Moana Jr. Auditions

Saturday, February 12, 2022 (9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

1 hour audition slots: 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 1:00, 2:00

AUDITION INFO:

Open to students kindergarten – seniors in high school who are fully vaccinated (please note STC’s vaccination policy below)

Those interested should prepare a 30-60 second song of their choosing and are expected to bring sheet music for piano accompaniment.  A pianist will be provided. Songs should be something the child is comfortable with and shows off their range. Each child will be allowed to read for 2 parts – one of their choosing and one of the director’s choosing. Each group will be taught a basic movement piece during auditions and will perform the piece as a group for the audition panel at the end of the hour. Face coverings will be worn at all times except when the auditionee is performing their song.  Social distancing will be maintained at all times.

ALL auditionees should fill out an audition form indicating what parts they are interested in and include ALL conflicts between February 14th and May 1st. Audition registration and form can be found below.

Callbacks may be held the afternoon of Sunday, February 13th.  Those called back will be notified by 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 12th.  Those not called back will still be considered for the show.

HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTICE FOR AUDITIONEES (Please read Thoroughly):

STC will be requiring staff, cast, other show volunteers, and contractors to be vaccinated, no exceptions. Auditonees will be asked to bring their proof of vaccination to auditions. All individuals involved in STC productions will be expected to follow our current health and safety protocols and comply with any changes as necessary. If you have any questions, please email stcsafety21@gmail.com. Note that Springfield Theatre Centre will use extreme care when collecting and storing vaccination information to ensure privacy of this information. Only the show’s producers, director, and any other approved STC officials will have access to this information.

Springfield Theatre Centre will be following guidance from the CDC, IDPH, Hoogland Center for the Arts, and other resources to craft our COVID Health and Safety Production Procedures. These procedures will be distributed to all individuals involved in the production at the initial cast and staff meeting and whenever procedural changes have been made to reflect the current climate.

Face mask notice: Following the State of Illinois’s indoor mask mandate and the CDC and IDPH guidance, until further notice, all those involved in or auditioning for this production, will be required to wear a face mask while at auditions or rehearsals. Please plan to bring a facemask to auditions, or use one that will be provided to you at auditions.

AUDITION REGISTRATION:

Those that are interested in Auditioning must sign-up for a group audition time-slot: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CAFAC2FABF9CE9-moana

All auditionees must also fill out the audition form prior to audition day: https://forms.gle/EGAuxqGfVC5VTPUq8

Please make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the audition time slot.

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

First rehearsal (with parent meeting) will be on Monday, February 14th at 6 p.m.  The parent meeting will last 30 minutes and the cast will stay until 8:30.  Scripts will be assigned and we will read/sing through the show.

Rehearsals generally will be 6:00-8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursdays and 6:00-9 p.m. on Fridays.  We will be taking some evenings off based on conflicts/holidays.  The full schedule should be available during the first week of rehearsals.

SHOW SUMMARY:

The Chief Ancestors of Motunui and the Ancestor Ensemble recount the tale of how, over a thousand years ago, Maui, a shapeshifter and demigod, stole the heart of the goddess Te Fiti, the mother island. While trying to escape with the Heart, Maui was attacked by Te Kā, a demon of earth and fire. In their struggle, the Heart was lost to the sea. Fearing Te Kā’s violent wrath, the Villagers of Motunui stopped voyaging, a defeated Maui disappeared, and the Ocean guarded the Heart of Te Fiti.

In the present, the Ocean entrusts the Heart to Moana on the island of Motunui. Despite Moana’s strong connection to the Ocean, her parents, Chief Tui and Sina, view it as dangerous and prevent her from venturing out beyond the reef. They advise Moana to embrace her future role as the chief of the village, and the other Villagers join in to encourage Moana to find happiness on the island.  When the Villagers lament their blackened crops and the shortage of fish, Moana suggests fishing beyond the reef, but her father forbids it. Moana contemplates breaking the rules and voyaging out to sea. Her friends, Pua and Hei Hei, try to stop her, but she remains steadfast. Together, the three push out to sea, but a large wave quickly capsizes their canoe.

Gramma Tala sees this failed expedition and decides to reveal the truth of their ancestors’ voyaging past to Moana. Soon, Gramma Tala grows weak, and in her last moments, urges Moana to draw courage from her inner voice, revealing that it is her destiny to return the Heart of Te Fiti. After Gramma Tala’s passing, an emboldened Moana resolves to fulfill her destiny and save Motunui.  Moana lands on an island and meets the arrogant, yet charming, Maui. She convinces him to help her restore the Heart of Te Fiti. However, Maui insists that they first find his magical fishhook, which allows him to shapeshift. To do this, they journey into Lalotai, the Realm of Monsters. Here, they find Tamatoa, the giant, egotistical crab who collects valuable objects – including Maui’s hook.  In Tamatoa’s lair, Moana acts as a distraction while Maui finds his hook. Maui tries to shapeshift and save them both from Tamatoa’s clutches, but he fails to harness the hook’s powers. To escape, Moana cleverly tricks Tamatoa into pursuing a piece of glowing algae that resembles the Heart of Te Fiti. Distraught over his failure to shapeshift, Maui loses confidence, but the ever-resilient Moana refuses to give up. A revitalized Maui then agrees to teach Moana the ancient skills of wayfinding to help them in their mission.

As Moana and Maui finally approach Te Kā, they are met by treacherous seas. When Moana refuses to back down, a powerful wave cracks Maui’s hook. Wanting to avoid permanent damage to the hook, Maui leaves Moana to finish the quest alone. Gramma Tala appears and reminds Moana of who she is and where she comes from.  With her confidence restored, Moana finally faces Te Kā. Maui returns to help, but Te Kā destroys his hook. Listening to her inner voice, Moana suddenly has a realization about Te Kā and lets the monster approach. Face to face with Te Kā, Moana places the Heart into Te Kā’s chest. Te Kā transforms into the goddess Te Fiti and restores Maui’s hook.  Moana returns home to a revived Motunui. Once more, the Villagers of Motunui assume their identity as voyagers, now with Moana as their master wayfinder.

CHARACTERS:  

Note that all cast members except Moana and the Ocean Ensemble may play more than one role (i.e. a named role and be part of specific ensembles)

Moana
The vibrant, tenacious, and optimistic daughter of Motunui’s chief. She struggles to reconcile her father’s plans for her to take over as the village chief with her own desires to voyage beyond the reef. Ultimately, Moana proves a compassionate and capable leader.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: G3

Maui
A demigod and master wayfinder with charisma to spare and a reputation of being a trickster. Despite his hard exterior, Maui becomes a wonderful friend and mentor to Moana throughout their journey.  Note: The character Maui is based on the fabled Pacific Island demigod, so proceed with respect and caution in costuming and portrayal.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: B3
Vocal range bottom: G2

Chief Ancestors (1-3)
Chief Ancestors (1-3) are the three ancient leaders of Motunui. They guide Moana on her quest and narrate her story through speaking and singing solos.
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: G3

Gramma Tala
Moana’s wise grandmother and the mother of Chief Tui. She is the village storyteller known for being eccentric and dancing to the beat of her own drum.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: B4
Vocal range bottom: G3

Chief Tui
The proud leader of Motunui and Moana’s father. He prioritizes the safety of his people and his family.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: A#2
Vocal range bottom: E2

Sina
Moana’s supportive mother. She is compassionate, perceptive, and strong-willed, and trusts her daughter to make the right decisions.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: C#4

Pua
Moana’s fiercely loyal friend. Pua always supports Moana – even if it means facing her own fears.
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Hei Hei
Moana’s not-so-bright friend. Hei Hei is well- meaning, but naive.
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Tamatoa
The vicious and egotistical giant crab who lives in Lalotai, the Realm of Monsters. Tamatoa enjoys gathering shiny baubles to add to an ever-growing collection.
Vocal range top: B4
Vocal range bottom: B3

Ensemble
Ensemble roles include Ancestor Ensemble, Ocean Ensemble, Villagers (Dancers, Weavers, Fishers 1 & 2), Maui Ensemble, Monsters, Gate Monster, Left Claw, Right Claw, Shiny Ensemble, Te Fiti, Te Kā