Casting
Character Breakdown
Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. has 34 speaking roles but can also be performed with a smaller cast in the 15-20 range. Many featured and ensemble roles can be double cast if needed; refer to the Casting section of your Director’s Guide for more details
A curious young clownfish who brims with excitement to explore the wonders that lie beyond the Great Barrier Reef. Born with a “lucky fin” – or what humans would call a limb difference
Nemo quickly learns that the world possesses incredible dangers in addition to the promise of big adventures. By making new friends, finding strength within, and practicing teamwork, Nemo transforms into a capable and brave leader, able to self-advocate and take on challenges big and small. Cast an energetic performer who can capture Nemo’s innocence and sense of wonder.
An anxious clownfish and Nemo’s overprotective father, who, after the tragic death of his wife Coral, prefers the safety of his anemone to the frightening unknowns of the open ocean. Forced to travel across the sea in search of Nemo, Marlin develops the courage to face the unpredictable ocean and the wisdom to trust others – including his own kid.
Consider casting an older, mature actor to play this helicopter parent who eventually learns to lighten up and embrace the clown in “clownfish.”
An optimistic and bubbly blue tang, experiences frequent short-term memory loss and finds herself wandering through the ocean with no place to call home. Sparking friendships with whomever she meets, Dory immediately offers to help Marlin find his lost child, and the two set out on an adventurous journey through the ocean. Along the way, Dory’s kindness and bright spirit ease Marlin’s fears, and the unlikely duo finds comfort and family in each other.
Look for a performer with great charisma and a stage presence that can light up a room. Consider auditioning several Marlins and Dorys together, as the two should be able to playfully banter with great comic timing.
A loving mother-to-be clownfish, married to Marlin, who will stop at nothing to protect her eggs.
After your actor has finished with this role, have them join the Sea Chorus or other ensemble group for the rest of the show.
Functions as the general ensemble, creating the environment of the play and becoming the characters that Marlin and Dory interact with on their journey to Sydney. They will also help with the transitions from the Ocean to the Aquarium Tank. Roles include: Angelfish, Damselfish, Barracuda, Moonfish 1-6, Jellyfish, Sea Turtles, Grouper, Lobsters (1 & 2), Octopuses (1 & 2), Electric Eels (1 & 2), & Seahorses (1 & 2).
Nemo's classmates. Roles include:
Pearl, a friendly flapjack octopus who is, quick to befriend Nemo.
Sheldon, an H2O-intolerant seahorse with an appetite for trouble who taunts Nemo to swim beyond the reef.
Tad, a self-admittedly obnoxious butterflyfish who joins Sheldon in encouraging Nemo to swim past the Drop-Off.
Roles include: Sheldon’s Parent, Pearl’s Parent, and Tad’s Parent
A stingray and Nemo’s enthusiastic teacher, takes pride in sharing the curiosities and marvels of the world with the class and encourages every student to be a brave explorer. Cast a performer with excellent diction to handle the large scientific words in this professor’s advanced vocabulary.
A performer responsible for floating the diver’s mask through the water whenever it appears onstage.
An intimidating great white shark, is the sharks’ ringleader. Despite Bruce’s best efforts to adopt a vegetarian diet, Bruce loses control and is sent into a frenzy, threatening to devour every fish in sight. Part of the Sharks.
Two of Bruce’s shark friends, try to live vegetarian lifestyles but are eventually forced to restrain an out-of- control Bruce from eating innocent fish. Part of The Sharks.
Forced to attend the sharks’ party but aren’t quite so convinced that their hosts will be satisfied with a kelp-only diet.
Part of the “Tank Gang” that helps Nemo escape the Sydney Harbor Aquarium and return to the ocean. A yellow tang who is captivated by bubbles, is the first to welcome Nemo to the tank. This friendly fish exclusively uses the word “bubbles” to communicate.
Part of the “Tank Gang” that helps Nemo escape the Sydney Harbor Aquarium and return to the ocean. An open-minded and supportive blowfish, is proud to be part of the Tank Gang family and helps keep everyone’s spirits up, even when things seem bleak.
Part of the “Tank Gang” that helps Nemo escape the Sydney Harbor Aquarium and return to the ocean. Frightened of strangers and the germs they carry with them, is a royal gramma who enjoys the safety and regulated cleanliness of the tank.
Part of the “Tank Gang” that helps Nemo escape the Sydney Harbor Aquarium and return to the ocean. A mature and down-to-earth starfish, offers guidance and reassurance to all those who need it.
Part of the “Tank Gang” that helps Nemo escape the Sydney Harbor Aquarium and return to the ocean. A relentless and inspiring leader who will stop at nothing to return to the freedom of the ocean. This Moorish idol fish believes in the Tank Gang and concocts countless plans to bust them out of the aquarium. Gill is the first fish Nemo has ever met with a similar “fin difference,” quickly becoming a mentor and inspiration for the young clownfish.
A sharp-eyed pelican, Nigel is the Tank Gang’s feathered friend and only connection to the outside world. This bird is someone you can count on to know all the latest news on the happenings of Sydney Harbour.
Are a pesky group of birds who persistently try to snatch an unlucky VACATIONER’s snack on the boardwalk.
Righteously mellow creatures featured in “Go With the Flow.” Roles include: Crush, Squirt, Kai, and Breeze.
Crush, a 150-year-old sea turtle who knows how to hang loose, teaches Marlin a thing or two about being a good parent. Look for a strong singer who can confidently belt “Go With the Flow” to make it a truly radical jam.
Squirt, offspring of Crush, fearlessly twirls through turbulent waters of the ocean and enjoys trying out cool new moves in the high-speed EAC.
Kai and Breeze each have individual singing solos in “Go With the Flow”.