DISNEY’S MOANNA J.R.
Disney’s Moana JR. is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. This thrilling and heart-warming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. Moana and the legendary demigod Maui embark on an epic journey of self-discovery and camaraderie as both learn to harness the power that lies within. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.
AGES: 8-18
DATES & TIMES: Friday 12th August 6pm-9pm, Saturday 13th August 9am-midday
PERFORMANCE DATES: 13-22 January 2023
DIRECTORS: Peter Harding & Karen Goodsell
PRODUCTION MANAGER: Lyn Gale
Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting Lyn on 0412 758 697 or 6681 2025. Further details can be found in the audition pack when you book the audition. Auditions will be held at the Ballina Players Theatre, 24 Swift St Ballina.
Below is a list of characters, the range indicated is a vocal range…if you do not know your range, it will be determined at the audition.
Character Breakdown
Moana: The vibrant, tenacious, and optimistic daughter of Motunui’s chief. She struggles to reconcile her father’s plans for her to take over as the village chief with her own desires to voyage beyond the reef. Ultimately, Moana proves a compassionate and capable leader. We are looking for an actor who can portray great maturity, compassion, engaging energy, a fun sense of humour, and can confidently deliver songs like “How Far I’ll Go.” Range: G3-D5
Baby Moana: A short cameo role of very young Moana. One line of dialogue and some movement.
Little Moana: Includes dialogue, singing and movement.
Maui: A demigod and master wayfinder with charisma to spare and a reputation of being a trickster. Despite his hard exterior, Maui becomes a wonderful friend and mentor to Moana throughout their journey. We are looking for an actor with great comic timing who can portray this shapeshifter’s larger-than-life personality through big gestures and high energy, making moments like “You’re Welcome” true showstoppers. Range: G2-B3
Chief Ancestors: Chief Ancestors (1-3) are the three ancient leaders of Motunui. They guide Moana on her quest and narrate her story through speaking and singing solos. These ancestors should be animated storytellers who have excellent diction. Range: G3-A4
Gramma Tala: Moana’s wise grandmother and the mother of Chief Tui. She is the village storyteller known for being eccentric and dancing to the beat of her own drum. We are looking for a playful actor and singer who can balance comic timing in “Where You Are (Part 2)” with heartfelt sincerity in “Song of the Ancestors.” Range: G3-B4
Chief Tui: The proud leader of Motunui and Moana’s father. He prioritizes the safety of his people and his family. For this beloved and respected ruler, we are looking for a mature and poised actor who can sing well. After Chief Tui’s scenes at the beginning of the show, the actor can join the Maui, Monster, and/or Shiny ensembles before returning to this primary role at the show’s end. Range: E2-A#2
Sina: Moana’s supportive mother. She is compassionate, perceptive, and strong-willed, and trusts her daughter to make the right decisions. With both speaking and singing solos, we are looking for a confident singer and actor who can embody a mature and respected leader. After Sina’s scenes at the beginning of the show, the actor can join the Maui, Monster, and/or Shiny ensembles before returning to this primary role at the show’s end. Range: C#4-C#5
Pua: Moana’s fiercely loyal friend. Pua always supports Moana – even if it means facing her own fears. An actor who is also a confident singer can make Pua’s moments in “Where You Are (Part 2),” “How Far I’ll Go,” and “We Know the Way (Finale)” stand out. Range: B3-C#5
Hei: Moana’s not-so-bright friend. Hei Hei is well-meaning, but naive. We are looking for an actor who can portray Hei Hei’s innocence, has comic timing both with and without dialogue and can confidently present both speaking and singing solos in “Where You Are (Part 2),”“How Far I’ll Go,” and “We Know the Way (Finale).” Range: B3-C#5
Tamatoa: The vivacious and egotistical giant crab who lives in Lalotai, the Realm of Monsters. Tamatoa enjoys gathering shiny baubles to add to an ever-growing collection. For this self-centered crab with a keen sense of showmanship, we are looking for an actor who isn’t afraid to own the stage and really shine. Range: B3-B4
Te Fiti/Te Kā: A non-speaking role that ranges from intense anger to motherly goodness. We are looking for a confident performer who can portray these emotions without lines.
Ensemble: Ensemble roles includes chorus singing, movement, acting (some lines) and dancing. The ensemble may have multiple roles including Ancestors, Ocean (predominantly dancing), Villagers (Dancers, Weavers, Fishers 1 & 2), Maui Ensemble, Monsters, Gate Monster, Shiny Ensemble.