Audition Notice for CINDERELLA . . . IF THE SHOE FITS
- Jun 23
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 23
CINDERELLA . . . IF THE SHOE FITS
Written by Debbie Collins & David Nairn
Director: Nancy Chapple
Music Director: Alondra Vega-Zaldivar
Producer: Mel Hinch
This All-Canadian panto was written and produced for Theatre Orangeville where it debuted to critical acclaim in 2023. It is true to traditional panto-style theatrics, with lots of puns, the use of the panto “dame”, audience interaction, local and political references, outrageous gender-bending characters, physical comedy and straight-up hilarity. This witty, modern musical twist on the classic fairy tale follows Cinderella as she challenges expectations, outsmarts her enemies, and discovers that true happiness comes from being herself. Packed with comedy, heart, and surprising turns, it’s a feel-good story about courage, kindness, and choosing your own path.
General Character Notes:
All characters, except for Monsieur Roquefort and The King, interact with the audience, and the actors should feel comfortable in “breaking the fourth wall” from time to time.
All roles require strong singers. There will be some basic dance numbers which can be scaled to the performers’ skill and comfort level.
Although it is not mandatory, if you play an instrument (eg. kazoo, brass instruments, mouth harp, woodwinds, guitar or other stringed instruments, etc.) please note this on your audition form as there may be an opportunity to incorporate this on stage during the finale.
Cinderella (F). Reads 20s to 35ish on stage; any vocal range.
This character is a somewhat shy, but capable farm girl who, despite the constant oppression and bullying by her evil stepmother and stepsisters, wants to do right by her late father’s farming legacy. She exudes kindness but knows her own mind. She is a true “ingenue” and is genuine and without pretense. More of a “straight” role than comedic. She has several solo numbers and duets, as well as being part of some ensemble work.
Buttons (M). Any age range; any vocal range
This character is the tie that binds the show together. He is a funny, friendly, empathetic, clown-like character with a helpful streak, who appears across many of the scenes. He’s everybody’s best friend. He has the most interaction with the audience, so some experience or comfort with improvisation and audience interaction would be an asset. He has one solo number, as well as being part of several ensemble numbers.
William (M). Reads 20s-35ish on stage; any vocal range; basic to experienced guitar skills, or willingness to learn some basic chords to accompany himself on one song, with the support of the band.
William is a kind and caring young man, caught between two worlds; he is a Prince whose father, The King, is bent on commercializing the farmland, yet he wants to escape his royal duties to become a regular guy and musician. He is enchanted by the pastoral life that Cinderella has to offer. He has one solo, a duet, as well as being part of several ensemble numbers.
The Evil Stepmother (M or F) Any age range; any vocal range; any gender
Truly an evil character, the ESM loves to torture Cinderella and is determined to find the deed to Cinderella’s family’s farmland so that she can sell it to the King’s developers and make a fortune. She has snappy dialogue, and interaction with the audience. She’s the character you love to hate. A great opportunity to showcase your cranky, comedy skills. The ESM has one solo/trio, and several ensemble numbers.
Blanche, An Ugly Stepsister (M or F). Any age range; any vocal range; any gender
The ditzier and slightly more sympathetic of the two stepsisters, Blanche goes along with her stepmother and stepsister because, frankly, the elevator doesn’t go all the way to the top. There is lots of kibbitzing back and forth between the sisters, some physical comedy, and man-crazy interaction with the audience. Great opportunity to stretch your comedic chops. She has two duets with Stella, as well as several ensemble numbers.
Stella, An Ugly Stepsister (M or F). Any age range; any vocal range; any gender
Older by 25 seconds, Stella has slightly more going for her in the intellect department than Blanche, but not by much. She has a sharper tongue than Blanche, directed at both Cinderella and Blanche, and is as man crazy as her sister. The kibbitzing queen of the two sisters, she is comfortable with some physical comedy and interacting with the audience. Also, a great opportunity to stretch those comedic chops. She has two duets with Blanche, as well as several ensemble numbers.
Celeste, The Fairy (M or F). Any age range; any vocal range; any gender
Celeste functions as a narrator of sorts, and is 2nd in command to Buttons, by way of moving the story along, turning the pages of the storybook (by magic, of course!), and setting up each act through dialogue and singing. Think of a cross between the Fractured Fairy Tales fairy (look up Rocky & Bullwinkle!) and Carol Kane in Scrooged. Opportunities for some physical comedy and a great solo patter song number. Also involved in some ensemble work.
Monsieur Roquefort & The King (2 roles, 1 actor) (M). Any age range; any vocal range
Both characters have no solos; however, they are integral to the story with important dialogue and will participate in several ensemble musical numbers. Monsieur Roquefort is an ancient cheese seller who has an opportunity for some fun physical comedy in his interaction with Cinderella, and Charles King (“The King”) is William’s father and the developer with whom the Evil Stepmother wants to partner in his quest to turn the local farmland into a super centre. He is pompous and overbearing, as one might expect.
Show Dates:
November 13 to 29, 2026 on Friday/Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2pm at The South Simcoe Theatre, 1 Hamilton Street, Cookstown, Ontario. Please note that Saturday, November 21 will be a matinee. Cast members are required to be available for the Q2Q, both dress rehearsals, the Preview, and all production dates without exception. (see below)
Audition Dates:
Saturday, July 18 from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, July 19 from 1 to 4 pm. If needed, callbacks will be held on Tuesday, July 22 from 7 to 10 pm. The auditions are open to actors aged 18 years and up.
Audition/Callback Location:
In person at The South Simcoe Theatre, 1 Hamilton Street, Cookstown, Ontario.
Audition Details:
1) Please prepare an up-tempo pop song (max of 3 min) that shows off your voice and acting ability. An accompanist will be available if you wish to bring your own sheet music. Alternatively, bring your recorded accompaniment in a format that can link to a Bluetooth speaker, which we will provide. Please, no a capella performances.
2) We will then ask you to tell us a funny story.
3) Finally, you will be asked to read from sides from the script, plus do a short group movement audition - no preparation or experience is necessary. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and indoor shoes, so that you don’t feel restricted during the movement part of the audition.
If you are unable to attend the audition dates above, video submissions will be considered. Please mention this in your email of interest. Once approved by the Producer, we will request video submissions be uploaded to the candidate’s own YouTube page by July 17 at 7 pm. Please provide the link.
Email the Producer, Mel Hinch to request an audition time at madrigal1.mh@gmail.com by July 16, 2026.
Rehearsal Information:
Our first meeting/read through will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 (6:30-10 pm).
Music rehearsals will begin on Tuesday, August 25 (7–10 pm) and continue on Tuesday/Thursday evenings (7-10 pm) until September 8. Blocking rehearsals will begin on Thursday, September 10 (7-10 pm) and continue on Tuesday/Thursday evenings (7-10 pm). Sunday rehearsals will begin September 13 (1-5 pm). Thanksgiving weekend there will be a rehearsal, BUT we will set the day/time once the actors have been cast. Extended Sunday evening rehearsals to 8:15 pm will be added starting Oct. 4 (with a dinner break). During tech week, our Cue to Cue will be held on Sunday, November 8 (11 am start), our dress rehearsals will be held on Monday/Tuesday, November 9/10, (7:30-10 pm – call time TBD), and our preview for an invited audience will be held on Wednesday, November 11 (7:30-10 pm – call time TBD).
Auditionees must declare any potential rehearsal date conflicts on the audition form. This will be taken into consideration when casting. NB: If you are cast, and your conflict dates change substantially from the information provided at the time of casting in such a way that it interferes with your ability to attend rehearsals regularly, The South Simcoe Theatre reserves the right to withdraw the casting offer.
Health & Safety
In keeping with Simcoe-Muskoka District Health Unit guidelines, this theatre will comply with any mandated health regulations.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The South Simcoe Theatre encourages inclusion and representation in all its endeavours. Everyone is welcome both on stage and off. In that spirit, we encourage diversity in our casting process.
Questions?
Email Mel Hinch, Producer, at madrigal1.mh@gmail.com
This is a NON-EQUITY, NON-PAYING production. Thank you.
