Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka
Audition Notice for Adults and Youth Performers (ages 8 to 17)
The Dorset Players, Inc. and director Megan Demarest are excited to announce auditions for both Adults and Youth Performers (ages 8 to 17) for our Season 99 production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka (December 11-13 and December 18-20, 2026). Matthew Steckler is the Music Director and Renee Wymer is the Choreographer.
Audition dates are as follows at the Dorset Playhouse, 104 Cheney Rd., Dorset, VT 05251:
September 22, 5:30pm to 7:30pm (Youth auditions*)
September 23, 6pm to 8pm (Adult auditions)
September 26, 10am to 12pm (Youth auditions*)
September 26, 12:30pm to 2:30pm (Adult auditions)
Adults and Youth should be prepared to sing a well-rehearsed 16-bars (30 to 60 seconds) of a favorite song that appropriately showcases their voice. They may sing a capella (without accompaniment) or bring a digital track to play on a speaker provided at the audition. Auditioners should also be ready to read brief scenes from the scripts (provided) and to learn some easy movement/choreography. Overall, prepare to have a ton of fun!
*Please Note: We will offer Youth Audition Workshops prior to these audition dates for interested youth. Workshop is set for September 20, 2026 from 1-2:30 at the Dorset Playhouse. In addition, auditions for Disney’s Frozen, Jr. directed by Natalie Philpot, will take place concurrently with Willy Wonka auditions and Youth can indicate which show they are auditioning for (they may audition for both shows).
We are looking to cast 13 Adults and 6 to 8 Adult Ensemble members, as well as 5 Youth and 6 to 8 Youth Ensemble members. Rehearsals will begin immediately, the week of September 28. Please note that we will not be double-casting any of the roles. Auditioners must be available for all performances and all rehearsals during tech week, December 7 - 10.
Sides will be available by August 30. Please email info@dorsetplayers.org or call (802) 867-5570 if you are interested in receiving sides in advance.
Adult Roles
Willy Wonka
● The mysterious title character. He is charming, enigmatic, and peculiar in a lovable way. A chocolatier who guides children and their parents on a tour of his factory. He is looking for someone new to take over his candy empire.
● Vocal range: Baritone (F4 to G2).
Candy Man/Ensemble
● A local candy vendor. He leads the children in praising the joys of candy and sings one of the most well-known songs from the show.
● Vocal range: Bass (D4 to A2).
Phineous Trout/Ensemble
● A reporter covering the Golden Ticket story.
● Vocal range: Baritone (F4 to B2).
Mrs. Bucket/Ensemble
● Charlie Bucket's nurturing mother. She is always trying to maintain an energetic positivity.
● Vocal range: Mezzo Soprano (F5 to Bb3).
Mr. Bucket/Ensemble
● Charlie Bucket's nurturing father. He is always trying to maintain an energetic positivity.
● Vocal range top: Baritone (F4 to B2).
Grandpa Joe
● A caring, patient, and kindhearted man. Loving Grandfather to Charlie Bucket. He accompanies Charlie to Willy Wonka's factory and it gives him a new burst of youthful vigor.
● Vocal range: Baritone (F4 to Bb2).
Mrs. Gloop
● A jolly German woman with a bustling personality. Augustus Gloop's overindulgent mother. German dialect is a must.
● Vocal range: Soprano (B3 to E5).
Mr. Salt
● A wealthy British upperclassman who regularly flaunts his wealth and privilege. Father to Veruca Salt who shamelessly spoils his daughter. British dialect is a must.
● Vocal range: Baritone (E4 to D3).
Ms. Teavee
● An old-fashioned housewife. She is Mike Teavee's permissive and clueless mother.
● Vocal range: Mezzo-Soprano (F5 to B3).
Mrs. Beauregarde
● Violet's enthusiastic "helicopter parent" who focuses all her attention on her daughter. She indulges Violet's worst competitive impulses.
● Vocal range: Soprano (E5 to D4).
Grandma Josephine/Ensemble
● Grampa Joe’s wife and loving grandmother to Charlie.
● Any vocal range.
Grampa George/Ensemble
● Grandma Georgina’s husband and loving grandfather to Charlie.
● Any vocal range.
Grandma Georgina/Ensemble
● Grampa George’s wife and loving grandmother to Charlie.
● Any vocal range.
Ensemble Roles (6 to 8 people)
● Townspeople and Oompa Loompas.
● All vocal ranges needed.
Cast Breakdown
Youth Roles (ages 10 - 17)
Charlie Bucket
● Description: Our story's shy, earnest protagonist. From a modest home life, he is humble and noncompetitive while maintaining a sense of wonder about the world. One of the Golden Ticket winners whose honesty and general good nature win Wonka over.
● Vocal range: Baritone (G4 to G2).
Augustus Gloop
● A gluttonous German boy. Cheerful and jolly, he defines himself by his ability to eat mass quantities of food. One of the Golden Ticket winners whose constant overeating is enabled and encouraged by Mrs. Gloop. German dialect is a must.
● Vocal range: Baritone (G4 to B2).
Veruca Salt
● A wealthy, spoiled Brit. She is accustomed to having her father indulge her every whim and desire. One of the Golden Ticket winners, she is subjected to the squirrels' nut chute. British dialect is a must.
● Vocal range: Alto/Mezzo-Soprano (F5 to G3).
Mike Teavee
● An obnoxious, hyperactive child addicted to television, video games, and the internet. One of the Golden Ticket winners and Ms. Teavee's son.
● Vocal range: Baritone (G4 to G2).
Violet Beauregarde
● A brassy girl from Georgia with a competitive streak. Violet seizes every opportunity to show off. She turns into a giant blueberry. Southern dialect is a must.
● Vocal range: Alto/Mezzo-Soprano (F5 to G3).
Ensemble Roles (ages 8 - 17)
● Charlie’s peers, squirrels, and Oompa Loompas.
● All vocal ranges needed.