THE LION KING JR. - Plano Children's Theatre Non Equity Auditions

Auditioning for

Disney's The Lion King JR

Auditions November 4, 14

at North Texas Performing Arts - Plano

at The Shops at Willow Bend

Performs February 2-4 at The Courtyard Theatre

AND February 8-10 at NTPA - Plano

Disney's The Lion King has captivated the imagination of audiences around the world. The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast of characters as they journey from Pride Rock to the jungle... and back again, in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale.

A lively stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning 1994 Disney film, The Lion King is the story of a young lion prince living in the flourishing African Pride Lands. Born into the royal family, precocious cub Simba spends his days exploring the sprawling savanna grasslands and idolizing his kingly father, Mufasa, while youthfully shirking the responsibility his position in life requires. When an unthinkable tragedy, orchestrated by Simba's wicked uncle, Scar, takes his father's life, Simba flees the Pride Lands, leaving his loss and the life he knew behind. Eventually companioned by two hilarious and unlikely friends, Simba starts anew. But when weight of responsibility and a desperate plea from the now ravaged Pride Lands come to find the adult prince, Simba must take on a formidable enemy, and fulfill his destiny to be king.

Directed by Christian Black

Christian Robert Black is an actor, director, and teaching artist currently living in the Uptown Dallas area. Having been involved in theatre for over 12 years, Christian is a recent graduate of The University of Oklahoma Peggy Dow Helmerich School of Drama where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drama: Acting Emphasis and Minor in General Business in May 2016. His education and experience at OU led to a year-long artistic fellowship with the Tony-Award winning Dallas Theater Center where he honed in his theatre administration skills including casting and education. Christian's no stranger to North Texas Performing Arts, having been a student and actor in the program back in 2008 in PCT's production of Once on this Island under the direction of Cassidy Crown Confer. He is incredibly excited and grateful to be a part of the NTPA team where he can watch the growth of all of its wonderfully talented students. In addition, he works as the graphic design specialist for North Texas Performing Arts.

Christian is also a professional actor around the DFW area, and oftentimes, around the country, and his favorite professional stage credits include David Warren in Dear Delinquent, Alistair Spenlow in Move Over, Mrs. Markham, Dr. Eugene Brodus in Miss Evers Boys, Colin in Let It Be Me, Detective Sargent Slater in Funny Money, Mercutio/Prince Escalus in Romeo and Juliet, Guy Montag in Farenheit 451, and Corey in Goosebumps: The Musical. He loves his family, friends, faith, and his beautiful bride to be, Savannah, for putting up with his shenanigans on a daily basis.

The Lion King Fun Facts

• Disney's The Lion King is the third longest running show in Broadway history with over 8,000 performances.
• Julie Taymor, who directed The Lion King, became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical.
• Music for the production, as well as the Disney film, was done by Elton John.
• The show won an award for Best Costume Design at the 1998 Tony Awards.