The Lion King JR

Director's Vision

This show is a classic coming-of-age story based on the Biblical narratives of both Joseph and Moses from the Old Testament. The central theme for the show is Simba's reluctance to accept his birthright, face his demons, and restore the Pridelands to their rightful way, much like God's chosen people faced numerous times in Holy Scripture. Therefore, it is my vision to cast the show in a way that both honors the Old Testament and points to Christ (New Testament).

The suggested age range for any show in CYT is 8-18, I would prefer that Mufasa, Sarabi, Scar, Rafiki, Adult Simba and Adult Nala be older performers (upper 13-18). However, I am willing to cast younger actors for those parts, provided the actor shows both vocal and acting maturity. Look to MTI's synopsis of the show for further details. Zazu, Timon, and Pumbaa can be played by either gender, so I am open to both possibilities in casting.

This is also a somewhat dance and movement-heavy show, particularly involving those cast in the Grasslands sequence, the Lionesses, and the Hyenas. However, this is a musical, not a ballet. Thus, those cast as dancers need to also demonstrate a solid vocal blend. All auditioners will need movement experience in the larger scenes of "Circle of Life", "Just Can't Wait to be King", and the Finale. Our dance auditions and callbacks will help determine that.

You have two minutes to SHINE in your audition, and you can share the time however you want between your song and monologue. When auditioning, please choose a song that matches your vocal range. It is very difficult, as an artistic team, to successfully gauge a person's vocal ability when he or she selects a song too high or too low for their voice type. You must bring your accompaniment on a pre-recorded track. Do not sing a cappella. If you are not sure where to obtain your audition track, there are numerous sources via both YouTube and iTunes.

You will also need a monologue for your audition. The order of presenting the monologue and the song is up to the performer. Monologues should be timed, rehearsed, and memorized. The monologue should also allude to your desired character role. Even if you are not desiring a named role, you should prepare every audition as though you were. Again, please refer to the cast synopsis of Lion King, Jr. to better guide your decision. If you elect not to prepare a monologue, it does not exclude you from consideration for a named role or from being cast.

The whole artistic team, the production team, and CYT Houston at large are praying over your successful audition. I am always delighted and encouraged during auditions, particularly when I am surprised by what actors come up with during the callback process. I am the director of "What if?" and I'm always looking for those who have the potential to be tested in something bigger than what they've done in the past.

David Horn
Director, Lion King Jr.