Auditions: Seussical JR.

Seussical JR.

Based on the works of Dr. Seuss

Book by Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty

Music by Stephen Flaherty

Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens

Director and Choreographer: SJ Olson

Music Director: Dylan Reed-Fuglestad

PERFORMANCE DATES: April 24-28 @ NorShor Theatre

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GENERAL AUDITION INFORMATION

Auditions will be held in person at the NorShor Theatre Rehearsal Studios located at 211 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN, 55802.  Please enter through the “Lights on Duluth” door located next to the Box Office.

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AUDITION DETAILS

• Auditions will be held on January 10, 2026 | Sign up for a slot HERE.
• Actors must fill out the audition form HERE.
• Actors will be asked to perform one of the music selections listed HERE. If preferred, they may prepare 16-32 bars of a song in the style of the show.  If they choose a song not from the list, then they must bring sheet music for the accompanist.

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WHAT TO BRING

• Headshot or recent photo - You may also upload one on your audition form.
• Resume - You may also enter previous experience on your audition form. 
• Sheet music - If you plan to sing something other than the provided musical selections.
• Water bottle - Hydration is key. Please take care of yourself! 
• CALLBACKS ONLY: Clothes/Shoes to move in - You will be dancing! Dress appropriately. Shoes must be secure to your foot. Dancing shoes preferred, sneakers or socks are acceptable. No sandals, crocs, or barefeet. 

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CALLBACK DETAILS

Callbacks will be held on January 11 -  12 p.m. - 5:00 pm.  

Actors should be prepared to sing songs from the show and attend dance calls. 

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ABOUT SEUSSICAL JR.

We encourage you to read the script and listen to the soundtrack in preparation for your audition. You can find a digital version of the script/score HERE. 

For additional preparation, you can find the soundtrack to the original production of Seussical The Musical on YouTube, Spotify, and other music apps.  You can also explore any Dr. Seuss movies, books, and other media to familiarize yourself with the Whos and other Seuss worlds. Please keep in mind, there will be differences between the JR Version and other adaptations of these stories. We encourage students to get to know the script and music they will be working with.

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DESCRIPTION

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical JR., a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.  Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.  Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

Seussical JR. provides wonderful creative opportunities in terms of set design, lighting and costuming and can easily accommodate a large cast of expandable “Seussian” creatures.

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AVAILABLE ROLES AND DESCRIPTIONS 

Jojo/Boy  

A "Thinker" - He's a smart child with a wild imagination. JoJo can be played as being a little bit awkward, a little bit of a loner, or simply a rambunctious kid whose "Thinks" get him into constant trouble. By the end of the show, he learns what it means to be a responsible member of his community, using the power and possibilities of his own "Thinks." This is a demanding role for a confident vocalist/actor. 

Gender: Any

Vocal Range: Ab3 - B4

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The Cat in the Hat

The essence of mischief, fun, and imagination. The Cat stirs things up and causes trouble but always sets things right again. He helps JoJo discover the power of his own imagination as they create the story of Seussical JR. together. Look for a physically adept actor to play the Cat who is confident onstage, comfortable with comedy, and able to improvise with the audience if needed. This is a demanding role for a confident vocalist/actor. 

Gender: Any

Vocal Range:  Bb3 - D5

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Horton the Elephant

A gentle giant. Think of Horton as a big-hearted, blue-collar guy who is steadfast, responsible, and always tries to do the right thing. He is sympathetic and receptive to the world around him. He believes in the inherent goodness of the world, so it's no surprise that he always looks for the good in others. Horton goes on quite a journey throughout the show but stays true to himself, even when the going gets tough. This is a demanding role for a confident vocalist/actor. 

Gender: Male Presenting

Vocal Range: A2 - E4

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Mr. Mayor

Mr. Mayor and Mrs. Mayor are parents trying hard to raise a child with a big imagination. These Whos may get aggravated with JoJo, but they love him dearly. They try their best to make the right choices as parents, even if JoJo doesn't always understand them. They are also upstanding members of their community. 

Gender: Male Presenting

Vocal Range: C3 - E4

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Mrs. Mayor

Mr. Mayor and Mrs. Mayor are parents trying hard to raise a child with a big imagination. These Whos may get aggravated with JoJo, but they love him dearly. They try their best to make the right choices as parents, even if JoJo doesn't always understand them. They are also upstanding members of their community. 

Gender: Female Presenting

Vocal Range: A3 - Bb4

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Gertrude McFuzz

Very self-conscious about her one-feather tail. Gertrude gains confidence throughout the show, changing from an anxious, nervous, shy bird into someone whose self-worth doesn't rest on her appearance. In other words, Gertrude realizes what's truly important in her life. This is a demanding role for a confident vocalist/actor. 

Gender: Female Presenting

Vocal Range: F#3 - Eb5

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Mayzie La Bird

A self-centered diva - beautiful but vain, charismatic but manipulative. She means no harm, but she's immature and makes selfish decisions. In giving up her egg to Horton once and for all, she has a moment of self- awareness - she realizes she isn't the kind of bird who would be a good parent, and she does the best thing she can for the egg. This is a demanding role for a confident dancer, vocalist, and actor. 

Gender: Female Presenting

Vocal Range: G#3 - Eb5

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Wickersham Brothers

The Wickersham Brothers, including Wickersham 1, Wickersham 2, and Wickersham 3, are not bad guys! They tease, play pranks, and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at another's expense. This is a great role for strong movers who work well in a group, and are willing to make specific and fun character choices. 

Gender: Any

Vocal Range: Ab2 - B3

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Bird Girls

The Bird Girls are a fabulous group of birds who know everything there is to know about the goings on in the jungle and support Mayzie throughout the show. All bird girls will be dancing throughout most of the show. Bird Girls 1, 2, and 3 will have sung/spoken solos. This is an amazing supporting role for confident dancers and vocalists. 

Gender: Female Presenting

Vocal Range: A3 - B4

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Sour Kangaroo

Calling all divas! Sour Kangaroo is loud, brassy, and a lot of fun. She's got a lot of attitude but isn't mean - she's just very confident and unafraid to tell it like it is. This is a demanding role for a VERY confident vocalist.

Gender: Female Presenting

Vocal Range: Bb3 - Eb5

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Young Kangaroo

Sour Kangaroo's feisty daughter. She may be pint- sized, but she's got a big personality and is following in her mother's footsteps. Young Kangaroo needs to match the attitude and physicality of Sour Kangaroo - calling all mini divas! 

Gender: Any

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Judge Yertle the Turtle

The authoritative judge who presides over Horton's trial at the end of the show. Yertle is a great role for a newer performer who may not be quite ready for the responsibility of a larger part. Must be ready to command the stage. 

Gender: Any

Vocal Range: F3 - F5

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Vlad Vladikoff

The black-bottomed eagle who flies off with the Whos. This actor will also be in the ensemble. 

Gender: Any

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The Grinch

Arguably the most famous Seuss character of all! This actor will also be in the ensemble. 

Gender: Any

Vocal Range: F3 - B3

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The Whos

The Whos are the citizens of Whoville and they look a lot like you and me, only so small they are invisible to the naked eye. They are a tight-knit, supportive community. Everyone playing a Who will create their own unique character. These actors will also be in the ensemble. 

Gender: Any

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Additional Ensemble Roles

Bird Girls, WIckersham Brothers, The Jungle Citizens, Hunters, Circus Animals, Fish, Nurses, Courtroom Attendants

Gender: Any

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Rehearsal Information

Dates and Times:

March 2 - April 22, 2026

Monday - Friday, 6:00 - 9:00pm

Where:

NorShor Theatre Studios and Main Stage

211 E Superior Street, Duluth, MN

Mandatory Dates for All Cast Members:

April 8   |  Designer Run

April 9-10   |  Singing with the Stars Rehearsal and Performance

April 14-17  |  Tech Rehearsals

April 20-22  |  Tech Rehearsals

April 23-28  |  Performances

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PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Thursday, April 23, 2026

Sponsor Night - Call 5:30 pm, Show 7:00 pm

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Friday, April 24, 2026

Opening Night - Call 5:30 pm, Show 7:00 pm

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Saturday, April 25, 2026 

Matinee - Call 12:30 pm, Show 2:00 pm (Meal provided)

Evening - Call 3:30 pm, Show 5:00pm

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Sunday, April 26, 2026

Matinee - Call 12:30 pm, Show 2:00 pm (Meal provided)

Evening - Call 3:30 pm, Show 5:00pm

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Monday, April 27, 2026

School Day Matinee - Call 8:00am, Show 9:30am (Meal provided)

School Day Matinee - Show 12:30pm 

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Tuesday, April 28, 2026 (POTENTIAL ADDED PERFORMANCES)

School Day Matinee - Call 8:00am, Show 9:30am (Meal provided)

School Day Matinee - Show 12:30pm 

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If you have any questions about the audition process, please contact the Director of Education SJ Olson: education@duluthplayhouse.org. 

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