NEAR WEST THEATRE presents AUDITIONS for Disney's The Little Mermaid August 23, 24, 25 (Mon, Tue, Wed), 7 – 10pm Near West Theatre, 6702 Detroit Ave, Cleveland OH 44102

Directed by TRINIDAD SNIDER Music Directed by JORDAN COOPER Choreographed by KENYA WOODS Stage Managed by WHITNEY MILLER

Music by Lyrics by & GLENN SLATER Book by DOUG WRIGHT Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements. Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions

Orchestrations by DANNY TROOB Incidental Music & Vocal Arrangements by MICHAEL KOSARIN Dance Arrangements by DAVID CHASE

Seeking performers ages 7 and older of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, gender expressions, and physical abilities to perform in Near West Theatre’s next Holiday musical spectacular: Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Actors must be available for evening and weekend rehearsals, and must have an enthusiasm for flexibility as we navigate an ever-changing COVID environment. This is an unpaid, volunteer opportunity that pays dividends in loving community and fun. Individuals with sign language experience encouraged to audition.

A note from the director: The rehearsal process for this show will consist of a hybrid experience including virtual rehearsals and masked in-person rehearsals. This production will include youth 7 – 11 years old who cannot be vaccinated due to their age. Considering our commitment to creating a safe community by following CDC recommendations, we are requiring that all actors over the age of 12 be vaccinated. There are no exceptions to this rule, and once cast, Near West Theatre will require proof of vaccination.

CHARACTERS ARIEL - the heroine of our story, is a little mermaid who longs to be human. Ariel has beautiful solos and must be able to convey meaning through gesture once she loses her voice. Vocal range top: Eb5 / Vocal range bottom: Bb3

PRINCE ERIC - Prince Eric is the adventurous prince who captures Ariel's heart. Looking for charming performer with a sensitive nature. Vocal range top: D5 / Vocal range bottom: B3

SEBASTIAN - Sebastian is the meticulous and anxious crab who tries to keep Ariel safe while getting to lead some of the most memorable songs in the show! Looking for strong singer who can also handle Sebastian's emotional range. Vocal range top: D5 / Vocal range bottom: A3

FLOUNDER - Flounder is Ariel's sincere and sensitive best friend who is loyal to the end. This spunky fish also has a show-stopping solo in "She's in Love." Vocal range top: Db5 / Vocal range bottom: G3

KING TRITON - King Triton rules the sea and is a force to be reckoned with. This performer needs to command the stage as a strong leader but also show the tenderness of a parent. Baritone

MERSISTERS - The Mersisters (Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Atina, Adella, Allana) are Ariel's siblings and full of personality and sass. These are great roles to showcase talented singers and dancers who can create and play six distinctive characters. Vocal range top: G5 / Vocal range bottom: G3

URSULA - Ursula is the manipulative sea witch who tries to overthrow King Triton. She is cunning and devious and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Looking for a mature performer who can bring out this villain's humor while finding texture in Ursula's complexity. Vocal range top: C#5 / Vocal range bottom: F3 TENTACLES - The Tentacles are extensions of Ursula, perhaps the poor unfortunate souls who are now trapped in her lair. Looking for six or eight performers who work well together and can move as a unit. Vocal range top: C#5 / Vocal range bottom: C4

FLOTSAM & JETSAM - Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula's slippery spies. These electric eels are sinister and sneaky. Looking for performers who can be underhanded and devious while still being heard on stage. Vocal range top: C#5 / Vocal range bottom: C4

SCUTTLE - Scuttle is the know-it-all seagull who serves as Ariel's expert on humans. Funny and off-beat. Looking for a performer with good comedic timing who is willing to have fun with Scuttle's eccentricities. Vocal range top: E5 / Vocal range bottom: B3

GULLS - The Gulls are Scuttle's flock of zany "back-up singers" who help explain human stuff to Ariel. Vocal range top: G5 / Vocal range bottom: B3

GRIMSBY - Grimsby is Prince Eric's prim and proper valet. He is rigid in personality and constantly trying to guide Prince Eric towards the throne. Vocal range top: C5 / Vocal range bottom: E4

CHEF LOUIS - Chef Louis is the over-the-top head chef in the palace. He is always wild and frenetic. This is an excellent featured role for a comedic performer. Vocal range top: C5 / Vocal range bottom: A3

SEAHORSE - The Seahorse is the court herald for King Triton.

CARLOTTA - Carlotta is the headmistress in Prince Eric's palace and Ariel's greatest human ally. This role needs to be warm and maternal to make Ariel feel welcome.

PILOT - The Pilot is the head sailor on Prince Eric's ship. Vocal range top: C5 / Vocal range bottom: Bb3

ENSEMBLE ROLES: CHEFS, PRINCESSES, SAILORS, SEA CHORUS, SEA CREATURES, MERFOLK, LAGOON ANIMALS

REHEARSALS Beginning September 12, Sunday – Wednesday (Sundays TBD, weekdays 7 – 10pm). Children ages 7 – 12 will be released earlier in the beginning part of the process.

PERFORMANCES Run: November 19 – December 5

Performances: November 19, 20, 26, 27, 28, December 2, 3, 4, 5 **Sign Language Interpreted Performance Dec 9**

AUDITIONS Due to CDC recommendations and for the safety of our production team and participants, registration is required for ALL auditioners. We are also limiting audition registration capacity to 40 people per night, and these spaces will fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Auditioners who do not register in advance may be asked to come on another night. Everyone must be masked during auditions AND throughout the rehearsal process. Eating before/during auditions/rehearsals will not be allowed in the theatre space.

Read more on the NWT audition process here. Register to audition here.

CALLBACKS & CASTING Callbacks will be Sunday, August 29 (11am – 5pm) for select performers.

All auditioners will be notified by email of their casting status by September 3. The email will come from [email protected].

Questions? Email [email protected].