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Mr. Popper’s Penguins

Book by Robert Kauzlaric
Music & Lyrics by George Howe
Based on the novel by Richard and Florence Atwater

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About The Show!

With no houses to paint till next spring, Mr. Popper is stuck at home daydreaming of adventures in far-off lands, while Mrs. Popper must scrimp and save just to put beans on the table. But with the unexpected arrival of a spirited penguin named Captain Cook and his entire family of feathered kin, a new opportunity opens up before the Poppers. Suddenly a vaudeville song and dance act unlike any other starts captivating…or waddling through the United States. But will Captain Cook and his family of flippered hatchlings ever make it back home? Come see in this comedy adventure based on the classic book.

This show will involve original puppets of the 10 penguins that form the avian family. The style of this piece is that of a musical comedy with plenty of farcical doubling.

Audition Information

The Rose is holding auditions for roles in its 2026 production of Mr. Popper’s Penguins directed by Matt Gutschick. Auditions will only be accepted via video submission. Submit by 11:59pm on Friday, Oct. 3rd. There will be NO callbacks for this production. We will be casting 2 adult roles (18+) for this production. Please see the character breakdown & details below.

The Rose is joyfully and boldly committed to ensuring diversity & equity in the casting of each of its productions. Actors of all types regardless of race, gender, age, or disabilities are welcome to audition for both lead and ensemble roles.

Submit Video Audition
*In-person registration is not required to submit a video audition

Time Commitment

      • Rehearsals: Actors cast in Mr. Popper’s Penguins must be available for weeknight and weekend rehearsals from December 1–20 and January 6–15.Please note: No rehearsals will be scheduled between December 21 and January 5.
        • All rehearsals will take place at our downtown location.
      • Performances: Actors must also be available for weekday daytime and weekend performances from January 16 to February 1.
        • For specific dates and times, please refer to the full calendar here.

Compensation

Adult Actor Compensation: $3,000. Most favored nation terms in effect. Please email auditions@rosetheater.org with any questions. 

When, Where & How to Audition

  • Submit a video audition by 11:59pm on Friday, Oct. 3rd.
    • Videos will be reviewed and casting offers will begin to go out no later than Oct. 13th. All auditionees will be emailed once casting is complete.

What to Prepare

Acting

  • Acting: Prepare a 60 second monologue of your choice OR select from the provided sides to read from. If auditioning in person, we will have someone available to read opposite of you. If submitting a video audition, please have someone out of frame read opposite of you.
    • Provided sides can be found in the video submission form.

Music

  • Music: Prepare 16-32 bars of an appropriate modern musical theater selection of the auditionee’s choosing. Auditionees may sing to their own backing track, a karaoke track, or Acapella.

Dance

  •  Learn a dance combo!
    • In the video submission form you’ll find an instructional dance video. Review and submit a video of yourself performing the dance combo. Or if you have a prepared dance reel you may submit that in lieu of the dance video.

Character Breakdown

Please note that if pronouns are listed next to the character those are the pronouns used in the script. We are looking to cast actors of all identities for all roles. No roles are currently cast. However, we are seeking to cast two actors for two of the following four roles. The remaining two roles will be filled by full-time Education Fellows from The Rose. All four roles will also serve as puppeteers.

  • Actor 1: Mr. Popper
  • Actor 2: Mrs. Popper 
  • Actor 3: Mr. Johnson, Admiral Drake, Delivery Guy, Barber, Reporter, Policeman, Bus Driver, Theater Manager, Sven Svenson
  • Actor 4: Mrs. Callahan, Gentleman, Curator, Passenger, Mr. Greenbaum, Cab Driver, Copper