Youth CONNection Summer 2026 (Ages 14-23)
Directed by Rob Esposito and Katie Sedlock
Choreographed by Katie Sedlock
Music Directed by Jacob Marcus
What do I need to bring?
Please prepare 32 bars, a verse, and a chorus of a contemporary theatre song that fits the character(s) you're auditioning for. You may sing from SPONGEBOB. An accompanist will be provided. You may also use tracks or sing a cappella.
Your FUNNY BONE - HAVE FUN! This is a COMIC FANTASY farcical show based on an animated series! So you should be...ANIMATED!
What are we looking for?
BIG COMIC CHOICES - Be someone willing to take risks and be outrageous - no subtlety here. SPONGEBOB the Musical requires a diverse, energetic ensemble capable of high-energy movement, strong pop-rock vocals, and comedic acting. Author Tina Landau encourages gender-bending and diverse casting to reflect a vibrant, inclusive ocean community. The show thrives on, and is elevated by, varied body types, ethnicities, and gender identities.
Auditions: 5/16/26 and 5/17/26 10:00am-4:00pm
Callbacks: 5/20/26 and 5/21/26 as needed
FYI - Call Backs will have a singing and dance element (definitely tap)
Sign up here:
https://forms.gle/EHeo8QZydZP4jzLD8
Mandatory Dates:
Tech Week
7/13/26-7/16/26
Shows
7/17/26-8/2/26
Rehearsals
TABLE READ - TBD…
Rehearsal Schedule - TBD based on actors’ schedules but mostly NIGHTS and definitely WEEKENDS.
New in 2026:
All MainStage cast members (HS and older) will be required to pay a $75 cast fee upon acceptance of their role to help defray production costs and provide a cast party. Each cast member will receive 2 complimentary tickets to select performances.
Those with a hardship should speak to the director.
Character Descriptions
SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS Tenor (Range: C3-B4)
Male presenting.
Spongebob is optimistic, innocent, and boyish; energetic and sometimes hyperactive. This actor should have the ability to move well and be an extremely physical actor. This is a highly physical role(tumbling, yoga, dance an asset). Additionally, must be naturally funny and have great comedic skills and precision. Strong pop tenor.
PATRICK STAR (Range: Bb2-Bb4)
Male presenting.
Patrick is kind and well-intentioned, but lacking common sense or skills. An innocent who is a big softie and also prone to sudden child-like fits of rage or frustration.
EUGENE KRABS (Range: B2-Bb4)
Male presenting.
The greedy owner of the Krusty Krab, and employer of SpongeBob and Squidward. While everyone is off panicking about Bikini Bottom's imminent doom, Eugene decides to strike the iron while it's hot and puts on a huge "apocalypse sale" at the restaurant, exploiting the fear of fellow fish to make its owner even richer.
SANDY CHEEKS (Range: A3-E5).
Female presenting.
A brainy and athletic Texan squirrel who came to Bikini Bottom for a research project. Sandy acts as SpongeBob's most trusted ally on their quest to stop the volcano from erupting, using the vast amount of scientific knowledge and brilliant inventions to aid the mission. Southern dialect required.
SHELDON J. PLANKTON (Range: B2-G#4)
Male presenting.
Sheldon’s personality outweighs their slick, scheming, nefarious determination. Sheldon has the ability to charm and will do anything to get ahead in life. Sheldon can be very greedy, but his heart is still open enough to rekindle a romance with his wife. This character will need to dance and rap skills are a plus.
SQUIDWARD Q. TENTACLES (Range: A2-F#4)
Male presenting. A grumpy, cynical, dry,
short-tempered, generally negative but lovable character. This Actor must move well; tap and or step dancing skills is a plus.
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS will also double as Ensemble when needed.
KAREN THE COMPUTER (Range: G#3-F#5)
Female presenting Robot/Computer.
Karen is glamorous, a robotic housewife of Plankton. She's been there for Plankton's every scheme and plot and has become jaded (i.e.. she's been there and done that). Strong comic actress, as well as singer and mover.
PEARL KRABS (Range:Bb3-F#5)
Female presenting. Mr. Krabs' bratty teenage daughter. She is obsessed with the rock band “The Electric Skates” and just wants her father’s understanding. She has a big voice and an even bigger personality. This is a character role with Gospel vocal overtones.
MAYOR OF BIKINI BOTTOM (Range: F#4-B5)
M or F presenting; featured supporting role. The Mayor tries to solve the volcano crisis with big words and speeches, but not much action. They are more worried about getting re-elected than actually helping the town.
PATCHY THE FRENCH PIRATE/NARRATOR (Range: D3-F4 (F5 falsetto)
M or F; featured speaking role. The French pirate who narrates the play. This actor should have a lot of charisma and charm to keep the audience entertained, as well as excellent diction to accompany their French accent.
PERCH PERKINS (Range: E2-E4)
M or F presenting; featured role. Bikini Bottom’s News Reporter.
ENSEMBLE
Electric Skates: Featured singing roles. The three members of the rock band the Electric Skates are larger than life rockstars. These actors should have a tough, punk-rock attitude. Actors who can skate/move and/or do tumbling a plus.
Sardines: Sardine Devotees Strong featured singers. Leaders of the School of Sardines. They lead the group of sardines to follow Patrick as their guru. Big singing voices, and quirky personalities are a plus.
Old Man Jenkins: Featured role. The oldest Boomer in all of Bikini Bottom.
Mrs. Puff: Featured role. The town driving instructor. She is sassy, sarcastic, and bitter. The glass is always half-empty.
Larry the Lobster: Featured role. A body builder, obsessed with looks and building muscle. ALWAYS working out.
B.F.F. Letters Featured backup singers. Literally the letters B, F, F who sing and dance along with Spongebob during the number “B.F.F.”
Sea Anemones Featured dancers. These tap dancers become the big chorus line ensemble for Squidward in his imagination. Tap experience is a plus.
Gary - a puppet, voiced by actor
Others: Security Guards, Buster Blue Tang, Cowboy Fish, Johnny the Bartender
Questions? Email info@centerstageshelton.org.