Auditions...

BIG FISH the musical

Book by John August
Music & Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Big Fish revolves around the relationship between Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman, and his adult son Will, who looks for what is behind his father's tall stories.

DIRECTOR: Amy Sander
MUSIC DIRECTOR: Delano Mendoza-Holt
CHOREOGRAPHER: Emmy Hadley
STAGE MANAGER: Jo Pellow
ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER: Austyn Sander

AGE RANGE:

8 & up
(Youth casting will consist of 4-6 youth under age 16, including two young boys who will play the roles of Young Will and Will’s Son.)

AUDITION PREPARATION:

• Bring a headshot and resume (if available).
• Prepare 32-bars of a contemporary musical theatre song in the style of the show. (No songs from the actual production please.)
• Bring marked sheet music for the provided accompanist. No acapella vocals or music tracks allowed.
• Wear comfortable clothing for a possible dance audition.
• You MUST complete the online audition form prior to arrival (LINKED HERE).

ADDITIONAL AUDITION INFO:

• Auditions are held at Prairie Baptist Church at 75th & Roe. (Please park on the west side of the church, and enter through the Preschool door with the blue awning.)
• Auditions are OPEN CALL (come anytime within the allotted time frames on either day).
• Auditionees will only need to come to one of the audition days.
• The audition will take approximately one hour from the time you enter the audition room.
• The last check-in time will be 15 minutes prior to the ending time on each day.
• We strongly encourage auditions for Principal Roles from artists who self-identify as Black, White, Asian, Indigenous, Latino or Multi-Ethnic and we encourage actors to indicate interest in any roles that fit their gender identity at auditions.
• Age ranges listed are not meant to eliminate any performer from consideration for a role, but merely to provide a general guideline for each character.

FOR VIDEO SUBMISSIONS ONLY:

• If you are unable to attend auditions in person, you may submit a video audition.
• Please present a 1-2 minute vocal cut (with accompaniment or backing track) of a contemporary musical theatre song in the style of the show. (No songs from the actual production please.)
• Submit by 11:59pm on January 24th via email to amy.e.sander@gmail.com. (Please also attach a headshot and resume, if available.)
• You MUST complete the online audition form prior to submission.

OPEN CALL AUDITIONS:

Saturday, January 24th from 11am-3pm
Sunday, January 25th from 1pm-3pm

CALLBACKS:

Sunday, February 1st from 5pm-9pm
*Those invited to callbacks will be notified via email on Tuesday, January 27th. Callback materials will also be sent at that time.

REHEARSALS:

• Rehearsals will begin Sunday, March 29th.
• A typical schedule will be Sunday from 1:30-4:30pm and Monday-Thursday 6:00-9:30pm.
• Rehearsals are held at Prairie Baptist Church (75th & Roe).
• On April 27th, the production moves to The Black Box at The Arts & Heritage Center
• No conflicts will be accepted or approved from April 27th on.

PRODUCTION DATES: May 1-10, 2026

Performances:
WEEK ONE: Friday, Saturday & Monday (Industry Night) @ 7:30pm and Sunday @ 2pm
WEEK TWO: Thursday, Friday & Saturday @ 7:30pm and Sunday @ 2pm (Eight performances)
All performances will take place in The Black Box Theater at The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Cast members are required to assist with strike following the final performance.
Cast members may also be asked to assist with costume pieces.

SHOW SYNOPSIS:

Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, BIG FISH tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest…and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him—most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart and humor, BIG FISH is an extraordinary musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre—for an experience that’s richer, funnier and bigger than life itself.

BIG FISH CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

EDWARD BLOOM

Age: must be able to portray age 18 to 60
This actor plays a young man, a middle-aged man, and an older man. Older Edward is a charming, charismatic storyteller. A devoted yet absent father nearing the end of his life and wanting to reconnect with his son. He is comfortable in his own skin but hopes for Will’s approval. He absolutely loves his wife, his son, and telling stories. Younger Edward is an enthusiastic, optimistic, energetic romantic. He needs to steal our hearts and make us buy into the fabulous myths that he enters. He is the quintessential hometown boy hero. Needs to have a strong baritone, with the ability to reach some higher notes (must sing comfortably up to a G4.) Has to be a strong mover and competent dancer. This role is very demanding and onstage nearly the entire show and must be played by an actor with range, energy, and authenticity.
(bari-tenor G2 to G4)

SANDRA BLOOM

Age: must be able to portray age 15 to 55
This actor plays Sandra as an older woman, a middle-aged mother, and a young teenage girl. Older Sandra is patient, calm, the perfect balance to Edward’s enthusiasm. She adores and appreciates Edward and tries to bring reconciliation to her husband and son, both of whom she loves. As a young woman, Sandra is a lovely, sweet, fresh-faced, innocent girl excited by the possibilities of life. She appreciates Edward’s romantic viewpoint. This role is versatile, expressive and demanding. She will need to be a strong dancer, with basic tap ability. An exceptional voice and presence are required, as is a strong understanding of the text.
(Mezzo or soprano with mix/belt, G3 to E5)

WILL BLOOM

Approximate Actor Age: 20-30
Will is a critical part of the story. He is an earnest, serious, thoughtful young man wanting to reconnect with his storytelling father, but unable to appreciate Edward’s romantic view of life. He is a successful professional and new husband. He has to be able to take us on the journey of understanding and make us believe the complex relationship and final heartfelt embrace of his father’s legacy. Needs a strong tenor voice for a beautiful, yet difficult solo song. No dance. Serious character acting with the ability to be authentic, likeable, and emotional. He is onstage for a lot of the show.
(Tenor, C3 to G4)

JOSEPHINE BLOOM

Approximate Actor Age: 18-40
Will’s wife. Successful adult, sweet, intelligent, and organically compatible with Will. Josephine acts as the bridge between Edward and Will, explaining the deeper meaning of the stories. Has very little singing and no dancing. A role for a lovable character actress who may not be the strongest singer/dancer.
(mix/belt to C#5)

KARL THE GIANT

Approximate Actor Age: 18-30
Edward’s best friend. Karl is shy, exceptionally intelligent, hermit-like, and has quiet charisma. He needs a booming voice and a large personality. Needs to be decently tall, but not a “giant.” Limited singing/dancing, but Karl has tons of tricky and specific comedic timing.
(Bass, A2 to D4)

AMOS

Approximate Actor Age: 30-60
Amos is the rather eccentric, quirky owner of the circus that employs young Edward. He also happens to be a werewolf (in Edward’s tales). Needs an actor able to portray strong, outgoing personality and humor. Sings, but does not necessarily have to be a strong singer. Doesn’t need to dance well, but an entertaining and watchable stage presence is essential. Show us a character!!
(Baritone, C3 to F5, touches a G5)

WITCH

Approximate Actor Age: 20-40
This needs a commanding performer with great confidence and storytelling ability. She convinces Edward to pursue his big life without fear. Needs a belt voice, and strong dancing skills.
(Mezzo with high belt, F3 to F5)

JENNY HILL

Age: must be able to portray age 15 to 55
Young cheerleader. Edward’s devoted, first girlfriend. She is beautiful, a dreamer, maybe a little ditzy. She needs a loud belt. Some movement. Not a huge role but has a very important scene later in the show as her older, more tired, disillusioned version of herself. This role needs a committed and authentic actress to craft an honest and heartbreaking character who helps the audience understand the larger themes of the show. She ages throughout the show.
(Mix/belt to E5)

DON PRICE

Age: must be able to portray age 20-45
Edward’s older, snarky bully and Sandra’s first fiancé. Eventually, he becomes Edward’s rival, but behind him in every war. This is not as easy a role as you’d think. It requires a bigger than life acting style, some strong movement, and some vocal chops. The audience needs to see how little Edward lets Don’s jealousy affect him. Character ages throughout the show.
(Baritone, C3 to F#4)

ZACKY PRICE

Age: must be able to portray age 20-45
Nerdy brother and shadow of Don Price. Character ages throughout the show.
(Tenor, C3 to F#4)

YOUNG WILL

Age: approx. age 10
Young Will is precocious, intelligent, and practical, unlike his father's romantic and fantastical view of life. He is already skeptical of his father's tall tales, struggling to reconcile them with reality. Even as a child, he is trying to make sense of his father's world, even if he doesn't fully succeed. He represents the practical, rational perspective that questions the unbelievable stories, which will later drive the adult Will's quest for truth. This actor will also be in the ensemble.
(B3 to C5)

SUPPORTING ROLES (all of the below named roles will also be in the ensemble)

Doctor Bennett

Considerably older man. Warm, kind, frank, soft-spoken friend and physician of Edward. Needs to be a realistic actor. No singing or dancing necessary. (Approximate actor age: 45-75.)

Red Fang

Assassin. World War II villain. Needs fight scene movement abilities. (Approximate actor age: 18-28.)

Ashton Mayor

Typical small town good-guy mayor personality. (Approximate actor age: 30-60.)

Alabama Lambs

Two of Sandra’s friends (actors age 15--25). Perform with Sandra at the circus. Need to have strong singing and dancing skills. (Approximate actor ages: 15-25.)

Fisherman

Hometown country bumpkin. Needs strong singing and dancing skills. (Approximate actor age: 18-35.)

Mermaid

Ensemble role that is movement and dance based. (Approximate actor age: 18-25.)

Will's Young Son

Small cameo and speaking role at the end of the show. (Approximate actor age: 8.)

Ensemble

The performers will play a large variety of roles throughout the performance. Strong dancing, singing, and acting skills are required for all (in addition to a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and storytelling ability). All sing and move. Will play townspeople, fishermen, wedding guests, Ashton townspeople, college students, soldiers, Westerners, hospital workers, etc.

Featured Dancers

Ensemble dancers who will be appearing throughout the show to help support the plot. They will take the story to the next level using creative movement, technique, and elevated performance. These performers should have a strong presence and acting skills, as they will be playing a variety of characters, such as:

Witch Ensemble - Singing and Dancing ensemble of witches

Circus Ensemble - Dances in, Closer to Her

USO dancers - tap dancers

The Barn Players welcomes and values all forms of diversity as we strive to better represent the performing arts community in Kansas City. Non-traditional, inclusive and equal-opportunity casting is encouraged.

For more information, please contact The Barn Artistic Director and BIG FISH Director, Amy Sander at amy.e.sander@gmail.com.