HTI’s production of BIG FISH is a Non-Equity, volunteer production. We encourage submissions from actors of all genders, ethnicities and abilities.

A few technical notes to help you with your decision-making process:

-BIG FISH’S show runs from Friday, May 9, to Saturday, May 24.
-Rehearsals will be held three times a week, two weeknights and Sunday afternoons.

AUDITION DATES
(each audition will be approximately 10-15 minutes in length)
Monday, January 20th: 7:00 pm — 10:00 pm
Wednesday, January 22nd: 7:00 pm — 10:00 pm
Friday, January 24th: 7:00 pm — 10:00 pm

Dance Call – Saturday, January 25th: 11:00 am — 1:00 pm

Callbacks – Saturday, January 25th: 2:00 pm — 4:00 pm (participants will be contacted via email by the BIG FISH production team)

For more info and to book an audition time, contact bigfishhti@gmail.com

Walk-ins are welcome but will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. We ask that all audition participants wear a mask upon arriving at the theatre and while they wait for their audition slot.

AUDITION LOCATION
Hamilton Theatre Inc. Studio
140 MacNab St. N.
Hamilton, Ontario

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Auditioners are asked to prepare two contrasting musical selections and be ready for a cold read (sides will be provided at the audition)

CAST BREAKDOWN

Edward Bloom
Baritenor – (35-50 years old) Charming, charismatic, sees our black and white world in multiple colors. He creates elaborate stories and always has a joke in him. He will play younger versions of himself through sick and aging. He cares deeply for his wife and son. Lots of movement.

Will Bloom
Tenor – (Early to mid-20s) Analytical, “realist”, dry-humored. He 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 – (35-50 years old) 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 – (Early to mid-20s) She is enamoured by Edward’s stories despite her husband’s reluctance to tell them. She is strong and knows how to handle situations. Supports Will Bloom in his journey of discovering his father’s past. Mover.

Amos Calloway
Baritone – (30’s – 50’s) He is the ringleader and owner of a circus. He is also a werewolf. At first, he seems prone to torment Edward, but he becomes successful after learning to accept himself. Comedic timing and character actor required. Mover.

Karl the Giant
Bass – (Any adult age) Very tall man who will walk on stilts (roughly 2-3 feet stilts). Comic irony is needed. Transforms from a social outcast to a successful businessman thanks to Edward.

The Witch
Mezzo with high belt (usable to F5) – (Any adult age) The first of Edward’s stories and referenced throughout the story. She’s a fortune teller who informs Edward of how he will die. She will be a dancer and strong singer with a seductive edge to her voice. She will also be in the ensemble.

Young Will
(9-12 years old) Will is a young boy who listens to his father’s stories and helps move the story forward. Primarily, it is a spoken role featured in the opening number. Line delivery and timing are very important. He will also be in the ensemble.

Don Price
Baritone – (Same age as Edward) Don is Edward’s rival. For every story that advances Edward, there seems to be one halting Don Price. He 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
The younger brother of Don Price. Seen as Don’s sidekick. He 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
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.

Ensemble – The ensemble will comprise singers, actors, dancers, and a few children who will make up the stories Edward tells. They are a vital part of this production. Strong movement, and some may require tap dancing.

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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 travelling 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 humour, 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.

CREDITS
Book by JOHN AUGUST
Music and Lyrics by ANDREW LIPPA

Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and the Columbia Motion Picture written by John August

BIG FISH is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com

The tech week for BIG FISH is scheduled for May 4th-8th, 2025

PERFORMANCES
Friday, May 9th, 8:00 pm
Saturday, May 10th, 8:00 pm
Friday, May 16th, 8:00 pm
Saturday, May 17th, 8:00 pm
Sunday, May 18th, 2:00 pm
Thursday, May 22nd, 8:00 pm
Friday, May 23rd, 8:00 pm
Saturday, May 24th, 8:00 pm
Performances will be held at HTI’s Studio Theatre, 140 MacNab St. N., Hamilton.

PRODUCTION TEAM
Director – Matthew Moore
Producer – Teryn Lawson
Music Director – Jennifer Ferreira
Stage Manager – Eliza Champion
Choreographer – Katlyn Alcock
Costume Designer – The Muses