Open auditions November 11 & 12 Roald Dahl’s Matilda Howard Street Charter School.

By Steven Trahen, For The West Side Newspaper

What: Open auditions for Roald Dahl’s Matilda

Directed at Pentacle Theatre by Robert Salberg

Music and Lyrics by Tim Minchi

Book by Dennis Kelly

When:

Now through November 1 - video audition submission window for those who are ONLY interested in the role of Matilda.

November 11 - by appointment starting at 1:00pm.

November 12 - by appointment starting at 6:00pm.

November 14 – callbacks by invitation only

Where: Howard Street Charter School (625 Marion St NE) in downtown Salem.

Things you should bring/do:

Prepare a song from a Broadway/Disney musical (not from Matilda) that best fits and showcases your vocal range. Limit your selection to 1 minute. Best to find a song that matches the character(s) you are most interested in auditioning/being considered for.
Bring a Bluetooth speaker and device to play your song. There will also be a Bluetooth device available. There will NOT be an accompanist or piano available.
Absolutely no A Capella singing will be allowed.
A list of your conflicts and your calendar for November 14-April 10.

Casting call:

For a full list of roles, genders, and ages, visit pentacletheatre.org/auditions.
Pentacle Theatre affirms, promotes, and celebrates inclusivity in theater arts, embracing and welcoming people of every race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age, religion, socioeconomic status, and other lived experiences.

Things to know:

Please arrive early to fill out an audition form. We encourage you to download the form at PentacleTheatre.org/auditions and complete it in advance. Please write clearly, especially your contact information. Headshots and resumes are not required but are always appreciated.
Bring your calendar and provide a complete list of your conflicts through April 10, 2027. If you have a conflict with the audition date, please contact the director.

Callbacks, rehearsal schedule:

Callbacks by invitation only on Nov 14. Please make sure you clearly communicate all schedule conflicts Nov 14-April 10.
Read through will be scheduled to take place before Jan 1, based on actor conflicts.
Rehearsals will start Jan 4 and will generally be scheduled Mon-Thursday evenings 6:30-9pm
The rehearsal schedule will be created based on actor conflicts. It’s imperative that actors bring a complete and thorough list of conflicts for Nov 14-April 10. Those cast in the show will only be expected to attend rehearsal their character is needed for.
All actors will be expected to be at all rehearsals March 1- the run of the show.

The story:

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda's extraordinary personality. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts and could be the school pupils' saving grace!

Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs, and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

Other important information:

The age ranges listed for the characters below (especially the children) are visual representations not exact ages. Looking for someone who can play that range but is not necessarily that exact age.
Matilda or any of her friends could be double cast.

Character List:

Matilda Wormwood Gender: female Age: 8-12 Vocal range: D5(top)/A3(bottom)	An imaginative girl who is clever and wise far beyond her years. She has a thirst for learning that cannot be quenched.
Miss Agatha Trunchbull Gender: Any Age: 35-55 Vocal range: G4(top)/A2(bottom)	The tyrannical headmistress at Matilda's school who despises children.
Miss Honey Gender: female Age: 25-40 Vocal range: D5(top)/F3(bottom)	Matilda's kindhearted teacher. She is tired of living in fear under Miss Trunchbull.
Mr. Wormwood Gender: male Age: 35-45 Vocal range: A4(top)/D3(bottom)	Matilda's uncaring father. A slimy, greedy used-car salesman.
Mrs. Wormwood Gender: female Age: 35-45 Vocal range: F5(top)/A3(bottom)	Matilda's self-absorbed, negligent mother and an amateur ballroom dancer.
Rudolpho Gender: Male Vocal range: A4(top)/D#3(bottom)	Mrs. Wormwood’s ballroom dance partner
Michael Wormwood Gender: male Age: 10-16	Matilda's older brother. He is not very bright and is favored by their parents.
Bruce Gender: male Age: 8-14 Vocal range: E5(top)/C4(bottom)	Matilda's classmate. He is subject to extreme punishment by Miss Trunchbull.
The Escapologist Gender: Male Age: flexible Vocal range: E4(top)/C3(bottom)	A character in a story Matilda tells to Mrs. Phelps who comes to life in their imagination.
The Acrobat Gender: Female Age: Flexible Vocal range: A4(top)/D4(bottom)	A character in a story Matilda tells to Mrs. Phelps who comes to life in their imagination.
Ensemble - includes opportunities for adults and young people	Roles include - Doctor, Children’s entertainer, Cook, Henchmen, Parents

Show dates: March 19 – April 10, 2027

Cast members may be required to make special appearances for marketing purposes in the weeks before the show opens.

Suitability: Roald Dahl’s Matilda is suitable for ages seven and older.

Information: If you have questions or a conflict on the audition date, please contact director Robert Salberg at salberg.robert@gmail.com or (971) 208-2799.