WORKSHOPS HONK! JR.
When: Monday 2nd February + Thursday 5th February 2026
Time: 6-8pm
Where: Milton CWA Hall, 56 Wason Street, Milton NSW 2538
Who: Ages 8 – 18, all abilities welcome.
Why: Our June 2026 youth musical will be the delightful, heartwarming Honk! JR.
We invite you to join our fun, friendly, and low-pressure workshops — a perfect chance to dip your webbed toes into the pond! You’ll meet the production team, connect with other enthusiastic performers, and get a feel for the world of the show.
Each workshop will run for two hours and will include:
• Learning songs from the show
• Some basic choreography — plus a little extra to help us spot our standout dancers
• Acting in small groups using scenes from the musical
These sessions are a great opportunity for you to get to know us, and for us to get to know the wonderful you. We’re looking for performers who can take direction, bring characters to life, and radiate stage joy.
We anticipate a flock of interest in this production and plan to cast 25 or more talented young performers.
During the workshops, you’ll learn a short piece of choreography so we can see who follows direction well, picks up movement quickly, and shows confidence in basic dance skills. If you’re interested in being considered for a featured dancer role, please let the choreographers know during the workshops.
AUDITIONS HONK! JR.
When: Monday 9nd February 2026
Time: 5 minute bookings between 6-9pm
Where: Milton CWA Hall, 56 Wason Street, Milton NSW 2538
If you’d like to be considered for a role in Honk! JR., you’ll need to book an audition slot for Monday 9 February at the workshops. Every performer must audition to be eligible for casting.
Start preparing your audition as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the workshops, especially if you’re hoping for a major role!
To access the audition material, you or your parent/guardian will need to log in to the Milton Follies “Production Pro” website or app.
Enter your name and contact information, and we’ll send you the instructions!
What to expect:
Your audition will include both singing and acting. (Your dancing will be assessed at the workshops!)
To help you shine:
• Select one of the four audition songs provided on Production Pro. Pick the piece that highlights your voice and personality. You don’t need to fully memorise it, as we’ll provide lyrics on the day. Just be ready to sing with the backing track without the vocals, so we can hear your voice clearly.
• The audition scripts will be provided during the workshops.
You’re welcome to nominate the role you’re most excited about, but remember there are more than 20 roles waiting to be discovered. Even if you audition for one part, we may also consider you for others where you can truly shine.
Walk in brave, walk out proud. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the stage!
FAQ:
Do I need to attend the workshops?
Workshops aren’t compulsory — you’re welcome to attend one, both, or even none. However, we’ll be sharing valuable tips and guidance to help you feel confident and prepared for auditions, so we highly recommend joining us if you can!
If you’re unable to attend the workshops but would still like to audition, please email us to arrange an audition time.
When is Honk. JR! on?
Rehearsals for Honk. JR! will be on Monday and Thursday in the early evening 6-8pm and will start Thursday 12th February 2026.
Not all cast will be required for each rehearsal through March and April.
However, all cast are required to be available through all May 2026 rehearsals.
In addition, cast members MUST be available for the following dates –
- Sunday 7th June: Full Day Dress Rehearsal
- Monday 8th June: Evening Full Dress Rehearsal
- Thursday 11th: Evening Full Dress Rehearsal
- Friday 12th June: 7pm Show
- Saturday 13th June: 2pm Show
- Sunday 14th June: 2pm Show
- Thursday 18th June: Evening Rehearsal
- Friday 19th June: 7pm Show
- Saturday 20th June: 2pm Show
- Sunday 21st June: 2pm Show
Additional Commitments and Expectations
If your child is offered a role in the cast of Honk! JR., please be aware of the following commitments:
- Rehearsals: Cast members are expected to attend all their scheduled rehearsals. Regular attendance is important so everyone can learn safely, confidently, and as part of a team.
- Makeup & Shoes: Performers will need to supply their own basic stage makeup and appropriate show shoes. Guidance will be provided on what is needed.
- Show Fee: There is a voluntary $25 show contribution, which helps support the costs of putting on the production.
We aim to keep participation as accessible as possible and understand that families have different circumstances. Please let a production team member know if there is a problem that we can assist with.
What We Provide
Milton Follies will provide:
- A supportive, inclusive, and fun rehearsal environment
- Direction, choreography, music rehearsal, and supervision
- Costumes (excluding shoes) and shared costume accessories
- A safe and encouraging space for young performers to learn, grow, and perform on stage
Who’s in the Production Team?
Director: Lloyd McDonald
Choreographers: Ash Howes + Amy Bruce
Musical Director: Ruth Myers
Producer: Allan Dean
Costumes + Props: Jann Dean
Show Synopsis
“Ugly” hatches looking quite a bit different from his duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice, and despite his loving mother’s protective flapping, Ugly’s odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and neighbours. When Ugly is separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry Cat, he must find his way home. Along his harrowing yet hilarious journey he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, but also finds love and acceptance in all its forms.
Roles
Ugly
The ugly ducking and the main character of HONK! JR. Innocent, easily confused and very impressionable, 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. He is the heart and soul of the show. He must be a strong singer and good actor.
Gender: male
Ida
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. After Ugly is lured away from the barnyard by the Cat, Ida is determined to find him. Ida and Ugly’s relationship is a key ingredient of the show. She is the one who teaches him that it is OK to be different. Ida sings several solos, and therefore she should have a strong alto singing voice.
Gender: female
Drake
Ida’s husband. Drake is a sarcastic character. He is the stereotypical sitcom father – often shirking his parental duties. Drake finds Ugly quite repulsive and isn’t afraid to say it to anyone, including his wife. He should have good comic timing and a strong singing voice. Drake opens the show singing “A Poultry Tale.”
Gender: male
Ducklings
Beaky, Fluff, Billy, Downy are 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.
Maureen
A moorhen and Ida’s best friend. Maureen genuinely loves Ida, but she can’t resist a bit of good gossip. To the little ducklings, she is the typical annoying and overly affectionate “aunt.” Maureen sings “The Joy of Motherhood” with Ida, so she should also be a strong singer.
Gender: female
The Cat
The sly, cunning villain of the show. All of the other animals are deathly afraid of them. They are manipulative, cunning, witty and above all, HUNGRY. The Cat pretends to be Ugly’s friend so they can eat him. The actor playing this role should bring a sense of fun to the character and have a good sense of comic timing. They sing a few songs, but their character allows for some of the lyrics to be “talk-sung.”
Gender: any
Greylag
A somewhat pompous goose and washed-up British military type, Greylag tends to over glorify his mundane activities (i.e. migrating South) to the level of military operation status. Only his wife, Dot, truly knows how to handle him. He sings a solo in “Wild Goose Chase.”
Gender: male
Dot
A motherly type, she is genuinely concerned with helping Ugly find his mother. Dot doesn’t think that Greylag, her partner, is an entirely capable leader, but she kindly humors his “over the top” actions. She sings solo as well as with Greylag in “Wild Goose Chase.” Good singer.
Gender: female
Barnacles + Snowy + Pinkfoot
The geese in Greylag’s “squad.” They join in singing “Wild Goose Chase.”
Gender: any
The Bullfrog
A laidback, self confident frog who cheers Ugly up with their song, “Warts and All.” Optimistic and funny, they are a stand up comedian type of character well suited to someone with good improvisational sills and comic timing.
Gender: any
Penny
The young, beautiful swan that Ugly saves from a tangled fishing net. She is able to see beyond Ugly’s looks and she loves him for who he is. She does not sing solo.
Gender: female
Father + Mother Swan + Berwick
Penny’s family. They help to console Ida when she thinks her son has died, and they offer to take Ugly with them when they migrate. They do not sing solos.
Gender: any
Grace
The most distinguished duck on the lake. Very aristocratic, she is considered the queen of the duck yard. All of the other animals look up to Grace and respect her. She, of course, is quite aware of this and is therefore a little bit haughty.
Gender: female
The Turkey
The headmaster of the ducklings’ school. The Turkey is a bit snobbish and joins in the fun of teasing Ugly. There is of course one word that send shivers down his spine – THANKSGIVING! The Turkey does not sing solo.
Gender: Any
Henrietta
A hen and another of Maureen’s friends. Henrietta and Maureen gossip about the goings on in the duck yard. She takes great pleasure in making fun of Ugly. Henrietta does not sing solo.
Gender: female
Jay Bird
An investigative reporter. A very “in your face” bird, all they care about is getting a good story. They report a story about Ugly’s disappearance.
Gender: any
Milton Follies 