Please note: Ages indicated represent character ages, not necessarily the auditionee’s physical age.

Ugly: (Male: age 12 and up) The ugly ducking and the main character of Honk!. Innocent, and easily confused, Ugly doesn’t understand why it is wrong being different. However, his insecurities melt away as his character gradually changes from a gullible duckling to a wise swan, filled with self-esteem.

Ida: (Female: age 12 and up) Ugly’s mom. Ida is extremely protective of her son and committed to his safety. She is sweet but feisty, and she knows how to handle her husband, Drake. She is the one who teaches Ugly that it is OK to be different. Ida should have a strong soprano singing voice.

Drake: (Male: age 12 and up) Ida’s husband. Drake is the stereotypical sitcom father – often shirking his parental duties. Drake finds Ugly quite repulsive and isn’t afraid to say it to anyone. He should have good comic timing and a strong singing voice.

The Ducklings (Beaky, Fluff, Billy, and Downy): Ugly’s siblings – cute little kid types. They are among the “popular” ones in the duck yard who enjoy making Ugly feel left out. They sing as a group but need to be very loud and strong actors.

Maureen: Ida’s best friend. Maureen can’t resist a bit of good gossip. Maureen sings “The Joy of Motherhood” with Ida, so she should also be a strong singer.

The Cat: (Male or Female) The sly, cunning villain of the show. All of the other animals are deathly afraid of him. He is manipulative, cunning, witty and above all, HUNGRY. The actor playing this role should have good comic timing. Improv skills and slapstick abilities are a plus!

Greylag: A pompous goose and washed-up British military type, Greylag over glorifies his mundane activities to the level of military operation status. He sings a solo in “Wild Goose Chase.”

Barnacles, Snowy, Pinkfoot: Greylag’s not-so-shining troops. These geese are eager to follow orders, but can be clumsy.

Dot: Greylag’s wife. A motherly type, she is genuinely concerned with helping Ugly find his mother. She sings solo in “Wild Goose Chase.”

Bullfrog: (Male or Female) A laidback, self confident frog who cheers Ugly up with his/her song, “Warts and All.” This role needs good comic timing.

Penny: (Female: age 12 and up) The young, beautiful swan that is able to see beyond Ugly’s looks. She does not sing solo.

Father Swan, Mother Swan and Bewick: Penny’s family.
Grace: “The most distinguished duck on the lake.” She is considered the queen of the duck yard.

The Turkey: The headmaster of the ducklings’ school.

Henrietta: A hen and another of Maureen’s friends.

Jay Bird: An investigative reporter.

Ensemble: The remaining actors in the company play a number of different roles. Throughout the action of the play, they take on roles as barn yard animals, geese, farmer and children voiceovers, froglets, and part of the Blizzard scene. Some of these roles will be open to non-readers!

Audition songs: All auditionees will be asked to sing either “Look at Him” or“Warts and All.” It is important to familiarize yourself with these songs. Actors auditioning for leads may be asked to sing songs specific to the character.

Additional Information: Please be prepared to list all potential rehearsal conflicts on the audition form. Our rehearsals will run through the months of June and July. Selected readings of the play will be used for the auditions. If the auditionee is a non-reader, please be prepared to recite a short poem of your choice. There may be a dance audition. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move.

Perusal copies may be borrowed for a limited time. Please be aware that limited copies are available. For perusal copies or additional information, contact the Guild's Casting Governor, Nancy Valentini, at casting@playersguildofdearborn.org or (313) 561-TKTS.