Auditions for Matilda Jr: January 31-Feb 4
As you prepare to audition for Matilda Jr. you will want to get to know the characters. Here are some character descriptions. More details on the show can be found here.
Note: some of these roles may be doubled
Matilda Wormwood
The hero of the show. She’s brilliant, resilient, creative, and kind, despite growing up in difficult circumstances. Her parents treat her poorly, but Matilda escapes into a world of books, which puts her reading level far above the other children in her class, and she develops a bit of magical power in an effort to defeat Trunchbull. Cast a fantastic singer and great actress in this role who can embody both Matilda’s cleverness and her kindness.
Mr. Wormwood
Matilda’s father. He is egotistical, rude, and not very bright, not to mention a liar. Though Mr. Wormwood is not a good person and he is mean to Matilda, his harebrained schemes can be hilariously funny, so cast a fantastic character actor in this role who can really land the comedy and isn’t afraid to play an unlikeable character. It’s helpful if Mr. Wormwood reads as older onstage and makes a dynamic pair with Mrs. Wormwood.
Mrs. Wormwood
Matilda’s mother. Like her husband, she dislikes Matilda and does not understand why her daughter loves to read. Mrs. Wormwood is selfish, obsessed with her own appearance, and believes everything she sees on TV. Her dancing lessons with Rudolpho are the most important part of her day. Cast a great actress who can portray Mrs. Wormwood’s nastiness but also play up her ridiculousness and lean into the comedy.
Michael Wormwood
Matilda’s brother. He is not very bright, though he is the apple of his father’s eye. This is a hilarious supporting role for a younger actor with comedic timing, as Michael’s contributions to the scene usually function as deadpan one-liners.
Mrs. Phelps
The kindly librarian who loves hearing Matilda’s stories. This is a great featured role for a stronger actress who reads as older than Matilda onstage.
Miss Honey
A teacher at Matilda’s school. She is kind, is generous, and really cares about the children despite her own desperate circumstances. Cast an excellent actress and singer who can portray Miss Honey’s sweetness and her strength. It’s helpful if the actress reads as older than the kids from onstage.
Agatha Trunchbull
The quintessential terrifying tyrant. As headmistress, she runs her school like a dictator, making up arbitrary rules to suit her every whim and dreaming up creative punishments. The Trunchbull is played by a male (though the character is female). It’s helpful if Trunchbull is physically larger than the actors playing children. Cast a fantastic character actor and singer who can command the stage and embody Trunchbull’s larger-than-life villainy.
Rudolpho
Mrs. Wormwood’s self-obsessed “Italian” dance teacher. This is a hilarious featured role for a comedic performer who moves well.
Sergei
A Russian customer swindled by Mr. Wormwood. Though he shows up looking for payback, Matilda has had quite enough of revenge, and Sergei lets the Wormwoods escape. This is a great featured role for an actor who can embody Sergei’s intimidating presence.
Escapologist
A character of Matilda’s creation. Everything this character does is grand and exaggerated – he’s performing for the cheap seats! His love for his wife – the Acrobat – outweighs everything else. Cast a solid actor and mover in this fun featured role.
Acrobat
A product of Matilda’s imagination. Her love for her husband – the Escapologist – is only rivaled by her desire for a child. Cast an actor in this featured role that can give their all!
MATILDA’S CLASSMATES
Eric
A student at school with Matilda. He has the very first solo line of the entire show, so make sure to cast a good singer in this role. He also has some featured moments as one of Matilda’s schoolmates, so it’s helpful if Eric is also an expressive actor.
Amanda Thripp
A student at school with Matilda. She has a few solos and lines, but her most featured moment is when Trunchbull throws her through the air using her pigtails. Cast a good singer and mover in this role.
Bruce Bogtrotter
One of Matilda’s schoolmates. He has the bad luck to get caught after eating Trunchbull’s cake. Bruce goes through quite a transformation throughout the show and has some important solos, so cast an excellent singer and actor. Keep in mind that just because Bruce eats the cake, it doesn’t mean he has to be physically larger than the other children – just cast an actor who can portray Bruce’s journey throughout the show.
Hortensia
Alice, Hortensia, and Tommy are classmates of Matilda who each sing solos, and Hortensia has a few lines. These roles are great for good singers and movers who may be newer to the stage.
Alice
Alice, Hortensia, and Tommy are classmates of Matilda who each sing solos. These roles are great for good singers and movers who may be newer to the stage.
Tommy
Alice, Hortensia, and Tommy are classmates of Matilda who each sing solos. These roles are great for good singers and movers who may be newer to the stage.
Lavender
One of the kids at school with Matilda. She is kind and bright (though not as brilliant as Matilda) and quickly decides that Matilda is her best friend. Cast an actress in this role who can portray Lavender’s likability and friendliness.
Nigel
One of the kids at school with Matilda. He is enthusiastic, sweet, and always in a bit of a panic. Nigel has a few solos and some great featured moments in the show, so cast a strong actor and singer in this great supporting role.
Ensemble
Ensemble roles include Russians, Little Kids, Big Kids (including Big Kid 1, Big Kid 2, and Big Kid 3), Kids, Mums, Dads, the Cook, and the Mechanic.
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