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Audition for Bunnicula
Book by Charles Busch
Music by Sam Davis
Lyrics by Mark Waldrop
Based on the “Bunnicula” Book series by James and Deborah Howe
Presented through special arrangement with TheaterWorksUSA
About The Show!
Lock up your lettuce and guard your greens! A floppy-eared bunny with mysterious habits hops into this spine-tingling new musical.
One dark and stormy night, the Monroe family returns from the movies with an orphaned rabbit they found under their seats – a strange little creature with sharp fangs who sleeps all day and prowls at night. Soon, the vegetables in the house are drained of color, turning ghostly white. Coincidence… or is Bunnicula a vampire? When the bunny disappears, Chester the cat and Harold the dog set off on a daring quest to uncover the truth.
Audition Information
The Rose Theater is holding auditions for its 2026 production of Bunnicula, directed by Jackie Kappes with Music Direction by Jerry Brabec and Choreography by Madison Roman. This production is casting adult performers ages 18 and up.
In-Person Auditions: July 13th, 4:30-6:30pm
Video Audition Deadline: July 12th at 11:59pm
Callbacks: July 19th, 1:00-5:00pm
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.
Sign Up For In-Person AuditionsSubmit Video Audition
*In-person registration is not required to submit a video audition
Time Commitment
View the full rehearsal/performance calendar here.
Rehearsals: September 14 – October 14
- Weeknight & weekends at The Rose Theater (downtown location)
Performance: October 15 – November 1
- Weekday daytime and weekend performances
Compensation
Adult Actor Compensation is $3,000. Most favored nation terms in effect. Please email auditions@rosetheater.org with any questions.
When, Where & How to Audition
- In Person Auditions:
Sign up for in-person auditions on Monday, July 13th: https://forms.gle/Lh7mVjQCn1YZzta19 - Video Submissions:
Submit your audition via video by 11:59 PM on Sunday, June 12th: https://forms.gle/fFCXhB9V4ZmmcoWh7 - In-Person Callbacks by invitation only:
- Date: Sunday, July 19th from 1:00-5:00pm
- Location: The Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68102
What to Prepare
Acting
- Prepare a 60-second monologue or select from the provided sides.
- (A reader will be provided for in-person auditions; video submissions should include an off-camera reader.)
- Provided sides can be found in the registration & video submission forms.
Puppetry
- For those interested in being considered for the role of Bunnicula, please prepare a 30-60 second scene of yourself with a puppet doing the following : seeing something they want, sneaking towards it, struggling to get it, celebrating getting it.
- If you do not have a puppet the use of a large stuffed animal will suffice.
Music
- Prepare 16–32 bars of a song or use the provided sheet music and backing track.
- (An accompanist, and a bluetooth speaker will be available for in-person auditions. A cappella singing is also acceptable.)
- For anyone interested in Harold specifically, please prepare – “Nick of Time”
- For anyone interested in Chester specifically, please prepare – “Lepus in Probus Malum
Dance
- A dance call will be conducted at callbacks only.
Character Breakdown
Pronouns listed reflect the script. Performers of all identities are encouraged to audition for all roles.
- Actor 1: Bunnicula (any) – Non-speaking puppet role. A mysterious “vampire” rabbit
Vocal Range: N/A - Actor 2: Harold (any), the dog. Narrator. Warm, loyal, and earnest. Determined to protect Bunnicula.
Vocal Range: Baritone (A2–E4/F4) - Actor 3: Chester (any), the cat. High-strung, dramatic, and comedic. Convinced Bunnicula is a vampire.
Vocal Range: Tenor/High Baritone (B2–G4/A4) - Actor 4: Mr. Monroe (he/him), the father. Well-meaning and idealistic. And Dr. Greenbriar, a vet who is quick to anger.
Vocal Range: Baritone (G2–E4) - Actor 5: Mrs. Monroe (she/her), the mother. Driven, quick-moving and steady. And Miss Demeanor, a jazzy, sassy stray cat & neighborhood cat burglar. And Parrot, an old bird.
Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano/Alto (G3–D5/E5) - Actor 6: Toby (he/him), the son. Curious, imaginative, and sweet. And Pitbull, a tough dog who swallowed a button.
Vocal Range: Bari/tenor (A2 – F4) - Actor 7: Debbie (she/her), the daughter. Bright, playful, and energetic. And Felony, a stray cat & neighborhood cat burglar. Playful, edgy, and comedic. And Kitten, a fragile young cat.
Vocal Range: Soprano (C4–F5/G5)