Musical Auditions

What You need to know:

Synopsis:

Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl with extraordinary powers. To escape a difficult home life with parents who mistreat her, Matilda finds refuge in reading books and creating her own stories. When she is sent to school, Matilda makes new friends in her classmates...but they all face an imposing enemy: Miss Agatha Trunchbull, the tyrannical and cruel headmistress, who hates children and proves it through her excessive and inventive forms of discipline. Matilda also finds companionship in her teacher, Miss Honey, who, though well-intentioned, is shy and fragile. Throughout the show, Matilda uses her bravery, ingenuity and just a little telekinesis to inspire Miss Honey and her classmates to stand up against the injustices they face, culminating in a raucous revolt against Miss Trunchbull!

What to expect at auditions: 

All those participating in auditions will be asked to sing a section of one of the following songs from Matilda Jr.: Naughty, When I Grow Up, Revolting Children, or The Hammer. It is highly recommended that you review your selection on your own in advance. A link to the songs will be available on Google Classroom. In addition to vocal auditions, those auditioning will be asked to read from a script. All auditions will be held during class and in front of classmates. (If you only want a speaking role, you will only be required to participate in the speaking part of the audition process.)

Tips for BEFORE your audition:

1. Know the show-Read a summary, watch clips, or listen to the soundtrack so you understand the style, story, and characters.

2. Pick the right song-Choose something that fits your voice and the role(s) you are interested in. If you think you'd be a good fit for multiple characters, prepare more than one piece. 

3. Practice with the accompaniment-Get used to singing without the help of the vocals. These will be provided on Google Classroom so you can get comfortable with the instrumental track.

4. Warm Up-Get warmed up before your audition so that your voice is at its best!

5. Practice in front of people-Get some friends or family members to watch you practice. They might have some tips to help you get into character!

Tips for AUDITIONING:

1. Walk in with confidence-Shoulders back, head up, and SMILE! You'll feel more confident just by standing tall.

2. Introduce yourself clearly-State your name, what song you will be singing and what character(s) you're interested in. 

3. Perform!-Show your character's emotions through your face and body, not just in your voice. Think...how can I show my director that I am the perfect person for this part?

4. Don't apologize-If you make a mistake, keep going! Most people won't even notice (unless you point it out).

5. Follow directions-The director may ask you to try something different. Go for it...with a good attitude.

Keep These Things in Mind...

• Be kind to others! Directors watch to see how you treat people and how you respect their audition.

• You're not just auditioning for one role. The director is looking for who will fit ANY part of the show

• Casting is like a puzzle! Even if you do everything perfectly, the final decision might be about height, voice blend, or some other "big picture" factor.

• Have fun! The audition is your chance to perform-enjoy it!

Character Descriptions:

The Little Kids

Matilda Wormwood
The hero of the show. She’s brilliant, resilient, creative, and kind, despite growing up in difficult
circumstances. Her parents treat her poorly, but Matilda escapes into a world of books, which puts her
reading level far above the other children in her class, and she develops a bit of magical power in an
effort to defeat Trunchbull.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Bruce
One of Matilda’s schoolmates. He has the bad luck to get caught after eating Trunchbull’s cake. Bruce
goes through quite a transformation throughout the show and has some important solos.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: C3

Eric
A student at school with Matilda. He has several singing solos throughout the show. He also has some
featured acting moments as one of Matilda’s schoolmates.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: Eb4
Vocal range bottom: C3

Amanda
A student at school with Matilda. Amanda has a few solos and lines throughout the show..
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Lavender
One of the kids at school with Matilda. She is kind and bright (though not as brilliant as Matilda) and
quickly decides that Matilda is her best friend.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Nigel
One of the kids at school with Matilda. He is enthusiastic, sweet, and always in a bit of a panic. Nigel has a few solos and some great featured moments in the show.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: C3

Hortensia
Hortensia is a classmate of Matilda. Matilda’s classmates all have several lines and singing solos.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Alice
Alice is a classmate of Matilda. Matilda’s classmates all have several lines and singing solos.
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Tommy
Tommy is a classmate of Matilda. Matilda’s classmates all have several lines and singing solos.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: Eb4
Vocal range bottom: C3

Michael
Matilda’s brother. He is not very bright, though he is the apple of his father’s eye. This is a hilarious
supporting role for an actor with great comedic timing, as Michael’s contributions to the scene usually function as deadpan one-liners.
Gender: Male

The “Adults” and Big Kids

Miss Honey
A teacher at Matilda’s school. She is kind, is generous, and really cares about the children despite her own desperate circumstances.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3

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. The Trunchbull can be
played by an individual of any gender (though the character is female). The role requires a strong
character actor and singer who can command the stage and embody Trunchbull’s larger-than-life villainy.
Gender: Any
Vocal range top: F#5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Mr. Wormwood
Matilda’s father. He is egotistical, 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.
Gender: Male

Mrs. Wormwood
Matilda’s mother. Like her husband, she dislikes Matilda and does not understand why her daughter loves to read. Mrs. Wormwood is selfish, obsessed with her own appearance, and believes everything she sees on TV. Her dancing lessons with Rudolpho are the most important part of her day.
Gender: Female
 

Mrs. Phelps
The kindly librarian who loves hearing Matilda’s stories. Mrs.Phelps will also double as a Big Kid for some
scenes.
Gender: Female

Escapologist
A character of Matilda’s creation in the story she recounts to Mrs.Phelps. They have one small singing
solo. The Escapologist will also double as a Big Kid for some scenes.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: F3
Vocal range bottom: E3

Acrobat
A product of Matilda’s imagination in the story she recounts to Mrs.Phelps. They have one small singing
solo. The Acrobat will also double as a Big Kid for some scenes.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: D4

Rudolpho
Mrs. Wormwood’s self-obsessed dance teacher. This is a hilarious featured role for a comedic performer
who moves well. Rudolpho will double as a Big Kid in some scenes.
Gender: Male

Sergei
A customer swindled by Mr. Wormwood. Though he shows up looking for payback, Matilda has had quite
enough of revenge, and Sergei lets the Wormwoods escape. Sergei will double as a Big Kid in some
scenes.
Gender: Male

The Ensemble
Ensemble roles include Little Kids, Big Kids, Mums, Dads, the Cook, the Mechanic, and Russians. Big
Kids will double other ensemble roles