MCS Theater Arts - Auditions

AUDITIONS

What to Expect:

Welcome to MCS Theater Arts Department's production of Matilda Jr.

Auditions are Saturday, November 16th, 2024 from 8:30am-3:00pm.

Call Backs will be Wednesday, November 20th 3:30pm-5:00pm.

Please read through this entire page.

Make sure you complete the following steps for complete registration for auditioning.

Read through Getting Started.
Determine the character for whom you will audition.
Make sure you can open the links and retrieve the list of songs, monologues, and dances.
Click on Register to Audition and complete the Google form. This will require both STUDENT and PARENT signatures.
Click on Select Your Audition Timeslot and choose a time in which you will be able to audition. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your audition time.
Call Backs will be sent via email no later than Sunday night November 17th, 11:59pm.

Getting Started:

Matilda Character Information: Choosing the right character is an important part of your audition preparation. A polished monologue, song, and dance gives you a chance to show off your skills and demonstrate your connection to the production.

Here are some suggestions on how to get started:

1. Familiarize yourself with the show! Read the script, listen to the music, watch samples of performances on YouTube, and thoroughly read all of the audition information, including the character descriptions, that have been provided.

2. Ask yourself: Which role(s) do I see myself in? Which role(s) do I think the directors will see me in? Consider all of the possibilities.

3. Choose a monologue that matches the characters that you would like to be considered for, but read through all of the options. Be open to the discovery that this exercise may lead you to.

4. Make character choices! Read the monologue and think about the character: Who is this person and what do they want in this specific moment? What is the story the character is telling? How can you, as the actor, use your body and voice to best express this moment/idea/story? And then try things - play with body language, posture, facial expression, and vocal expression. Commit fully to the character and tell the story.

5. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Perform your monologue, song, and dance in front of your loved ones and ask for feedback to help you improve your audition and increase your comfort and confidence.

6. Memorization is a plus, but is not required. We want to see your best work...if you’ll be stronger with your script and music in hand, use it! Have fun! We are excited to see your performance.

List of Characters

Matilda Wormwood: Is the hero of the show. She's brilliant, resilient, creative, and kind, despite growing up in difficult circumstances. Must be strong singer and good actress. Range Bb3 to D5

Miss Honey: A teacher at Matilda's school. She is kind, is generous, and really cares about the children despite her own desperate circumstances. Must be strong actress and can sing. Range Bb3 to D5

Agatha Trunchbull: The quintessential terrifying tyrant. As headmistress, she runs her school like a dictator, making up arbitrary rules to suit her every whim and dreaming up creative punishments. Fantastic actress and be able to command the stage. Range C4 to F#5

Lavender: A kind and bright student at the school with Matilda. She is Matilda's best friend. Must play likable and friendly. Range C4 to D5

Bruce: One of Matilda's classmates and the one who gets caught eating Trunchbull's cake. Must be a great singer and actor. Range C4 to F#5

Nigel: The enthusiastic, sweet, but always in a panic classmate of Matilda. Must be a strong actor and can sing. Range C4 to D5

Mr. Wormwood: Matilda's father. He is egotistic, rude, and not very bright, not to mention a liar. Though Mr. Wormwood is not a good person and he is mean to Matilda, his harebrained schemes can be hilariously funny. Makes a dynamic pair with Mrs. Wormwood. Must be a great character actor and be both nasty and humorous.

Mrs. Wormwood: Matilda's mother. Like her husband, she dislikes Matilda and does not understand why her daughter loves to read. She is selfish, obsessed with her own appearance, and believes everything she sees on TV. Must be able to play the nastiness and comedic side of this great character role.

Other roles with solos:

Eric: student at the school with Matilda. Must be expressive and a strong singer. Range C4 to Eb3

Amanda: student at the school with Matilda. Must be good singer and dancer. Range C4 to Eb3

Alice, Tommy, Horentsia: all classmates of Matilda's. Must be strong singers and actors. Range C4 to Eb5

Escapologist: A grand and exaggerated character that is a figment of Matilda's imagination. Must be able to dance. Small vocal range E4 to F4

Acrobat: Alongside the Escapologist she is a grand character and figment of Matilda's imagination come to life. Must be able to dance. Range D4 to A4

Other small roles without solos:

Michael: Matilda's brother. He is not very bright.

Mrs. Phelps: The kind and sweet librarian.

Rudolpho: Mrs. Wormwood's dance teacher. Must be able to dance.

Sergei: The Russian swindled by Mr. Wormwood. Must be able to play an intimidating character.

Russians, Little Kids, Big Kids, Kids, Mums, Dads, the Cook, and the Mechanic. These roles will be filled with individuals of the ensemble and company.