Thank you for your interest in being involved in our first 'mini musical'!

McKinnon stages a full-school, large-scale musical every second year.
Now, for the first time in 2026, there are more opportunities to perform available, as we launch the McK Mini Musical.

The McK Mini Musical will be exactly that - the mini cousin to our biennial big show.
Basically, we will alternate each year between a big show and a mini show!

What's the difference? 

Big Show (like Mary Poppins)
Cast from all year levels, around 50+ in cast, full length and full-scale production values.
Various backstage crew opportunities for all year levels. 

McK Mini Musical  (what's happening in 2026)

Cast from years 7-10 only, around 30 in cast, senior students in supporting production roles (costumes, sets, props, etc). Show is shorter in duration, around 1 hour. 

About the show: 

Into the Woods JR. is a witty and whimsical mash-up of several beloved fairy tales, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel.

The core of the story centers on a Baker and their Wife, who desperately wish to have a child. They learn a neighboring Witch has placed a curse on their family. To break the spell, the couple must venture into the treacherous woods to find four specific items: a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold.

In the woods, their journey intersects with the classic fairy tale characters, all of whom are also seeking a wish. The first act ends with everyone achieving their "happily ever after." However, the second act explores what happens after those wishes come true, when the consequences of their actions lead to new, unexpected dangers and ethical dilemmas, ultimately teaching a vital lesson about community, consequence, and responsibility.

Book by James Lapine
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

AUDITION PREPARATION

As mentioned above, a full info packet about what to prepare and how to book your audition will be available at the start of Term 1, 2026.
However, if you are a keen bean and gunning for a role, we recommend you listen to the show, read about the characters below and start thinking about a possible audition song. 

We are committed to gender-neutral casting for all roles. We encourage all students to audition for the role they feel most connected to, regardless of their gender identity. The character descriptions focus on personality traits, not assigned gender.

Narrators

The narrator is the storyteller who speaks directly to the audience. This character helps control the pacing of the show and always needs to be ready for their next entrance, as they pop in and out throughout the story. Find a charismatic girl or boy with great diction for this large speaking role with minimal singing
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Jack

Jack is an energetic young man who is always looking for an adventure. He begins this show as a  simple little boy (his best friend is a cow), but by the end of the show he learns a few valuable lessons. You will want to cast an excellent singer and actor who can show great range in this demanding role.
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Baker

The Baker is a good-hearted, likeable person who believes he can take on the Witch s curse all by himself. At first, this confidence and his desire to have a child drives him, but he soon learns he needs his wife s help to accomplish the goal. Cast an excellent actor and singer who is both personable and capable or portraying the Baker s strength of conviction.

Baker's Wife

The Baker's Wife is a strong, determined and loving woman whose desire to have a child drives the action of the whole show. Her storyline helps tie all the characters storylines together. Cast one of your strongest female performers in this role as it requires both excellent singing and acting as well as a good sense of comedic timing.

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: A3

Little Red Ridinghood

Little Red starts the show as a loud, bratty, pushy, glutton who happily manipulates people and situations to get her way. Eventually, she learns some valuable lessons and softens around the edges. The actress you cast should have a loud, powerful voice and be a good actor. Ideally, your Little Red will have a strong sense of musicality (her songs are often rhythmically challenging).

Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Witch

The Witch is an ancient, mysterious and manipulative woman who will do anything possible to regain her beauty and protect Rapunzel. While she may seem old and haggard, she still has the strength to control other people. This role is perfect for a good character actress and singer who can physically and vocally portray the complexities of the role.

Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Wolf

The Wolf is a sly and dangerous character intently focused on attacking Little Red Ridinghood. Cast an actor and singer who can physically and vocally bring the Wolf to life. Also keep your wolf on two feet: don't have the actor try to walk on his hands and knees.

Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Cinderella's Prince

Cinderella's Prince is a conceited man who adamantly pursues Cinderella and can't take no for an answer. When not chasing her, he is trying to show up Rapunzel's Prince. This role requires a good singer and actor who can portray arrogance while still being likeable.

Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Rapunzel's Prince

Rapunzel's Prince is the pompous and arrogant brother of Cinderella's Prince. Sibling rivalry runs rampant between the brothers, including each brother's belief that his lady love is the most beautiful. Cast a talented singer who can portray confidence both physically and vocally.

Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Cinderella

Cinderella is a simple peasant girl whose one wish is to go to the Festival. Unfortunately, when her wish comes true she learns that wishes sometimes come with consequences. Cinderella s inner beauty always shines through her sometimes clumsy and awkward exterior. Cast a great singer and actor who is charming while maintaining a sense of humor.

Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Rapunzel

Rapunzel has been stuck in a tower for the majority of her life. Finally, she stands up to the Witch in order to get out to see the world. This role doesn t have a great deal of dialogue, but you will want to cast an excellent soprano singer.

Vocal range top: F#5
Vocal range bottom: G4

Ensemble

Crucial roles including the Stepmother, Stepsisters, Cinderella's Mother, Jack's Mother, Granny and Mysterious Man and others. Requires great energy and the ability to play more than one character and have some experience with light movement (there will be character work, singing and dance for the ensemble).

Are you a senior student (Year 11-12) who wants to know more about helping out with production roles? Contact Ms Angell or Ms Adler.