The Wizard of Oz - 2017
BEDFORD ACTING GROUP
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
The following brief descriptions of each character include casting ideas and requirements for singing (if solo).
LEADING & SUPPORTING ROLES
(in order of appearance)
Dorothy Gale – sweet, innocent young girl with a streak of boldness, outspoken and headstrong, but dearly loves family, friends and her dog, Toto. Lives on farm with Aunt Em & Uncle Henry but dreams of escaping to a far-off place where she will not get into trouble. Must be a strong vocalist & good dancer.
Toto – Dorothy’s beloved dog and constant companion. In Kansas, Toto will be a puppet manipulated by onstage puppeteer. Requires lots of energy and interest in learning how to manipulate the puppet. Limiting singing role (group parts) but must be able to bark with expression.
Uncle Henry – Dorothy’s adoring uncle and farm owner, but lets his wife Em stay in charge. Non-singing role has lines and requires a good character actor.
Hunk Clumsy one of 3 farmhands on Dorothy’s farm.
Hickory Kind, sweet and nurturing one of 3 farmhands.
Zeke Third farmhand who lacks courage.
Miss Gulch– Well-off, cold-hearted Gale neighbor, who hates Toto. No singing required.
Professor Marvel– Traveling salesman who lives by telling fortunes. A bit of a con man but with a good heart.
This is a non-singing role.
Glinda – Good Witch of the North The mother figure for Munchkins and Dorothy, whom she guides through Oz. Delicate and graceful, the role requires a lovely singing voice and sweet speaking tone.
Wicked Witch of the West - This is a non-singing role which requires extensive make-up, intense dramatic commitment, strong stage presence, vocal control and ability to succeed with classic witch’s cackle.
Scarecrow – This character talks about being smart and having a brain. Must be a good singer and excellent dancer.
Tin Man Tin Man has no heart, but is very caring. Requires extensive make-up, good physical control, match pitch and pleasant singing voice.
Cowardly Lion - Acts tough, but true fearful self comes out in any scary situation. Requires extensive make-up, good comedic timing, strong character & voice, physical control and matching pitch.
The Wizard - This is a non singing role - requires versatility to demonstrate strong & commanding Oz yet show the soft & caring side. Also requires memorization of large chunks of dialogue
ENSEMBLE & CAMEO ROLES
Ensemble members may play roles from one or more groups listed below in order of appearance.
Cyclone – Dancers will help create the tornado effect through interpretive dance, moving scenery and manipulating puppets or rigged costumes. Non-singing roles require ability to correctly complete a variety of dance turns & leaps.
Munchkins – Little people who live in Munchkinland where Dorothy’s house lands. Full of joy, enthusiasm and celebration. All sizes eligible. Group singing and reacting.
Munchkins with speaking lines:
Munchkin Teachers, Munchkin Mayor, Munchkin Barrister, 2 City Fathers, and Munchkin Coroner
Munchkins with vocal solos:
Munchkin Mayor Munchkin Coroner 3 Munchkin Tots 3 Tough Guy Munchkins
Yellow Brick Roadsiders – Part of the background during scenes where Dorothy meets Scarecrow, Tin Man & Lion. Apple Trees & Crows . . . . singing as trio/quartet in harmony and a few lines
Jitterbugs – Forest creatures who serve the Wicked Witch to dance the shoes off Dorothy’s feet! This fast-paced, swing number requires excellent dancers and will put you out of breath!
Optimistic Voices – Late 1930’s female vocal trio (or more) who sing short chorus welcoming Dorothy to the gates of Emerald City. Requires excellent singers for perfect 3-part harmony.
Doorman & Guard – 2 comical characters in Emerald City. Doorman tries to be tough but turns into a “softy.” Likewise, Guard changes from harsh to sympathetic because Dorothy cries. No solo singing.
Ozians – Citizens of Emerald City, non-solo group song and dance.
Winged Monkeys – Wicked Witch’s menacing animal army. Non-singing, non-speaking but plenty of monkey business and sounds! Requires posture control and very high energy. Will include all genders and all ages!
Nikko – Leader of the Winged Monkeys. Non-singing but does have a small speaking part.
Winkie Guards – Wicked Witch’s slave-guards who are over-joyed at her death. Simple group vocal parts will include all genders. Must have physical control to demonstrate crisp military movements.
Leader of Winkies – Leader of the Winkie Guards. Small speaking part, no vocal solo.