VANGUARD THEATER
Montclair, NJ
US

DESCRIPTION

Auditions For Seussical and The Tempest

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL & PERFORMANCES

Vanguard Theater is hosting our inaugural Montclair Theater Festival in Brookdale Park on Saturday, July 25th (Rain date July 26th) We will have live performances, workshops, activities, and more - it is sure to be a good time for people of all ages! Anchoring the festival will be professional community performances of William Shakespeare's The Tempest and Seussical the Musical.

These are community productions and not paid contracts that said, we’re pulling together an incredible team and hope to work with passionate, talented performers who’ve been eager to collaborate with us. It’s a great chance to connect, grow, and be part of something special at Vanguard!

KEY DATES

Video Submission Deadline: Monday, April 20th, 2026 at 11:59 PM

Only complete the audition submission form once your video audition link is ready.

Audition Form Link

Callbacks: If callbacks are needed, we will reach out to you

Rehearsals: June 1 - July 24

Performance Date: Saturday, July 25, 2025 (Rain date: Sunday, July 26)

AUDITION VIDEO REQUIREMENTS

Submit a single YouTube unlisted, Google Link with access, Vimeo or dropbox video link that includes the following:

1. Slate – State your name and the selection you will be singing.

2. If auditioning for Seussical: (1) 16-32 bar cut– Song should be in the style of the show or directly from Seussical. Please use a backing track or live accompaniment.

3. If auditioning for The Tempest: (1) 60 - 90 second monologue - should be Shakespearean or heightened text (can be directly from the show.)

In addition to your video, you will be required to upload your headshot and resume when submitting the form. If you do not have a headshot, a recent selfie will work.

You will be notified via email if we would like to see you for a callback.

SHOW DETAILS

Seussical

Seussical the Musical brings the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life with vibrant characters, catchy songs, and playful chaos. Follow Horton the Elephant as he protects the tiny Whos, while Jojo, a young Who with a big imagination, discovers the power of courage, friendship, and believing in yourself. The majority of the principal roles will be cast with adult actors unless otherwise specified. We are currently seeking children for the role of Jojo, and Whoville Citizens Ensemble. The role of the Bird Girls and the Wickersham Brothers are open to both teens and adults.

Director: Janeece Freeman Clark

Assistant Director / Choreographer: Katie Claire

All rehearsals will take place in Montclair, NJ (venue TBD)

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN FOR Seussical

Horton the Elephant (20s–40s)
Kind, loyal, and optimistic. Believes in the power of caring for others and “a person’s a person, no matter how small.” Takes on the responsibility of protecting Whoville and the Whos. Requires a strong baritone/tenor who can convey warmth and sincerity.

JoJo (8–12 years old)
A young Who with a big imagination. Known for his ability to “think up” stories. Faces ridicule from other Whos but demonstrates bravery and creativity. This role should be played by a child. Usually cast as a high tenor or strong boy soprano (depending on age).

Gertrude McFuzz (20’s–30s)
A bird with one small tail feather who wishes for more. Insecure and longing for attention, eventually learns self-acceptance. Provides comic relief with moments of heartfelt emotion. Vocal range: Mezzo-soprano, agile for comedic timing.

The Cat in the Hat (20s–40s)
Mischievous, charismatic, and serves as the narrator. Guides the audience through the story and interacts with other characters. Requires strong comic timing and versatility in singing/dancing. Vocal range: Tenor or baritone, strong stage presence.

Mayzie LaBird (20s–40s)
Flamboyant, lazy, and self-centered bird who avoids responsibility. Contrasts with Horton’s selflessness. Vocal range: Mezzo-soprano to soprano, often performs high-energy, comedic numbers.

Sour Kangaroo (30s–50s)
Stern, skeptical, and authoritative. Challenges Horton’s beliefs, represents societal doubt. Often comedic but with a serious undertone. Vocal range: Alto or mezzo-soprano.

The Mayor of Whoville (30s–50s)
The official leader of Whoville, often portrayed as pompous or easily flustered. Concerned with appearances and public opinion, sometimes skeptical of JoJo’s imagination. Typically a baritone role, often comedic.

The Mayor’s Wife (30s–50s)
Supportive spouse of the Mayor, warmer and more reasonable than her husband. Provides gentle guidance and comic moments. Usually a mezzo-soprano or alto.

The General (30s–50s)
Represents authority and order in Whoville, sometimes allied with the Mayor. Stern and commanding, often in opposition to Horton’s and JoJo’s ideas. Can be portrayed as comedic or intimidating depending on production. Vocal range is often baritone or bass, with strong character actor requirements.

The Wickersham Brothers (Teens–30s)
Group of troublemaking monkeys who work for Mayzie. Provide comic villainy and strong ensemble energy. Requires strong movement and comedic timing.

Bird Girls / Bird Ensemble (Teens–30s)
Assist in Gertrude and Mayzie’s storylines. High-energy dance and song numbers. Strong movers with bright vocal quality.

Whoville Citizens (Children ages 8–13, under 5’1”)

The citizens of Whoville will all be played by children—full of energy, imagination, and personality. They should feel playful, curious, and vibrant. Strong ensemble performers who can sing, move, and create a lively, whimsical community on stage.

The Tempest

The Tempest by William Shakespeare is a magical tale of shipwrecks, revenge, and forgiveness. On a remote island, the exiled Duke Prospero wields powerful magic to control spirits and manipulate events. When a ship carrying his usurping brother and other nobles crashes on the island, Prospero orchestrates encounters that lead to love, reconciliation, and the restoration of order. Full of romance, comedy, and enchantment, it’s Shakespeare at his most imaginative.

Book: William Shakespeare

Director: Patrick Caldwell

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN FOR MIDSUMMER:

Prospero
The rightful Duke of Milan, stranded on an island after his brother’s betrayal. A powerful magician who controls spirits and uses his knowledge of magic to orchestrate events on the island. Complex, commanding, and morally ambiguous; requires a strong stage presence.

Miranda
Prospero’s daughter, innocent and compassionate. Has grown up isolated on the island and experiences love for the first time with Ferdinand. Young soprano/alto type; embodies purity and curiosity.

Ariel
A magical spirit bound to serve Prospero. Agile, clever, and capable of shape-shifting, flight, and manipulation. Can be played by any gender; requires strong physicality, vocal versatility, and charisma.

Caliban
The son of the deceased witch Sycorax and native of the island. Bitter, earthy, and resentful of Prospero’s control. Often portrayed as brutish but sympathetic; baritone/bass with strong physical acting.

Ferdinand
Prince of Naples, shipwrecked on the island. Noble, brave, and romantic; falls in love with Miranda. Tenor or young male lead; charming and earnest.

Antonio
Prospero’s treacherous brother who usurped the dukedom. Manipulative, ambitious, and morally corrupt; baritone/bass with strong dramatic presence.

Sebastian
Brother to Alonso, King of Naples. Conniving and easily influenced by Antonio’s plots. Often used for comic or sinister effect; baritone.

Alonso
King of Naples, father to Ferdinand. Grief-stricken after believing his son is dead; later repentant. Requires mature, dignified presence; baritone.

Gonzalo
An honest, loyal counselor to Alonso. Optimistic and kind-hearted; provides moral grounding and comic relief. Baritone or tenor.

Stephano
A drunken butler who, along with Trinculo, plots to overthrow Prospero. Comic relief; requires physical comedy and strong character acting.

Trinculo
A jester or fool who partners with Stephano. Comic, cowardly, and opportunistic; often played for slapstick humor.

Boatswain / Sailors
roles that appear during the opening storm scene; require physicality and ensemble coordination.

*Actors of all backgrounds are encouraged to audition. All non-race-specific roles will be cast without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, or body type.