Audition Notice - HONK

Book and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe
Music by George Stiles
Based on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling"

Directed by Kristy Cruz
Musical Direction by Heidi Herczeg
Choreography by RonDale Simpson

 Artwork by Noah Hrbek

"Nothing can deter you, if you hold your head up high..."

For over 30 years, Honk! has delighted audiences around the world with its joyful and award-winning telling of The Ugly Duckling. When Ugly the duckling finds himself feeling out of place, he sets off on a journey of self-discovery filled with adventure, friendship, and a few unexpected challenges. With humor and heart, Honk! reminds us that being different is something to celebrate and that even in times of change, there is always light to be found.

Honk! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

CASTING

NEAR WEST THEATRE IS COMMITTED TO DIVERSE, INCLUSIVE CASTING. WE WILL CAST ARTISTS WITHOUT REGARD TO DISABILITY, RACE, AGE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, COLOR, GENDER IDENTITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ETHNIC ORIGIN, OR ANY OTHERWISE INDICATED BASIS. WE ARE COMMITTED TO AUTHENTICALLY CASTING TO ENSURE ALL MARGINALIZED GROUPS ARE REPRESENTED.

Character Descriptions

All roles are open to young artists of all genders, ethnicities, identities, and backgrounds. Participants must be ages 9 - 15 to audition for this production.

Ugly
Our story's youthful protagonist. Gawky and odd-looking, shunned for their odd appearance. Possesses a heart of gold.

Cat
Our story's antagonist. Sly and cunning; a very hungry cat who preys on their next meal.

Drake
Ugly's father who detests his son.

Greylag
A goose and the Admiral of the squadron charged with Ugly's safe return. Dot's husband.

Turkey
The School Headmaster who is self-basting, self-boasted prime specimen. Deathly afraid of Thanksgiving.

Bullfrog
A laid-back, self-confident frog who is encouraging, light-hearted, and optimistic.

Father Swan
Penny's loving, protective, and caring father.

Ida
Ugly's loving mother and the only person who supports the outcast child.

Grace
Most distinguished duck on the lake and the school governor. Proud, honest, and genuine.

Dot
Greylag's composed wife.

Lowbutt
A domesticated chicken and Queenie’s best friend. Refined and proper.

Maureen
A moorhen and Ida’s best friend. Chatty and full of personality. Strong comedic instincts.

Queenie
Very domesticated, humorous, snobby cat who lives the "high life."

Mother Swan
Tender, compassionate, loving, and caring. Mother to Penny.

Henrietta
A friend of Maureen and Ida's; somewhat of a busybody.

Penny
A beautiful Swan who is kind, compassionate, and caring. Ugly's unlikely love interest and friend.

Ensemble
Ducklings; Fish; Froglets; Greylag's Flock; Goose Squadron

Auditions

• Participants must be ages 9 - 15 to audition for this production. 
• Audition dates are Monday, September 9; Tuesday, November 10; and Wednesday, November 11, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Anyone auditioning must stay for the entire time. Please register below to reserve a space.
• Callbacks are scheduled for Saturday, November 14, between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Our audition process includes group work in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. You do not need a headshot or resume; no preparation is required. It is a group experience of theatre games, improvisation, characterization, and movement. Come as you are, in comfortable clothing, and be ready to engage with your peers. We will make decisions and send notifications by the end of the following week.

Expectations

• Cast members are expected to prioritize rehearsals for the eight (8) weeks this show rehearses and the eight (8) performances.
• By the end of your audition, you must communicate any known rehearsal or performance conflicts to the Stage Manager and/or Director.

Rehearsals

• Rehearsals are scheduled for Sunday, December 13 through Wednesday, December 16 and Sunday, December 20 through Tuesday, December 22. Regular rehearsals will resume Sundays through Wednesday starting January 3rd (Thursday rehearsals scheduled if/when needed due to cast conflicts, inclement weather, availability of the space, etc.)
• The stage manager will distribute a schedule by Thursday of every week.
• Closer to the show's opening, typically tech week, rehearsals may be extended on some days, but they will not run past 10:30 PM.
• You may be required to participate in a Dry Tech Rehearsal on February 6. This rehearsal typically takes place during the day.

Dress Rehearsal Week - “ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED DURING DRESS REHEARSAL WEEK.”

• Sunday, February 7, is Tech Sunday, an extended rehearsal for all cast, staff, and crew from 12 PM to 9 PM.  We have organized a potluck supper for this date. This is the first working tech rehearsal. We will incorporate costumes, lighting, props, and special effects later in the week.
• Monday through Thursday, February 8 - 12, are mandatory rehearsals. Cast, crew, and staff are expected to be at the theater from 6 PM to 10:30 PM each day. Everyone must stay until the end of the rehearsal to run the show.

Performances

• The cast is expected to be at the theater at 6:00 PM on Friday and Saturday performance nights and at 12:30 PM on Sunday.
• The performances are scheduled for February 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28. 
• Curtain times are 7:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 2 PM on Sunday.

REGISTER BELOW TO RESERVE A SPOT. 

Please note that you will still receive an audition form to fill out.