Western Cape vocalists have an exciting international opportunity on the horizon, as the team from Hong Kong Disneyland® prepares to return to South Africa in July to audition local talent for their iconic Festival of the Lion King show and festival events.

South Africa on the international stage

For a number of years, the Hong Kong Disneyland® team has travelled to South Africa as part of their commitment to provide a platform for African artists to participate in their global shows. This year, auditions will take place in Cape Town, Johannesburg, East London (for the first time) and Durban, giving vocalists across these cities the opportunity to perform on this premier international stage.

What they’re looking for

The team will be auditioning vocalists for four lead roles in the show: Simba (male pop tenor), Scar (male baritone), Nala (female pop soprano), and the Storyteller (female soulful pop alto).

How to register

Pre-registration is essential to attend the Cape Town open auditions and is now open online. Applicants can register by visiting [https://airtable.com/appY1f2gjflNxGg6O/pagf9lt4r5u89mjm1/form] or by scanning the QR code on the audition poster. Upon registering, an email will be sent to the applicant with further audition information and a brief.

Cape Town audition details

The Cape Town auditions take place on Tuesday 7 July, with arrival at 09:30, at the Waterfront Theatre School, corner of Port Road and Alfred Street, Cape Town. Successful candidates will be called back on the same day, later that afternoon, so applicants are encouraged to keep the full day available.

For successful artists, the contract will be an initial six-month contract, beginning in October. There will be an opportunity to re-audition thereafter, should the artist wish to stay in the show. Further information and benefits will be provided upon registration.

About Festival of the Lion King

Step into the heart of the Pride Lands in this vibrant 30-minute live performance celebrating the timeless story of The Lion King. Set in a dynamic theatre-in-the-round (Theater in the Wild), the Festival of the Lion King opens with a powerful invocation of “Nants’ Ingonyama,” led by the Storyteller, who summons the tribes during “Welcome to Our World.”

Timon and Pumbaa arrive, joined by vocalists portraying Nala and Scar, alongside majestic puppet representations of a giraffe and an elephant. The sequence crescendos with Simba’s arrival, roaring atop “Pride Rock.”

The story unfolds through beloved musical numbers, as Simba shines in “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” followed by Scar’s commanding “Be Prepared.” Timon and Pumbaa return with “Hakuna Matata,” leading to a heartfelt duet between Simba and Nala in “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” Tension builds as Scar reprises “Be Prepared,” sparking a dramatic battle for the throne. Simba emerges victorious, and the tribes unite in a triumphant chant of “Busa Le’lizwe… Simba.”

The show concludes with a stirring performance of “Circle of Life,” led by the Storyteller, culminating in a colourful, uplifting finale featuring all four vocalists and performers in harmony.

Enquiries

For more information on the Cape Town auditions contact Collett Dawson by email at thecolabnetwork@gmail.com.

Other auditions

Auditions in East London have already taken place.

The Johannesburg auditions take place on Saturday 4 July, with registration opening at 09:00 and auditions commencing at 10:00, at Atlas Studios, 33 Frost Avenue, in Milpark, Johannesburg. Successful candidates will be called back the following day, Sunday 5 July, so applicants are encouraged to keep both days available.

The Durban auditions take place on Saturday 11 July, with registration opening at 09:00 and auditions commencing at 10:00, at the BAT Centre, 45 Maritime Place, Victoria Embankment (Esplanade), Durban. Successful candidates will be called back the following day, Sunday 12 July, so applicants are encouraged to keep both days available.

Pre-registration is essential and is now open online. For enquiries, contact Mnqobi Nxumalo via WhatsApp at 063 090 0111 or by email at lionkinghongkong@zwidemedia.com.

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