Audition Information

 

Please read this information very carefully.

 

Audition Dates:

January 11 & 12, 2027 at 6:30 PM.  Invited callbacks will be held on January 13 at 6:30 PM. 

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Audition Location: 

C.R.O.W. Center for the Performing Arts: 3120 Hwy 101 in Florence.

 

**Note: It is not necessary to attend both days of the initial audition. 

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Telegrammers:

Telegrammer hopefuls (ages 4-7) should arrive promptly at 6:30 on the 11 or 12.  You will sing a short song for us first, and then be excused.  Visit our FAQ page for a description of Telegrammers.

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Performance Dates: 

April 16, 17, & 18.  There will be 4 shows over ONE weekend this year.  Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm.  Sorry, no Livestreaming is available for this title.  ​

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Rehearsals Begin:

Monday, January 25

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Approximate Main Cast Size:

35-40 actors. Unfortunately, not every person who auditions will be cast. 

 

Age Breakdown/Experience:

Auditions are open to all youth/young adults ages 4–22+.

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Most kids ages 4-6 will be considered for Telegrammers.  Depending on maturity level and casting needs, we occasionally consider younger performers in the Main Cast.

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We may cast a limited number of adults if needed after utilizing as many youth performers as possible. Adults who are interested in participating should contact us at artisticdirector@crowkids.com. If you are in your early to mid-20s (aka "22+") but we've never met you, we encourage you to audition and share your talents.

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No previous experience is required. C.R.O.W. is an educational theatre program, and we welcome performers of all experience levels.

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Please review the character breakdown (below) for a list of available roles.

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​What to Prepare/Bring?

 

Please complete a digital audition form HERE before attending the audition. 

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Please prepare a short song (approximately one minute or 16–32 bars) that showcases your best vocal abilities. Your selection should have a style or theme similar to the music in the show, but we do not recommend auditioning with a song from the musical itself.

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Bring one of the following:

• Sheet music, or

• An instrumental track (no background vocals) on your phone, MP3 player, iPad, or similar device.

 

You should be prepared to connect your device via Bluetooth to our Bose speaker. If you prefer, you may bring your own small speaker connected to your own device.

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If you need help selecting an audition song, please email artisticdirector@crowkids.com. We are happy to help!

 

If you are new to C.R.O.W. auditions, we also encourage you to visit our Audition Tips page.

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Please bring water in a closed container with a tightly fitting lid.

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Please wear clothing/shoes you can move in.  You may bring a change of dance shoes for the dance audition.  

 

Dance Audition

 

Most performers will participate in a brief dance audition following their vocal audition.

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The dance combination video will be posted on this page and on our social media channels. We highly recommend following us on Facebook so you don't miss important updates.

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You will sing first, then dance, so please wear or bring clothing and shoes that allow you to move comfortably.

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Audition Policies

 

Auditions are closed to parents and guests. Only those auditioning and members of the production team may be present.

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If you receive a callback slip, please return for callbacks on January 13 at 6:30 PM.

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If you do not receive a callback slip, you will still be notified by email whether or not you have been cast.

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Receiving a callback is not required to be cast. Many roles are cast without callbacks.

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Commitment

 

Participation in a C.R.O.W. production is a significant commitment.

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Rehearsals are January 25 -  April 15, and are generally held 6:30–8:45 PM on Mon-Thurs evenings.

 

Occasionally rehearsals run a little longer, but we do our best to finish on time.

 

Occasionally, we call in certain cast members for a Saturday rehearsal.  

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Not every cast member is called to every rehearsal. If cast, you'll receive a detailed schedule.  

 

Tech week will be very late nights.  Please review "What is tech week?" on our FAQs page. 

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We make every effort to rehearse only those performers who are needed and release cast members as soon as they are finished.

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Mandatory Parent Meeting

 

If cast, a mandatory parent meeting will be held on January 25 at 6:30 PM.

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One parent or guardian must attend this meeting.

 

If a parent or guardian does not attend this meeting, the student cannot participate in the production.

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Attendance Expectations

 

All cast members are expected to attend every rehearsal and performance.

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By accepting a role, you are committing to placing this production ahead of other extracurricular activities, including sports, choir, band, and similar commitments.

 

We always do our very best to make it possible for kids to participate if they are involved in other activities, but early communication is key. Sometimes it is not possible to work around other activities.  

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In general, unless you are ill or experiencing a major family emergency, you are expected to attend every rehearsal for which you are called.​

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Ongoing conflicts, such as "I'll be arriving late every Tuesday," are usually not permitted unless a specific exception has been approved in advance by the production team.

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No rehearsals may be missed during Tech Week for any reason.

 

If you have questions about scheduling conflicts, please ask before auditioning.

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Performance Schedule

 

There will be 4 Public Performances:

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• April 16 at 7:00 PM

• April 17 at 2:00

• April 17 at 7:00 PM

• April 18 at 2:00 PM

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Outreach Performances

 

Our Free School Show will be April 15 at approximately 9:00 AM. 

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Cast Members must be excused from school on April 15 so that they may perform in this community outreach.

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Additional outreach performances will be announced for selected cast members.  (i.e.- visits to senior living facilities, etc.)

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Cast Member Expectations

 

Cast members are expected to practice their songs, choreography, and lines outside of rehearsal.

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Cast members who exhibit unacceptable behavior may be removed from the production.

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All participants are expected to follow C.R.O.W.'s general policies and procedures, found HERE.  

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No Participation Fees

 

There is no cost to participate in a C.R.O.W. production.  This fact differentiates us from nearly every other similar organization in the nation.  

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If cast, performers will be responsible for providing:

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• Hair accessories and supplies

• Any specific footwear for your role

• Stage makeup

• Required undergarments

• Any other small items that may be required for your role

 

Limited Roles

 

There are a limited number of roles available, and unfortunately not every performer who auditions will be cast.

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Our educational philosophy is based on the belief that hard work and refining your skills leads to success.

 

Think of C.R.O.W. auditions as a job interview.  This is great practice for real life! 

 

We encourage every performer to come prepared to "wow" us with your very best audition.

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Family Volunteer, Fundraising, & "Word of Mouth" (Advertising) Commitment

 

Because C.R.O.W. is a nonprofit organization and there is no participation fee, every cast family is required to:

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• Actively volunteer time in one or more production areas (information to be provided upon casting)

• Actively participate in the production fundraiser (sales based).

• Actively market the production and encourage people to purchase tickets. 

 

These commitments are not optional.​​ Volunteer support and fundraising make it possible for us to provide high-quality productions at no cost to participating families.

 

C.R.O.W. is like a family, and we ask everyone to contribute their time and talents to help make these opportunities possible for our amazingly talented young stars.

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For general audition tips, CLICK HERE.

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For FAQ's, CLICK HERE.  

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For policies, waivers, & procedures, CLICK HERE.

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For video resources, CLICK HERE.

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"Willy Wonka" Character Breakdown:​​​​

 

Willy Wonka

The mysterious title character. He is charming, enigmatic, charismatic, and slightly sinister. A chocolatier who guides children and their parents on a tour of his factory. He is looking for someone new to take over his candy empire. 

Age: 20 to 50

Vocal range top: F4

Vocal range bottom: G2

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Candy Man

A local candy vendor. He leads the children in praising the joys of candy. 

Age: 20 to 50

Vocal range top: D4

Vocal range bottom: A2

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Phineous Trout

A reporter covering the Golden Ticket story. Can be male or female.  

Age: 20 to 50

Vocal range top: F4

Vocal range bottom: B2

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Charlie Bucket

Our story's shy, earnest protagonist. From a modest home life, he is humble and noncompetitive while maintaining a sense of wonder about the world. One of the Golden Ticket winners whose honesty and general good nature win Wonka over.

Age: 9 to 12

Vocal range top: G4

Vocal range bottom: G2

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Mrs. Bucket

Charlie Bucket's nurturing mother. She is always trying to maintain an energetic positivity.

Age: 30 to 45

Vocal range top: F5

Vocal range bottom: Bb3

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Mr. Bucket

Charlie Bucket's nurturing father. He is always trying to maintain an energetic positivity.

Age: 30 to 45

Vocal range top: F4

Vocal range bottom: B2

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Grandpa Joe

A caring, patient, and kindhearted man. Loving Grandfather to Charlie Bucket. He accompanies Charlie to Willy Wonka's factory and it gives him a new burst of youthful vigor.

Age: 60 to 80

Vocal range top: F4

Vocal range bottom: Bb2

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Augustus Gloop

A gluttonous German boy. Cheerful and jolly, he defines himself by his ability to eat mass quantities of food. One of the Golden Ticket winners whose constant overeating is enabled and encouraged by Mrs. Gloop. Must be comfortable with the possibility of wearing a padded suit (to appear overweight). 

Age: 10 to 15

Vocal range top: G4

Vocal range bottom: B2

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Mrs. Gloop

A plump, jolly german woman with a bustling personality. Augustus Gloop's overindulgent mother. Must be comfortable with the possibility of wearing a padded suit (to appear overweight). 

Age: 35 to 45

Vocal range top: E4

Vocal range bottom: B3

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Veruca Salt

A wealthy, spoiled brat. She is accustomed to having her father indulge her every whim and desire. One of the Golden Ticket winners, she is subjected to a ride down the squirrels' nut slide.

Age: 10 to 15

Vocal range top: F5

Vocal range bottom: G3

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Mr. Salt

A wealthy upperclassman who regularly flaunts his wealth and privilege. Father to Veruca Salt who shamelessly spoils his daughter.

Age: 40 to 60

Vocal range top: E4

Vocal range bottom: D3

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Mike Teavee

An obnoxious, hyperactive child addicted to television, video games, and the internet. One of the Golden Ticket winners and Ms. Teavee's son.

Age: 9 to 12

Vocal range top: G4

Vocal range bottom: G2

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Ms. Teavee

An old-fashioned housewife. She is Mike Teavee's permissive and clueless mother.

Age: 35 to 50

Vocal range top: F5

Vocal range bottom: B3

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Violet Beauregarde

A brassy girl with a competitive streak. Violet seizes every opportunity to show off. She turns into a giant blueberry. Must be a strong physical comedienne who is comfortable with the blueberry transformation.  

Age: 9 to 12

Vocal range top: F5

Vocal range bottom: G3

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Mrs. Beauregarde

Violet's enthusiastic "helicopter parent" who focuses all her attention on her daughter. She indulges Violet's worst competitive impulses.

Age: 35 to 45

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: D4

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Ensemble

Kids; Cooks; Squirrels; Oompa-Loompas

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If you have questions or need help preparing for the audition, contact Melanie Heard: artisticdirector@crowkids.com.