Youth Summer Intensive

Auditions
May 17, 2025 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Callbacks by invitation only on May 18th from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Riverside Community Players
4026 14th St, Riverside, CA 92501

Students must come prepared with 32 bars of sheet music to sing with a live accompanist, a 2-3 minute monologue from a published play to perform, and be prepared to dance.

Ages 10*-16
$350 Registration Fee due at First Rehearsal
Performances July 18-21st
*The role of Young Will may be as young as 8.*

*Please note we will be accepting a maximum of 22 students, and not all students who audition will be accepted.

Directed by E.J. Marquez
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About the Show
Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, BIG FISH tells the story of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest…and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him—most of all, his devoted wife Sandra. But their son Will, about to have a child of his own, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Overflowing with heart and humor, BIG FISH is an extraordinary musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre—for an experience that’s richer, funnier and bigger than life itself.


Rehearsal Schedule
 (Half hour lunch on-site each day.) No conflicts permitted.

Week One
Monday, June 30th - Rehearsal 9AM to 3 PM
Tuesday, July 1st - Rehearsal 9AM to 3PM
Wednesday, July 2-Sunday July 6 - OFF

Week Two
Monday, July 7 - Saturday, July 12 - Rehearsal 9AM to 5 PM

Week Three
Monday, July 14 - Wednesday, July 16 - Tech Rehearsal 9AM to 5PM
Thursday, July 17 - Final Dress 2PM - 10PM

Performances
Friday, July 18 - 4PM Call, 7 PM Performance
Saturday, July 19 - 11AM Call, 1 PM and 7 PM Performances
Sunday, July 20 - 11AM Call, 1 PM and 7 PM Performances


“Big Fish” Characters
Edward Bloom - Baritenor - (Age: 15-17) Charming, charismatic, sees our black and white world in multiple colors. Creates elaborate stories and always has a joke in him. Will play younger versions of himself through sick and aging. He cares deeply for his wife and son. Must have strong endurance and significant stamina. 

Will Bloom - Tenor - (Age: 13-17) Analytical, “realist”, dry humored. Doesn’t believe his father’s stories and after learning Edward is sick, he seeks to find the truth in his father’s past. Newly married to Josephine and expecting a child of his own.

Sandra Bloom - Soprano with mix/belt - (Ages: 15-17) Sweet, humble, and cares deeply for Will and Edward. She wants the men to get along and mend their stale relationship. She also plays younger versions of herself. May tap dance but MUST be a strong mover.

Josephine - Mix/Belt to C#5 - (Age: 13-17) She is enamored by Edward’s stories despite her husband’s reluctance to them. She is strong and knows how to handle situations. Will support Will Bloom in his journey of discovering his father’s past. 

Amos Calloway - Baritone - (Any age)  He is the ringleader and owner of a circus. He is also a werewolf. At first he seems prone to torment Edward but after learning to accept himself he becomes successful. Comedic timing and character actor required. 

Karl the giant - Bass - (15-17) Very tall man who will walk on stilts (roughly 2-3 feet stilts). Comic irony needed. Transforms from social outcast to successful businessman thanks to Edward.

The Witch - Mezzo with high belt (Any age) - (Plays ageless) The first of Edward’s stories and referenced throughout the story. She’s a fortune teller that informs Edward of how he will die. She will be a dancer and strong singer with a spicy edge to her voice. She will also be in the ensemble.

Young Will/Edward Jr. - (8-12 years old) This role will be double cast. On the evenings one boy is playing Young Will, the other will play Young Edward and vice versa. Will is a young boy who listens to his father’s stories and helps move the story forward. Meanwhile Edward Jr. will appear in the ensemble and at the end with lines as the son of Will Bloom. Both are a spoken role line delivery and timing is very important. 

Don Price - Baritone - (Same age as Edward) Don is the rival of Edward. For every story that advances Edward there seems to be one halting Don Price. Will play younger versions of himself and age just like Edward. He’s a simple man but determined. Strong comedic timing and movement. He will also be in the ensemble.

Zacky Price - (Age: 10-15) Younger brother of Don Price. Seen as Don’s sidekick. Will play younger versions of himself and age with his brother. Strong comedic timing and movement. He will also be in the ensemble.

Jenny Hill - (Age: 12-17) Mix/Belt to E5 - (20’s) She’s the childhood friend/girlfriend of Edward that he meets in Ashton. He promises to return to her but forgets. She’s in the ensemble and a strong dancer.

Older Jenny Hill - Spoken - (Age: 13-17) The present day version of Jenny Hill who Will Bloom confronts after Will suspects his father of an affair. She’s in the ensemble. Strong emotional range required.

Ensemble - The ensemble will comprise of singers, actors, dancers, and a few children that will make up the stories Edward tells. Not a single member of the ensemble will have less than 5 stories/ensemble characters to bring to life. They are a vital part of this production. Strong movement and some may require tap dancing.

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