LET YOUR LIGHT
SHINE ON STAGE

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.

Prior to auditions, ask the reception team at info@shineplano.com

During auditions, ask the box office staff

After auditions, ask the stage manager at stagemanager@shineplano.com

July 30 and 31, 2025

Actors must be ages 8-18 on the day of auditions to be eligible.

Annie Jr. performs at The Courtyard Theater in downtown Plano September 26-October 5, 2025. Each weekend, there is one Friday performance at 7:30, one Saturday performance at 7:30, and one Sunday performance at 2:30.

Rehearsals will begin on August 11. Rehearsals will be held Monday and Thursday from 6:00-9:00 pm except for Labor Day. Additional rehearsals will be held on August 16, 23, and 30 from 9:30-12:30. Not every character will be called for every rehearsal, though central characters will attend almost every rehearsal. The number of rehearsals you attend depends on your role. 

Actors will be called in for 30-60 minutes on a Saturday for a costume fitting.

Technical rehearsals are September 22-25 from 5:00-10:00 pm and all cast members must be present. We permit NO absences or conflicts of any kind during tech week.

Actors must state all conflicts with the rehearsal schedule on their audition form, which will go out one week prior to auditions. Shine will be unable to accept rehearsal and performance conflicts after casting, except in the case of an emergency.

There is no tuition associated with the show other than the non-refundable and non-transferrable $30 audition registration fee.

Participate in our Audition Workshop taught by the Director. When you can be seen by the casting team prior to the audition, take advantage of it! Click here to register.

The director evaluates: 

VOCAL QUALITIES — pitch, placement, articulation, and projection 

DANCE SKILLS — do you have the dance technique and memory to execute choreography and learn quickly? 

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT — do you embody the character or simply read the words on the page? 

SENSE OF FOCUS — do you live in the world or are you too distracted by your thoughts or external factors? 

IMAGINATION and CREATIVITY — your unique interpretation of language and character EXPRESSIVENESS — is it in your words? your face? your body? 

HONESTY — are you reacting and speaking as your character would? 

PRIOR EXPERIENCE - if the director hasn’t worked with you before, we are thrilled to have you audition! If we have prior experience working with you, we take it into consideration. Were you reliable? Prompt? Kind? Directable?

THEN we look at things like age and height to think about what role you might fit into and which of the other people that auditioned might match up with you. The same criterion is true for callbacks.

The principal characters in Annie Jr. require strong vocalists and excellent acting skills. The Ensemble requires strong singing and dancing skills. Students do not need prior experience in any of these areas, but a bold audition and courage to take risks will help them to portray the characters coming to life on stage.

If you want to know what role is perfect for you, we recommend reading the PERUSAL SCRIPT available in the box office. But please keep in mind the role you think is perfect for you may not be the role the director chooses to challenge you with.

There is a place on the audition form to state this. If the director chooses not to cast you in the “only” roles you’ve chosen, one of two things will happen: 

1. You will not be cast in the show, or 

2. You will receive a phone call from the producer or stage manager offering you another role in the show.  It is probable that if you do not receive the specific role(s) you listed, you will not be offered an alternate role.

Wear neat, comfortable clothes that let you move easily and show your personality. Your outfit should help directors see your energy and physicality, not hide it — avoid baggy or oversized clothes. Closed-toed shoes are required for safety.

Since a professional headshot will be taken during your audition, dress in a way that makes you feel confident on camera. Avoid busy patterns, hats, or anything that covers your face.

If you’re called back, it’s helpful to wear the same outfit you wore to your initial audition unless otherwise instructed.

• Your completed audition form (front and back)

• Sheet music in a 3-ring binder for piano accompaniment for 32 bars of a song from a musical in the style of the show. Students are not permitted to sing acapella or with accompaniment recordings. 

• Headshot

The front has fields for your contact information so we know how to get hold of you (and your parents), your availability for callbacks and rehearsals, a space for listing conflicts, and a place to list your theatre experiences, training, and special talents. Resumes are not necessary.

With the number of people coming through the door, it is important that we have a picture of you.

Please arrive 15 minutes early and check in at the front desk. You’ll turn in your audition form, have your measurements taken, and get a professional headshot. Before your audition, both the actor and their parent will be asked to watch a 10-minute welcome video from the producer to help you understand what to expect.

If needed, callbacks will be held on August 5. The actual times and dates will be determined once we know the number of actors who will attend.

It’s a director’s opportunity to get more information before casting specific roles in the show. If you do not get a callback, it does not necessarily mean you will not be in the show. You may have been perfect for the role the director is using you for and consequently, they do not need a second look at you.

You will receive an email with a list of those who should attend callbacks. If you do not receive an email from us you should call Shine on August 5.

We cannot answer this question until after auditions and callbacks have concluded.

The target announcement date is August 8.

Everyone who auditions will either receive a phone call or email by August 8.

Actors are required to provide specific shoes, socks, tights, underwear, and all make-up supplies as determined by the costume designer. Stage make-up costs approximately $15 to $30. Shoes may run between $20 and $60 dollars. Undergarments such as leotards, camisoles, and undershirts may also be required.

There are four times that parents/guardians are required to be involved if your child is cast in the show. Cast members are also required to be at the following dates and times:

1. Informational meeting on August 11 at 6:00 - 45-minute commitment

2. Pick one time to volunteer at a set build or paint call - 4-hour commitment

3. Load in on Sunday, September 21 - 3-4 hour commitment, exact time varies from production to production

4. Strike on Sunday, October 5 - 2-4 hour commitment, exact time varies from production to production

A group of lucky children wins a rare chance to visit a mysterious candy factory, where they encounter wonders beyond their imagination. As they explore, unexpected challenges test their character, and only one will discover a sweet reward beyond the sweets themselves.

Prior to auditions, ask the reception team at info@shineplano.com

During auditions, ask the box office staff

After auditions, ask the stage manager at stagemanager@shineplano.com

August 2-3, 2025

Actors must be ages 8-18 on the day of auditions to be eligible to audition.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory performs at The Courtyard Theater in downtown Plano from October 24 to November 2, 2025. Performances are typically held on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:30 PM.

Please note: There will be a special Thursday evening performance on October 30 instead of a performance on Friday, October 31.

Rehearsals will begin on August 13. Rehearsals will be held Wednesday and Friday from 6:00-9:00 pm. Additional rehearsals will be held on October 6 and 13. Not every character will be called for every rehearsal, though central characters will attend almost every rehearsal. The number of rehearsals you attend depends on your role. 

Actors will be called in for 30-60 minutes on a Saturday for a costume fitting.

Technical rehearsals are October 20-23 from 5:00-10:00 pm and all cast members must be present. We permit NO absences or conflicts of any kind during tech week.

Actors must state all conflicts with the rehearsal schedule on their audition form, which will go out one week prior to auditions. Shine will be unable to accept rehearsal and performance conflicts after casting except in the case of an emergency.

There is no tuition associated with the show other than the non-refundable and non-transferrable $30 audition registration fee.

Participate in our Audition Workshop taught by the Director. When you can be seen by the casting team prior to the audition, take advantage of it!

The director evaluates: 

VOCAL QUALITIES — pitch, placement, articulation, and projection 

DANCE SKILLS — do you have the dance technique and memory to execute choreography and learn quickly? 

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT — do you embody the character or simply read the words on the page? 

SENSE OF FOCUS — do you live in the world or are you too distracted by your thoughts or external factors? 

IMAGINATION and CREATIVITY — your unique interpretation of language and character EXPRESSIVENESS — is it in your words? your face? your body? 

HONESTY — are you reacting and speaking as your character would? 

PRIOR EXPERIENCE - if the director hasn’t worked with you before, we are thrilled to have you audition! If we have prior experience working with you, we take it into consideration. Were you reliable? Prompt? Kind? Directable?

THEN we look at things like age and height to think about what role you might fit into and which of the other people that auditioned might match up with you. The same criterion is true for callbacks.

The principal characters in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory require strong vocalists and excellent acting skills. The Ensemble requires strong singing and dancing skills. Students do not need past experience in any of these areas, but a bold audition and courage to take risks will help them to portray the characters coming to life on stage.

Willy Wonka / Candy Man
A sly, charming, and eccentric showman. Wonka can shift from comical to mysteriously dark at a moment’s notice—requiring an actor who can flip between humor and seriousness. Often portrayed in a flamboyant style. In this version, Wonka may also double as the Candy Man, connecting the roles of factory host and sweet vendor.

Charlie Bucket
Sweet, smart, hopeful, and loving—Charlie is the emotional heart of the show. With innocence and vulnerability at the forefront, this role demands a young actor with a natural voice, charm, and enough stamina to carry much of the show.

Grandpa Joe
Charlie’s imaginative and fun-loving grandfather. After years in bed, Grandpa Joe’s youthful spirit returns full-force when they discover Charlie’s Golden Ticket. A warm, humorous, and loving presence.

Mrs. Bucket
Charlie’s warm, generous, and nurturing mother. A worrier with a big heart—ideal for someone with strong vocals and a maternal quality.

Mr. Bucket
Kind and supportive father figure, sometimes doubled with other ensemble roles. Offers a comforting presence.

Grandma Josephine
Gentle and supportive, with warm family charm. Works well as part of the core Bucket family.

Grandma Georgina
Sweet-hearted and quietly encouraging. A lovely addition to the Bucket family’s gentle dynamic.

Grandpa George
A comic, grandfatherly presence with potential for humor. 

Augustus Gloop
An overindulging, gluttonous boy who loves food. Requires strong comedic timing and physicality.

Mrs. Gloop
Augustus’s doting and proudly indulgent German mother. Loud, comedic, and overly affectionate.

Veruca Salt
A spoiled, demanding, and dramatic rich girl used to getting her way. Requires confidence, sass, and strong stage presence.

Mr. Salt
Veruca’s distracted, indulgent father who tries to please her at all costs. Great comedic role.

Violet Beauregarde
Confident, self-centered gum-chewing champion with sass and swagger. Needs a strong personality and comic energy.

Mr. Beauregarde
Violet’s oblivious father who thinks his daughter is perfect. A humorous, upbeat role.

Mike Teavee
Hyperactive, arrogant, and obsessed with electronics. A fireball of energy with attitude and wit.

Mrs. Teavee
Stressed-out and over-the-top mother trying to manage her chaotic son. Strong comedic performer.

Phineous Trout
Lively, energetic reporter who announces Golden Ticket winners. Needs strong narration and singing skills.

Oompa-Loompa Chorus
A chorus of quirky, mysterious factory workers. Provide comic relief, narration, and musical interludes. 

Candy Man Kids
Neighborhood kids featured in “The Candy Man” number. Roles with fun group energy.

If you want to know what role is perfect for you, we recommend reading the PERUSAL SCRIPT available in the box office. But please keep in mind the role you think is perfect for you may not be the role the director chooses to challenge you with.

There is a place on the audition form to state this.  If the director chooses not to cast you in the “only” roles you’ve chosen, one of two things will happen: 

1. You will not be cast in the show, or 

2. You will receive a phone call from the producer or stage manager offering you another role in the show.  It is probable that if you do not receive the specific role(s) you listed, you will not be offered an alternate role.

Wear neat, comfortable clothes that let you move easily and show your personality. Your outfit should help directors see your energy and physicality, not hide it — avoid baggy or oversized clothes. Closed-toed shoes are required for safety.

Since a professional headshot will be taken during your audition, dress in a way that makes you feel confident on camera. Avoid busy patterns, hats, or anything that covers your face.

If you’re called back, it’s helpful to wear the same outfit you wore to your initial audition unless otherwise instructed.

• Your completed audition form (front and back)

• Sheet music in a 3-ring binder for piano accompaniment for 32 bars of a song from a musical in the style of the show. No contemporary or pop material. No singing acapella. No singing to accompaniment recordings. 

• Headshot

The front has fields for your contact information so we know how to get hold of you (and your parents), your availability for callbacks and rehearsals, a space for listing conflicts, and a place to list your theatre experiences, training, and special talents. Resumes are not necessary.

With the number of people coming through the door, it is important that we have a picture of you.

Please arrive 15 minutes early and check in at the front desk. You’ll turn in your audition form, have your measurements taken, and get a professional headshot. Before your audition, both the actor and their parent will be asked to watch a 10-minute welcome video from the producer to help you understand what to expect.

If needed, callbacks will be held on August 7. The actual times and dates will be determined once we know the number of actors who will attend.

It’s a director’s opportunity to get more information before casting specific roles in the show. If you do not get a callback, it does not necessarily mean you will not be in the show. You may have been perfect for the role the director is using you for and consequently, they do not need a second look at you.

You will receive an email with a list of those who should attend callbacks. If you do not receive an email from us you should call Shine on August 6.

We cannot answer this question until after auditions and callbacks have concluded.

The target announcement date is August 14.

Everyone who auditions will either receive a phone call or email by August 14.

Actors are required to provide specific shoes, socks, tights, underwear, and all make-up supplies as determined by the costume designer. Stage make-up costs approximately $15 to $30. Shoes may run between $20 and $60 dollars. Undergarments such as leotards, camisoles, and undershirts may also be required.

There are four times that parents/guardians are required to be involved if your child is cast in the show. Cast members are also required to be at the following dates and times:

1. Informational meeting on August 13 at 6:00 - 45-minute commitment

2. Pick one time to volunteer at a set build or paint call - 4-hour commitment

3. Load in on Sunday, October 19 - 2-4 hour commitment, exact time varies from production to production

4. Strike on Sunday, November 2 - 2-4 hour commitment, exact time varies from production to production