Audition Information

The Strand Theatre announces auditions for its summer production, Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

 

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World."

 

Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

 

Disney’s The Little Mermaid will run July 24 and 25 at 7:00pm and July 26 at 2:00pm. Shelby Garrett will direct, Justin Jones will serve as music director, Stephanie Jingle will choreograph, and Meta Lasch will serve as technical director.

 

Auditions are Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30pm at the Strand. Please prepare 16-32 bars of a song from either a musical or an upbeat pop song. An accompanist will be provided. Auditionees are encouraged to listen to the cast recording for inspiration. Auditions will also consist of cold reads from the script as well as a dance combo, so wear comfortable shoes you can move in. Callbacks will take place on Wednesday, May 27, at 6:30pm. Audition ages are high school students through adults. The role of Flounder may be cast as young as a student who has completed 4th grade. Those interested in auditioning for Flounder must contact the director in advance to schedule an audition time.

 

Rehearsals will begin the week of June 8, and run Monday-Thursday evenings for approximately two to three hours per rehearsal. A complete schedule will be created following auditions and distributed at the first rehearsal. Please visit www.strandtheatrewv.com/mermaid for character descriptions and complete audition details. Contact Shelby Garrett (director) at shelby.garrett@strandtheatrewv.com with questions.

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CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS

Ariel

A mermaid and King Triton's youngest daughter. She is obsessed with everything about the human world, and dreams of becoming a part of life above the water. Hardheaded, naive, and emotional, but also kind hearted. Vocal range: Ab3- Gb5

 

Prince Eric

A human monarch who has no interest of taking the crown. A handsome, affable lad with a buoyant, adventurous nature. After Ariel saves his life, he becomes obsessed with finding her and hearing her voice once more. Vocal range: B2-G4

 

Grimsby

Prince Eric's British guardian. Droll, stuffy, and constantly urging Eric towards his royal duties, specifically marriage. Vocal range: C3-C4

 

Flounder

A fish and smitten with Ariel, his best friend. Rambunctious but cautious, fearful of the dangers that lurk in and above the water. Vocal range: A2-G4

 

Scuttle

A disheveled seagull and expert in human artifacts. Loudmouthed, optimistic, and a bit ignorant, despite his supposed expertise. Vocal range: C3-G4

 

King Triton

King of the Sea and Ariel's father. Beneath his imposing presence and commanding nature lurks a harried single father who will do anything to protect his daughters. The death of his wife has also given him an irrational fear of humans. Vocal range: Ab2-F4

 

Sebastian

A crab and advisor to King Triton. A musical virtuoso who is constantly distraught from keeping after Ariel. Despite his paranoia, he can't bring himself to stand in Ariel's way. Vocal range: Bb2-C5

 

Flotsam

An eel and one of Ursula's lackeys. Oily and spineless, he will say anything you want or need to hear. Vocal range: E3-C5

 

Jetsam

An eel and one of Ursula's lackeys. Oily and spineless, he will say anything you want or need to hear. Vocal range: B2-A4

 

Ursula

The banished Sea Witch and sister of King Triton. Supposedly spurned at childhood, she will use whatever method necessary to steal the kingdom and claim it as her own. Malevolent, calculating, and deceptive. Vocal range: Eb3-C5

 

Chef Louis

The French palace chef, diabolical and violent. A culinary perfectionist with an affinity for blades, seafood in particular. Vocal range: Bb2-A4

 

Ensemble

Crew Members (Pilot, Sailors); Sea Creatures; Mersisters (Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Atina, Adella, Allana); Gulls; Maids; Chefs; Animals; Princesses

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

 

The Strand Theatre Preservation Society is ecstatic to continue its annual summer tradition of producing a LIVE musical on the historic Strand stage. For two decades, community support from local businesses and individuals has played a vital role in enriching the culture of the community for both artists and audience members.

 

During the 2025-2026 theatrical season, more than 100 artists participated in a production both on and offstage. Additionally, nearly 1,500 patrons attended one of the Strand’s three self-produced musicals. This exciting growth has energized the Strand and the community to once again pursue a theatrical season for the 2026-2027 performance year.

 

Enclosed is a sponsor brochure for your perusal and consideration regarding this year’s summer musical production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Please consider sponsoring at one of the levels listed in the enclosed brochure. Your response is appreciated by June 1 to guarantee you will receive the full benefits of your sponsorship package.

 

Please contact strand@strandtheatrewv.com with any questions.

 

Thank you for your consideration to support the Strand!​​​