Youth ages 9 to 15: Ugly, Cat, Drake, Greylag, Turkey, Bullfrog, Father Swan, Ida, Grace, Dot, Lowbutt, Maureen, Queenie, Mother Swan, Henrietta, Penny, plus ensemble (ducklings, fish, froglets, Greylag's flock, goose squadron).

Book and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe. Music by George Stiles. Based on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Ugly Duckling." Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Directed by Kristy Cruz. Musical Direction by Heidi Herczeg. Choreography by RonDale Simpson.

For over 30 years, Honk! has delighted audiences with its joyful, award-winning telling of The Ugly Duckling. When Ugly finds himself feeling out of place, he sets off on a journey of self-discovery filled with adventure, friendship, and unexpected challenges. With humor and heart, Honk! reminds us that being different is something to celebrate.

Participants must be ages 9 to 15. All roles are open to young artists of all genders, ethnicities, identities, and backgrounds.

• ·Monday, November 9 — 6:30pm–9:30pm
• ·Tuesday, November 10 — 6:30pm–9:30pm
• ·Wednesday, November 11 — 6:30pm–9:30pm

Anyone auditioning must stay for the entire time. Register on the Near West audition page to reserve a space.

Saturday, November 14, between 10:00am and 4:00pm

A relaxed, friendly group experience of theatre games, improvisation, characterization, and movement. No headshot, resume, or preparation required. Come as you are in comfortable clothing. Casting notifications by the end of the following week. Communicate any known rehearsal or performance conflicts to the Stage Manager and/or Director by the end of your audition.

• ·December 13–16 and December 20–22
• ·Regular rehearsals resume Sundays through Wednesdays starting January 3 (Thursdays as needed)
• ·Possible daytime Dry Tech Rehearsal on February 6
• ·Tech Sunday, February 7, 12:00–9:00pm (potluck supper)
• ·Mandatory dress rehearsals February 8–12, 6:00–10:30pm

Rehearsals will not run past 10:30pm. Cast members are expected to prioritize the eight weeks of rehearsals and eight performances.

February 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28, 2027

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm (call 6:00pm), Sundays at 2:00pm (call 12:30pm)

• ·UGLY — The youthful protagonist. Gawky and odd-looking, shunned for their appearance. Possesses a heart of gold.
• ·CAT — The sly, cunning antagonist; a very hungry cat.
• ·DRAKE — Ugly's father, who detests his son.
• ·GREYLAG — A goose and Admiral of the squadron charged with Ugly's safe return. Dot's husband.
• ·TURKEY — The self-boasting School Headmaster, deathly afraid of Thanksgiving.
• ·BULLFROG — A laid-back, self-confident, optimistic frog.
• ·FATHER SWAN — Penny's loving, protective father.
• ·IDA — Ugly's loving mother and the only one who supports the outcast child.
• ·GRACE — The most distinguished duck on the lake and school governor. Proud, honest, and genuine.
• ·DOT — Greylag's composed wife.
• ·LOWBUTT — A refined, proper domesticated chicken and Queenie's best friend.
• ·MAUREEN — A chatty moorhen and Ida's best friend. Strong comedic instincts.
• ·QUEENIE — A humorous, snobby, very domesticated cat living the "high life."
• ·MOTHER SWAN — Tender, compassionate mother to Penny.
• ·HENRIETTA — A busybody friend of Maureen and Ida.
• ·PENNY — A kind, caring swan; Ugly's unlikely love interest and friend.
• ·ENSEMBLE — Ducklings, Fish, Froglets, Greylag's Flock, Goose Squadron.

Near West Theatre is committed to diverse, inclusive casting.