Audition for Kids for "Lion King, Jr."

Rafiki is a wise mandrill who acts as a healer of the Pridelands and guides Simba on his journey home. She is an omniscient character, evincing an air of mystery. Rafiki has significant solos and leads the African chants throughout the show. This actor should be able to convey both the character's wisdom and humor. Vocal range top: C4 Vocal range bottom: A3

Mufasa is the strong, honorable, and wise lion who leads the Pridelands. Mufasa should command respect onstage and also showtenderness with his son, Simba. This actor should convincingly portray the authorityof a king. Vocal range top: C4 Vocal range bottom: B3

Zazu is Mufasa's anxious yet loyal assistant who is always busy trying to serve the king. Bound by an unfailing sense of duty, Zazu appears uptight but never wavers in trying to protect Young Simba. Good diction and comic timing will help convey Zazu's worried, rule-following nature in contrast to the more playful cubs.

Scar is the antagonist of the show, overcome with jealously of his brother, Mufasa, and nephew, Simba. Coldhearted and wickedly intelligent, he will stop at nothing to become king of the Pridelands. This actor should be able to portray Scar's dark side and sarcastic sense of humor. Vocal range top:A4 Vocal range bottom:A3

Young Simba,the protagonist of the story, is an adventurous and endearing cub who can't wait to be king of the Pridelands. Young Simba is playful, energetic, and naive, but after his father Mufasa's death, he struggles with shame, and questions his destiny. This role requires a confident singer and a dynamic, high-energy performer. Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: B3

Young Nala is a courageous lion and Young Simba's best friend who is not afraid to speak her mind. She is confident and spunky. Vocal range top: C5 Vocal range bottom:A3

Simba, having grown from a cub to lion, is carefree on the surface while wrestling with guilt over his past. Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom: B3

Nala has grown into a brave, empowered lioness who is fiercely protective over her pride and homeland. A strong actress and singer should embody Nala's courageous, determined nature. Vocal range top: E5 Vocal range bottom:G3

Timon is an outcast meerka twho lives in the jungle with his best friend Pumbaa. This anxious mammal pretends to be the confident, relaxed leader of the duo but is actually afraid of their own shadow. Timon is one of the funniest characters in the show and should be played by a charismatic actor who understands comic timing. Vocal range top: B4 Vocal range bottom: B3

Pumbaa is a kindhearted, sensitive warthog who enjoys his simple life of grubs and relaxation. This role requires an actorwho can portray this loveable and loyal friend to Timon and Simba with deadpan humor. Vocal range top:G5 Vocal range bottom: D4

Sarabi is a featured lioness, Mufasa's partner, and Simba's mother. This role requires an actorwho can deliver Sarabi's few speaking lines with the warmth and command of a queen.

Banzai is a slick yet childish hyena who works for Scar. Banzai is the closest thing this lazy group has to a leader, so this role requires an outgoing and confident actor who can portray nastiness and gruffness.

Shenzi is one of Scar's hyenas who plots to take over the Pridelands. She is the most brazen one of the trio, and is always looking out for herself. She should be able to laugh loudly and long, as well as be menacing to Young Simba and Young Nala.

Ed is the third member of Scar's trio of lackeys. Ed's loud, cackling laugh is this hyena's only form of communication, so the person playing this role needs to laugh unabashedly and communicate through physicality and facial expressions rather than words.

The Ensemble plays various inhabitants of the Pridelands, such as giraffes, elephants, antelopes, wildebeest, and other creatures. They even become part of the environmental landscape, portraying the swaying grasslands and leafy jungle.

The Savanna Singers will serve in a vocal-only role. Their participation will not require movement around the stage.