Actors, singers, and dancers may submit a headshot and résumé at any time to: casting@berkeleyplayhouse.org

Now Casting:

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Berkeley Playhouse is excited to announce casting for Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Lyrics and Music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, adapted for the stage by Timothy Allen McDonald and Leslie Bricusse, and based on the book “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl.

Directed by Berkeley Playhouse Artistic Director, Elizabeth McKoy.

About the show:
Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to life in this delicious stage adaptation. We are bringing Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory back to its cinematic and musical roots – the 1970s. This is a funkadelic interpretation of the classic Roald Dahl story. We are using the musical flavor of the decade to reenergize this beloved classic. The heart-warming story of rediscovering love, faith and hope in the future is given new life and cultural resonance with a groovy, fun musical reimagining that places it firmly within the cultural context of the 1970s and features songs from the classic family film in a fresh and funky new way.

Seeking AEA and Non-AEA men and women for all adult roles as listed in the character breakdown, below. 

Seeking dancers for the Oompa Loompa dance ensemble. Auditions details below.

Willy Wonka also contains lead and ensemble children’s roles.  Click here for more information about our youth auditions.

Dance Ensemble Auditions: Friday, February 3 6:30-8pm

Auditions will include an intensive dance call, with no singing or sides. All dancers being considered for these roles must be experienced dancer who are comfortable with heights. Please come dressed to move.

“Golden Ticket” Youth and Adult Auditions/Callbacks: January 29, 2012 11am-3pm

Rehearsals: June 9 – July 13
Monday – Thursday 6pm-10pm
Saturday & Sunday 12pm-6pm
(No rehearsal 7/4; Make-up Rehearsal Friday, 7/6 6-10pm)
*You won’t be called to all rehearsals, but we need to know your availability.

Performances: July 14 – August 19
Wed. 7/25 @ 7pm; Wed. 8/15 @ 7pm
Thurs. @ 7pm
Sat. @ 2pm & 7pm
Sun. @ 12pm & 5pm
One morning matinee: Fri, 8/10 @ 10am

To schedule an audition, please send a headshot and résumé, to Lynda Bachman, Casting Director at casting@berkeleyplayhouse.org, with “Willy Wonka Audition Request” in the subject line. No phone calls or links to websites, please! Auditions are by invitation only, based on submission. The following information needs to be included in your email:

• Your name
• Phone number
• Email address
• Character name if you are interested in a specific role
• Headshot and resume as PDF attachments

An email will be sent back to you confirming your audition time. All auditions are held at our studios, located at: 2640 College Ave, Berkeley

Character Breakdown:

WILLY WONKA/CANDY MAN Male, Baritone, Any age (Plays 30+)

Willy Wonka is an enigmatic character; at once mysterious and mischievous but also charismatic and engaging, with an enormous capacity for compassion – although it is not always realized. The actor should be able to be funny and serious and change between the two on a dime. This actor is also an excellent physical comedian, and a great mover.  Must be comfortable with aerial work and heights. Willy Wonka doubles as the Candy Man in Act I. Sings Pure Imagination; Golden Age of Chocolate; At the Gates; In This Room Here; Factory Reveal Sequence; There’s No Knowing; Chew It; Flying Reprise; Finale.

GRANDPA JOE Male, Baritone, Any age (Plays age 70+)

Grandpa Joe is the grandfather we all wish we had when we were Charlie’s age. He is caring, patient, sweet, and always reminds Charlie to remain cheerful. Must be physically fit, and an excellent mover with great comic timing and a genuine, warm character. This role involves basic aerial/bungee work. Sings Cheer Up, Charlie; In This Room Here; Factory Reveal; Chew It; Oompa Loompa 4

MR. SALT/MR. BUCKET Male, Any age (Plays 35+)

Mr. Salt’s solution to most problems is to buy his way out. Mr. Bucket is a compassionate father who wishes he could do more for his family. Character actor with great range. Must be comfortable with High British and Brazilian dialects. Sings Think Positive; Cheer Up, Charlie; I’ve Got a Golden Ticket; In This Room Here; Factory Reveal; There’s No Knowing.

MRS. BEAUREGARDE/GRANDMA GEORGINA Female, Any age (Plays 35+)

Mrs. Beauregard is a teacher of geography and has invested a great deal of hard-earned money on therapy for her orally fixated daughter, with less than stellar results. Grandma Georgina is Charlie’s bed-ridden grandmother. Must be comfortable with upper-class Southern American dialect. Sings Cheer Up, Charlie; I’ve Got a Golden Ticket; In This Room Here; Factory Reveal; There’s No Knowing.

MRS. BUCKET/MRS. GLOOP Female, Alto, Any age (Plays 35+)

Mrs. Gloop is Augustus’ mother who has overindulged her son with food. She accompanies Augustus on the tour of the factory. Mrs. Bucket is Charlie’s warm and compassionate Mother, who works herself to the bone to provide for her family. Great character role with lots of acting range. Must be comfortable with German dialect. Sings I Eat More!; In This Room Here; Cheer Up, Charlie; I’ve Got a Golden Ticket.

MS. TEAVEE/GRANDMA JOSEPHINE Female, Any age (Plays 35+)

Ms. Teavee is a take on all television moms of the distant past. Think June Cleaver (Leave it to Beaver) or Marion Cunningham (Happy Days) or even Carol Brady (The Brady Bunch). She’s perfectly put together and a bit vacant. Grandma Josephine is Charlie’s bed-ridden grandmother. Sings Cheer Up, Charlie; I’ve Got a Golden Ticket; I See It All on TV; In This Room Here; Factory Reveal

GRANDPA GEORGE Male, Any age (Plays age 70+)

One of Charlie’s grandparents. This is an ensemble role and actor will also play an Oompa Loompa. Sings Cheer Up, Charlie; I’ve Got a Golden Ticket; Golden Age of Chocolate; Oompa Loompa 1-5.

PHINEOUS TROUT Male, Any age (Plays 35+)

Phineous is the reporter who announces the winners of the Golden Ticket contest throughout the show. ThThis is an ensemble role and actor will also play an Oompa Loompa. Sings I See It All on TV; I Eat More!; I’ve Got a Golden Ticket; Golden Age of Chocolate; Oompa Loompa 1-5.

OOMPA-LOOMPA CHORUS Any gender, Any age

The oompa loompas are a group of sassy and fun storytellers who help Willy Wonka narrate the play through dance and music. Ensemble dancers and singers who are comfortable with basic aerial dance, must be excellent movers with acrobatics/gymnastics skills. Sing Golden Age of Chocolate; Oompa Loompa 1-5.