Lawton Community Theatre announces auditions for its upcoming production of Bat Boy: The Musical

Auditions Date/Time: Sunday & Monday January 26th and 27th, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., 2025. Please only people 18+ (at time of audition)

Performance Dates: April 4, 5, 6 and 10, 11, 12, 13, 2025
Performances will be held at The John Denney Playhouse
1316 NW Bell Avenue, Lawton, OK 73507

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

  • There will be a script reading and a choreography audition.
  • Please prepare a musical number or pop rock song to audition with, with a cut of no more than 30 seconds long and without any backtracks or vocals.
  • We ask auditioners to bring their phones to play the instrumental music for the vocal audition.
  • There will be no callbacks, only those two open audition nights.
  • We plan on posting the cast list no later than Friday, January 31st.
  • This production is 18+ and contains strong language, explicit scenes, scenes in which actors wear minimal clothing, and adult themes. Please be aware when auditioning for this production.

About Bat Boy: The Musical

Based on a story in The Weekly World News, BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL is a musical comedy/horror show about a half boy/half bat creature who is discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia. For lack of a better solution, the local sheriff brings Bat Boy to the home of the town veterinarian, Dr. Parker, where he is eventually accepted as a member of the family and taught to act like a “normal” boy by the veterinarian’s wife, Meredith, and teenage daughter, Shelley. Bat Boy is happy with his new life, but when he naively tries to fit in with the narrow-minded people of Hope Falls, they turn on him, prodded by the machinations of Dr. Parker, who secretly despises Bat Boy. Shelley and Bat Boy, who have fallen in love, run away together from the ignorant townfolk and have a blissful coupling in the woods, but their happiness is shattered when Meredith arrives and reveals a secret. Soon the entire town arrives and hears the shocking story of Bat Boy’s unholy origin.

  • 8 roles + ensemble
  • 2 acts
  • Duration of 2 hours


Cautions:

  • Strong Language
  • Explicit Scenes
  • Adult Themes

CHARACTERS

Bat Boy (Edgar) - Late teens, early 20's
Edgar is half boy/half bat and his journey from a primitive/unrefined being to a well-rounded and civilized human is the heart of our story. 'Bat Boy' is very raw and unsophisticated at the beginning of the play and can't even speak. However, with the Parker's help, he grows into 'Edgar.' He struggles with his identity (is he man or beast?) and the prejudice and hatred of the town. The actor playing Bat Boy/Edgar will have to be able to portray both sides of his personality and be able to tap into the confusion and anger that often boils up, all the while maintaining the innocent and loving essence of the character.
Vocal Range: Tenor

Meredith Parker - Age 30-50
Dr. Parker's wife, Shelley's mother. Meredith is the epitome of the perfect housewife. She helps convince her husband to keep Bat Boy. She picks out a name for him, teaches him manners, and educates him; she does everything that the mother he never had would do. Meredith starts out relatively two-dimensional but as things start to go wrong she must make difficult decisions, step out of her comfort zone, and confront long-hidden emotions. There must be a strong connection between Meredith and Edgar.
Vocal Range: Mezzo

Dr. Thomas Parker - Age 30-50
The town veterinarian, Dr. Parker is asked to 'take care' of the creature but is convinced to spare his life by his wife and daughter. He is a desperate man in a loveless marriage. As he sees the attachment growing between Bat Boy and Meredith, Dr. Parker grows to secretly despise the boy. Driven mad by this hatred and jealousy, he manipulates the situation using his veterinarian skills to his advantage, even at the price of human life. The actor playing this role must believably portray his decline into diabolical madness.
Vocal Range: Tenor

Shelley Parker - Late teens, early 20's
The Parker's rebellious daughter. Shelley and her mother convince her father to spare Bat Boy. Shelley transforms from a spoiled brat who taunts Bat Boy into a young woman who falls in love with him and protects him from the town's wrath. The actress playing this role must have spunk, good comic timing, a strong voice, and a presence that endears not only Edgar but the audience as well.
Vocal Range: Soprano

Sheriff Reynolds - Age 30-50
The Sheriff brings Bat Boy to Dr. Parker's house to be 'taken care of'. He is called upon by the town folks to deal with the situation whenever it goes awry. He is always the mediator and tries to do the right thing... as long as its good for his career!
Vocal Range: Tenor

Rick, Ron, and Ruthie Taylor - Late teens, early 20's
Adventurous and rowdy siblings who discovers Bat Boy in a cave.
Rick is a bully and is Shelley Parker's boyfriend.

Mrs. Taylor - Age 40-50
Rick, Ron, and Ruthie's mother.

Reverend Billy Hightower - Age 30-60
A small but memorable character, the Reverend is an over-the-top caricature of typical religious figures and provides many laughs during his spirited performance of the song 'A Joyful Noise' at the town's revival ceremony. The actor playing this part must have good comedic timing and must be a strong singer who is able to riff and sing in the gospel style.
Vocal Range: Tenor

Pan - Age 25-40
A forest god who sings 'Children, Children' and presides over an interpretive marriage ceremony for Shelley and Bat Boy. Must be a strong singer. Strong dancing ability is a plus.
Vocal Range: Tenor

Ensemble roles
Lorraine- A rancher's wife
Maggie- Senior Representative, Hope Falls Town Council
Daisy- A schoolteacher
Mr. Dillon- A rancher
Bud- A rancher
Ned- A rancher
Roy- A townsman
Clem- A townsman
Various Animals
Young Meredith
Meredith's Father
Meredith's Mother
A Doctor
Institute Man
Ensemble