Auditions
AWARD
WINNING!
Do you dream of being part of an incredible international theater festival, digging deeper into their art, and sharing their gifts with the community? The Kettleworks Traveling Players are for you!
Travel team members will perform at the
Junior Theater Festival West in Sacramento, CA,
and every member will be given an excellent,
in-depth performing arts education. It is our goal to connect with our local community through our travel team as safe opportunities arise.
PARDON OUR DUST!!
Come back soon for 23-24 details.
An info meeting will be held on
June 15th - REGISTER TODAY!
In the meantime, check out our adventures at JTF West '23
on Facebook & Instagram!
(@kettleworkspa)
REGISTER NOW
for our
KTP 23-24
Info Meeting!
June 15, 2023
Join us for our Fall production of
Moana JR!
This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.
Disney’s Moana JR. is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film. This stage version of the film brings the adventures of Moana's story to life through characters old and new, and also features all the beloved songs from the film,
PROGRAM INFO
Directed & Choreographed by: Jennifer Kessler
Music Directed by: TBD
Age/Grade Levels: Performers grades K-12. Performers in grades K - 1st will be part of our mini company.
IMPORTANT DATES
Audition Dates: September 9-10, 2023 View Audition Details HERE
Performance Dates: December 15-16, 2023 (Be sure to keep December 17th free for our cast party!!)
Mandatory Parent Meeting: September 14, 2023
- Every performer must have one parent attend this meeting.
Mandatory Rehearsals: September 13-14, 2023; December 2, 6, 7, 9, 2023
Mandatory Tech Week Dates: December 11-16, 2023
NOTE - Tech Week (Dec. 11-16, 2023) involves nightly rehearsals so please plan accordingly
Weekly Rehearsal Details:
Beginning September 13, 2023:
Wednesdays, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Thursdays, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Saturdays, 12:30 - 5:30 PM ** Please note that Saturdays will vary but will stay within this time window.
- There will be Mandatory Rehearsals held Sept. 13th-14th, but NO Rehearsal Sept. 16th
- A full schedule will be provided to registered performers the week after auditions.
- Please note that the amount of rehearsal will vary depending on the individual's role.
Tuition: $495.00 per performer
Payment plans available (Pay in Full -or- Two Installments)
Included:
80+ Hours of Training in Acting, Singing & Dancing
Full Performance of Moana JR.
Ample stage time for every performer
Professional script & music tracks
Show T-shirt
Technical items required for productions
Performers Must Provide:
Dance shoes (TBD - either jazz or ballet shoes)
Dance tights & undershirts / shorts for performance
Personal makeup & hair products
Special Notes:
* The final performances will be the culmination of many weeks' hard work by the performers, staff, and volunteers. Attendance is a very important aspect of this program as the performers rely on each other throughout the process, building their knowledge and skills together. We understand that sickness may occur, but it is understood that barring unforeseen illness or emergency all performers will attend every required rehearsal.
* At KPA we firmly believe that every arts experience is vibrant and important. We use our performers to their fullest potential and believe that every member of the Company, and every single role in a story, is vital to a show's success. We do not support role shopping and therefore do not give refunds of any kind for tuition.
About
Music and Lyrics by
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa'i & Mark Mancina
Book Adapted by
Susan Hoo He Stanton
Music and Orchestrations Adapted and Arranged by
Ian Weinberger
Based on the 2016 Disney film Moana
We always encourage our students to arrive as prepared as possible for auditions, and we love providing the right tools! Check out the show info below - it's everything you need to build your confidence before you arrive!
Synopsis
Join the brave wayfinder, Moana, as she sets off on an adventure of oceanic proportions! Based on the hit Disney film, Moana JR. takes the audience across the ocean on a quest to bring back life to the islands of the Pacific. Moana is tasked with reviving the goddess, Te Fiti, but must endure many obstacles on the way.
The island of Motunui is a happy place to live, with a joyful community and abundant life - until a blight threatens the island. Moana, the daughter of the village chief, believes if her land-locked people were to set sail they could find a solution to the blight, but her father disagrees. Then Moana is given a gift by the Ocean - the heart of Te Fiti, a goddess who can restore life to the island. She decides to chart her own course and set sail. With the help of self-centered demi-god, Maui, the spirit of Gramma Tala, and the Ocean itself, Moana discovers what strength lies within. And with that newfound strength Moana in turn helps all those around her to discover new life, new love, and new adventures!
Featuring hit songs from the film such as "How Far I'll Go", "You're Welcome", "Shiny", and more, Moana JR. is a show all about determination, selflessness, and seeing the strength in ourselves and others. It is sure to bring light and wonder to performers and audiences alike!
Character Descriptions
Chief Ancestors: Three ancient chiefs of Moana's family line who share the tales of their past with their people. The Chief Ancestors act as narrators of the story as well as a bridge from Moana to the history of her people. Very strong actors + singers are required for these roles
Vocal range: G3 - A4
Moana: A strong, confident young woman and the future Chief of Motonui, Moana is deeply connected to her island but also curious about what lies beyond the reef. Her bond with the ocean is strong and she simultaneously yearns to explore it's wonders and also do what is right for her people. A bright & bold presence, and very strong acting & singing skills are required for this role.
Vocal range: G3 - D5
Chief Tui: Moana's father and the leader of Motunui who is protective of his daughter and his people, always wanting to keep them safe. A mature presence and solid acting & singing skills are desired for this role.
Vocal range: E2 - A#2 (range can be brought up by octaves if necessary)
Sina: Moana's kind and loving mother who takes great pride in her daughter. Sina is a beautiful example to her people and a constant loving presence in Motunui. A mature acting presence and solid acting & singing skills are desired for this role.
Vocal range: C#4 - C#5
Pua: One of Moana's best friends who is sweet and unconditionally loyal, even if easily scared. Solid singing & acting skills are desired for this role - ability to sing harmonies a plus.
Vocal range: B3 - C#5
Hei Hei: One of Moana's best friends who is well-meaning but not so bright. Solid singing & acting skills are desired for this role - ability to sing harmonies a plus.
Vocal range: B3 - C#5
Gramma Tala: The wise and eccentric grandmother of Moana, Gramma Tala holds her role as Motunui's storyteller with pride as she passes on the stories of the island's past. A bold presence, very strong acting skills, and solid singing skills are required for this role.
Vocal range: G3 - B4
Maui: The comedic, selfish, and sarcastic demigod of the wind and sea, who actually has a heart of gold. Maui may seem like he's only about himself but he has hidden depths that Moana brings out. A bold presence, very strong acting skills, and solid singing skills are required for this role.
Vocal range: G2 - B3 (range can be brought up by octaves if necessary)
Tamatoa: A gigantic crab and collector of all things "Shiny". Tamatoa is dangerously egotistical and dramatic. A very bold presence with strong acting & singing skills are required for this role. The actor playing Tamatoa must also have very strong teamwork as they will be choreographed with Left Claw
& Right Claw.
Vocal range: B3 - B4
Left Claw & Right Claw: Tamatoa's crony-like claws who act as extensions of the crab's self-centered and ostentatious nature. Strong acting & singing skills are desired for these roles; must also have very strong teamwork as they will be choreographed in sync with each other + Tamatoa.
Vocal range: B3 - B4
Te Fiti / Te Ka: The regal and benevolent mother island, creator of all life. Without her heart, Te Fiti appears as Te Ka, a demon of earth and fire. A strong, mature presence and the ability to physically portray both of these contrasting roles is required for Te Fiti/Te Ka.
ADDITIONAL ROLES:
In order to bring the world of Motonui to life, there are so many colorful roles showcased in the story! These roles appear in specific portions of the story and there are additional solos/featured moments throughout. Most performers cast in these roles will play additional roles.
** Some of these roles may be cast during the rehearsal process.
Ocean Ensemble - A personification of the ocean and friend to Moana
Villagers - The beautiful and kind people of Motonui, including Dancers, Weavers, and Fishers
Maui Ensemble - The conjured up mega-fans of the demigod, who are always ready to sing Maui's praises
Monsters - The creatures who inhabit the mysterious realm of the monsters, Lalotai, including a Gate Monster and Shiny Ensemble. The Shiny Ensemble also act as Tamatoa's glorious accomplices.
AUDITION DETAILS
In order to be part of Moana JR. it is necessary for every interested performer to attend auditions. All who audition for the full production will be given a role.
AUDITION DATES/TIMES:
First round - Saturday, September 9, 2023 (Times TBD)
Callbacks - Sunday, September 10, 2023
(specific callback slots between 12:00 - 6:00 PM will be determined after Saturday's audition)
WHAT TO PREPARE:
* Please prepare 45-60 seconds of a musical theatre style song. (Performers are welcome to choose a song from any musical, including Moana JR.)
* Each performer will perform his/her song individually and we will also conduct a workshop-style group audition including a group song, improvisation activities, acting sides from Moana JR. and a dance portion.
* We highly encourage you to take a look at the Audition Materials available to help you prepare for the acting portion.
TIPS: - Make sure your song is completely memorized.
- Be sure to use a background / karaoke style track with no voices - we want to hear YOU!
* We highly recommend using a background track or live accompaniment as opposed to singing a capella*
- Choose a song that shows off your strengths.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions!
Audition Materials
We want to help young performers to feel confident at auditions! Please check out the materials below to help your performer prepare. We know they will blow us away!
Read over portions of the script and sheet music for each character
This is the Audition Central page of the Music Theatre International website. To view materials for our show, scroll down until you see the option to "Select a Show". Click on "Moana JR." and you will find excerpts for every character.
Are you looking to listen to some of the songs?
This is the main show description page. To listen to songs, find the SONGS option on the right-hand menu. Click on SONGS and you will be able to listen!
**New to auditioning? "Acting Sides" are portions of the scripts that will be used in the auditions to help us decide casting.
REGISTER NOW
for our
KTP 23-24
Info Meeting!
June 15, 2023
PROGRAM INFO
PARDON OUR DUST!
This information is for the KTP '22-23 Season
Details for '23-24 will be coming soon!
Age/Grade Levels: Auditions for The Kettleworks Traveling Players are open to all performers ages 8 - 18.
*Please note that performers must remain 18 years old or younger through Spring 2023.*
Audition Date: Auditions for NEW team members will be held simultaneously with auditions for our full production of
Seussical JR. Travel team participants may be asked to attend one extra audition session.
See further Audition Details HERE
Tuition: Please email us regarding tuition. There are a few options, depending on travel & rooming choices.
**We offer payment plans (pay in full -or- monthly).
**Please note - total KTP tuition INCLUDES the tuition for the full production.
Included (in addition to the full production - see above):
A trip to participate in the Junior Theater Festival West in Sacramento, CA
100+ Hours of Training in Acting, Singing & Dancing
A guaranteed role in our Fall Production of Seussical JR.
Opportunities to perform for, and connect with, our local community
Professional script
KTP team SWAG including T-shirt, bag, water bottle, and hoodie/jacket
Rehearsals, Performances, and Travel
Members of the Kettleworks Traveling Players will participate in our Fall 2022 Production of Seussical, JR. During the months of January & February 2023 KTP team members will have team-focused rehearsals to create a 15-minute adjudication performance. This selection will be presented and adjudicated by performing arts professionals at the Junior Theater Festival West 2023. At JTF West our performers will get to participate in exciting and exclusive workshops, performances, talk-backs with industry professionals and more! Former JTF guests include Olivia Rodrigo (HSMTMTS), Krystina Alabado (Mean Girls), Pasek & Paul (The Greatest Showman), Stephanie J. Block (Wicked), Alan Menken (Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast ... all things Disney, really!), and many more big names in the business. We may occasionally have brief additional rehearsals as local performance opportunities arise between the months of September '22 - February '23 and will hold a few brief rehearsals in December, plus our team holiday party.
Junior Theater Festival West '23 Dates - February 17-20, 2023
A Special Note: It is the goal of the Kettleworks Traveling Players/Kettleworks Performing Arts to create a true theatre family with this troupe. We here at KPA strive to nurture mutual respect in every performer who passes through our doors and to instill a strong sense of work ethic while encouraging passion and building community. A big part of this character building is consistency in our rehearsals, activities, and performances. Attendance is a very important aspect of this program as the performers rely on each other throughout the process, building their knowledge and skills together. We understand that sickness may occur, but it is understood that barring unforeseen circumstance all performers will put in their best effort to attend every required rehearsal, and if a missed rehearsal is unavoidable the performer/performer's family will do all they can to independently catch up on any missed materials. In the case of potential COVID-19 exposure within a performer's family, said performer would be asked to attend rehearsal virtually in order to keep up with new materials.