Big Noise Theatre is excited to announce Non-Equity auditions for Disney and Pixar's FINDING NEMO: A 60-Minute Family Musical! We are seeking a passionate, collaborative company of performers to bring the beloved 2003 film to life on stage. We welcome performers of all backgrounds, identities, ethnicities, body types, and ages to audition.
In the vibrant depths of the Great Barrier Reef, an overprotective clownfish named Marlin struggles with letting his curious young son, Nemo, venture out into the open waters. When Nemo defiantly swims too far and is captured by a scuba diver, he finds himself trapped in a tank at the Sydney Harbour Aquarium. There, Nemo bands together with the eccentric "Tank Gang" (led by the fearless Moorish idol fish Gill) who hatch a daring plot to jam the filter and escape through the intake pipe back to freedom.
Meanwhile, Marlin embarks on an epic quest across the sea to rescue his son. Teaming up with Dory, an optimistic blue tang with short-term memory loss, Marlin braves an unforgettable gauntlet of vegetarian sharks, mesmerizing jellyfish swarms, and the fast-flowing East Australian Current with the help of a wise sea turtle named Crush. Bursting with heart, humor, and memorable music, this 60-minute musical adventure celebrates courage, friendship, and the beauty of learning to let go.
Book, Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Book Adapted by Lindsay Anderson
Music & Orchestrations Adapted & Arranged by Myrna Conn
Directed by Scott Spector
Music Direction by Nick Roman
Choreographed by Anna Marie Abbate
When: Saturday, November 21, 2026; 2pm-6pm.
Video submissions due by Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 12pm. Please use the digital form (linked below) for submissions.
Where: First Congregational Church of Des Plaines, 766 Graceland Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Pay: $300 Stipend
Callbacks: Sunday, November 22, 2026; 4pm-7pm. By invite only.
Age Requirements & Casting Note: All roles except for Nemo are open to performers ages 18 and up. The role of Nemo is open to performers ages 13 and up (as well as 18+). We encourage performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, body types, and physical abilities to audition.
Character Breakdown:
Note: Doubling and ensemble assignments will be utilized throughout the show. Roles may be cast with performers of any gender identification.
Nemo (Ages 13+) Vocal Range: C4 - D5: An energetic, curious young clownfish who longs for adventure, independence, and to explore the open sea. Full of heart and determination.
Marlin (18+) Vocal Range: C4 - G5: Nemo's loving, overprotective, and high-strung father. Must carry the emotional weight of the journey while delivering sharp comedic timing.
Dory (18+) Vocal Range: G3 - Eb5: An exceptionally bubbly, optimistic, and warm-hearted blue tang who deals with short-term memory loss. Brings spontaneous humor and deep emotional connection. Strong comedic actor and vocalist.
Gill (18+) Vocal Range: A3 - E5: The hardened, calculating leader of the aquarium's Tank Gang. A weathered fish who will stop at nothing to get back to the ocean, serving as an encouraging mentor to Nemo.
Crush (18+) Vocal Range: E4 - A5: A laid-back, wise, 150-year-old sea turtle cruising the East Australian Current. Soulful/rock style sensibilities with high energy.
Bruce (18+) Vocal Range: A3 - D5: An intimidating Great White Shark leading a fish-friendly support group. Big comedic presence with a strong character voice.
Bloat (18+) Vocal Range: B3 - E5: A member of the Tank Gang and supportive blowfish who inflates when rattled; expressive and soulful.
Peach (18+) Vocal Range: A3 - C5: A member of the Tank Gang and pragmatic, level-headed starfish who keeps watch from the aquarium glass.
Gurgle (18+) Vocal Range: C4 - D5: A member of the Tank Gang and a neat-freak royal gramma fish petrified of ocean germs and tank filth.
Professor Ray (18+) Vocal Range: B3 - D5: An encyclopedic, upbeat stingray teacher.
Nigel (18+) Vocal Range: C4 - E5: A friendly, sharp-eyed pelican with the latest harbor news.
Chum & Anchor (18+) Vocal Range: A3 - E5: Bruce's loyal shark sidekicks working hard to stick to their pledge.
Reef Kids - Pearl, Sheldon, Tad (18+) Vocal Range: A3 - D5: Nemo's playful classmates.
Squirt (18+) Vocal Range: C4 - D5: Crush's adventurous turtle kid.
Ensemble (18+) Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone: Moonfish, Jellyfish, Sea Turtles, Reef Parents, Lobsters, Electric Eels, and various sea creatures. (May involve basic puppetry / physical movement).
Understudies will be cast internally from the ensemble.
Rehearsals will be held in Des Plaines between early December and February 12, 2027 typically on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday or Sunday afternoons depending on performer availability. Not every performer will be called to every rehearsal.
Tech Week will be February 7 through 12.
Performances are at Prairie Lakes Theater February 13 through March 7, 2027 on Saturdays and Sundays at 10am and 1pm. There will be a special Friday evening performance on February 26 at 7pm and additional daytime performances for local schools. These will take place on select Friday mornings.
Singing: Please prepare 16-32 bars of a musical theatre or Disney song that shows off your voice, range, and storytelling. Sheet music must be clearly marked and placed double-sided in a 3-ring binder; an accompanist will be provided. A speaker will be provided if the auditioner wants to use a track. Please, no a cappella singing.
Dancing: Dancing will take place at the initial audition! A short dance/movement combination will be taught. Please arrive dressed to move and wear appropriate dance or athletic footwear (no open-toe shoes or heavy street boots).
Callbacks: Invited callbacks will consist of reading scenes from the script, singing cuts from the score, and potential additional movement work.
Video Submissions: Virtual auditions are accepted for those unable to attend in person. Please submit a link that includes a brief slate, your 16-32 bar cut, and a movement/dance reel or short clip showcasing physical storytelling/dance ability, along with your headshot and resume, by November 21st at 12:00 Noon.
Contact Info:
Do not submit photo/resume via email for consideration; for in-person auditions, please make an audition appointment and complete the digital form. The form contains a place for links (Google Drive, Youtube, etc) to audition videos to be shared. It is the policy of Big Noise Theatre to accept walk-in auditions regardless of full audition slots.
Do not submit photo/resume via email for consideration. No phone calls, please.