Miss Nelson can't control her crazy classroom because she's just too nice. But when she disappears, her replacement is the hard-as-nails, detention-loving, recess-canceling, homework-overloading substitute teacher Viola Swamp! With the Big Test approaching, the kids suddenly realize how much they miss Miss Nelson and they'll do anything — including hiring a private eye — to solve the mystery of her disappearance and bring her back.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Auditioners must be 18+ to audition. CenterStage Theatre Works is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in casting. As such, we encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, and ages (for this show, 18+) to attend every audition. We expect all actors to exercise respect for each other to allow us to have a safe and inclusive environment to practice their craft.

AUDITION MATERIALS

Actors should submit the following by March 24 at 11:59 pm:

• Audition form found at: bit.ly/missnelson-audition

• Because this production is for young audiences, your storytelling ability and comedy are important to us for this audition. We want to see your comedic capabilities and your creativity!

• On the audition form, please include links to your headshot, rèsumè, and videos (placed on YouTube or Vimeo) that include the following:

• headshot and rèsumè

• 60-90 second comedic monologue

• 60-90 second “story.” Tell us a story – make it up or retell something you know. Use a character voice (or not). if includes some physicality, even better!

CALLBACKS

Callbacks should be sent out to auditioners by March 28 at 11:59 pm. Sides and location will be provided. In-person callbacks will be April 1 and/or April 2. Virtual/video callbacks for non-local auditioners will be due by 11:59 pm April 2.

STIPEND

Each actor and swing will receive $150 stipend for the initial run of June 6-15. Payment for any additional shows booked will be disclosed in the actor agreement at the beginning of rehearsal.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

All roles are available.

*Note: Ages and gender identities are those of the character, not the auditioner. All listed identifiers are in accordance with the agreement with MTI and the options provided by the book writers in the script. CenterStage Theatre Works is committed to diverse casting for all our productions and it is an important tenet of our creative team. We welcome and encourage actors to audition without regard to ethnicity, gender, experiences, or abilities.

Additionally. this Theatre for Young Audiences production has an audience of primarily younger children (preschool through sixth grade) and their families. You must be comfortable performing for younger audiences and be willing to engage and interact with them in character.

The “Adults”:

Miss Nelson (the sweet teacher who is at her wits end!) / Miss Viola Swamp (her “evil” alter ego!)
(Miss Nelson and Viola Swamp MAY possibly be played by the same actor.)

• Age 30+ Looking for strong comedic character actor who can play two very contrasting roles.

Principal Humleker / Detective McSmogg
(will be played by the same actor)

• Age 25 + Looking for strong comedic character actor who can play two very contrasting roles.

The “Kids”:

RAYMOND, a George Smiley figure (sharp, strategic, reserved mastermind)

PHOEBE, a shy, nerdy girl

GEORGE JORGENSON, JR, an Asian-American jock

LAVITA, a little spitfire girl with attitude

MORRIS, aka “Mouse,” a tough, little African-American kid

KIMBERLY, a perfect and popular girl, with great hair

ELVIS, a slicked-back greaser Elvis-wannabe who talks like “The King”

• Kid roles may be played by anyone 18+. Strong comedic and very physical character roles. Improv experience desired. Desire a diverse mix of actors for these roles.

The “Swings”:

• Need two swings to cover all male and female roles in the show for illness and conflicts.

• Need to learn quickly and be able to cover all the roles (adults AND kids). Will be guaranteed at least 4 shows in the 13-show run.

REHEARSALS:

Rehearsals will be finalized after conflicts are received but initially they will be Mon-Thurs evenings (6-10) and Saturday days (with a possibility of Sunday afternoons) in Frisco/McKinney starting on May 16 and on June 2, they will move to Frisco Discovery Center Black Box for tech. If you have conflicts for these rehearsals, that does not exclude you from auditioning, but please communicate that upfront. 

 PERFORMANCES:

Miss Nelson is Missing is around 60-70 minutes of performance time and will have 13 performances from June 6-15 at the Frisco Discovery Black Box. We may add some additional dates to “tour” locally during the summer (Allen/Fairview, Richardson, Grapevine, etc.) and we will try to communicate those dates to the cast by May 1.

Current scheduled performances for this production are:

Thursday, June 6: 2 pm

Friday, June 7: 2 pm and 7 pm

Saturday, June 8: 10:30 am and 2 pm

Sunday, June 9: 2 pm and 7 pm

Thursday, June 13: 10:30 am and 2 pm

Friday, June 14: 2 pm and 7 pm

Saturday, June 15: 10:30 am and 2 pm (strike after last show):

Miss Nelson is Missing is around 60-70 min performance time and will have 13 performances from June 6-15 at the Frisco Discovery Black Box. We may add some additional dates to “tour” locally during the summer (Allen/Fairview, Richardson, Grapevine, etc.) and we will try to communicate those dates to the cast by May 1.