Cast · VACT · Nov 2026

101 Dalmatians KIDS

Charlie is Sergeant Tibbs 🐱
🎭 Cast list posted Aug 2026
Sergeant Tibbs
Thunderbolts cast · one of 29 named roles in a company of 60
“The army cat that rallies the Dogs of London to rescue the puppies.”
days
hours
min
until Charlie's opening night · Friday, Nov 20 · 6:00 PM
🌲Charlie's other November show. He is also Hansel in Happily Ever Before with the Wisconsin Heights Players — Nov 13–15 in Mazomanie, the weekend before this one. See both runs →

The run, at a glance

🐱RoleSergeant Tibbs · Thunderbolts cast
🎭ShowDisney's 101 Dalmatians KIDS · 1 act, ~30 min
📅Charlie performsFri, Nov 20 · 6:00 PM (call 5:15) and Sat, Nov 21 · 4:00 PM (call 2:45) — the two Thunderbolts shows
🔄RehearsalsSundays inside 11:00–1:20, Aug 30 → Nov 15 · no rehearsal Sep 6 · a per-character call list is emailed each Tuesday — Tibbs was not called for Week #2 (Sep 13)
⚠️AttendanceMax 2 absences all season · Nov 8 + Nov 15 rehearsals mandatory
👑Dress rehearsalsMon Nov 16 & Wed Nov 18 · Badger Ridge MS PAC · Thunderbolts called 4:20 Mon and 4:10 Wed, both until 6:30
🎬PerformancesFour shows · Thu Nov 19 6pm & Sat Nov 21 12pm (Kanine Krunchies) · Fri Nov 20 6pm & Sat Nov 21 4pm (Thunderbolts — Charlie). Cast with lines or solos keep all four open as cover.
📍WhereRehearse at VACT (103 Lincoln St, Verona) · perform at Badger Ridge MS PAC
01

Sergeant Tibbs — the role

What the licensor actually says about the part, and where it sits in the show.

“Sergeant Tibbs is the army cat that rallies the Dogs of London to rescue the puppies. This role is gender neutral – just be sure to cast an actor with a strong voice that can project an authoritative air. This cat has a short, but sweet solo, so make sure vocals are strong.” Music Theatre International · character breakdown · vocal range G4–Bb4
🎥Where he appearsThe climax only — he enters for the rescue. Not in the opening, the theft, or the Twilight Bark.
🎤Sings in“My Beautiful Coat” (with Cruella, Horace, Jasper), then heads “The Chase”
🎵The soloG4–Bb4 — a minor third, the narrowest range in the show. Short, high, exposed — very coachable.
👥He commands~24 Dogs of London per cast during the rescue — the biggest crowd moment in the show
💡No Colonel in this adaptation. In the film, Tibbs works under the sheepdog Colonel. The KIDS version cuts him — so Tibbs leads the rescue alone. VACT also cast Tibbs standalone, while Police Officer and Dogcatcher were doubled into the puppy ensemble.
Why he got it without being asked to read lines. Tibbs is the only featured role whose casting note is purely about vocal strength and projection — no acting or comedy requirement attached. Compare Horace/Jasper (“strong comedic timing… physical comedy”) or Roger (“a strong actor, singer, and mover”). The kids pulled aside to read were being assessed for the dialogue-driven parts. Charlie's sing-and-dance audition gave VACT everything this note asks for.
02

The full company

Every named role, with the licensor's own casting note and both VACT casts. Line counts marked est. are estimated from a runtime budget — a ~30 min one‑act with 12 musical numbers leaves roughly 150–170 spoken lines to split across 22 named roles. They are not counted from the script.

Cruella De VilFemale · Ab3–C4est. ~28 lines
“The rich, fashion-forward antagonist… Ruthless and impulsive, she should command the stage with dramatic flair and brassiness.”
Annie Sauter · Alice Busse
RogerMale · A#2–B4est. ~15 lines
“Soft-spoken yet confident composer… His relaxed form of leadership acts as a contrast to the frenetic Cruella.” A strong actor, singer and mover.
Arthur Timm · Kieran Reichhold
HoraceMale · Ab3–B4est. ~14 lines
“Cruella's two henchmen for hire, provide the show's comic relief à la Abbott and Costello or Laurel and Hardy.” Physical comedy; optional Cockney accent.
Bennett Nass · Christian Moore
JasperMale · Ab3–B4est. ~14 lines
Horace's partner — “though they sing together often, look for actors with strong comedic timing.”
Philip Doll IV · Augusten Clickner
PongoAny · no solo singingest. ~12 lines
“Similar dispositions to their owners… focus on casting strong actors capable of projecting a more mature presence than their pups.”
Derrick Coughlin · Benji Reinholtz
PerditaAny · no solo singingest. ~10 lines
Pongo's partner and the puppies' mother.
Ayla Goede · Emme Loeffler
🐱 Sergeant TibbsAny · G4–Bb4est. ~10 lines + solo
“The army cat that rallies the Dogs of London to rescue the puppies… cast an actor with a strong voice that can project an authoritative air. This cat has a short, but sweet solo.”
Owen Ramthun · CHARLIE OLSON
AnitaFemale · D4–C5est. ~9 lines
“A sweet and nurturing painter whose kind disposition acts as a stark contrast to Cruella's cruelty.” MTI notes she has only a single line to sing.
Hollyn Cary · Emily Meyer
NannyFemale · no singingest. ~7 lines
“The warm yet outspoken housekeeper… This is a small role that requires a strong speaking voice.”
Maeve Connors · Gloria Aime
Narrators ×4Anyest. ~7 lines each
Boxer, Scottie, Poodle & Corgi. “Because the clarity of the plot relies on them, cast performers with excellent diction and projection.” (MTI writes Chihuahua; VACT swapped in a Corgi.)
Isabelle Lan, Renee Timm, Evelyn Olsen, Emmie Shumway · Lauren Mackintosh, Eris Haun, Henley Kunde, Penelope Coombs
Lucky, Patch, Penny, PepperAnyest. ~4 lines each
“Funny and spirited pups… cast the group's strongest actors that can project their solo lines articulately.”
Alex Craven, Chase Fecteau, Dalia Prcic, Eleanor Kading · Flora Strohl, Charlie LaCrosse, Elena Odorizzi, Gretl Horvath
Police OfficerAnyest. ~3 lines
“Arrests the villains at the end of the show… an actor who can convey a no-nonsense attitude.” Doubles into the puppy ensemble.
Edwin Milhans · Clark Koenigs
DogcatcherAnyest. ~2 lines
“Appears at show's end to dramatically remove Cruella… cast any student who might excel at creating a few moments of physical comedy.” Doubles into the puppy ensemble.
Henry Rottinger · Jack Vandehaar
Freckles & SpottyAnyexactly 1 line each
“Two Dalmatian puppies stolen by Cruella… Each puppy has one solo line of dialogue.” The only role size MTI states outright.
Calvey Roltgen, Alice Sauter · Emmy Minter, Ezra Buchmann
Dogs of LondonAny · ensemble
Boxers, Scotties, Poodles & Corgis. “All should be comfortable embodying the physical movement of their particular breed… there are some opportunities for solos.” ~24 per cast — the group Tibbs rallies.
📊Scale worth knowing: MTI designed this show for a cast of 11–20. VACT is running 60 per cast — they tripled the ensemble without adding named roles, which makes a named part here considerably scarcer than the show was built to make it.
Audition prep — archived (Aug 22, 2026)
0 of 0 done
01

Pack the audition bag

  • Printed photo of Charlie, no larger than 4×6 — clear, recent, smilingThe packet says exactly this and nothing more: "Auditioners should bring a recent photo, no larger than 4 x 6, to the auditions." It does not specify headshot vs. full-body, and it does not ask you to write his name on it. Safe hedge: a ¾/full-body shot where his face is clearly visible, name on the back in pen (optional, but ~300 kids audition and the photos are collected loose). Print early so it's not last-minute.
  • Dance shoes / clean sneakers he can move in
  • Water bottle (full)
  • Nothing else is collected on audition day — registration and conflicts were already submitted onlineVACT: "All conflicts must be communicated at the time of registration." Once casting is complete no absences may be added and listed dates may not be altered — max 2 absences all season. If the WHP Sundays did not go on the June registration form, email sarah@vact.org before Aug 25.
  • Comfortable clothes he can dance in — and that show a bit of personality
  • A small snack for after
📸

The photo — make it a great one

For youth theater this isn't a glamour headshot — it's a "who is this kid" reference the directors lay out to remember faces and match kids to roles. What makes a strong one:

Aim for these — in order of what matters most:
  • A real, big smile with the eyes engaged — the #1 thing. A true laugh beats a posed grin, and it matches this playful, puppy-filled show.
  • Just Charlie — no other kids, no pets, no props.
  • Recent — looks like him this week (glasses on, current hair).
  • Looking straight into the lens.
  • Even, soft light — open shade or facing a window; no harsh shadows, squint, or hat-brim shadow.
  • Simple, uncluttered background so his face pops.
  • No costume, no face paint, no busy shirt graphics — a solid, bright-colored shirt is ideal.
  • Sharp focus, portrait orientation (crops cleanly to 4×6).
  • VACT didn't say headshot vs. full-body — a ¾ or full-body shot with his face still clearly visible covers either, or just ask Lydia.
  • Set the scene — outside in open shade (or by a big window), plain background, bright solid shirt, hair how it'll look Aug 22
  • Get him laughing — tell a dumb joke or have him say “puppies!” — and take 10–15 frames
  • Pick the keeper — the one where his eyes are smiling and he's looking at the lens; crop to a clean 4×6
  • Print it (matte or glossy) — and on the back write Charlie Olson · age · your phone number
02

The 4-week plan

Small steps each week beat cramming. Check things off as you go — progress saves automatically.

Week 1 — Foundation

this week · Jul 27–Aug 1 Pick the song, start the movie, handle the paperwork.
  • Pick his ~30-second a cappella song (see ideas below) — something he already loves and can sing in tune and loudEasiest win: reuse a song he nailed in Pirate camp, or a Disney tune he knows cold.
  • Watch Disney's 101 Dalmatians together (movie night!) so the characters & world feel familiar
  • Book an August voice lesson with Shelton (booking opens for August — grab a slot)Even one coaching session before Aug 22 sharpens the song a lot.
  • Order the 4×6 photo now so it's not a last-minute scramble
  • Confirm the WHP Sundays went on the VACT registration form — if not, email sarah@vact.org before casting lands Aug 25VACT takes conflicts at registration only; nothing can be added after casting.
  • Listen to the show's songs on YouTube (Cruella De Vil, Kanine Krunchies, Dalmatian Conga) in the car

Week 2 — Build

Aug 3–8 Song solid, character choices, get comfortable moving.
  • Sing the song out loud daily — standing tall, hands relaxed, big finishPractice a clean start ("bum-bum-BUM, ready, and...") so he begins confidently a cappella.
  • Pick 1–2 dream roles to secretly aim for (see role guide) and play with those voices at home
  • Practice a "follow-the-leader" dance — you do 8 silly moves, he copies fastThis mirrors the on-the-spot dance. The skill they grade is: watches closely, tries big, smiles through mistakes.
  • Cold-read practice — hand him a few lines from a kids' book and have him read with a character voice, first try
  • Voice lesson #1 (if booked) — bring the audition song

Week 3 — Polish

Aug 10–15 Make it feel easy. Add personality.
  • Full mock audition at home: he walks in, slates ("Hi, I'm Charlie Olson, I'm 10"), sings, then copies a danceSlate = say your name clearly with a smile. Practice it until it's automatic.
  • Record a video of the run-through and watch it together — pick one thing to make bigger (smile? volume? ending pose?)
  • Practice projecting — "sing/talk to the back wall," not the floor
  • Pick the audition outfit (movable + a little personality) and set it aside
  • Confirm the SignUpGenius slot & plan the drive (arrive 10–15 min early)

Week 4 — Audition week

Aug 16–22 · audition Sat Rest the voice, stay loose, have fun.
  • Light practice only — one easy run per day. Don't over-sing the voice this week
  • Pack the bag the night before (photo, dance shoes, water, calendar, form)
  • Good sleep Friday + a real breakfast Saturday; water, not too much dairy before singing
  • Arrive 10–15 min early, use the bathroom, take 3 big breaths
  • The one reminder in the car: "Smile, be loud, and have fun — they want you to be great."
03

The song — how to choose & ideas

The song does two jobs: show his voice is on-pitch and strong, and show he can perform. Here's how to pick the right ~30-second cut:

  • Match his range — find the song's highest and lowest notes and make sure the 30s cut hits both comfortably (no straining or squeaking)If a note makes him reach or go quiet, pick a different song or a different section.
  • Familiar beats impressive — a song he knows cold and loves will always out-perform a harder song he's unsure of
  • Musical-theatre or Disney over pop — those are written to show range and character; pop songs often sit in one small range
  • Pick something he can act — a song with a character or story he can sell with his face, not just sing
  • Cut to the best 30–45 seconds — usually the chorus or the biggest moment; skip a long intro
  • Lock a clean start & finish — hum the first note before starting (so a cappella pitch is right), and end on a clear last note + a smileThat confident first note and final beat are what the room remembers.

Solid starting options (in his wheelhouse):

A song he nailed in Pirate camp (reuse it!) "I've Got No Strings" — Pinocchio "I'd Do Anything" — Oliver! "It's Possible" — Seussical "Following the Leader" — Peter Pan "When You Wish Upon a Star" "Cruella De Vil" (from the show — bold choice!)
🎤 Coach's note: Have him find the highest and lowest comfy note of the song and make sure the cut shows both. Start on a confident note (hum it first in the car), plant his feet, and finish with a clear last note + a little smile — that ending is what they remember.
05

In the room — 6 things that stand out

  • Slate with a smile — name, age, clear and friendly. First impression = confidence.
  • Be LOUD — sing and speak to the back wall. Kids almost always under-project; volume reads as confidence.
  • Take the dance BIG — copy the moves with full energy. Getting it slightly wrong with a smile beats doing it small and safe.
  • Make a character choice — on a read, pick a voice/attitude and commit. Directors love a kid who plays.
  • Recover with a smile — if he forgets a word, keep going and grin. Bouncing back is a skill they're watching for.
  • Say thank you on the way out. Warmth & being easy to work with matters as much as talent.