Countdown To Opening Night!

BIG FISH AUDITION INFORMATION

All those cast in BIG FISH are required to become a KVTA member at some level (minimum $30) by the initial cast meeting/read-thru. One parent/guardian being a member of KVTA does cover the membership requirement for all family members 17 and under. Failure to complete this requirement will result in the cast member being removed from the production.

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Director: Sharla Ronchetto

Assistant Director: Christine Case

Vocal Director: Jamie Howard Breeden

Choreographer: Jordyn Clark

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​​​​PERFORMANCE DATES / LOCATION:

April 24, 25, and 26, 2026

Lincoln Cultural Center   240 Warren Ave  Kankakee, IL 60901

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Big Fish is a fantastical, heartwarming musical that follows the life of Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman whose larger-than-life stories captivate everyone around him—especially his loving wife, Sandra. But their son, Will, about to become a father himself, is determined to uncover the truth behind his father’s epic tales. As Will embarks on a journey to understand the man behind the myth, Big Fish explores the power of storytelling, family bonds, and the search for identity.

With its soaring score, unforgettable characters, and a blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, BIG FISH offers an extraordinary theatrical experience that celebrates the joy of life, the importance of family, and the beauty of the stories we tell.  
 

All auditioners must be 8 and older by auditions on February 2, 2026. Proof of age may be requested. and actors of any ethnicity / race are encouraged to audition for any part. All auditioners must complete an audition form, a conflict calendar, and sign KVTA's policy acknowledgement form. Cast members are required to provide the following personal items: shoes, socks, and stage makeup. In addition, cast members may be asked to supply other items such as: leotards, tights, etc. Optional expenses include: a digital download from the production, a picture CD, apparel items, production party attendance, cast/staff chill times, etc. PLEASE NOTE: Child care is not available during rehearsals and performances. Cast and staff members are not permitted to bring their children, or any additional family members, to rehearsals. ​All rehearsals are closed to the public unless otherwise stated. All KVTA facilities are smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free. Anyone found to be in violation of these policies may be removed from the production.​​​​​​​​

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If you have already signed a policy acknowledgement form during our 2025-2026 Season, you do not need to sign this form again.

KVTA Policies: PDF

KVTA Policy Acknowledgement Form to be signed: PDF

All participants, on-stage or off-stage, will be required to sign KVTA's Social Media, Sexual Harassment, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies. If said participant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian will sign for the participant. Any parent or guardian signing for their auditioner agrees to instruct and provide information to their auditioner regarding KVTA's policies. An Emergency Card and Waiver of Liability must also be completed and signed in order to participate. These forms will be distributed when you first volunteer with KVTA. If you have any questions please email: kvta@kvta.org

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CAST LIST

Thank you to everyone that auditioned for KVTA's Big Fish! The talent was fabulous, and our casting decisions were very difficult to make because of that! Please accept or decline your part by 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 4, by emailing the Director at kvta.sharla@gmail.com. You can expect a welcome email Wednesday evening; be sure to look for it. The cast/parent meeting and read-through will be Friday, February 6, starting at 6:00 pm, at the KVTA Studios. Congratulations!

 

Edward Bloom = Nick Orth

 

Will Bloom = Ryan Runner

 

Sandra Bloom = Adelaide Rhys 

 

Josephine Bloom = Emma Russell

 

Amos Calloway = Jarrid Norden 

 

Karl the Giant = Ben Keller  

 

Young Will = Ashton Lamont 

 

Don Price = Dana James 

 

Zacky Price = Pine Kimery 

 

The Witch = Alyssa Lesch

 

Jenny Hill = Jaylen Rick

 

Alabama Lambs = Quinlin Kirkland and Morgan George

 

Fisherman / Red Fang = Brady Perzee 

 

Dr. Bennett = Robert Bishir

 

General Patterson = Andrew Stephens

 

Mayor = Max Gooding

 

Will’s Son / Overeager Scout = Abigail James

 

Ensemble (A detailed list of specific ensemble parts will be distributed at Friday’s cast meeting): 

Children: Sevin Casey, Hannah Fish, Evasue Gregoire, Nora Hennessy, Abigail James, Chloe Shinabarger

Teens/Adults: Ariana Baginski*+, Robert Bishir, Amanda Cuzzo, Caitlin Fletcher, Morgan George*+°, Max Gooding, Addy Hanson+, Dana James*, William Keller, Pine Kimery*, Quinlin Kirkland*, Sarah Kirkland, Avery Lamont, Alyssa Lesch*+, Dustin Mann, Sara Marion, Angel Noelle, Brady Perzee*+, Michaela Richey, Jaylen Rick*+, Amy Shinabarger, Jonathan Shinabarger, Andrew Stephens, Rachel Tobey-Barrows*+, Alayna Valdivia

 

* featured dancer

+ tap dancer

° dance captain

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ANTICIPATED REHEARSAL TIMES:​​

Rehearsals will start the week of February 9, 2026. During February and March, individual cast members can expect to have rehearsal no more than four times per week. During April, individual cast members can expect to have rehearsal up to five times per week. While we are learning vocals, choreography/movement, and blocking, not all actors will be needed at all rehearsals. Once we begin running the acts, rehearsals will be full cast. 

Please list all conflicts that you have Monday-Friday, from 6:00-9:00 pm, and Saturday from 9:00 am-4:00 pm, February 6 through April 23. We will not rehearse during all of those time slots every week; those are simply the possible time slots. Conflicts will not preclude you from being cast; they are needed for us to develop a rehearsal schedule, which will be based on cast and staff availability. If at all possible, we would appreciate minimal conflicts in April. Attendance during Tech Week (April 17-23) is mandatory.

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Rehearsal dates are subject to change. We want to have all of the cast at ALL of our final tech rehearsals, so please be open and honest when completing your conflict calendar. Please be sure to list all of your conflicts from the audition date through the final performance date. If you have any questions about the information provided here, please email the Director.
 

For those cast in the show, our CAST MEETING and READ THRU will be on Friday, February 6, 6:00 pm, at the KVTA Studios.

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Further questions regarding auditions, callbacks, or casting may be emailed to the Director, Sharla Ronchetto, at: kvta.sharla@gmail.com  Please include Big Fish in the subject line.

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Congratulations!

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Sincerely,

The Staff of Big Fish​