University School, an all-boys school in Hunting Valley, is thrilled to announce auditions for high school girls (grades 9-12) for our spring musical, Big Fish (Small Cast Edition). Audition Information Tuesday, February 17th (4:00-6:00) Wednesday, February 18th (4:00-6:00) Singing Auditions - Please prepare 16-32 bars (approximately 1-minute) of a song in the style of the show (contemporary musical theater). - Please bring sheet music in the proper key. - Students only need to attend one of the initial audition days. You may arrive at any time between 3:50 and 5:50 and leave after you sing. You do not need to attend for the full two hours. - If you are interested but unavailable on Tuesday or Wednesday, please email Mr. Sanborn in advance to arrange an alternate audition time. Thursday, February 19th (4:00-7:00) Callbacks (By invitation only) - 4:00-5:00: Dance Callbacks (Please wear dance or athletic attire) - 5:00-7:00: Read and Sing from the Script (Audition sides will be provided. You can stream the original cast recording on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music) Rehearsals Monday, February 23rd – Thursday, April 16th No Rehearsals Monday, March 16th – Friday, March 27th - Weekday rehearsals (Monday-Friday) between 4:00-7:00 - 2-4 times per week depending on role. Monday, April 21st – Friday, April 25th - Introduction of technical elements such as lighting, sound, and props - Rehearsal times may shift into the evening (6:00-9:00) depending on availability Sunday, April 27th from 3:00-8:00 pm Orchestra Sunday Monday, April 27th – Tuesday, April 28th Tech Week Rehearsals from 5:30-9:30 pm - Tech Week is mandatory for all cast and crew. Performances Wednesday, April 29th – 10:00 am (Student Preview Performance) Thursday, April 30th – 7:00 pm Friday, May 1st – 7:00 pm Saturday, May 2nd – 7:00 pm All auditions and performances will take place in the auditorium at University School (Upper School) - 2785 SOM Center Road, Hunting Valley, OH 44022. Email Mr. Sanborn at wsanborn@us.edu<mailto:wsanborn@us.edu> for more information. Available Characters - Sandra Bloom: The optimistic heart of the story, possessing a classic elegance and a steadfast devotion that serves as the anchor for Edward’s wild world. This role requires an actress who can convincingly portray both the radiant, wide-eyed ingenue and the soulful, resilient matriarch. - Josephine Bloom: Will’s patient, observant, and pregnant wife who acts as a grounded bridge between the conflicting Bloom men. Warm, empathetic, strong. - The Witch: Commanding character with great presence and storytelling ability. Able to exude a sense of magic and wonder. - Jenny Hill: Edward's first sweetheart, whose journey takes her from a starry-eyed cheerleader in Ashton to a lonely, weathered woman living in a decaying house. This role requires an actress capable of portraying both youthful vibrancy and a haunting, soulful maturity as the living embodiment of Edward’s "road not taken." - Girl in the Water - The Alabama Lambs - Wedding Guests, New Yorkers, Citizens of Ashton, Circus Performers Synopsis Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton with a screenplay by John August, BIG FISH is a fantastical, heartwarming musical that follows the life of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman whose larger-than-life stories captivate everyone around him—especially his loving wife, Sandra. But their son, Will, about to become a father himself, is determined to uncover the truth behind his father’s epic tales. As Will embarks on a journey to understand the man behind the myth, BIG FISH explores the power of storytelling, family bonds, and the search for identity. With its soaring score, unforgettable characters, and a blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, BIG FISH offers an extraordinary theatrical experience that celebrates the joy of life, the importance of family, and the beauty of the stories we tell. Please feel free to email director Will Sanborn at wsanborn at us.edu<http://lists.neohiopal.org/listinfo.cgi/neohiopal-neohiopal.org> with any questions. We hope to see you at auditions next week!