Show: JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
Theater: Players Club of Swarthmore (PCS Theater)
Theater Website: https://pcstheater.org/get-involved/
Theater Phone: (610) 328-4271
Start date of auditions: 08/25/2026
Roald Dahl’s
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH
Words and Music by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul | Book by Timothy Allen McDonald
Based on the book by Roald Dahl
Meet the Team
Producer: Anne Marie Scalies
Director/Choreographer: J. Tyler Atkinson
Music Director: Katie VanNewkirk
Stage Manager: Kira McFadden
Assistant Director: Mikayla Cook
Assistant Choreographer: Nina Kilgore
Audition and Callback Dates
Auditions: August 25th, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
Callbacks (by invitation only): August 27th, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
What to Prepare
Please prepare 32 bars from a musical of your choice that demonstrates your vocal range. An accompanist will be provided. If you are singing from James and the Giant Peach, the accompanist will use the original score in the original key. If a track is preferred, a Bluetooth speaker will be available.
You will be required to do a dance audition. Please bring dance shoes or close-toed shoes and the appropriate clothing. While there will be time for review at your audition time slot, we ask that you arrive with the dance prepared.
Video submissions will be accepted until August 25th at 7:00 PM.
Audition Registration Link
Dance Call Instructional Video
*The dance call is OPTIONAL for those auditioning for SPIKER and/or SPONGE. It is REQUIRED for all other auditionees.
Rehearsal Dates
Regular rehearsal cadence of Sunday mornings/afternoons, Tuesday evenings, and Thursday evenings. See the full schedule HERE* (note that not all will be called to every rehearsal).
*Subject to change
Tech/Dress Rehearsals
Sunday, November 8th, 12:00 – 6:00 PM (TECH)
Monday, November 9th, 6:00 – 10:00 PM (DRESS I)
Tuesday, November 10th, 6:00 – 10:00 PM (DRESS II)
Thursday, November 12th, 6:00 – 10:00 PM (INVITED DRESS)
Performance Dates
November 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd at 11 AM and 3 PM
A Note on Conflicts
We understand that conflicts are unavoidable, and we will do our best to accommodate any whenever possible. However, due to the demands of this production, if you anticipate a significant number of conflicts or are unable to attend any of the tech rehearsals or performances, we kindly ask that you refrain from auditioning.
Show Summary
When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that results in a tremendous peach… and launches a journey of enormous proportions. Suddenly, James finds himself in the center of the gigantic peach among human-sized insects with equally oversized personalities. After it falls from the tree and rolls into the ocean, the group faces hunger, sharks, and plenty of disagreements. Thanks to James’ quick wit and creative thinking, the residents learn to live and work together as a family. The dangerous voyage is a success, but the adventure takes a whole new twist once they land on the Empire State Building.
Cast Breakdown and Requirements
James Henry Trotter: A lonely boy who lacks confidence. When given the right encouragement, he becomes resourceful and innovative. A good friend. This role requires a strong actor with emotional depth, clear vocals, and the ability to carry much of the show onstage.
Male-presenting. C4 – G5 (alternate keys provided with show materials). Mover or strong mover.
Ladahlord: A strange, magical storyteller. Often inserts himself into the story, in disguise, to help push the action forward. Ladahlord should feel magical, charismatic, and slightly eccentric while confidently guiding the audience through the story.
Male-presenting. A2 – A4. Mover or strong mover.
Spiker: James’ mean aunt. A thief and a scoundrel. Shrewd and opportunistic. A standout comedic role for a strong character performer.
Female-presenting. F3 – D5. Mover.
Sponge: James’ other mean aunt. Also a thief and a scoundrel, but not nearly as bright as her sister. She often has her mind on food. A standout comedic role for a strong character performer.
Female-presenting. F3 – D5. Mover.
Earthworm: An earthworm that has become human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. A bit of a scaredy-cat. He is neurotic and worried about everything, but is very friendly and brave when called upon. This role is perfect for a performer with strong comedic instincts.
Male-presenting. C3 – G#4. Strong mover or dancer.
Centipede: An ornery centipede who becomes human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. Hates humans, in part because Spiker and Sponge fumigated his family. Prickly and rude, he is a pest to everyone.
Male-presenting. B2 – G4. Strong mover or dancer.
Ladybug: A motherly ladybug who has become human-sized after eating a crocodile tongue. Respectable and classy, she has a warm, caring heart. Strong solo vocalist.
Female-presenting. E3 – F5. Strong mover or dancer (mover okay).
Grasshopper: The wise and optimistic leader of the insect family. Grasshopper serves as a warm mentor and father figure to James. Strong solo vocalist.
Male-presenting. B2 – Gb4. Strong mover or dancer (mover okay).
Spider: A clever and energetic insect who acts like an older sister to James. Her husband was killed and eaten by Spiker and Sponge. Spider combines confidence, humor, and a strong stage presence.
Female-presenting. E3 – Eb5. Strong mover or dancer.
Auditions are open to those ages 16+.
PCS Theater and its volunteers are committed to diversity and inclusion. As such, we encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, and abilities to audition. We acknowledge that the roles fall on a gender binary, but invite transgender and non-binary performers to audition for the roles they most identify with.
Please note this is a non-union, non-paying production. Transparency and open communication are extremely important to us; if you have any questions, please email the director at jtyleratkinson@gmail.com.
Location
Auditions, rehearsals, and performances will be held in-person at the Players Club of Swarthmore (614 Fairview Rd, Swarthmore, PA 19081). Plenty of off-street parking and access by SEPTA Regional Rail and Bus. Rehearsals are three evenings a week, beginning July 16, with a full week of technical/dress rehearsals. Some of our rehearsal and performance spaces are only accessible by stairs. Please let us know if you need accommodation.
PA Volunteer Clearances are required should you be cast. PCS Policies and Procedures can be found at pcstheater.org.
