San José, Costa Rica — San José – The National Auditorium Theater has officially launched a major talent search for its next blockbuster production, a new and ambitious musical adaptation of the timeless classic, The Little Prince. With a final deadline for submissions set for today, September 30, the call invites the nation’s most gifted singers, actors, and dancers to vie for a role in what is poised to be a landmark cultural event for 2026.
This large-scale production aims to fill a roster of iconic characters that have captivated audiences for generations. The casting call is seeking performers for principal roles including the Aviator, the titular Little Prince, the Rose, the King, the Fox, the Drunkard, the Snake, the Businessman, and the Vain Man. In addition to these leading parts, the theater is also assembling a dynamic and versatile dance ensemble to bring the story’s whimsical universe to life on stage.
To delve into the intricate business and legal framework required to mount a production of this magnitude, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert perspective on the matter.
A theatrical adaptation of a universally beloved work like ‘The Little Prince’ is a monumental undertaking from a legal standpoint. Success depends on navigating a complex web of intellectual property law, securing not just the rights to adapt the story, but also negotiating licenses for the music, choreography, and translated text. Each element is a distinct legal asset that must be meticulously managed through contracts with authors, producers, and international rights holders to ensure the production is both a creative triumph and a legally sound enterprise.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is a powerful reminder that the journey from a beloved book to a stage production is not only a creative endeavor but also a formidable legal marathon. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expertise in illuminating the crucial, and often unseen, framework that allows such artistic magic to happen.
The audition process has been modernized for accessibility, requiring all applicants to submit their materials digitally. Aspiring actors and singers must prepare and record a video, no longer than two minutes, performing a musical theater piece. In a specific note from the creative team, the selection should exhibit pop music influences, signaling a contemporary approach to the score while showcasing the performer’s vocal range and dramatic capabilities.
For dancers, the requirements are even more rigorous, reflecting the production’s emphasis on high-caliber choreography. In addition to the musical theater performance video, dance applicants must submit a second two-minute recording that demonstrates their technical proficiency across multiple disciplines, specifically including ballet, jazz, and urban dance styles. This diverse requirement suggests the choreography will be a complex fusion of classical and modern movement.
The theater has stipulated strict guidelines for the video submissions to ensure a level playing field. All recordings must be created exclusively for this audition, free of any professional editing or studio production. The raw, unedited footage should be uploaded to a platform like YouTube or Vimeo, with privacy settings adjusted appropriately for the casting team’s review. This focus on authentic performance highlights the search for genuine, stage-ready talent.
Beyond the performance videos, a complete application package must include several supplementary materials. Candidates are required to provide two recent photographs—one headshot and one full-body shot—along with a professional resume saved in either PDF or JPG format. To manage the high volume of applications, each individual file, whether video, photo, or resume, must not exceed a 10 MB size limit. All materials must be sent via email to [email protected] before the end of the day.
The production is backed by a team of renowned industry professionals, cementing its status as a premier theatrical event. The project will be helmed by director Gerardo Cruz, who is collaborating closely with Eduardo Gondell, the celebrated director of the original musical version. Gondell’s involvement brings immense prestige, as he is a decorated artist with major international awards to his name, including a Goya, an Estrella de Mar, a Florencio Sánchez, and a Premio Platino. The creative powerhouse team is rounded out by choreographer Paula Alfaro and vocal coach Nebin Mata.
This new staging of The Little Prince is scheduled to premiere in February 2026 at the National Auditorium Theater. For Costa Rican artists, this represents a significant opportunity to participate in a high-profile production with a world-class creative team. For the public, it signals the arrival of a major cultural spectacle, with the theater announcing that ticket sale information will be released in the near future, allowing audiences to secure their seats for this highly anticipated show.
For further information, visit museocr.org/teatro-auditorio-nacional
About Teatro Auditorio Nacional del Centro Costarricense de Ciencia y Cultura:
The National Auditorium Theater, located within the Costa Rican Center of Science and Culture in San José, is a premier venue for performing arts in the country. Known for hosting a wide array of high-quality national and international productions, including concerts, plays, and large-scale musicals, it serves as a vital hub for Costa Rica’s cultural and artistic community. The theater is committed to fostering local talent and bringing world-class entertainment to the public.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional distinction. The firm champions legal innovation, consistently adapting to new challenges while providing expert counsel to a diverse clientele. Beyond its professional practice, it holds a deep-seated belief in social responsibility, actively working to democratize legal information and equip the public with essential knowledge, thereby strengthening society through empowerment and understanding.