AUDITION NOTICE FOR “BIG FISH”
Wheaton Drama, Inc. is thrilled to announce auditions for their 2026-2027 season opener, “Big Fish”, directed by Pam Turlow, with music direction by Brady McNeil and choreography by Katy Smith. Auditions will be held Sunday, July 12th from 6 to 10 p.m., and Monday, July 13th from 6 to 10 p.m. Callbacks will be held on Tuesday, July 14th. First read-through is set for Sunday, July 19th at 2 p.m. Auditions will be held at Wheaton Drama, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton, IL 60187.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Please prepare 32 bars of a song in the style of the show or from the show; be sure to bring sheet music in your correct key. An accompanist will be provided. Auditioners have the option to perform a one-minute monologue or tell a short story (a tall tale is a good choice). Be prepared to learn a dance combination. Video auditions will also be accepted; if you are sending in a video submission, it must be received no later than Sunday, July 5th. You will receive a phone call if you are required for Tuesday’s callbacks. Callbacks are by invitation only, and not all roles will require one. Auditions will be held in 45-minute time slots. When signing up, please indicate the day and preferred time slot. (Sign up for a 45-minute time slot; 6:00 – 6:45, 6:50 – 7:35, 7:40 – 8:25, 8:30 – 9:15, 9:20 – 10:05). Please visit https://forms.gle/9zwCrj7DianNaCPy8 to sign up for an audition slot or to upload your video audition.
DANCE WORKSHOP
Two dance workshops will be held for those interested in preparing for the audition. They are not mandatory to attend, but if you’re sending in a video audition without a dance reel, it’s recommended you consider attending a workshop. Workshops will be held at the theatre on June 27 and 28th from 4pm to 6pm. Please sign up for the workshop here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0C49A5A62DA2FA7-64066288-bigfish.
SYNOPSIS
Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace, and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown), and book by John August (screenwriter of Big Fish, Corpse Bride)
“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. “Big Fish” celebrates the joy of life, the importance of family, and the beauty of the stories we pass along.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
- EDWARD BLOOM
(30s-50s, Baritone, male presenting)
The heart of the story – a larger-than-life figure whose charm, imagination, and relentless optimism have shaped the world around him. He brings wonder to everyday life through fantastical tales that blur truth and fiction – not to deceive, but to make sense of the world. Beneath his charm is a man grappling with morality, legacy, and connection. Must balance humor, youthful energy, and mature emotional weight. Appears at various stages of life. Will be required to dance and take part in fight choreography. - SANDRA BLOOM
(20s-40s, Soprano, female presenting)
Edward’s wife. Warm, bubbly, and full of light – she matches Edward’s enthusiasm while also keeping him grounded. Her grounded optimism brings balance to Edward’s wild imagination. Must be able to navigate both comedy and deep emotional vulnerability. Appears at various stages of life. - WILL BLOOM
(20s-30s, Tenor, male presenting)
Edward’s son. Intelligent, logical, and emotionally guarded, he struggles to reconcile his father’s fantastical stories with the truth. A grounded realist who grows emotionally as he uncovers who his father really is. - YOUNG WILL/WILL’S SON
(8-12, Tenor)
These are two separate roles that will be double-cast, with the performers switching roles from show to show. Young Will is inquisitive, smart, and wary of his father’s tall tales. Will’s son is curious and enthusiastic to learn. We are open to casting the role with youth of any gender. - JOSEPHINE BLOOM
(20s-30, Mezzo, female presenting)
Will’s wife. Open-hearted, curious, and emotionally grounded. She encourages Will to see the beauty in Edward’s stories and serves as an empathetic guide towards their reconciliation. - KARL THE GIANT
(20s-50s, Bass, male presenting)
Edward’s best friend. An Outsider – misunderstood, shy, and socially awkward – but he’s full of heart and is fiercely loyal. A gentle giant with surprising emotional depth. Note: Karl, a role usually portrayed by an actor on painter’s stilts, in this production, will be portrayed by an actor who will be required to perform while working a giant, life-sized puppet. Auditioners should consider if they feel physically comfortable with this before auditioning. - AMOS CALLOWAY
(30s-60s, Baritone, any gender)
Eccentric and theatrical ringmaster of the circus, who also turns out to be a werewolf. Big energy, physical comedy, and charisma are key. - THE WITCH
(20s-50s, Mezzo, female presenting)
A mystical, powerful figure who shows Edward a vision of his future. Haunting and wise, with commanding stage presence and powerful voice. - JENNY HILL
(20s-40s, Mezzo, female presenting)
Edward’s spunky high school girlfriend. Appears as exuberant cheerleader as well as middle-aged woman who’s had a full life. - DON PRICE
(30s-50s, Baritone, male presenting)
Edward’s childhood rival. Loud, competitive, and rough around the edges. Comedic timing and physical energy are key. Will be required to take part in fight choreography. - ZACKY PRICE
(20s-40s, Tenor, male presenting) Nerdy, anxious brother of Don Price. Requires great comic timing. - DR. BENNETT
(30s-50s, spoken role, any gender) Edward’s caring and compassionate family doctor and long-time friend. - ENSEMBLE
(any gender)
Seeking versatile ensemble members will play multiple roles including townspeople, fantasy creatures, circus performers, and more.
REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES
Rehearsals will be held Sundays-Thursdays. Not all cast members will be required at all rehearsals. Performances are September 11th through October 4th, with Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. If cast, you will be required to become a member of Wheaton Drama. There is no pay.
CREATIVE TEAM FOR “BIG FISH”:
- Director: Pam Turlow
- Producer: Zach Rowe
- Music Director: Brady McNeil
- Choreographer: Katy Smith
- Assistant Director: Ben Dooley
- Stage Manager: Bruce Ebner
- Set Designer: Rod Kelly
- Projection Designer: Krystyn Wells
- Projection Execution: Andy Kanturek
- Costume Designer: Diana Dignan
- Lighting Designer: Jim Van de Velde
- Sound Designer: Dave Amato
- Fight Choreographer/Intimacy Coordinator: Claire Yearman
- Puppet Designer: Jim Martin
- Hair and Makeup: Liz Goodin
