to life through her imagination. Strong singer and dancer. Vocal range: C3 – E4
Little Kids: Matilda’s classmates. Various singing, dancing, and speaking roles. Amanda, Alice, Hortensia, Eric, Nigel, Tommy.
Lavender: Matilda’s self-proclaimed best friend. Big personality.
Bruce: Matilda’s classmate. He eats a piece of her chocolate cake and is subjected to extreme punishment by Miss Trunchbull. Strong singer. Vocal range: C4 – E5
Big Kids: the older, tough kids at school. A very STRONG group of dancers and singers who perform the show’s biggest singing and dancing numbers. Speaking, dancing, and singing parts.
Ensemble: Other featured parts with solos & lines. These characters will play numerous roles in the show. Acting, singing, and dance needed for these roles. Henchmen, Doctor (Vocal range C3 – A4), Nurse, Cook, Judge, Children’s Entertainer (Vocal range: F#3-Eb4), Parents, Kids.