The State Fair of Texas is auditioning for the new voice of Big Tex.
Got powerful pipes? You could be the next voice of Big Tex, the massive cowboy mascot and great big official greeter of the State Fair of Texas.
The first round of auditions is underway; applications will be accepted till April 15.
The State Fair of Texas kicked off the search on April 1, throwing down a Lone Star-style gauntlet: “Do you think you have the perfect voice to fit our Texas-sized cowboy? We know, it’s a tall task, 55-foot tall to be exact, but if you’re up for the challenge, head to BigTex.com/Voice for more information on the audition process and opportunity of a lifetime.”
Big Tex was formerly voiced by Robert “Bob” Boykin, who died earlier this year after seven years of greeting state-fair guests.
If you think you might have the vocal chops to follow in Boykin’s big bootsteps, you’ll have to record prewritten scripts provided by the State Fair of Texas. If you make it through the initial part of the process, there will be in-person interviews, in-studio recording, and finally a PA system test.
The next State Fair of Texas, which takes place at historic Fair Park in Dallas, is scheduled for September 25 – October 18, with the new sonorous sounds of Big Texas to be chosen by July.
Ready to work on your lines? Here are the prewritten scripts from the State Fair of Texas. Our favorite? “What’s a cowboy got to do to get a funnel cake around here?” We’re guessing your favorite will be the three ad-libs you get to come up with as you channel the spirit of Big Tex.
- Howdy, folks! This is Big Tex. Welcome to the State Fair of Texas!
- Hola, amigos! Bienvenidos al State Fair of Texas.
- The State Fair of Texas’ mission is to celebrate all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment.
- It’s a beautiful day at the State Fair of Texas. Just take it from me, the view is great from up here.
- Soar on over to the bandshell to witness the return of the beloved World of Birds Show, presenting Soar!
- Celebrate a fiesta of color, culture, and creativity at the Fiesta de Marionetas show located in the McDonald’s Amphitheatre.
- Don’t miss the Youth Livestock Auction today at 1 o’clock, to see a variety of animals from 4-H and F-F-A youth. The auction helps provide college scholarships to students throughout the Lone Star State.
- What’s a cowboy got to do to get a funnel cake around here?
- Thanks for joining me today at the State Fair of Texas. Hope to see y’all again soon!
- Howdy, Folks! Thank you for visiting the State Fair of Texas.
- Ad-lib three of your own lines you think Big Tex would say.