Disney’s ‘THE LION KING’ to audition children

THE LION KINGDisney’s musical THE LION KING is looking for two young actors and singers to play Young Nala and Young Simba in the upcoming Australian production, set to open in December at the Capitol Theatre Sydney. Auditions will be held in Sydney on Sunday, March 17. Audition submissions are due by this Friday, February 22.

 

THE LION KING, the multi-award winning musical based on the 1994 Disney animated film of the same name, will be produced by Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher. As the fifth longest-running musical in Broadway history and only the second show to produce five productions running 10 or more years, THE LION KING is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a child actor to get their name out there. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor leads the creative team, with choreography by Garth Fagan.

 

Young Simba will be played by a boy age 10 to 12 years old. Casting officials are looking for a young actor and singer who is able to move well to be the future King of the Pridelands. He should have natural talent with charm and charisma and be able to hold the stage on his own with confidence and truth. Male actors looking to play Young Simba must be 133cm but no taller than 145cm.

 

Likewise, Young Nala should be played by a girl age 10 to 12 years old. She should be able to move well and have a natural talent with personality, confidence and strength. Casting officials are looking “for a confident young lady cub to keep Simba in his place.” Female actors looking to play Young Nala must also be 133cm but no taller than 145cm.

 

Casting officials encourage children of all cultural backgrounds to be submitted for audition consideration.

 

To be submitted for audition consideration, a brief resume, one photo, the date of birth, height (in centimeters), address and parent/guardian’s names of the applicant must be emailed to Leanne Cherny, Casting Director of THE LION KING at casting@entertainmentcasting.com. Submissions are due by Friday, February 22.

 

It is important to note that all children must be at least 10 years old by October 1 and available for rehearsals, which commence in Sydney in October.

 

The audition will take place on Sunday, March 17 in Sydney. Successful children from this round of auditions will be called back for another audition in April 2013. Birth certificates must be provided on the day of auditions to verify proof of age. There is no flexibility on the age or height requirements. Also, please note all children will be measured prior to entering the audition room.

 

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains to the evocative rhythms of Africa, THE LION KING is a spectacular production exploding with glorious colours, stunning effects and enchanting music. It tells the timeless story of Simba and his epic journey to fulfill his destiny as King of the Pridelands.

 

For more information, visit campaigns.gruden.com/lionkingthemusical.

 

Photo: The opening number “The Circle of Life” from Disney’s THE LION KING in Las Vegas in 2009. Photo by Joan Marcus.