Bellevue Society for the Arts - Children's Theater
Auditions
January 4, 2026, from 1-8 pm
January 5, 2026, from 6-8 pm
January 8, 2026 - Callbacks, if needed- from 6-8 pm
205 Maple Ave
Bellevue OH, 44811
Embedded Files
Hello all!
My name is Julie Russell, and I am the BSA’s Children’s Theater program director. I am super excited to work with you and your children this year! I am excited to begin working on My Son Pinocchio Jr! As it worked out well in prior years, I am including some of our BSA tweens and teens in the production and stage crew team. If your youth has an older sibling who would like to be involved in set building, painting, props, lights, or sound, please encourage them to complete an audition form and indicate areas in which they are interested! We will have lots of things for them to do.
As was the case last year, the costumes will be as limited as I can make them. Much of what we need can be found in our costume shop, so I don’t expect a significant cost associated with costumes. However, some things may need to be purchased or borrowed from their closets. The only considerable expense will be the T-shirts for the show. We try to keep this cost to less than $20.00 a child. If this is a financial burden, please let me know. I do not want children left out for reasons outside their control.
As in prior years, our primary communication was through the BAND app. Using the BAND app will completely reduce my stress level! Please click the link below to join the Band App Group.
Band App - Click here
We have had a great history with our Children’s Theater, and I anticipate this year will be another wonderful one! While a lot of responsibility comes with performing in front of an audience, our goal is to have fun, learn about theater, and create a show that will entertain our audiences. This experience is supposed to be fun and educational. And while we want the kids to have fun, they must also be at all practices. We cannot do this show without them, and the missing practices must be communicated to the director. Please note that to be fair to the entire cast, children will not be cast in this show if they cannot attend all show dates. Show Dates are March 06, 07, 08 and, 13, 14, and 15, 2026. We fully expect to double-cast again this year. Children cast in a leading role must be available for all show dates.
If you have questions or need to reach me, please get in touch with me through Band App, email at childrenstheaterbsa@gmail.com, or call or text me at 419-540-1855.
Thanks for sharing your children with us! We are excited to grow the love of theater in them all.
Ms. Julie and the Children’s Theater Team
Synopsis
Synopsis
MTI Musical Theater International
Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form.
A group of Fairies-in-Training gather to celebrate yet another "perfectly granted" wish of the Blue Fairy ("When You Wish upon a Star"). Their celebration is interrupted by the toy maker, Geppetto, who complains that Pinocchio, the puppet she brought to life as his son, is defective. To uncover the truth, the Blue Fairy takes us back in time to the day of Geppetto's wish. Geppetto's toy shop is filled with parents and their eager children ("Toys"). Having no children of his own, Geppetto envies them and wishes for his heart to be full ("Empty Heart"). The Blue Fairy grants his wish and brings Pinocchio to life.
The next day, the overjoyed Geppetto teaches Pinocchio a song he learned from his father ("Geppetto and Son") and introduces him to the Town Fathers, but Pinocchio wanders away. We then travel forward in time ("Rise and Shine") to see Geppetto attempt to teach Pinocchio about toy making. When the disinterested Pinocchio lies, his nose grows. Still not convinced of Pinocchio's imperfection, the Blue Fairy takes us forward again to Pinocchio's first day of school. Heeding Geppetto's instructions to "act like everyone else," Pinocchio begins mimicking other students and gets into trouble. In the town square, the puppeteer, Stromboli, notices that Pinocchio is a stringless puppet and tries to recruit him for his marionette show, but the Blue Fairy sends Stromboli away.
Back in the present, Geppetto repeats his request for the Blue Fairy to take Pinocchio back. Pinocchio overhears and runs away ("When You Wish upon a Star – Reprise"). Geppetto goes looking for Pinocchio and finds him performing for Stromboli ("I've Got No Strings"). After the show, Stromboli locks up Pinocchio, but tells Geppetto that the puppet left. Meanwhile, Pinocchio escapes, but Stromboli vows to find him ("Bravo Stromboli"). The Blue Fairy finally agrees to take Pinocchio back once Geppetto finds him ("Just Because It's Magic"). In Idyllia, Geppetto encounters Professore Buonragazzo and his "perfect child" machine, which creates a series of perfect children ("Satisfaction Guaranteed"), but none can replace Pinocchio. Back on the road, Geppetto meets talking animals who act like something else because of their parents' expectations. Meanwhile, the Blue Fairy offers Pinocchio to Stromboli since Geppetto still doesn't want him ("Bravo Stromboli – Reprise").
A Ringleader and his Roustabouts introduce us to a children's paradise ("Pleasure Island"). Geppetto finds Pinocchio there, but fails to convince him to come home. Suddenly, Pinocchio and the other delinquents become donkeys and are sent away on a ship, which Geppetto pursues in a rowboat. The young fairy, Sue, conjures a whale to save them, but it swallows Geppetto and Pinocchio. Inside the whale, Geppetto promises to be a better father if they ever get home ("Geppetto and Son – Reprise"). Pinocchio lies so that his nose tickles the whale's throat, and it sneezes them out. Back at the toy shop, Stromboli and the Blue Fairy await them. Having learned how to appreciate fatherhood, Geppetto offers Stromboli anything in his shop in exchange for letting him keep Pinocchio ("Since I Gave My Heart Away"). Stromboli refuses, and the Blue Fairy must grant Stromboli his wish, but the young fairies point out that Pinocchio has learned to become a real boy, rendering him useless for Stromboli's show. With father and son now transformed and united for good, the Blue Fairy's perfect record remains intact!
Roles
Roles
Roles
Geppetto
Geppetto is a lonely toymaker who longs to be a father. Look for a mature performer who feels comfortable playing a parent to Pinocchio and isn't afraid of showing emotion. Cast a strong singer, as Geppetto has several solos.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Pinocchio
Pinocchio is a wooden puppet who doesn't know where he belongs. Look for a performer who can handle the lively personality of a little boy while also capturing tender moments. Although Pinocchio is a boy, the role can be played by a boy or girl. Pinocchio has a few solos, but a strong character actor can easily act through them.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: G3
Blue Fairy
The Blue Fairy is convinced of her own perfection and does not like having it called into question. The performer you cast should have good comedic instincts and a solid singing voice. This role does not require excessive dancing.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: G3
Fairies
Rosa, Viola & Arancia, fairies in training, are sweet and kind. The performers in these roles should be expressive observers since they often oversee the action occurring onstage during flashbacks. They sing as a group, often alongside the Blue Fairy. Their individual distinctions from one another can be discovered during rehearsal.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: G3
Sue
Sue is a fairy in training who marches to the beat of her own drum. She isn't your typical fairy, as sweetness isn't in her nature. The performer in this role can be brooding or brash, but certainly a contrast to Rosa, Viola and Arancia, although vocally she should blend in.
Gender: female
Stromboli
Stromboli is a bumbling, loud, incompetent puppeteer who has at least a few screws loose. Cast a versatile performer who can create silly voices to take this character and his marionettes over-the-top. Stromboli's songs are challenging, so look for someone who is comfortable with his solos and doesn't shy away from silliness.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: F5 Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Professore Buongrazzo
Professore Buongrazzo is a passionate, mad scientist obsessed with building perfect children. While some solos are required, character work is most important for this role.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C#4 Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Junior
Junior is Professore Buonragazzo's mirrorimage assistant, created using the child-making machine. The performer in this role will need to work closely with the performer playing the Professor to mimic his movements. A short solo is required, but it can be spoken if necessary.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Ringleader
The Ringleader runs Pleasure Island. The performer playing this role should have a real sense of showmanship. This role requires some singing and is a great opportunity to showcase a dancer. The Ringleader can be played by a boy or a girl, but be sure to cast a performer who can commit to the character's mischievous ways.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: A3
Signora Giovanni
Signora Giovanni is Pinocchio's teacher. The role can be a great opportunity to feature a performer who doesn't sing. If needed, this performer can become part of the ensemble in other group numbers.
Gender: any
Bernardo
Bernardo & Maria are married residents of Idyllia who are looking to purchase a "perfect" daughter from Professore Buonragazzo. These roles require group singing only. These performers can become part of the ensemble in other group numbers.
Gender: male
Maria
Bernardo & Maria are married residents of Idyllia who are looking to purchase a "perfect" daughter from Professore Buonragazzo. These roles require group singing only. These performers can become part of the ensemble in other group numbers.
Gender: female
Talia
Talia is the "perfect child" created for Maria and Bernardo by Professore Buonragazzo's machine. Talia sings and dances to impress her parents, so this is a great role to feature a dancer.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: C4 Vocal range bottom: C3
Boy 1
Boy 1 is the first replacement for Pinocchio, created by Professore Buonragazzo's machine. Find an actor who can minic a comedic version of the famous puppet.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C4 Vocal range bottom: C3
Boy 2
Boy 2 is the second replacement for Pinocchio. He should be even more wooden than Boy 1.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C4 Vocal range bottom: C3
Marionettes
Marionettes are the stringed puppets in Stromboli's show. There are solos available for marionettes, if you choose to separate their voices from Stromboli. Marionettes can be added as need to the ensemble.
Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Town Children
The Town Children (Dante, Agata, Fiorello, Francesca, Adriana, Luigi, Gina, Lia, Rico) love the toys in Geppetto's shop. The performers cast in these roles should be able to create individual personalities for their characters. There are opportunities for solos, but performers can sing in groups.
Town Parents
Town Parents (Signora Lisi, Signore Fucito, Signora Mancini, Signor Alcamo, SIgnora Sommelia, Signora Contrastana, Signora Rosati, Signore Proto, Signore Marino) are the beleaguered mothers and judgmental fathers of the town children. The performers cast in these roles should be able to create individual personalities for their characters. There are opportunities for solos, but performers can sing in groups.
Children Of Idyllia
Children of Idyllia (Amelia, Salvatore, Carla, Lucia, Giuseppe, Boy 1, Boy 2) are the perfect children created by Professore Buonragazzo. Performers cast in these roles should be able to sing in groups, with featured speaking lines. There are great opportunities for movement and dance.
Animals
Animals (Pig, Foxes, Horse) serve as voices of reason for Geppetto's journey. Performers cast in these roles do not have to sing; however, comic timing and deadpan delivery are essential. These performers should be comfortable inhabiting the mismatched animals they portray.
Roustabouts
Roustabouts are the sidekicks to Pleasure Island's Ringleader. When performing these roles, personality is key. Group singing is required.
Delinquents
Delinquents (Malvolio, Brutto, Sporco, others) can expand to include more performers and are great roles for non-singers. Also, they must be comfortable turning into donkeys.
At auditions, your child will need to be prepared to do the following:
Do a short reading from the show. The reading will be given to them at auditions.
Sing a prepared song.
If your child is auditioning for any of the following roles, please have them prepare a song from the show for the character they are most interested in.
Pinocchio: I've Got no Strings
Gepetto: Empty Heart
Blue Fairy: Just because it's Magic
Rose, Viola, Arancia or Sue - When you wish upon a star
Stromboli: Bravo Stromboli
Professore Buonragazzo or Junior: Satisfaction Guaranteed
Chorus: When you wish upon a star
Perform a short dance. We will teach them this dance at the auditions.
January 4, 2024, Audition Schedule:
On January 4, 2024, auditions will be held in groups of ten. Please plan to stay for approximately one hour. To help us stay organized and keep the process running smoothly, we ask that each youth sign up for a specific audition time.
January 5, 2024, Audition Schedule:
6-8 pm - All children will be at the theater the full time.
The dance portion will be taught from 6- 6:30 pm
Please do not bring children to auditions on both days. If we need to see more of them, we will bring them back for a callback.
January 8, 2024, Call Back Schedule
6-8 pm – Invited children will be asked to come back for a call back.
We will ask the children to return to callbacks if we need to see more of them. Please do not bring your child if they have not been called back
We will be focusing on reading and singing at this callback.
Your child will be provided parts of a script or song that I would like your child to focus on at this time.
Audition forms have been fully digitalized. Please click the appropriate links below to complete the required forms for your child. Each child will need their own form. We will have copies of these forms available for signature at the theater during your child’s audition.
Please note that all actors must complete both Part 1 (Audition Forms) and Part 2 (Audition Time Slot) to finish the audition process.
Teens who plan to assist with the production must complete a teen helper form. Please complete one form for each teen who is interested in helping with the production.
Audition Form- Actors
Please complete the online form for you child.
PART 1
CLICK HERE TO
CLICK HERE TO
SELECT AUDITION TIME SLOT
SELECT AUDITION TIME SLOT
PART 2
Teen Helper Form
If your youth would like to be a part of the crew, please complete the online form for your child.
Casting Decisions
Parents will be contacted via phone or text if their child has been cast in a major role. Please respond within 24 hours of this contact to the director to accept or decline this role.
The Cast List will be published after all decisions have been made. I make every effort to cast all children in a role. We have plenty of space for all the toys and boys and girls!!
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