AUDITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Newtown Arts Company announces auditions for our production of Nickelodeon™ The SpongeBob Musical, based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg, with the book by Kyle Jarrow, and original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might be Giants, and T.I, with additional songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley, additional lyrics by Jonathan Coulton, and additional music by Tom Kitt. The musical production was conceived by Tina Landreau. ©2023 Viacom International Inc. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. Created by Stephen Hillenburg.

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

www.concordtheatricals.com

DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER: Morgaine Ford-Workman

MUSIC DIRECTOR: Susan den Outer

PRODUCER: Diana Bilyk

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR: Wren Workman

THE STORY

Plunge into this stunning all-singing, all-dancing, dynamic stage show! When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises. The power of optimism really can save the world!

PERFORMANCE DATES

Thursday, August 15 at 7:30PM

Friday, August 16 at 7:30PM

Saturday, August 17 at 2:00PM & 7:30PM

Sunday, August 18 at 2:00PM

All performances will be at the Zlock Performing Arts Center at Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Rd, Newtown, PA 18940.

AUDITION DATES

Sunday, April 28, 6:30 to 8:30PM

Tuesday, April 30, 6:30 to 8:30PM

AUDITION LOCATION

Newtown United Methodist Church

35 Liberty St

Newtown, PA 18940

Callbacks by invitation only on:

Thursday, May 2

AUDITION PREPARATION

To prepare for your audition, please:

• Select an open audition slot from the availability here.
• Complete the audition form in advance, including any conflicts during the rehearsal schedule. Complete the audition form digitally here (preferred) or you can download a printable form here.
• Bring a head shot.
• Please be prepared to sing 16-32 bars of an up-tempo Broadway song that best demonstrates your vocal ability and the fun nature of the show. You are welcome to audition with a song from this production, but it is not required.
• Important: You must bring your own sheet music no matter your song selection. We will have an accompanist at auditions. Neither a cappella auditions nor use of tracks will be accepted.

Please contact morgainefordworkman@gmail.com or publicrelations@newtownartscompany.com if you have any questions about scheduling an appointment or making other arrangements. Appointments are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins will be seen as time allows.

SEEKING

Important:

• We are seeking primarily adult actors (ages 18+) with some roles available for teens (ages 14-17).
• Character voices are encouraged, but not required. Performers should speak mostly in their own voices, with a flavor or hint of the cartoon characters’ voices. The characters will also be in their “human” rather than a “cartoon” form in this production. No mascot costumes will be used.
• This is an ensemble heavy show. Most ensemble members will be playing multiple characters/roles and are in most of the scenes.
• If you are unfamiliar with the show, we encourage you to watch the live taping of the Broadway stage show on Paramount+ or listen to the soundtrack to get a feel for it.

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS – Range: C3-B4 – A bright, imaginative, and determined sea sponge. He is the optimistic protagonist of our tale. The performer will have copious but controlled energy and the ability to sustain it throughout the entire show. This role is extremely physical, and as the musical’s lead, the performer must possess a fantastic stage presence, a strong singing voice, great dance/movement skills, and comic timing.

PATRICK STAR – Range: Bb2-Bb4 – A sea star (starfish); SpongeBob’s best friend. Patrick is the brawn to SpongeBob’s bravado. Well-intentioned, but lacking common sense or skills, he is kind and somewhat clueless. He’s a big softie who can also be prone to sudden child-like fits of rage or frustration. The performer needs to have strong comedic skills and be convincing as SpongeBob’s best friend and “hype man.”

SANDY CHEEKS – Range: A3-E5 – A brainy 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, but acts as SpongeBob’s most trusted ally on their quest to stop the volcano from erupting. Sandy knows karate and has great balance and agility. The performer must be able to show a wide range of emotions, strong vocals, and athletic movement.

SQUIDWARD Q TENTACLES – Range: A2-F#4 – A giant Pacific octopus (with six tentacles – suspend your disbelief!). A contrasting character to SpongeBob. He is pessimistic, grumpy, short-tempered, and doesn’t really like anyone. Despite this, he dreams of artistic success and even fame. The performer needs to have confidence, charm, and a sense of humor because he’s an unlikeable character. The performer also must be able to handle a pair of pants with two extra legs and possess a strong Broadway vocal belt. Tap dancing skills are an advantage. If you can play the clarinet, even better!

EUGENE H KRABS – Range: B2-Bb4 – A money-hungry crab restaurateur who owns the Krusty Krab. He is super-focused on his business, even ignoring his daughter Pearl at times. He sees the volcano as a marketing opportunity to sell more Krabby Patties. The performer needs a strong singing voice and the ability to act with claws over their hands.

SHELDON J PLANKTON – Range: B2-G#4 – Slick, scheming, nefarious, and Bikini Bottom’s resident villain. He owns the Chum Bucket, a would-be rival to the Krusty Krab. He is married to Karen, his computer, that helps him with his evil schemes. The performer needs to be able to handle the hip-hop vocals, rap, and choreography of their featured song, “When the Going Gets Tough.” A sense of comic timing and an ability to play a joyfully evil character are also important.

KAREN THE COMPUTER – Range: G#3-F#5 – The glamorous, robotic/computer wife of Sheldon. Karen assists with Sheldon’s evil schemes. The performer needs to have strong comedic acting. Flexibility and/or hip-hop dance experience a plus.

PEARL KRABS – Range: Bb3-F#5 – Mr. Krabs’ teenage daughter who is a whale. Pearl is a dramatic, self-involved adolescent who dreams of becoming a famous performer. The performer must have an over-the-top high belt/singing voice that can stand out even in ensemble vocals.

PERCH PERKINS – Range: E2-E4 – A fish and Bikini Bottom’s news reporter. Perch provides updates on the volcano throughout the show. The performer needs a “newscaster” voice and presence, strong lower-toned (bass/baritone/alto) voice, as well as comic timing.

PATCHY THE PIRATE – Range: D3-F4 (F5 falsetto) – A SpongeBob super-fan who would do anything to be in the show. He is the leader of the pirate crew featured at the top of Act 2. He is often on the run from the Security Guards throughout the show. The performer should have great comic timing and may interact with the audience.

THE MAYOR OF BIKINI BOTTOM – Range: F#4-B5 – Bikini Bottom’s government representative. As a politician, the Mayor provides updates that are filled with bureaucratic buzzwords. The performer needs to be a convincing leader whose confident demeanor unravels as the disaster gets closer and closer.

THE ELECTRIC SKATES TRIO – Must be able to hold a 3-part harmony – A famous band who have rock star personas and bad attitudes. Electric Skate 1 is the Alpha dude – big and brazen, a hunk. Electric Skate 2 is “too cool for school” – vain, high-strung, and a rock poseur. Electric Skate 3 is out of it, all the time – he stares at nothing and can only repeat the same single phrase over and over, but he’s sweet. The trio has several lines and a featured song. Being able to roller skate or skateboard, and/or play a rock band instrument a plus.

SARDINE DEVOTEE SOLOISTS – Range: G2-D4/G3-D5 – A clique of fish who go along with the crowd. They come to believe Patrick is the one who will lead them out of volcanic danger and form a cult-like adoration society dedicated to him. The performers need to have strong singing and movement skills. They need to work in sync seamlessly. The trio have speaking parts in addition to solo lines in “Super Sea Star Savior.”

Other Bikini Bottom Characters, Ensemble, and Dancers (with lots of doubling and/or may be doubled with characters above): Gary, Larry the Lobster, Mrs. Puff, Old Man Jenkins, Johnny the Bartender, Buster Bluetang, The French Narrator (voice), Plankton Dancers, Cowboy Fish, Girl Fish Trio, Hip-hop Dancers, Mob Fish, Additional Sardines, Security Guards, Sponge Dancers, Pirates, Sea Anemone Dancers, and assorted other fish/sea creatures.

Newtown Arts Company holds open auditions for each of our regular season productions. We do not pre-cast, so all roles are available, and we welcome everyone to audition, regardless of past performing experience.