Seussical
AUDITION INFORMATION
Seussical Directing Staff:
Director: Joshua Woodard
Assistant Director: Ben Bradley
Assistant Director: Jaliyah Townsend
Music Director: Quessa Brown
Choreographer: Natalie Bradley
Technical Director: Nathan Arnold
Stage Manager: Eva Bennett
Production Assistant: Dayna Cooper
Costumer: Michele Santer
Seussical Synopsis:
Imagination runs wild as beloved characters from Dr. Seuss’s stories come together in one fantastical tale. At the heart of it all is Horton the Elephant, who discovers a tiny planet of Whos living on a speck of dust. Among them is Jojo, a child with a big imagination who just doesn’t fit the mold. As Horton stands up for the Whos and cares for an abandoned egg, he faces ridicule, danger, and challenge, but never gives up on doing what’s right.
Guided by the mischievous Cat in the Hat, we are introduced to a world of Seussian characters including the loyal and awkward Gertrude McFuzz, the dazzling Mayzie LaBird, the Circus McGurkus and many more! With humor, heart, and show-stopping songs, Seussical is a celebration of friendship, individuality, and the power of standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
Cast : 30 roles for a wide ranges of ages and experience levels
Principal Characters:
Boy/JoJo: The Mayor's son, he is a Who that is always finding trouble. Bright, creative, and inadvertently mischievous. Possesses a wildly expansive imagination and finds solace in his friendship with Horton.
Gender: male
Vocal range: Ab3-C5
What we are looking for: a strong singing voice (unchanged voice or light soprano/tenor), good acting skills, clear diction, emotional depth, and the ability to convey wonder, curiosity, and imagination as well as being confident on stage.
Cat in the Hat: Our story's omniscient narrator, he is fun loving and enjoys rhyming. Pops up throughout the story to help the audience. Goofy and unpredictable but also wise and attentive.
Gender: any
Vocal range: F2– F4
What we are looking for: charisma, comic timing with an improv feel, and vocal versatility. This is a high-energy, transformational role that requires variety in movement and facial expression.
Horton the Elephant: Our story's main character, he is a compassionate and gentle elephant. Commonly misunderstood. He is protective and loving of all creatures in the jungle. His big heart makes it easy for others to take advantage of him.
Gender: male
Vocal range: A2–F4
What we are looking for: A kind, sincere, and loyal elephant who believes in doing what’s right, even when no one else will. Strong acting skills and emotional expression are key.
Gertrude McFuzz: Horton's one-feathered-tail bird neighbor. Gertrude is sweet and timid. Though kind and loyal, she is also self-conscious of her shortfalls.
Gender: female
Vocal range: F3– F5
What we are looking for: sweet, comical vulnerability with emotional nuance and growth. Good chemistry with Horton. Likeable stage presence.
Mayzie Labird: The most beautiful bird in all of the jungle. Oblivious to her self-centered ways, she relies on her talent of manipulation, and intoxicating beauty, to navigate her way through life.
Gender: female
Vocal range: G3– Eb5
What we are looking for: bold, confident, flashy personality. Strong comedic timing with the ability to balance Mayzie’s selfishness with charm.
The Sour Kangaroo: The 'leader' of the jungle. She is loud, brassy, and stubbornly set in her ways. A caring mother, but unabashedly sassy and soulful.
Gender: female
Vocal range: F#3–F5
What we are looking for: A powerhouse voice, preferably with gospel or soul edge. strong comedic delivery with bite
Featured Characters:
Mr. Mayor: The Mayor of Whoville. He struggles to understand his son JoJo, but loves him dearly. Even if he doesn’t always make the right decisions in how to raise him.
Gender: Male
Vocal range: A3 – E4
What we are looking for: Clear vocal tone and expressiveness. Ability to connect with JoJo and face absurd situations with sincerity.
Mrs. Mayor: The Mayor’s wife. She and her husband are struggling to raise their son in such a difficult time.
Gender: Female
Vocal range: A3 – C5
What we are looking for: Clear vocal tone and expressiveness. Ability to connect with JoJo and face absurd situations with sincerity.
Wickersham Brothers/Cadets: Three monkey brothers and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. These are not bad guys! They're simply a lot like kids who tease, play pranks, and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at others' expense. They side with the Sour Kangaroo in her campaign against Horton and cause more trouble for poor Horton. Strong singer/movers with lots of soulful singing. These characters will also double as Cadet’s in the Who Army.
Gender: Male
Vocal range: G2 – G4
What we are looking for: Mischievous, energetic. Need movement ability and tight harmonies for jazzy numbers.
Bird Girls:: Three sassy birds and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. Self Centered "backup birds" who do whatever Mayzie does. They often act as storytellers, picking up where The Cat left off..
Gender: Female
Vocal Range: A3 – F5
What we are looking for: Good singer/movers with lots of soulful singing and harmonies.
Yertle the Turtle/Judge/Hunter/Circus Folk: A citizen of the Jungle of Nool who acts as judge in Horton’s “trial”. This character will also double as a hunter and circus performer.
Gender: Male/Female
Vocal range: F3 – F4
What we are looking for: strong character actor with a clear projecting voice
General Genghis Khan Schmitz/Vlad Vladikov/Hunter: The leader of the Who army leading his troops into the Butter Battle. Will also double as Vlad Vladikov the Vulture and a hunter.
Gender: Male
Vocal range:F3 – Eb4
What we are looking for: a comedic actor with a strong character voice. Intimidating, but ultimately funny
The Grinch/Hunter: Citizen of Whoville who does not like Christmas. Will also double as a hunter.
Gender: Male
Vocal range: G2 – B3
What we are looking for: comedic actor with a strong character voice. Comfortable altering appearance with wigs, stage makeup, etc.
Ensemble: This show requires an ensemble with strong singing and dancing/movement abilities. They may be required to double in several roles and have many quick costume changes. Ensemble will play the roles of Whoville residents, Fish, Circus Performers, and Hunches.
Gender: Male/Female, adults and children
Vocal range: all
What we are looking for: positive attitude and teamwork spirit. Strong singing and group movement skills. Emphasis on facial expressions and storytelling. Willingness to play several roles and have quick costume changes.
Audition Information:
Auditions will take place in the rehearsal hall of the Actors Guild at 724 Market Street, Parkersburg, WV. Please enter through the side door on Market Street.
Auditions will be held in the following manner:
January 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM: **CHILDREN ONLY** This will be for all children who are interested in either the role of JoJo or one of the ensemble roles. Participants will be selected from this audition to attend a call-back audition.
Adult roles, including principal and ensemble, will be auditioned at the following dates and times. You only need to attend one of these preliminary audition sessions. You will select the one session that best fits your schedule. From these auditions, participants will also be selected to attend a call-back audition.
January 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM
January 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM
January 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM
Call-back auditions will take place on January 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM. You will only attend this audition if you have received a message inviting you.
Early/alternative auditions will be accommodated on a case-by-case basis upon request and as scheduling permits.
If you are interested in auditioning, please complete the audition form at the link below:
https://forms.gle/bX3C9CcRiLTKbqds7
If you have any questions regarding the show or audition process, please feel free to email the directing staff at [email protected]
Audition materials will be located at the link below as they become available:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-AM_hM300-urfQiFdgpm4xR_FX8A6H36
Director: Joshua Woodard
Assistant Director: Ben Bradley
Assistant Director: Jaliyah Townsend
Music Director: Quessa Brown
Choreographer: Natalie Bradley
Technical Director: Nathan Arnold
Stage Manager: Eva Bennett
Production Assistant: Dayna Cooper
Costumer: Michele Santer
Seussical Synopsis:
Imagination runs wild as beloved characters from Dr. Seuss’s stories come together in one fantastical tale. At the heart of it all is Horton the Elephant, who discovers a tiny planet of Whos living on a speck of dust. Among them is Jojo, a child with a big imagination who just doesn’t fit the mold. As Horton stands up for the Whos and cares for an abandoned egg, he faces ridicule, danger, and challenge, but never gives up on doing what’s right.
Guided by the mischievous Cat in the Hat, we are introduced to a world of Seussian characters including the loyal and awkward Gertrude McFuzz, the dazzling Mayzie LaBird, the Circus McGurkus and many more! With humor, heart, and show-stopping songs, Seussical is a celebration of friendship, individuality, and the power of standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.
Cast : 30 roles for a wide ranges of ages and experience levels
Principal Characters:
Boy/JoJo: The Mayor's son, he is a Who that is always finding trouble. Bright, creative, and inadvertently mischievous. Possesses a wildly expansive imagination and finds solace in his friendship with Horton.
Gender: male
Vocal range: Ab3-C5
What we are looking for: a strong singing voice (unchanged voice or light soprano/tenor), good acting skills, clear diction, emotional depth, and the ability to convey wonder, curiosity, and imagination as well as being confident on stage.
Cat in the Hat: Our story's omniscient narrator, he is fun loving and enjoys rhyming. Pops up throughout the story to help the audience. Goofy and unpredictable but also wise and attentive.
Gender: any
Vocal range: F2– F4
What we are looking for: charisma, comic timing with an improv feel, and vocal versatility. This is a high-energy, transformational role that requires variety in movement and facial expression.
Horton the Elephant: Our story's main character, he is a compassionate and gentle elephant. Commonly misunderstood. He is protective and loving of all creatures in the jungle. His big heart makes it easy for others to take advantage of him.
Gender: male
Vocal range: A2–F4
What we are looking for: A kind, sincere, and loyal elephant who believes in doing what’s right, even when no one else will. Strong acting skills and emotional expression are key.
Gertrude McFuzz: Horton's one-feathered-tail bird neighbor. Gertrude is sweet and timid. Though kind and loyal, she is also self-conscious of her shortfalls.
Gender: female
Vocal range: F3– F5
What we are looking for: sweet, comical vulnerability with emotional nuance and growth. Good chemistry with Horton. Likeable stage presence.
Mayzie Labird: The most beautiful bird in all of the jungle. Oblivious to her self-centered ways, she relies on her talent of manipulation, and intoxicating beauty, to navigate her way through life.
Gender: female
Vocal range: G3– Eb5
What we are looking for: bold, confident, flashy personality. Strong comedic timing with the ability to balance Mayzie’s selfishness with charm.
The Sour Kangaroo: The 'leader' of the jungle. She is loud, brassy, and stubbornly set in her ways. A caring mother, but unabashedly sassy and soulful.
Gender: female
Vocal range: F#3–F5
What we are looking for: A powerhouse voice, preferably with gospel or soul edge. strong comedic delivery with bite
Featured Characters:
Mr. Mayor: The Mayor of Whoville. He struggles to understand his son JoJo, but loves him dearly. Even if he doesn’t always make the right decisions in how to raise him.
Gender: Male
Vocal range: A3 – E4
What we are looking for: Clear vocal tone and expressiveness. Ability to connect with JoJo and face absurd situations with sincerity.
Mrs. Mayor: The Mayor’s wife. She and her husband are struggling to raise their son in such a difficult time.
Gender: Female
Vocal range: A3 – C5
What we are looking for: Clear vocal tone and expressiveness. Ability to connect with JoJo and face absurd situations with sincerity.
Wickersham Brothers/Cadets: Three monkey brothers and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. These are not bad guys! They're simply a lot like kids who tease, play pranks, and get a kick out of making mischief, although often at others' expense. They side with the Sour Kangaroo in her campaign against Horton and cause more trouble for poor Horton. Strong singer/movers with lots of soulful singing. These characters will also double as Cadet’s in the Who Army.
Gender: Male
Vocal range: G2 – G4
What we are looking for: Mischievous, energetic. Need movement ability and tight harmonies for jazzy numbers.
Bird Girls:: Three sassy birds and citizens of the Jungle of Nool. Self Centered "backup birds" who do whatever Mayzie does. They often act as storytellers, picking up where The Cat left off..
Gender: Female
Vocal Range: A3 – F5
What we are looking for: Good singer/movers with lots of soulful singing and harmonies.
Yertle the Turtle/Judge/Hunter/Circus Folk: A citizen of the Jungle of Nool who acts as judge in Horton’s “trial”. This character will also double as a hunter and circus performer.
Gender: Male/Female
Vocal range: F3 – F4
What we are looking for: strong character actor with a clear projecting voice
General Genghis Khan Schmitz/Vlad Vladikov/Hunter: The leader of the Who army leading his troops into the Butter Battle. Will also double as Vlad Vladikov the Vulture and a hunter.
Gender: Male
Vocal range:F3 – Eb4
What we are looking for: a comedic actor with a strong character voice. Intimidating, but ultimately funny
The Grinch/Hunter: Citizen of Whoville who does not like Christmas. Will also double as a hunter.
Gender: Male
Vocal range: G2 – B3
What we are looking for: comedic actor with a strong character voice. Comfortable altering appearance with wigs, stage makeup, etc.
Ensemble: This show requires an ensemble with strong singing and dancing/movement abilities. They may be required to double in several roles and have many quick costume changes. Ensemble will play the roles of Whoville residents, Fish, Circus Performers, and Hunches.
Gender: Male/Female, adults and children
Vocal range: all
What we are looking for: positive attitude and teamwork spirit. Strong singing and group movement skills. Emphasis on facial expressions and storytelling. Willingness to play several roles and have quick costume changes.
Audition Information:
Auditions will take place in the rehearsal hall of the Actors Guild at 724 Market Street, Parkersburg, WV. Please enter through the side door on Market Street.
Auditions will be held in the following manner:
January 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM: **CHILDREN ONLY** This will be for all children who are interested in either the role of JoJo or one of the ensemble roles. Participants will be selected from this audition to attend a call-back audition.
Adult roles, including principal and ensemble, will be auditioned at the following dates and times. You only need to attend one of these preliminary audition sessions. You will select the one session that best fits your schedule. From these auditions, participants will also be selected to attend a call-back audition.
January 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM
January 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM
January 4, 2026, at 6:00 PM
Call-back auditions will take place on January 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM. You will only attend this audition if you have received a message inviting you.
Early/alternative auditions will be accommodated on a case-by-case basis upon request and as scheduling permits.
If you are interested in auditioning, please complete the audition form at the link below:
https://forms.gle/bX3C9CcRiLTKbqds7
If you have any questions regarding the show or audition process, please feel free to email the directing staff at [email protected]
Audition materials will be located at the link below as they become available:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-AM_hM300-urfQiFdgpm4xR_FX8A6H36