Script and lyrics by Sarah Hammond 
Music by Will Aronson 
Based on the Pete the Cat series of books by Kimberly and James Dean Originally Commissioned, Developed and Produced by TheaterWorksUSA 
Music Orchestrated and Produced by Frank Galgano and Matt Castle 
PETE THE CAT is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Corp. www.concordtheatricals.com  

Meet Pete. He’s one groovy, guitar-playing cat, who likes his music cool and his coffee sweet. When Pete moves in with the Biddles, Jimmy—the most organized second grader on earth—is unsure of this cat’s antics and laid-back ‘tude. But when he draws a blank in art class, Pete’s the perfect pal to lead the mission to help Jimmy find his inspiration. Board the VW bus for a trip around the globe with Pete, Jimmy and friends in this hilarious, toe-tapping musical! 

Rehearsal Dates: 

September 4 — October 3, 2024
Wednesdays through Fridays, 4PM-8:30PM
Saturdays, 12:30PM-4PM or 5PM-8:30PM
Sundays, 10AM-1:30PM or 2:30PM-6PM

Performance Dates:

October 4 — November 3, 2024, plus potential for added performances through November 10

*There will be two casts of Young Performers performing an alternating dates, Wednesdays through Sundays.

Casting Needs — 3 Adults:

PETE THE CAT: 20-30s, any gender identity. A very zen rocking cat who lives in a VW Bus. Goes with the flow. Vocal range: B2-B4 (C5)

MOM: 30s-40s, female-identifying. Jimmy's nervous mom. Secretly, a rock star. Also plays Mrs. Creech, Mona Lisa, and Grumpy Toad. Vocal range: Bb3-Bb5 (Db6)

DAD: 30s-40s, male-identifying. Jimmy's nervous dad. Secretly, a rock star. Also plays Cat Catcher and Astronaut. Vocal range: Bb2-Bb4 (Db5 Falsetto)

Back to top

Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and the stage production directed and conceived by Jeff Frank and First Stage. 
Script adaptation by Robert Penola. Arrangements and orchestrations by Timothy Splain. 
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” animated television special adapted from a story by Robert L. May and the song by Johnny Marks, music and lyrics by Johnny Marks. All elements © and ™ under license to Character Arts, LLC. 

Directed by Jeff Frank 

Come home for the holidays as the most famous reindeer of all soars off the screen and returns to First Stage this season. Celebrating 60 years on television, join Rudolph and friends as they come to life on stage in an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Acclaimed as “...packed full of holiday magic and family fun” by the Shepherd Express, don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us.

Rehearsal Dates: 

November 6 — 27, 2024
Wednesdays through Fridays, 4PM-8:30PM
Saturdays, 12:30PM-4PM or 5PM-8:30PM
Sundays, 10AM-1:30PM or 2:30PM-6PM

Performance Dates:

November 29 — December 29, 2024

*There will be two casts of Young Performers performing an alternating dates, Wednesdays through Sundays.

Casting Needs — 8 Adults:

SAM THE SNOWMAN: ROLE IS CAST - 30s-50s, male-identifying. A Snowman - A warm, middle-aged man with a relaxed demeanor. A powerful storyteller who never gets in the way of the story he’s telling. Always on stage with many non sequitur lines. A knowing sense of humor; an appealing, warm singing voice matching the tone of Burl Ives in the animated film. Note: Actor wears a hard-shell body with rolling wheels to glide over stage. Vocal range: C5-B3. 

DONNER: 30s-40s, male-identifying. Rudolph’s father. Physically agile; tougher on the outside than he is on the inside. Requires basic tap dance ability. Also plays Snoken, Ensemble. 

SANTA CLAUS: ROLE IS CAST - 40s-60s, male-identifying. Larger-than-life- personality; cheerful but distracted. Agelessly youthful but reads middle-aged. Strong singing /speaking voice reflecting that of animated film. Also, in the ensemble. Vocal range: D5-B3. 

MRS. CLAUS: 40s-60s, female-identifying. Santa’s loving and kind-hearted wife.  

MRS. DONNER: 30s-40s, female-identifying. Rudolph’s mother. Soft-spoken, quietly strong. Warm mezzo. Also plays Snoken, Ensemble. 

BOSS ELF: ROLE IS CAST - 20s-40s, any gender identity. Humorless manager of the elves’ workshop; innate comic sensibility matching voice quality and mannerisms of the animated film character. Basic dance ability. Also plays Charlie in the Box, Ensemble.  

YUKON CORNELIUS: 30s-40s, male-identifying. A prospector- tall, large man; instantly likable character; slightly absent-minded; physically agile and strong comedic ability. Basic dance ability. Also plays Coach Comet, Ensemble. Vocal range: D5-C4. 

BUMBLE: ROLE IS CAST - Any age, any gender identity. The misunderstood abominable snow monster. Also plays King Moonracer, Snoken.

Back to top

By Steve and Kathy Hotchner  
Produced with special arrangement by DRAMATIC PUBLISHING, Woodstock, Illinois 

Co-Directed by Jeff Frank and Samantha D. Montgomery 

Imagine going back to visit a world, millions and millions of years ago, into the last age of the dinosaurs. In front of you is a dinosaur egg, tapping out a call for help. You will figure out what the egg is saying and help the egg to hatch.  Make a pact with a surly Triceratops, protect the newly formed dinosaur family and help defeat Tyrannosaurus Rex. 

Rehearsal Dates: 

January 2 — 17, 2025
Mondays, Wednesdays through Fridays, 4PM-8:30PM
Saturdays, 12:30PM-4PM or 5PM-8:30PM
Sundays, 10AM-1:30PM or 2:30PM-6PM

Performance Dates:

January 18 — February 16, 2025, plus potential for added performances through February 23

*There will be two casts of Young Performers performing an alternating dates, Wednesdays through Sundays.

Casting Needs — 3 Adults:

Please note: No microphones will be used for this production.  

THE GUIDE: Any age, any gender identity. A fun safari guide who finds a lonely dinosaur egg during an expedition. Facilitates audience participation throughout the play.  

TANK: Any age, male-identifying. A tough Triceratops. He is a bit of a blowhard in his attempt to keep himself safe. 

BRONTOSAURUS: Any age, female-identifying. A gentle and maternal dinosaur.  

Back to top

Book, Lyrics, Music and Orchestrations by Marcus Yi 

Directed by Michelle LoRicco 

Emily Song had always known that she was meant to sing. However, her father banned music from their lives for as long as she can remember. But that doesn't stop Emily from secretly taking singing lessons online or joining the school glee club. On her 12th birthday, Emily's powers manifest and she discovers she is a music mage—a sorcerer who can cast magical spells through music. When the Queen of the Night kidnaps her father and best friend, Emily must figure out how to harness her newly discovered talent to save her loved ones—and New York City— from total destruction. Grab your cape, and be the first to see this world premiere, part of the TYA BIPOC Superhero Project.

Rehearsal Dates: 

January 8 — 30, 2025
Wednesdays through Fridays, 4PM-8:30PM
Saturdays, 12:30PM-4PM or 5PM-8:30PM
Sundays, 10AM-1:30PM or 2:30PM-6PM

Performance Dates:

January 31 — February 16, 2025

*There will be two casts of Young Performers performing an alternating dates, Wednesdays through Sundays.

Casting Needs — 3 Adults:

Please note: This show will involve movement to imply combat, but there is no current need for physical contact or stage combat.   

BEN SONG: 30-40s. Asian American, male-identifying. Emily’s father. Also plays Trash Monster, Monostatos, and part of the ensemble who will puppeteer.  

QUEEN OF THE NIGHT: Any age, female-identifying. Being from the realm of Edhiva. Ageless. Powerful. Like Rita Repulsa from Power Rangers. Also plays Teresa Arioso, Mrs. Sanger, Ammit, News Anchor, and part of the ensemble who will puppeteer. Vocal range: C5-B3. 

CELESTE HU: 50s-70s. Asian American, female-identifying. Emily’s grandmother. Also, will be part of the ensemble who will puppeteer. Ability to play electric guitar is a plus. Vocal range: Eb5 - B3.

Back to top

Book, Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez  
Book Adapted by Lindsay Anderson 
Music and Orchestrations Adapted & Arranged by Myrna Conn  
Based on the 2003 Disney/Pixar film Finding Nemo written by Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson, David Reynolds & directed by Andrew Stanton 

DISNEY’S FINDING NEMO TYA is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.  

Co-Directed by Jeff Frank and Michael Dean Morgan

The beloved 2003 Pixar movie comes to life on stage, with new music by the award-winning songwriting team behind Frozen. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. Dive into this underwater adventure!  

Rehearsal Dates: 

February 5 — March 7, 2025
Wednesdays through Fridays, 4PM-8:30PM
Saturdays, 12:30PM-4PM or 5PM-8:30PM
Sundays, 10AM-1:30PM or 2:30PM-6PM

Performance Dates:

March 8 — April 6, 2025, plus potential for added performances through April 13

*There will be two casts of Young Performers performing an alternating dates, Wednesdays through Sundays.

Casting Needs — 5 Adults:

MARLIN: 30s-40s, male-identifying. An anxious clownfish and Nemo’s overprotective father, who, after the tragic death of his wife Coral, prefers the safety of his anemone to the frightening unknowns of the open ocean. Vocal range: Eb5-C4.  

DORY: 20s-40s, female-identifying. An optimistic and bubbly blue tang, experiences frequent short-term memory loss and finds herself wandering through the ocean with no place to call home. Also plays Pearl’s mom. Vocal range: F5-B3.

PROFESSOR RAY: Any age, male-identifying. A stingray and Nemo’s enthusiastic teacher, takes pride in sharing the curiosities and marvels of the world with the class and encourages every student to be a brave explorer. Also plays Bruce, Nigel, and Crush.

GILL: Any age, male-identifying. A relentless and inspiring leader who will stop at nothing to return to the freedom of the ocean. This Moorish idol fish believes in the Tank Gang and concocts countless plans to bust them out of the aquarium. Also plays Chum, Moonfish, and puppeteers in the ensemble.

CORAL: Any age, female-identifying. A loving mother-to-be clownfish, married to Marlin, who will stop at nothing to protect her eggs. Also plays Tad’s Mom, Anchor, Gurgle, Moonfish, Lobster, and puppeteers in the ensemble.

Back to top

Adaptation by Alvaro Saar Rios, Original Music by Dinorah Marquez 
From the book by Pam Muñoz Ryan 
Originally Commissioned by First Stage, Jeff Frank, Artistic Director 

Co-Directed by Michelle Lopez-Rios

Two young storytellers, with the help of an ensemble of actors, take the stage and begin to weave the tale of Esperanza — a wealthy Mexican girl whose privileged existence is shattered when tragedy strikes, and she and her mother must flee to California. Forced to work in a migrant labor camp, Esperanza must learn to rise above her difficult circumstances and discover what she's truly made of. Set in the turbulent 1930s, and based on the popular book by Pam Muñoz Ryan, Esperanza Rising is a poetic tale of a young girl's triumph over adversity.

Rehearsal Dates: 

April 9 — May 1, 2025
Wednesdays through Fridays, 4PM-8:30PM
Saturdays, 12:30PM-4PM or 5PM-8:30PM
Sundays, 10AM-1:30PM or 2:30PM-6PM

Performance Dates:

May 2—22, 2025, plus potential for added performances through June 1

*There will be two casts of Young Performers performing an alternating dates, Wednesdays through Sundays.

Casting Needs — 3 Adults:

MAMA: 30s-40s, Latine, female-identifying. Esperanza’s mother, Ramona Ortega. Beautiful and gentle in a way Esperanza hopes to one day be, Mama is also strong and becomes a source of inspiration for Esperanza as their lives change.  

ABUELITA: 30s-60s, Latine, female-identifying. Esperanza’s grandmother and mother to Ramona. Abuelita is loving, eccentric, patient, and clever. She is a calming influence before and after the events that change Esperanza’s life. Also plays Hortensia, Miguel’s mother and Alfonso’s wife. She is a housekeeper in Esperanza’s family home at El Rancho de las Rosas.

ALFONSO: 30s-50s, Latine, male-identifying. Miguel’s father. He is the lead worker on El Rancho de las Rosas. He is loyal to Esperanza’s family and offers advice, caution, and connections that provide a way forward for Esperanza and Mama after tragedy. Also plays Esperanza’s Papa.  

Back to top

All adult roles will be understudied for this season by non-union actors. A First Stage understudy usually covers one to two tracks. Understudies are expected to attend rehearsals 2-3 times a week during the rehearsal process as well as attending the show once a week while in performance. Must be local to Milwaukee. 

Understudy tracks pay $150/week with added pay per performance should you have to go on. Contact Associate Artistic Director Michelle LoRicco at mloricco@firststage.org if you are interested in being considered for an Understudy role.

Back to top

We are always looking for teaching artists for our Theater in Education programs during the school year, and our Theater Academy during the school year and in the summer. 

For Academy teaching artist opportunities, please send your interest and resume to Academy Director J.T. Backes at jtbackes@firststage.org.

For opportunities with our in-school or after school education programs, please contact Interim Education Director, Brinn Hill, at bhill@firststage.org with your interest and resume. 

Back to top

FIRST STAGE is proud to employ between 24-32 professional actors every season, and there are opportunities for Internships, Understudies, and Teaching Artist Fellows. FIRST STAGE employs Actor’s Equity Association Actors and Non-Equity actors under a Theatre For Young Audience (TYA) Contract.

First Stage is one of the nation’s largest professional theatre for young audiences. We are an Equity theatre that also hires non-equity actors and understudies for all shows. Contracts run in length from six to nine weeks. We do age-appropriate casting for our young roles, and cast anywhere from five to 25 young performers per show. We also are interested in actors who have experience or potential as teaching artists either in our Theater in Education department or our nationally acclaimed Theater Academy. 

To contact for more information about auditions:
Jeff Frank, Artistic Director, at jfrank@firststage.org or (414) 267-2981
Michelle LoRicco, Associate Artistic Director, at mloricco@firststage.org 
Or email auditions@firststage.org

When possible, please submit your headshot and resume electronically ahead of time.  

Back to top