Horizon Rising Stars is thrilled to be coming back for a second season. In April, we’ll be going under the sea as we bring Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. to Ypsilanti!

AUDITION INFORMATION

DATES: February 3 & 4, 2025. Callbacks will be February 5 by invitation only.

LOCATION: TBD. Please check back here and on our website for an update.

AGES: 6 - 18 years. Individuals 18 years old must be enrolled in high school in order to participate.

SIGN-UP: Please sign up for an audition slot here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F4CA9A723AAFC1-54097587-horizon#/

Anyone who wants to audition will be seen; however, those with an audition time will be seen first. If these dates/times do not work for you/your child, please email horizonperformingarts.mi@gmail.com for an alternative.

WHAT TO PREPARE: Please prepare a 1-minute song in the style of the show. Songs from the show are OK. Song choices should be similar to the style of The Little Mermaid and should showcase your voice, range, and acting ability. Please pick a song that is age and character appropriate. Most importantly, pick something you are comfortable singing! Please bring a YouTube backing track or an audio file that can be sent via Airdrop or text to auditions. The production staff will play the backing track for auditionees via a Bluetooth speaker. Instructions on how to send the backing track to staff will be given at auditions. Please come dressed to move, as there will be a short dance call.

AUDITION FORM: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wx4ILytUc-iIrls4PeL508B41_2Qubxk/view?usp=sharing

Please bring a completed audition form, photo (if available), and a list of ALL conflicts to the audition. These items will not be returned to you. Please note that recurrent and/or excessive conflicts will play into casting.

PRODUCTION INFO: This production will be at Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti April 11-13, 2025.

Director: Brynn Arnall
Music Director: Michelle Smith

Rehearsals will be Monday-Thursday from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Character Breakdown

Ariel

Ariel, the heroine of our story, is a little mermaid who longs to be human.

Gender: female

Vocal range top: Eb5

Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Prince Eric

Prince Eric is the adventurous prince who captures Ariel's heart. Prince Eric has a few small solos, but it is more important to cast a strong actor in this role.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: D5

Vocal range bottom: B3

Sebastian

Sebastian is the meticulous and anxious crab who tries to keep Ariel safe while getting to lead some of the most memorable songs in the show! Sebastian can be played by a boy or girl.

Gender: any

Vocal range top: D5

Vocal range bottom: A3

Flounder

Flounder is Ariel's sincere and sensitive best friend who is loyal to the end. This spunky fish also has a show-stopping solo in "She's in Love." Flounder can be cast with a girl or a boy with an unchanged voice.

Gender: any

Vocal range top: Db5

Vocal range bottom: G3

King Triton

King Triton rules the sea and is a force to be reckoned with. This non-singer needs to command the stage as a strong leader but also show the tenderness of a parent.

Gender: male

Mersisters

The Mersisters (Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Atina, Adella, Allana) are Ariel's siblings and full of personality and sass. These are great roles to showcase talented singers and dancers who can create and play six distinctive characters.

Gender: female

Vocal range top: G5

Vocal range bottom: G3

Ursula

Ursula is the manipulative sea witch who tries to overthrow King Triton. She is cunning and devious and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

Gender: female

Vocal range top: C#5

Vocal range bottom: F3

Tentacles

The Tentacles are extensions of Ursula, perhaps the poor unfortunate souls who are now trapped in her lair.

Gender: any

Vocal range top: C#5

Vocal range bottom: C4

Flotsam

Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula's slippery spies. These electric eels are sinister and sneaky, so look for performers who can be underhanded and devious while still being heard on stage. Flotsam and Jetsam can be played by boys or girls.

Gender: any

Vocal range top: C#5

Vocal range bottom: C4

Jetsam

Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula's slippery spies. These electric eels are sinister and sneaky, so look for performers who can be underhanded and devious while still being heard on stage. Flotsam and Jetsam can be played by boys or girls.

Gender: any

Vocal range top: C#5

Vocal range bottom: C4

Scuttle

Scuttle is the know-it-all seagull who serves as Ariel's expert on humans. He is funny and off-beat.

Gender: any

Vocal range top: E5

Vocal range bottom: B3

Gulls

The Gulls are Scuttle's flock of zany "back-up singers" who help explain human stuff to Ariel.

Gender: any

Vocal range top: G5

Vocal range bottom: B3

Grimsby

Grimsby is Prince Eric's prim and proper valet. He is rigid in personality and constantly trying to guide Prince Eric towards the throne.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: C5

Vocal range bottom: E4

Chef Louis

Chef Louis is the over-the-top head chef in the palace. He is always wild and frenetic.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: C5

Vocal range bottom: A3

Chefs

The Chefs are Chef Louis's assistants.

Gender: any

Carlotta

Carlotta is the headmistress in Prince Eric's palace and Ariel's greatest human ally. This non-singing role needs to be warm and maternal to make Ariel feel welcome.

Gender: female

Princesses

The six Princesses try everything they can to win the heart of Prince Eric. Since none of them possess the voice Prince Eric is searching for, cast actresses who can create an exaggerated and comedic personality through song.

Gender: female

Vocal range top: G5

Vocal range bottom: E4

Pilot

The Pilot is the head sailor on Prince Eric's ship. This nautical expert who entertains the sailors with wild tales of the sea presents an opportunity to highlight a developing performer. The Pilot has a few speaking lines, but his singing voice is most important.

Gender: male

Vocal range top: C5

Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Sailors

The Sailors are the crew of Prince Eric's ship. They are eager for adventure and ready to tackle a storm. The Sailors can be played by boys or girls and can double as Sea Chorus.

Gender: any

Seahorse

The Seahorse is the court herald for King Triton. This non-singing part is a good role for a young performer with a clear speaking voice.

Gender: any

Sea Chorus

The Sea Chorus is responsible for creating each world within the show. Look for performers who can move gracefully and are capable of being part of a scene without drawing focus. This can also be an opportunity to showcase some of your more skilled dancers. The Sea Chorus can double as Merfolk, Sea Creatures and Lagoon Animals.

Gender: any

Sea Creatures

The Sea Creatures are the ensemble under water animals in King Triton's court. They can include as few or as many performers as your production permits. There are several moments to showcase both dancers and singers in "Under the Sea."

Gender: any

Merfolk

The Merfolk of King Triton's Court and can double as Sea Creatures.

Gender: any

Lagoon Animals

The Lagoon Animals try to convince Prince Eric to kiss Ariel. This ensemble can double as the Sea Creatures.

Gender: any