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SYNOPSIS

Big Fish is a heartwarming, fantastical musical about Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman whose larger-than-life tales have captivated everyone around him—especially his devoted wife, Sandra. As Edward’s life nears its end, his practical son, Will, sets out to separate fact from fiction and discover who his father really was.

Filled with soaring music, rich humor, and deep emotional resonance, Big Fish explores family, legacy, and the narratives we construct to navigate life. Ultimately, it asks whether the truth of a life is found in raw facts, or in the meaning behind the stories we choose to believe.

OUR PRODUCTION VISION

Our production approaches Big Fish not as a showcase of mechanical spectacle, but as an actor-driven, ensemble-created storybook. The audience won't simply watch Edward Bloom’s memories… they will watch them built live in real time through movement, music, fluid transformation, and active world-building.

We are not just casting roles; we are building a company of storytellers. We seek performers who thrive in a highly collaborative rehearsal environment, embrace physical characterization, and are eager to bring Edward’s extraordinary mythos to life.

Important Note Regarding the Small Cast Edition

This production utilizes the officially licensed Small Cast Edition of Big Fish.

Musical & Script Changes: This adaptation streamlines the original Broadway script into an intimate, high-energy experience. The Act II WWII flashback and song "Red, White and True" have been cut completely, and Sandra’s solo "Magic in the Man" replaces "Two Men In My Life".

Company Expansion: While designed for as few as 10–12 actors, our production will expand the ensemble to approximately 16 to 18 performers. This expansion maintains the intimacy and fluid doubling of the Small Cast Edition while giving us the vocal power and physical scope to create large-scale moments (like the circus, the swamp, and the river) entirely through ensemble presence.

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Book by John August

Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa

Based on the novel by Daniel Wallace

And the Columbia Motion Picture written by John August

PLAYING DATES

February 4-20, 2027

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director: Michael Yaneff

Music Director: Andy Barber

Choreographer: Camille Dziewurski

Producer: Emily Ogilvie

Stage Manager: Mandy McDermott-Yaneff

Lighting Designer: Dylan Billings

AUDITION INFORMATION

Location:

Whitby Courthouse Theatre

416 Centre St. S., Whitby, ON

Audition Dates:

Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Callbacks (By Invitation Only):

Sunday, September 27, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Age Requirement: 16+ for all roles.

Payment Type: Non-Paid

Union Type: Non-Union

INCLUSIVITY & CASTING STATEMENT

Whitby Courthouse Theatre is committed to inclusive casting. We encourage performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, body types, and background experience levels to audition.

Come help us build a living, breathing world and tell a story worth believing.

We welcome performers of all experience levels who are eager to explore collaborative, ensemble-based storytelling.

1. Acting:

Please prepare a one-minute monologue (dramatic or comic) that tells a clear, engaging story. Be prepared to do some improvisation work with your text during the audition (note: those auditioning for Edward Bloom may also be given cold prompts). This can be from a play, musical, or any bit of text (story, book, movie) as long as it tells a story. You may be asked to do some improvisation with your text or given some cold readings or improvisational prompts (especially for auditionees interested in Edward Bloom).

2. Vocal:

Prepare 32 bars of one musical theatre song (not from the show) and 16 bars of a second contrasting song. We may only hear one, or we may ask to hear both. If possible, ensure selections are highly story and character-driven. A pianist will be provided. Sheet music is preferred, but a Bluetooth speaker is available for backing tracks. Auditionees must have their tracks prepared and cued on their own device (we will not have the capability to search for tracks for you).

3. Movement & Dance:

There will be a 60-minute dance call. Please dress comfortably. Footwear: Runners/sneakers (no heels or character shoes). Performers with strong dance and movement ability will be given preference for core dance ensemble features.

4. Callbacks:

Selected performers will receive sides and vocal selections from the show in advance of callback sessions.

NOTE: All age ranges and genders are based on what is playable on stage and we will be flexible with casting if the actor fits the ability to believably tell the story.

Core Principal Roles(Emotionally Grounded Anchors)

Edward Bloom (Baritone/Tenor | Vocal Range: G2 – G4) M 25+

The heart and reality-architect of the story. A charismatic, optimistic, larger-than-life hometown hero who defines his existence through myth and adventure. Must carry immense charm, emotional gravity, and a commanding stage presence to make the impossible feel true in real time.

Will Bloom (Tenor | Vocal Range: C3 – G4) M 20s-30s

Edward’s son. Intelligent, practical, earnest, and emotionally guarded. Will’s journey from resistance and skepticism to heartfelt acceptance forms the emotional spine of the musical. Requires a strong vocal storyteller capable of nuanced character work.

Sandra Bloom (Mezzo-Soprano/Soprano | Vocal Range: G3 – E5) F 25+

Edward’s wife and greatest believer. Calm, resilient, and deeply compassionate, Sandra bridges the worlds of fantasy and grounded reality. Requires warmth, emotional depth, and a soaring vocal ability.

Supporting Roles(Featured Character Tracks & Selective Doubling, part of dynamic ensemble)

Josephine Bloom (Soprano/Mezzo | Vocal Range: G3 – C5) F 20s-30s

Will’s wife. Perceptive, sweet, and intelligent. Josephine serves as the emotional translator between Edward and Will, recognizing the underlying truth in Edward’s stories.

Karl the Giant (Bass/Baritone | Vocal Range: A3 – D4) M 16+

Edward’s best friend. Shy, remarkably intelligent, and gentle beneath an intimidating exterior. Requires a performer with deep vocal resonance and quiet charisma.

Amos Calloway / Dr. Bennett (Baritone/Tenor | Vocal Range: C3 – G5) 30+

A dynamic doubling track highlighting contrast. Amos is the eccentric, theatrical ringmaster of the circus; Dr. Bennett is Edward’s calm, grounded, and compassionate real-world doctor.

Jenny Hill / The Witch (Mezzo-Soprano | Jenny Range: B4 – E5 | Witch Range: F3 – F5) F 20+

A powerful doubling track embodying memory and mystery. Jenny is Edward’s high school sweetheart—dignified, honest, and nostalgic. The Witch is commanding, eerie, and transformative, showing Edward how his life ends. Requires exceptional vocal power and physical expression.

Don Price (Baritone/Tenor | Vocal Range: C3 – F#4) M 20s-40s

Edward’s lifelong rival. Bold, brash, snarky, and larger-than-life. Strong comic timing and character presence.

Zacky Price / Mayor (Tenor/Baritone) M 25+

Don’s nerdy, loyal brother paired with Ashton's small-town mayor. Highly character-driven roles requiring versatility and physical comedy.

Girl in the Water / Mermaid (Movement/Featured) F 16+

An ethereal, magical figure representing one of Edward’s first mythic transformations. Requires fluid movement and strong dance ability.

Young Will (Alto | Vocal Range: Middle C, or octave below/above) M 9-13

The role of Young Will will be auditioned at a later date.

ENSEMBLE STORYTELLERS - M/F 16+

The ensemble is the engine of transformation in this production. Ensemble members will create environments (the river, circus rings, daffodil fields), execute real-time scene transitions, and portray a wide range of characters (townsfolk, circus performers, wedding guests, sorority sisters, and secret agents). We are seeking creative, generous performers who love character creation, group physical theatre, and shaping a world live on stage. Performers with strong dance and movement ability will be given preference for core dance ensemble features.

NOTE: Doubling combinations (such as Jenny Hill / The Witch or Amos / Dr. Bennett) are directorial choices for this production to expand ensemble storytelling while staying true to TRW's Small Cast Edition