Youth Theatre for Department of Theatre Students
For university students passionate about theatre, our Youth Theatre productions offer an unparalleled opportunity to shine. Whether you've dreamt of captivating an audience with your performance or envisioned yourself working behind-the-scenes to craft the magic, we have a place for you.
Take Center Stage: Embrace the limelight and be a part of the show, sharing your talent with our enthusiastic audiences. Join the Creative Team: If you have a keen eye for design, direction, or any other production facet, collaborate with us to bring the stories to life.
Not only will you gain invaluable experience, but you'll also play a pivotal role in mentoring and uplifting the community's youth. All our productions come alive at the renowned Kingsbury Hall, a magnificent venue seating 1900 guests per show. Join us and leave an indelible mark both on the stage and in the hearts of our young performers.
SYNOPSIS
Dive deep into the vibrant world of Bikini Bottom with our special production of SpongeBob the Musical, tailored specifically for our young and talented actors! Disaster looms as the residents face an erupting volcano, threatening to wipe out their cherished home. Amidst despair and chaos, it's up to SpongeBob and his iconic gang to muster courage, hope, and the spirit of unity to save the day. A tale of bravery, friendship, and the unparalleled power of optimism, this musical will leave audiences of all ages inspired and humming along.
WHY THE YOUTH EDITION?
Our decision to perform the one-hour Youth Edition stems from our commitment to engage and captivate our youngest audience members. By condensing the magic into a shorter format, we ensure that even elementary students can fully immerse in the performance, capturing their attention and fostering a lifelong love for theatre. So join us, for a bubbly, musical ride that promises fun, laughter, and a message of hope that resonates with every heart!
AUDITION INFORMATION
- For the auditions, you should prepare approx 32 bars of an UPBEAT Broadway tune - the equivalent to a verse and a chorus.
- You should also prepare one of the suggested songs for particular roles noted under the Character & Song List Tab. If a song for the role you'd like is not listed, please pick another song from the show to sing. We want to hear you sing twice.
We would love to see you in person, but there is an option to submit a video link if you can't make the audition time work.
CHARACTERS
Vocal Range is listed in parentheses after the character name if relevant.
The creators of The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition specify that ANY ROLE can be played by a person of ANY GENDER. (Personal pronouns for characters will remain as written in the script.)
SpongeBob SquarePants (Range: A2-G4)
SPONGEBOB is a bright, imaginative, and determined sea sponge. He is the optimistic protagonist of our tale. The performer playing SPONGEBOB will have copious but controlled energy and the ability to sustain it over the entire show. As the musical’s lead, the actor must possess a fantastic stage presence, an excellent singing voice, strong dance skills, and comic timing.
SpongeBob sings in nine of the show’s songs; hopefuls interested in playing this role should be prepared to sing “Just a Simple Sponge” for their auditions (in addition to their other piece).
Patrick Star (Range: A2-A4)
PATRICK STAR, a sea star (starfish), is SPONGEBOB’s best friend. PATRICK is the brawn to SPONGEBOB’s bravado. PATRICK’s chill “beachy” demeanor and voice may mislead those around him; he possesses more intelligence than others give him credit for.. However, PATRICK has little initiative; he’s happy to sit, snack, and watch TV all day. The actor playing PATRICK needs to have strong comedic skills and be convincing as SPONGEBOB’s best friend and “hype man.”
PATRICK sings in six songs; actors who want to play PATRICK should be prepared to sing “Super Sea Star Savior" (in addition to their other piece)
Squidward (Range: A2-F#4)
SQUIDWARD Q. TENTACLES is a Giant Pacific Octopus (with six tentacles – suspend your disbelief!). SQUIDWARD is a foil – a contrasting character – to SPONGEBOB. He is pessimistic, grumpy, short-tempered, and doesn’t really like anyone. Despite this, SQUIDWARD dreams of artistic success and even fame. The performer who plays SQUIDWARD needs to have confidence, charm, and a sense of humor because he’s an unlikable character. The actor also has to be able to handle a pair of pants with two extra legs in it and possess a strong Broadway vocal belt. Tap dancing skills are an advantage for actors interested in playing SQUIDWARD.
SQUIDWARD sings in five songs plus two musical “outbursts;” hopefuls should be prepared to sing “I’m Not a Loser” (in addition to their other piece).
Sandy Cheeks (Range: A3-E5)
SANDY is a Texan squirrel scientist who lives in Bikini Bottom while working on a research project. She is feisty and brilliant, with quick ideas to solve problems. As a land mammal, SANDY experiences prejudice from many of the TOWNSPEOPLE, especially when a mob blames her for the volcano. SANDY knows karate and has great balance and agility. The performer playing SANDY must be able to show a wide range of emotions and plausibly sound Texan while both singing and speaking.
SANDY sings in five numbers. Actors trying out for SANDY should sing “Chop to the Top”(in addition to their other piece).
Eugene (Mr.) Krabs (Range: D3-B4)
KRABS is a money-hungry crab restaurateur who owns the Krusty Krab. He is super-focused on his business, even ignoring his daughter PEARL at times. MR. KRABS sees the volcano as a marketing opportunity to sell more Krabby Patties. The actor playing MR. KRABS needs a strong singing voice and the ability to act with “claws” on their hands.
KRABS sings in five numbers; hopefuls auditioning for this role may sing “Daddy Knows Best.” (in addition to their other piece).
Sheldon J. Plankton (Range: E3-E4)
SHELDON PLANKTON is a planktonic copepod and Bikini Bottom’s resident villain. He owns the Chum Bucket, a would-be rival to the Krusty Krab – but his chum burgers are terrible. PLANKTON is married to KAREN, his computer that helps him with his evil schemes. The actor playing PLANKTON needs to be able to handle the hip-hop vocals and choreography of his featured song, “When the Going Gets Tough.” A sense of comic timing, skill with puppetry, and an ability to play a joyfully evil character are also important.
SHELDON sings in two numbers. Performers who wish to be considered for this role should be prepared to sing “When the Going Gets Tough” through measure 19 (in addition to their other piece).
Karen Plankton (Range: A3-F#4)
KAREN is a computer and SHELDON’s spouse. KAREN assists with SHELDON’s evil schemes. The actor playing KAREN needs to have strong acting ability; hip hop dance experience is a plus.
Pearl Krabs (Range: Bb3-E5)
PEARL is MR. KRABS’ teenage daughter who is a whale. PEARL is a dramatic, self-involved adolescent who dreams of becoming a famous performer. The actor playing PEARL must have a terrific singing voice that can stand out even in ensemble vocals. PEARL cries several times during the show, so being able to act upset convincingly is a plus.
Performers auditioning for PEARL should should be prepared to sing “Daddy Knows Best.”(in addition to their other piece).
French Narrator
An oceanographer and marine biologist (a la Jaques Cousteau), the FRENCH NARRATOR provides vital information for the audience at key moments. This actor needs a strong speaking voice with the ability to imitate a French accent as well as excellent timing.
Perch Perkins
PERCH is a fish (a perch!) and Bikini Bottom’s news reporter. PERCH provides updates on the volcano throughout the show. The actor playing PERCH will need a “newscaster” voice and presence as well as comic timing.
Mayor of Bikini Bottom
The MAYOR is Bikini Bottom’s government representative. As a politician, the MAYOR provides updates that are filled with bureaucratic buzzwords. The actor playing the MAYOR needs to be a convincing leader whose confident demeanor unravels as the disaster gets closer and closer.
Old Man Jenkins
OLD MAN JENKINS is a grouchy senior citizen. OLD MAN JENKINS is suspicious, reactive, and resistant to new ideas. The actor playing OLD MAN JENKINS needs to be convincing – physically and vocally – as a crotchety, grumpy, cane-wielding old man.
SpongeBob Rehearsal Calendar by Penny Caywood
Performers
- All performing company members should enroll in THEA 4919.
- Ensure that the section you register for matches the show you have been cast in. Sections are generally titled with the name of the show’s Director.
- THEA 4919 - 002 Mainstage Performance; Instructor: MARANTZ CAYWOOD, PENELOPE
Theatre Teaching BFA Students
- All theatre teaching majors should enroll in THEA 4000.
- THEA 4000 - 001Youth Theatre Product; Instructor: MARANTZ CAYWOOD, PENELOPE
AUDITION DATE
Sunday, October 22
- 9 am - 1 pm
- Sign-up for one 10-minute slot.
SO YOU WANNA BE ON THE TEAM?
Being part of our esteemed production and creative team extends beyond mere involvement—it's an educational and professional journey.
- Course Credit with THEA 4000: Register for the Thea 4000 course, and you'll be assigned a vital role on our team. It's hands-on learning with real-world implications, and you'll earn course credit for your dedicated efforts. This course is required for Theatre Teaching Majors.
- Direct Hiring: For those looking for a paid professional experience, certain positions offer direct hiring. This opportunity allows you to immerse yourself in the production process and hone your craft, all while being compensated for your expertise.
- Collaborative Academic Credit: If you have a specialized focus, there's a chance to collaborate with professors in your field. We've previously coordinated with experts in lighting, stage management, and props to ensure students receive credit for their contributions to the production. Join us, and shape your academic and career path with each curtain raise!
- There are additional production meetings that team members will need to attend outside of rehearsals.
- THEA 4000 students regularly attend rehearsals and meet at 5pm on Wednesdays during the rehearsal period.
SpongeBob Rehearsal Calendar by Penny Caywood
QUESTIONS ON THE FORM INCLUDE:
- Please briefly describe any relevant experience or training you have had in theatre production. If possible, specify the roles you have undertaken and the productions you were involved in.
- Are there any specific courses or workshops you've attended that you believe will aid you in this production team role? If yes, please list and briefly describe them.
- Why are you interested in being a part of the Youth Theatre production team?
- What strengths or unique qualities do you believe you bring to the production team?
- Which Department of Theatre professor could serve as a verbal reference for you?
APPLICATION DUE
Saturday, October 21
- 5 pm
DoT POLICIES
SpongeBob Rehearsal Calendar by Penny Caywood