Wisconsin theater arts

Below you will find a description of each character that you can audition for on the first day of camp. Prior to the first day of camp you will receive the audition form to mark all characters you'd like to be considered for; however, ALL CAMPERS will be considered for ALL ROLES AVAILABLE. The Directors will cast the camper that best fits each role in this musical. 

JOJO (male or female) – A "Thinker"... 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/her into constant trouble. By the end of the show, he/she learns what it means to be a responsible member of his community, using the power and possibilities of his/her own "Thinks." JoJo should be a strong singer.

CAT IN THE HAT (male or female) - 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. We'll be looking for a physically adept actor (male or female) to play the Cat who is confident onstage, comfortable with comedy, and able to improvise with the audience if needed. The Cat does not need to be the strongest singer but should still have good rhythm and timing.

HORTON (Male) - 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. Looking for a great singer and actor in this important role.

MR. MAYOR (Male) and MRS. MAYOR (Female) – 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/her 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. Looking for two performers who are good singers and pair well together. Remember, Mr. and Mrs. Mayor are a team.

GERTRUDE (Female) – 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. Looking for a wonderful actor and a good singer who will also work well with Horton.

MAYZIE (Female) – Self-centered, vain, and manipulative. She ultimately 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. Looking for a performer who is a great singer and great actor and can sell Mayzie's larger-than-life personality.

WHICKERSHAM (Male or Female) – The Wickersham Brothers are not bad guys! They tease, play pranks, and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at another's expense. Looking for good movers who work well as a group. Those cast in this role will be asked to find an individual Wickersham persona.

BIRD GIRLS (Female) – 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. We'll be looking for good movers, singers, and those who work well together as a group.

SOUR KANGAROO (Female) - 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. Looking for a good actor and a sort of "bring-down-the-house" singing voice who is unafraid of making bold choices onstage.

YOUNG KANGAROO (Female) - 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 doesn't have to be the best singer, but should be a good actor with lots of attitude and pairs well with Sour Kangaroo.

YERTLE THE TURLTE (Female or male) - 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. Need an actor who can sing well and command the stage.

VLAD VLADIKOFF (Female or male) - is the black-bottomed eagle who flies off with the Whos. Vlad is onstage very briefly and doesn't sing, so this is a good role for an ensemble member who can make a big impression in a short amount of time.

THE GRINCH (Female or male) - Arguably the most famous Seuss character of all! The Grinch has a brief, fun cameo in Seussical JR. Looking for a good actor and singer who can have fun with the Grinch's short solo.

THE WHOS (male or female) - are the citizens of Whoville and they're a tight knit, supportive community. All WHOS will be encouraged to create their own unique WHO resident.

ENSEMBLE & FEATURED CHARACTERS - The Jungle Citizens, Hunters, Circus Animals, Fish, Nurses, Courtroom Attendants, additional Wickersham Brothers, Bird Girls, and WHOS all help fill out the world of Seussical JR. These ensemble roles are great places for everyone! As an ensemble member you'll be asked to play multiple roles where you'll be able to create your own individual characters.