Duma Ndlovu‘s company Word of Mouth Pictures is holding auditions for The Lion King and calling hundreds of young talented singers and dancers to enter. The international stage show sets to hold auditions this February and March in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
The auditions start at 9am and you need to be 18 years or older to audition.
So, you think you’ve got what it takes to be part of The Lion King?
The Singing audition dates and venue are as follows:
Johannesburg
Dates: 24 and 25 February 2017
Venue: Joburg Market Theatre Lab Newtown
Durban
Dates: 26 & 27 February 2017
Venue: Durban Bat Center
Cape Town
Dates: 01 March 2017
Venue: Cape Town Theatre Arts Collective
The Dancing audition dates and venue are as follows:
Johannesburg
Dates: 13 March 2017
Venue: Joburg Theatre Dance Studios
Durban
Dates: 16 March 2017
Venue: Durban Playhouse Theatre
Cape Town
Dates: 19 March 2017
Venue: Cape Town Artscape
CASTING BRIEF:
SCAR: To play a male lion in his mid 30’s – mid 40’s. Mufasa’s brother and Simba’s uncle. Evil and maniacal but still capable of humor and high style. Scar will do anything to be the King of the Pridelands. This role requires an exceptional actor (Classical training is helpful) who is also a character singer.
MUFASA: To play a strong, masculine male lion in his mid 30’s – mid 40’s. The King of the African Pridelands. Regal, omnipotent and powerful. Must have a physical strength and have an excellent, rich baritone voice.
RAFIKI: To play female in her late 20’s – mid 40’s. A soulful, but comedic, African female baboon. Sings “The Circle of Life”. Must possess an excellent, rich unique South African style belt voice.
ADULT SIMBA: To play male in his late teens – early 30’s. Male actor/singer to play the African lion, Simba. This actor must have sex appeal, charm and an urban sensibility as well as a strong pop/rock singing voice. Should be a high baritone and able to sing to an “A”. Must be in excellent physical condition and dance and/or move very well. Should be 5’8” – 6’2”.
ADULT NALA: To play female in her late teens – late 20’s. Female actor/singer to play Nala, a very attractive African lion with sex appeal and charm. Should have excellent pop belt to an “E.” Must be in excellent physical shape and have great strength and presence. Must dance/and or move well.
TIMON: To play male in his late 20’s – mid 40’s. A meerkat. Wise cracking, New York urban comic character actor. Stand-up comedy experience is a plus. No taller than 5’8”. Character singer. Actor must move well and be comfortable operating a puppet.
PUMBAA: To play male in his late 20’s – mid 40’s. Timon’s sidekick. Not so bright but loveable warthog. Should also have strong comedic skills. Somewhat larger frame or body type is preferred. Character singer. A gravelly distinctive voice is good.
ZAZU: To play male in his early 30’s – mid 40’s. A parrot-like bird (or a hornbill). A proper and somewhat befuddled, English butler with a cynical outlook on life but completely dediated to the king, Actor must possess strong comedic skills. Character singer. This actor must be comfortable operating a puppet.
SHENZI (Female), BANZAI (Male) AND ED (Male): To play in their late 20’s – early 40’s. Funny, maniacal hyenas. Street smart and urban. Must have strong rock and roll singing voices. Actors must move well and be comfortable operating puppets. Ed will also cover Timon and Zazu.
YOUNG SIMBA: To play male cub age 9-12. Looking for a natural young actor/singer who is able to move well to be the future King of the Pridelands. A natural talent with charm and charisma able to hold the stage on his own with confidence and truth. Looking for kids with personality. ACTOR MUST BE UNDER 58 INCHES.
YOUNG NALA: To play female cub age 9 – 12. Looking for a natural young actress/singer who is able to move well. Looking for a confident young lady cub to keep Simba in his place. A natural talent with personality, confidence and strength. Looking for kids with personality. ACTRESS MUST BE UNDER 58 INCHES.
DANCERS:
Seeking strong male and female dancers with a modern/ballet dance background-late teens to early 30’s. Some male dancers require strong acrobatic skills.
DANCERS PREPARE: You must be warmed up and ready by the start time. Bring dance clothes plus at jazz shoes or bare feet. You may be asked to sing, so please bring a contemporary song that shows your voice and range. Bring sheet music.