
Join us in the circle of life!

Roles in order of appearance
Rafiki: Female
A wise mandrill who acts as healer of the Pridelands and guides Simba on his journey home. She is an omniscient character, evincing an air of mystery. Rafiki has significant solos in "Circle of Life" and "He Lives in You," and leads the African chants throughout the show, so a confident performer with a strong singing voice is a perfect fit for this role.
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3
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Grassland Animals: All genders
These actors provide the chorus, which is the true heart of the show. These characters sing in three different African languages!
Zebras
Giraffes
Monkeys
Wildebeests
Birds
This ensemble plays various inhabitants of the Pridelands, such as giraffes, elephants, antelopes, wildebeest, and other creatures you choose to include. This group can have as few or as many performers as your production permits. Be sure to cast many strong singers. There are also several moments to showcase individual dancers in "The Lioness Hunt" and "I Just Can't Wait to Be King."
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Lionesses: Female
The fierce hunters of the Pridelands and featured in "The Lioness Hunt," "The Mourning," and "Shadowland." These actors should be strong singers, as the material can be challenging. Depending on the complexity of your choreography, particularly for "The Lioness Hunt," strong dancers may be desirable as well.
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Zazu: All genders
The anxious yet loyal assistant to Mufasa who is always busy trying to do his duty. Zazu's lyrics are spoken rather than sung, and the role can be played by a boy or girl.
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Mufasa: Male
The strong, honorable, and wise lion who leads the Pridelands. Mufasa should command respect onstage and also show tenderness with his son, Simba. A mature actor who can convincingly portray the king is the best fit for this role.
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: B3
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Sarabi: Female
A featured lioness, Sarabi is Queen of the Pridelands, Mufasa's mate, and Simba's mother. Sarabi has a few key speaking lines for an actor who can deliver the care and command of a queen.
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​Baby Simba: All Genders
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Scar: Male
The antagonist of the show, overcome with jealousy of his brother, Mufasa, and nephew, Simba. Coldhearted and wickedly intelligent, he will stop at nothing to become king of the Pridelands. Cast a mature performer who can bring out this villain's dark side while handling Scar's sarcastic sense of humor. As his solos can be spoken, opt for an actor over a singer.
Vocal range top: A4
Vocal range bottom: A3
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Young Simba: Boy
The protagonist of the story, he is an adventurous and endearing cub who can't wait to be king of the Pridelands. Simba is playful, energetic, and naive, but after his father Mufasa's death, Simba struggles with shame and his destiny. This role is perfect for a strong singer and dynamic performer.
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: B3
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Young Nala: Girl
A courageous lion and Young Simba's best friend. She is not afraid to speak her mind. While Young Nala does sing a little, we are looking for a strong female performer who can portray this confident cub.
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3
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Hyenas
Shenzi: Female
Leader of the Hyena pack. Sarcastic and witty, she is the smartest of the hyenas. One of the hyenas whois in the plot to take over the Pridelands. She is the sassy one of the trio and is always looking out for herself. With Banzai and Ed, she should be able to laugh loudly and long, as well as be menacing to Young Simba and Young Nala.
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Banzai: Male
Shenzi's right hand man. He only listens to her and Scar. A slick yet childish hyena who works for Scar. He would be the leader of the group if hyenas weren't so lazy. Look for an outgoing and confident actor who can portray nastiness and gruffness.
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Ed: Male
The third member of Scar's trio of lackeys. He has a loud, cackling laugh that is his only form of communication. Ed should be played by an actor who can laugh unabashedly and communicate through physicality and facial expressions rather than words. This role can be played by a boy or girl.
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Hyena Chorus
Provides important backup singing in "Be Prepared. Scar's army, helping carry out his evil plot to take over the Pridelands. Hyenas are mangy, mindless creatures who sing in "Be Prepared." Cast actors who are able to sing the background parts of that song while playing the loud and raucous characters. Your hyenas can double as animals of the Pridelands or lionesses.
Gender: any
​Timon: Male
An outcast meerkat who lives in the jungle with Pumbaa. He is afraid of his own shadow, but pretends to be the confident, relaxed leader of the duo. Timon is one of the funniest characters in the show and should be played by a charismatic actor who understands comic timing. This part can be played by a boy or a girl.
Vocal range top: B4
Vocal range bottom: B3
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Pumbaa: Male
A kindhearted, sensitive warthog who enjoys his simple life of grubs and relaxation. Cast a boy or girl who can portray this loveable and loyal friend to Timon and Simba with deadpan humor.
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: D4
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Adult Simba: Male
Grows from a cub to lion in "Hakuna Matata." Older Simba has more complex moments as he reunites with Nala, mourns his father, and returns to confront Scar. A more mature actor is the best fit.
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: B3
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Adult Nala: Female
Grows from a cub to a lioness before she confronts Scar, so cast a more mature actress to play the character beginning in Scene 10, As with older Simba and Young Simba, ensure that this switch in actors performing a single role is clear. Direct the actors to share a mask or costume piece that distinctly represents Nala, as well as a movement vocabulary.​
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Sarafina: Female
A featured lioness and Nala's mother.