Amazing international opportunity for South African vocalists

For a number of years, the team from Hong Kong Disneyland® have travelled to South Africa as part of their commitment to provide a platform for African artists to participate in their global shows, seeking vocalists for their Festival of the Lion King show and festival events at Hong Kong Disneyland®.

These auditions are returning to South Africa in July 2026, taking place in Cape Town, Johannesburg, East London (for the first time) and Durban, giving vocalists in these areas the opportunity to perform on this premier international stage as well.

Calling all Western Cape vocalists – pre-registration is now open for Cape Town’s Open Auditions.

The team from Hong Kong Disneyland® will be auditioning for four of the lead vocalist roles: Simba, Nala, Scar and The Storyteller.

Procedure to audition:

  • Pre-registration to attend the Open Audition is essential. Registration is now open online here.
  • Upon registration online, an email will be sent to the applicant with further audition information/brief.
  • Tuesday 7 July – arrival at 09h30 – Auditions take place at The Waterfront Theatre School, corner Port Road & Alfred Street, Cape Town.
  • For those successful, call backs will be on that same day, later that afternoon. (So please ensure you’re available the whole day)

For successful artists, the contract will be an initial 6-month contract, beginning in October 2026.

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.

A show synopsis of 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.

** Auditions are already open in East London, with Johannesburg and Durban announcements to follow within the next few days.