Auditions take place in three stages: Initial group auditions, auditions with material from the show and finally, participation in the CubSchool.

INITIAL AUDITIONS
These take place after the auditions have been advertised in various media in Melbourne and through invitation to children's agencies and other institutions. Auditions are of a group nature: 10-15 children are seen at one time and are taught a simple song with accompanying movement. Children do not need to prepare anything for this audition. These group auditions usually last for 15-20 minutes for each group.

Comfortable clothing is recommended. Girls: Skirts, dresses and make-up are not recommended.

The aim of the audition is to assess the following physical and skill requirements:

1. Acting, singing & movement skills
2. Residence in Melbourne (proof of residence may be required at a later time)
3. Height and weight (135-148cm height range; and be the appropriate weight for their height).
4. Age (proof of age may be required at a later time).

These auditions are run by the Australian Casting Team along with a singing/ acting coach.

CALLBACK AUDITIONS

Children who show the appropriate degree of skills and have the other requirements for the show will be asked to a Callback audition. At the Callback audition a song and acting piece from THE LION KING will be taught to the children. These small group auditions usually last around 30-45 minutes.

These auditions are run by the Australian Casting Team, invited Resident Creative Team and a singing/ acting coach.

CUBSCHOOL

Short-listed children will be invited to attend CubSchool. This school is designed to further prepare the children for possible selection for The Lion King. At the CubSchool the children will work with the creative team from the show.

The final cast is chosen from this CubSchool. Uncast children may be considered for future casting. The material used will be primarily from The Lion King. Acting, singing, choreography will be covered.

The cast children will go into intensive CubSchool sessions prior to rehearsal. A fee is paid for participation.

COMMITMENT TO THE SHOW

Once a child is cast in THE LION KING all the necessary information will be given to the parents. However, the following is a general guide to the commitment required by both parents and their child.

Rehearsals
Full-time rehearsals will last four weeks for Young Simba and three weeks for Young Nala. Children will join the cast (54 in total) in rehearsing their scenes. Child employment regulations limit the number of hours worked.

Schooling
During this time, children will attend their normal school when not required at rehearsals or schooling may be undertaken at the rehearsal space by a qualified and registered teacher.

Tutor & Chaperones
The children are cared for by approved supervisors. There are two supervisors employed during the performance period. (All members of the Casting & Resident Creative Teams, Company Management and other designated supervisors have been approved to work with children by the Commission for Working with Children and Young People).

Performances
The current pattern (which is subject to change) is that each child attends four performances a week. At two performances the child performs his/her role and at the other two the child acts as a Stand By (and is not required to perform, unless the designated child is unable to do so).

There are 8 performances per week at the Regent Theatre (Subject to Change)

Wednesdays-Saturdays 8pm
Wednesdays 1pm, Saturdays 2pm, Sundays 1pm and 6:30pm.

The children's call hours are:

Evening performances: 7pm-10.45pm when performing and 7pm-9.30pm when a Stand By

Matinee performances: (same hourly pattern as above)

Contracts
Children are issued with a long-term contract and paid at the MEAA (union) standard rate.

Parents Responsibility
Parents are responsible to deliver their children to the theatre/rehearsal space and to pick them up at the appropriate time. Other responsibilities will be covered at the time of contracting.

Questions
Up to this point any questions should be directed to the Casting Director (02) 8281-4008 or the Casting Coordinator (02) 8281-4010.

Once a child is cast all questions should be directed to the Company Manager.