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Just Ask!

Book by Fran Sillau
Music and Lyrics by Mark Kurtz
Based on the book by Sonia Sotomayor
Produced in partnership with Deborah Denenberg

Back to Auditions

About The Show!

As a diverse group of kids gathers to create a community garden, they learn about one another’s abilities, challenges, and strengths. Guided by Sonia, they discover that each of them has a unique way of being in the world, and that those very differences are what make their friendships and their garden bloom.

Featuring multicultural songs in the spirit of Schoolhouse Rock! and Sesame Street, this colorful musical will help you learn how to “just ask” about what makes each of us extraordinary!

Audition Information

The Rose Theater is accepting video auditions for its 2026 production of Just Ask! The Musical, a celebration of disabled voices and inclusive storytelling directed by Fran Sillau with Music Direction by Mark Kurtz and Choreography by Courtney Stein Cairncross. There will be in person callbacks conducted on Monday June 15. This production is casting youth + adult performers ages 12 and up.

We especially encourage artists with disabilities, Deaf or hard of hearing performers, and neurodivergent performers to audition. Some roles are written with specific lived experiences in mind, and we are seeking authentic representation.

We are committed to making the audition process accessible to all. If you require accommodations to complete your self-tape video audition, whether due to technology access, disability, scheduling, or any other need, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to work with you to find an alternative format or provide support that allows you to share your work comfortably and effectively.

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.

Video audition deadline: Friday, June 5 at 11:59pm CST

In-Person Callbacks: Monday June 15 starting at 5p CST

Submit Video Audition

Time Commitment

      • Rehearsals: Aug. 11 – Sept. 11
        • Weeknight & weekends at The Rose Studio’s for Youth Artists.
      • Performances: Sept. 12 – Sept. 27
        • Weekday daytime and weekend performances at The Rose Theater, downtown.
        • See calendar full calendar here.

Compensation

Adult Actor Compensation is $3,000. Most favored nation terms in effect. *Youth performers are not compensated. Please email auditions@rosetheater.org with any questions. 

When, Where & How to Audition

  • Submit your audition via video by 11:59 PM on Friday, June 5.
    • In-Person Callbacks by invitation only:
      • Date: Monday June 15 starting at 5p CST
      • Location: The Rose Studios for Youth Artists, 12202 Center Rd. Omaha NE 68144

What to Prepare

Acting

  • A video performing the following in pantomime (conveying a feeling or action without props.)
    1. Lift a very heavy garden pot up high and struggling with the effort.
    2. Use your body to show what sunshine bursting through a cloudy day might look like.
    3. Planting a seed in soil and watering it.
  • For any actor who uses sign language please record yourself signing the lyrics linked here.

Music

  • Prepare 16–32 bars of a song of your choice that showcases your musical range. (A cappella singing is also acceptable.)
  • All materials are available in the registration and video submission forms.

Character Breakdown

We are seeking 7 talented actors for our upcoming production. We welcome performers of any gender identity or expression and are committed to authentic disability representation for our characters.

Requirements:

Strong singing ability

Basic to advanced puppetry experience required for some roles, we encourage performers of all levels, even those with no puppetry experience, to audition.

  • SONIA, a problem solver, who loves to try new things. Sonia has diabetes
  • RAFAEL, an individual with asthma who enjoys painting
  • ANTHONY, the “project manager” of the garden; uses a wheelchair
  • MADISON (or ARTURO), loves to go exploring, a blind individual
  • VIJAY, loves to dance, a deaf individual
  • BIANCA, an individual with dyslexia; the garden’s “designer”
  • JORDAN, loves dinosaurs, an individual on the autism spectrum
  • TIANA, loves to chase butterflies, a non-verbal individual on the autism spectrum 
  • ANH, an individual who speaks with a stutter
  • JULIA, loves to help around the garden, an individual with cerebral palsy
  • MANUEL, an artful and thoughtful individual, an individual with ADHD
  • NOLAN, loves to interact with animals, an individual with a peanut allergy
  • GRACE, loves to sing, an individual with Down syndrome

If you are passionate about storytelling, inclusive casting, and bringing characters to life both vocally and physically, we would love to have you audition!