YOUTH AUDITION NOTICE: Cats Young Actors Editions - Brisbane Junior Theatre

Title: Cats: Young Actors Edition

Presented By: Brisbane Junior Theatre (BJT)

Genre: Musical Theatre / Dance Musical / Family

Synopsis: Enter the magical world of the Jellicle Cats in this youth adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical, inspired by the poetry of T. S. Eliot. Once a year, the Jellicle Cats gather beneath the moonlight for the Jellicle Ball, where their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, will select one cat to be reborn into a new life. Through music, dance and storytelling, audiences meet an extraordinary collection of feline personalities, each with their own stories, quirks and ambitions. Featuring spectacular choreography and unforgettable songs, including Memory, this production celebrates individuality, belonging and second chances.

Audition Date: Saturday 28 November 2026

Audition Time: 1:00pm–5:00pm

Audition Location and Address: Emerge Church, 1 Coorparoo Road, Warner QLD 4500

Audition Requirements: Auditions are required for performers seeking lead roles, minor roles, featured dancer positions or vocal solos.

All auditionees must prepare:

• Singing: A song demonstrating vocal ability and characterisation.

• Dancing: Participate in a dance audition to demonstrate movement and performance skills.

• Acting: A memorised monologue performed with appropriate characterisation, expression and projection.

• Younger Performers: May prepare one or two sentences instead of the full monologue.

Optional Audition Intensive:

• Date: Saturday 21 November 2026

• Time: 12:00pm–3:00pm

• Location: Emerge Church, Upstairs Studio

• Cost: $50

This workshop covers monologue delivery, characterisation, physical movement, projection, accents, audition singing, storytelling and vocal technique. Each participant receives individual feedback from the directors.

Audition Registration: Register through Brisbane Junior Theatre

Audition Pack: Download Audition Monologues and Materials

Performance Times:

• Friday 18 December: 6:00pm and 8:00pm

• Saturday 19 December: 12:00pm and 2:00pm

Performance Location: Emerge Church, 1 Coorparoo Road, Warner QLD

Rehearsal Dates: Monday 14 – Friday 18 December 2026

Rehearsal Times: 8:30am–5:00pm daily

Performer Age: Youth performers.

Production Website: Cats: Young Actors Edition — Brisbane Junior Theatre

Other information:

• Every auditionee is guaranteed inclusion in the production.

• Audition preparation workshops are available for an additional fee.

  
  

Available Roles/Character Breakdown

• Old Deuteronomy - The wise, gentle and respected leader of the Jellicle Cats. Responsible for choosing which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and receive a new life. Requires a commanding yet compassionate stage presence and strong singing ability.

• Grizabella - A once-glamorous cat who has become an outcast from the Jellicle community. Her emotional journey forms the heart of the musical, culminating in the iconic song Memory. Requires expressive acting and powerful, emotionally connected vocals.

• Munkustrap - A protective, authoritative cat who acts as the show's principal narrator and helps guide the Jellicle Ball. Requires confident singing, movement and storytelling skills.

• Rum Tum Tugger - A rebellious, charismatic and attention-seeking cat who enjoys being the centre of attention. Requires strong stage presence, comedic confidence and energetic singing and dancing.

• Mr. Mistoffelees - A magical, mysterious cat capable of extraordinary tricks. Traditionally one of the show's most demanding dance roles, requiring excellent technique, agility and expressive physical performance.

• Victoria - An elegant young white cat, traditionally featured in prominent ballet and dance sequences. Requires strong dance technique, grace and expressive movement.

• Jemima / Sillabub - A youthful, innocent and compassionate cat who recognises Grizabella's loneliness. Often features in important vocal moments associated with Memory. Requires clear, expressive singing.

• Jennyanydots - Also known as the Old Gumbie Cat. A seemingly lazy house cat who becomes extraordinarily busy at night, teaching mice and cockroaches to perform. A comedic role requiring strong characterisation and movement.

• Bustopher Jones - A sophisticated, well-fed cat who enjoys fine dining and socialising at exclusive clubs. A larger-than-life comic character requiring confident acting and singing.

• Skimbleshanks - The Railway Cat, who keeps everything running smoothly aboard the night train. Energetic, organised and enthusiastic. Requires strong musicality, character acting and dancing.

• Gus (Asparagus) - An elderly theatre cat who reminisces about his illustrious stage career. A character-driven role requiring expressive acting and storytelling.

• Growltiger - A fearsome pirate cat who appears in Gus's theatrical recollections in some versions of the musical. Inclusion in this youth adaptation is not confirmed.

• Macavity - The mysterious and dangerous villain of the Jellicle world, known for causing chaos and disappearing without a trace. Requires strong physical characterisation and commanding stage presence.

• Demeter - A cautious, sensitive cat who is particularly fearful of Macavity. Traditionally features in strong dance and vocal sequences.

• Bombalurina - A confident, charismatic and expressive cat, often featured alongside Demeter. Requires strong singing, dancing and stage presence.

• Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer - A mischievous pair of cats who delight in causing trouble. Their featured number traditionally involves playful physical comedy, intricate movement and strong teamwork.

• Jellylorum - A caring, mature cat who looks after other members of the Jellicle tribe, particularly Gus. Requires expressive acting and singing.

• Alonzo - A confident, athletic Jellicle cat who often takes on protective responsibilities within the group. Traditionally a dance-focused role.

• Cassandra - An elegant, mysterious and poised cat, often featured in ensemble choreography and movement sequences.

• Tantomile and Coricopat - A mysterious pair of cats with an almost supernatural connection. Traditionally portrayed through synchronised movement and strong ensemble dance work.

• Plato / Admetus - A featured Jellicle cat, often involved in athletic choreography and ensemble storytelling. Character names and doubling vary between versions.

• Jellicle Ensemble - A large collection of individual feline personalities who bring the Jellicle Ball to life through singing, dancing and physical storytelling. Ensemble performers are integral to the production and may be featured in individual musical numbers, character moments and dance sequences.