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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AUDITION AND CALLBACK DATES / LOCATION:

AUDITIONS: Monday, February 2 time slots beginning at 5:15 pm

CALLBACKS: Tuesday, February 3 starting at 6:00 pm

LOCATION: KVTA Studios  1 Stuart Dr  Kankakee IL 60901

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Questions regarding auditions, callbacks, or casting, may be emailed to the Director, Sharla Ronchetto, at: kvta.sharla@gmail.com​​

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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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AUDITION INFORMATION:

Please sign up for an audition time HERE.

-  Children age 8-12 years old are requested to sign up in the 5:15 pm time slot. 

-  Time slots are currently limited to 10 auditioners per time slot. 

-  Additional time slots may be added and/or the number of auditioners per time slot may be increased, if needed.

-  If you cannot attend any of these audition time slots, please email the Director at kvta.sharla@gmail.com and we will come up with a suitable option for everyone involved.

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Audition Form can be downloaded here: Microsoft Word    PDF

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Conflict Calendar can be downloaded HERE.

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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, Sharla Ronchetto, at kvta.sharla@gmail.com.

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CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS (Ages listed are stage ages):

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Edward Bloom - Baritenor (18-55 years old) Charming, charismatic, sees our black-and-white world in multiple colors. Creates elaborate stories and always has a joke in him. Actor will play younger versions of himself up through sick and aging. He cares deeply for his wife and son. Lots of movement.

 

Will Bloom - Tenor (late 20’s) Analytical, “realist”, dry-humored. Doesn’t believe his father’s stories and after learning Edward is sick, he seeks to find the truth in his father’s past. Newly married to Josephine and expecting a child of his own.

 

Sandra Bloom - Soprano with mix/belt (18-55 years old) Sweet, humble, and cares deeply for Will and Edward. She wants the men to get along and mend their stale relationship. She also plays younger versions of herself. May tap dance and must be a strong mover.

 

Josephine - Mix/Belt to C#5 (mid/late 20’s) She is enamored by Edward’s stories despite her husband’s reluctance to them. She is strong and knows how to handle situations. She will support Will Bloom in his journey of discovering his father’s past. Mover.

 

Amos Calloway - Baritone (Any adult age) He is the ringleader and owner of a circus. He is also a werewolf. At first he seems prone to torment Edward but after learning to accept himself, he becomes successful. Comedic timing and character actor required. Mover.

 

Karl the Giant - Bass (Any adult age) Very tall man who will walk on stilts. Comic irony needed. Transforms from social outcast to successful businessman thanks to Edward.

 

Young Will - (9 years old) Will as a young boy who listens to his father’s stories and helps move the story forward. Mostly a spoken role and featured in the opening number. Line delivery and timing is very important. 

 

The Witch - Mezzo with high belt (usable to F5) (Any adult age) The first of Edward’s stories and referenced throughout the story. She’s a fortune teller that informs Edward of how he will die. She will be a dancer and strong singer with a seductive edge to her voice. She will also be in the ensemble.

 

Don Price - Baritone (18-35) Don is the rival of Edward. For every story that advances Edward there seems to be one halting Don Price. The actor will play younger versions of himself and age just like Edward. He’s a simple man but determined. Strong comedic timing and movement. He will also be in the ensemble.

 

Zacky Price - (16-33) Younger brother of Don Price. Seen as Don’s sidekick. The actor will play younger versions of himself and age with his brother. Strong comedic timing and movement. He will also be in the ensemble.

 

Jenny Hill - Mix/Belt to E5 (18-55) She’s the childhood friend/girlfriend of Edward that he meets in Ashton. He promises to return to her but forgets. She will play younger versions of herself and age just like Edward. She is also in the ensemble and a mover.

Ensemble - The ensemble will be comprised of singers, actors, dancers, and a few children that will make up the stories Edward tells. Not a single member of the ensemble will have less than five stories/ensemble characters to bring to life; they are a vital part of this production. There will be featured dancers within the ensemble; not all ensemble members need to be dancers. There is one tap number. We also need tumblers, a juggler, and cast members with other circus skills.

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INITIAL AUDITION FORMAT:

At the initial audition, everyone will read one monologue of their choice from the list provided and sing one of the vocal options from the list provided. Then the group will perform the pre-learned dance together. The dance will not be taught at the auditions; you must learn it beforehand. Finally, those wishing to be in the tap number will perform the pre-learned tap dance together (this tap dance is optional for auditioners).

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Audition materials may be accessed at: AUDITION

 

VOCAL OPTIONS: (Please select the one that best highlights your singing abilities.)

Two Men In My Life (measures 35-51)

I Know What You Want (measures 51-62)

Stranger (measures 49-67) 

Be The Hero (measures 158-173 - Edward’s line / melody) - recommended for children

Closer to Her (measures 15-40)

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DANCE:

All auditioners will perform the audition dance within their small group. The audition dance has been recorded for the auditioners to learn on their own before the auditions. There is a front view of the dance and a back view of the dance, as well as an instruction video. We will not teach the dance at the auditions. All auditioners are expected to learn their audition dance before the audition and perform their dance without instruction at auditions. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing to move in, as well as appropriate shoes for dancing.

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There will also be an audition tap dance for those who wish to be in the tap dance number. This tap dance is optional for auditioners and is open to those 13 years old and older.

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Dance Workshop Dates at KVTA Studios: 

Saturday, January 17 @ 4 pm ~ Tap Audition Workshop

Saturday, January 24 @ 4 pm ~ General Audition Dance Workshop

Saturday, January 24 @ 6 pm ~ Tap Audition Review

 

Dance videos can be accessed HERE.

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NOTE: We are asking all auditioners to attempt the dance, making simplifications as personally needed, to allow us to see your level of dancing and movement. We will be casting non-dancers in addition to dancers and movers.

 

CALLBACKS:

Tuesday, February 3, 2026, starting at 6:00 pm
• For anyone new to the audition process, callbacks are only for select auditioners that the show staff members (i.e. Director, Assistant Director, Vocal Director, Choreographer) would like to see again. If you are not called back, this does NOT mean that you will not be cast in the show.

• We will use your audition number when we post the callbacks. Please take note of what number you are given at the initial audition.

• We will post a callback list on the KVTA website at http://www.kvta.org and on the KVTA Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/kankakeetheatre on Monday, February 2, after all initial auditions have been completed, so it will be late in the evening. Your patience is greatly appreciated! 
• If for any reason you cannot make this callback date, PLEASE email the Director before your audition, or tell the board member working the check-in table at auditions. 
• If you are called back, it is highly encouraged that you make every effort to attend the callbacks. 

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Callback materials may be accessed at: AUDITION

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POSSIBLE SONGS FOR CALLBACKS (only as needed):

Vocal Options from the Initial Audition

Edward = Fight the Dragons m. 128-155

Edward and Sandra = Daffodils m. 100-111

Edward and Sandra = Time Stops m. 51-66

Sandra = I Don’t Need a Roof m. 54-83

Will = Stranger m. 68-81

Witch = I Know What You Want (Reprise) m. 11-32

Amos = Closer to Her m. 15-40

Karl = Start Over m. 66-82, including spoken part

Karl = Out There on the Road m. 65-67

Alabama Trio (including Sandra) = Little Lamb from Alabama m. 5-37

POSSIBLE SCENES FOR CALLBACKS (only as needed):

Monologues from the Initial Audition

Amos, Karl, and Edward = p. 62-64 

Don, Zacky, Witch, and Edward = p. 13-15 

Edward and Jenny = p. 44 

Edward and Jenny = p. 107-109 

Edward and Sandra = p. 71-73 

Edward and Will = p. 88-91

Edward, Sandra, and Young Will = p. 10-12  

Sandra and Will = p. 36-37 

Will and Jenny = p. 99-100 

Will and Josephine = p. 54-56 

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THE INITIAL TAP DANCE MAY BE REPEATED AT CALLBACKS.

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CAST LIST:
The cast list will be posted on the KVTA website at http://www.kvta.org and on the KVTA Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/kankakeetheatre on Tuesday, February 3, after all callbacks have been completed, so it could be very late in the evening. Thank you in advance for your patience as we will have many difficult decisions to make! 
 

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 Auditions in the subject line.

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Break a leg!

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Sincerely,

The Staff of Big Fish​