Book by John August
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace
and the Columbia Motion Picture written by John August

Directed by Seth Sponhouse
Music Directed by Theodore Lentz
Choreographed by Katie Conklin

By submitting this application, I understand that my participation in the production gives CTL permission to use my name, photos, and biographical information for marketing and advertising purposes.

Production dates: June 17-20, 2021 at the Community Theatre League

Auditions are open to any student who has completed 9th grade th

rough their senior year of college, and/or are no older than 22 at the time of the production. Rehearsals will begin as early as May 3 (BUT we will work with college students who do not return to the Williamsport area until the second or third week of May.)

What to prepare: Please prepare at a 16 bar cut from any song from 'BIG FISH'. Call backs will either happen virtually or in person (including scenes and dance, depending on the needs of the production staff).

All roles, unless otherwise announced, are open. CTL encourages anyone who is interested to audition and is always eager to welcome new faces and fresh talent to its stage. Except as specifically required by the author for certain roles, The Community Theatre League has a non-discrimination casting policy, open to members of all RACES, SEXES, CREEDS, ORIENTATIONS, and ABILITIES. We encourage members of diverse backgrounds and abilities to audition for any of our productions.

This form MUST be filled out by FRIDAY, APRIL 16th at MIDNIGHT. Your audition video of you singing at least a 16 bar cut from the show MUST be also attached to this form or emailed to [email protected] by FRIDAY, APRIL 16th at MIDNIGHT!

LINK FOR AUDITION SUBMISSION: https://forms.gle/KPrzJqwxYXCQXy6YA

Character Descriptions 

Edward – older man (father and beyond). 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. Needs a big voice and serious character acting. Plays ages ranging from young father to older sick man. Able to move but little real dance. Songs: Be the Hero, Fight the Dragons, Showdown, Start Over, How It Ends

Young Edward (this role MAY be created depending on the number of auditions, if it is NOT then these songs and scenes would be played by Edward)– young man (everything before fatherhood, actor age 18-30). Young 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 a big voice. Plays ages ranging from high school to late 20s/ early 30s. Very good mover. Songs: Out There on the Road, Time Stops, Closer to Her, Daffodils, Red White and True 

Sandra – older woman (married and beyond, actor ages 25-55). Sandra is patient, calm – the perfect balance to Edwards's enthusiasm. She adores and appreciates Edward and tries to bring reconciliation to her husband and son, both of whom she loves. Needs a mellow ballad voice. Very little movement. Songs: Two Men in My Life I Don’t Need a Roof 

Young Sandra (this role MAY be created depending on the number of auditions, if it is NOT then these songs and scenes would be played by Sandra) – young woman (before married, actor ages 15-30). Young Sandra is a lovely, sweet, fresh-faced, innocent young girl excited by the possibilities of life. She appreciates Edward’s romantic viewpoint. Needs a big voice, expressive acting ability, and a good bit of dance ability. Songs: Alabama Lambs, Time Stops, Daffodils, Red, White, and True 

Will – adult (All but little boy). 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 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. No dance. Serious character acting. Songs: Strangers, Strangers Reprise, Showdown, What’s Next, Be the Hero – Reprise

Josephine – 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. Often on stage. No singing. No dance. Serious character acting.

Karl – the Giant Edward’s best friend. Karl is shy, exceptionally intelligent, hermitlike, and has a quiet charisma. He needs a booming voice and large personality. Needs to be decently tall, but not a “giant.” Bass voice. Ability to walk on stilts. Songs: On the Road, Start Over

Amos – Circus owner. 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 not necessarily great voice. Doesn’t need to move, but good stage presence essential. Character voice. Songs: Closer to Her, Start Over

Witch – Commanding performer with great confidence and storytelling ability. She convinces Edward to pursue a Big Life without fear. Needs belt voice, mezzo soprano. Some dance, could be extensive. Songs: I Know What You Want

Young Jenny Hill – young cheerleader. Edward’s devoted, first girlfriend. She is beautiful, a dreamer, maybe a little blonde. Needs loud belt. Some movement. Also included in ensemble. Songs: Ashton’s Favorite Son, Out There On The Road

Adult Jenny Hill –  (maybe same actress as Young Jenny). Very tired, disillusioned version of the younger Jenny. She has dignity and honesty. She is crucial in helping Will understand Edward and Edward’s motivations. No movement, but serious acting needed. Also included in ensemble.

Don Price –  Older snarky bully. Sandra’s first fiancé. Needs a bigger than life acting style. Possible movement but not crucial. Songs: Out There on the Road, Start Over

Zacky Price – Nerdy brother and shadow of Don Price. 

Doctor Bennett – Warm, kind, frank, soft-spoken friend, and physician of Edward. Needs realistic actor. No singing or dancing necessary. 

Red Fang – World War II villain. Needs fight scene movement abilities. 

Ashton Mayor – Typical small town good-guy mayor personality.

Alabama Lambs – two of Sandra’s friends. Perform with Sandra at the circus. Needs strong singing and dancing skills. 

Fisherman – Needs strong singing and dancing skills

Ensemble -- All sing and move. Some individuals will do extensive dance, but not all. Songs: Be The Hero – townspeople, I Know What You Want, Wedding Scene – Wedding Guests, Aston’s Favorite Son – Ashton Townspeople, Out There On the Road – Ashton Townspeople, Closer to Her – circus, Daffodils -- college students, Red, White, and True – USO dancers and soldiers, Showdown – Westerners, Start Over – Ashton Townspeople, What’s Next – Hospital nurses, Procession – Funeral 

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