Character Descriptions

The vibrant, tenacious, and optimistic daughter of Motunui’s chief. She struggles to reconcile her father’s plans for her to take over as the village chief with her own desires to voyage beyond the reef. Ultimately, Moana proves a compassionate and capable leader.  Moana should be able to portray great maturity, possesses incredible energy, a fun sense of humor, and confidently deliver songs like “How Far I’ll Go.”

A demigod and master wayfinder with charisma to spare and a reputation of being a trickster. Despite his hard exterior, Maui becomes a wonderful friend and mentor to Moana throughout their journey. Maui must have great comic timing and be able to portray this shapeshifter’s larger-than-life personality through big gestures and high energy, making moments like “You’re Welcome” true showstoppers.

The proud leader of Motunui and Moana’s father. He prioritizes the safety of his people and his family. This beloved and respected ruler, must be able to sing very well. After Chief Tui’s scenes at the top of the show, the actor can join the Maui, Monster, and/or Shiny ensembles before returning to this primary role at the show’s end.

Moana’s supportive mother. She is compassionate, perceptive, and strong-willed, and trusts her daughter to make the right decisions. With both speaking and singing solos, Sina should be a confident singer and actor who can embody a mature and respected leader. After Sina’s scenes at the top of the show, the actor can join the Maui, Monster, and/or Shiny ensembles before returning to this primary role at the show’s end.

Moana’s wise grandmother and the mother of Chief Tui. She is the village storyteller known for being eccentric and dancing to the beat of her own drum. She should be for a playful actor and singer who can balance comic timing in “Where You Are (Part 2)” with heartfelt sincerity in “Song of the Ancestors.”

Chief Ancestors (1-3) are the three ancient leaders of Motunui. They guide Moana on her quest and narrate her story through speaking and singing solos. These ancestors should be animated storytellers who have excellent diction.

Moana’s fiercely loyal friend. Pua always supports Moana – even if it means facing her own fears. Pua should be a confident singer who can make Pua’s moments in “Where You Are (Part 2),”“How Far I’ll Go,” and “We Know the Way (Finale)” stand out.

Moana’s not-so-bright friend. Hei Hei is well- meaning, but naive. Hei Hei’s has a sense of innocence but must be able to own both speaking and singing solos in “Where You Are (Part 2),”“How Far I’ll Go,” and “We Know the Way (Finale).”

The vicious and egotistical giant crab who lives in Lalotai, the Realm of Monsters. Tamatoa enjoys gathering shiny baubles to add to an ever-growing collection. A self-centered crab with a keen sense of showmanship - he isn’t afraid to own the stage and really shine.

Tamatoa's "claws" are featured, named, and speaking roles that act as comedic assistants to the villainous crab.

The goddess of creation and a demon of earth and fire. Te Fiti & Te Ka will be played by two actors that are able to tell our story through pure body movement and facial expression. These characters are two of the most powerful pieces of the show though they rarely speak.

The ancestor ensemble is a small extension of the Chief Ancestors, they are wise spirits that watch over Motunui. This group has some of the most intricate music in the entire show, so we'll cast strong singers who can tell a story.

The ocean ensemble guides and aides Moana through her trip. Composed of dancers and singers who have the stage presence needed to give the ocean a soul.

This ensemble includes: Villagers, Maui ensemble, Monster ensemble (including Gate Monster), Shiny ensemble, and Wayfarer ensemble.  They are the backbone of the show, they bring the show to life as they perform all of the big ticket numbers like "Where You Are", "You're Welcome", and "Shiny".  They must bring a ton of energy and excitement to the stage. Many of these parts have lines.