Upcoming Auditions
for Mainstage & Readers Theatre Showcase
NOTE: All audition dates subject to change due to schedule shifts caused by COVID-19.
All roles at ACT are open to anyone in the community! No experience is necessary to audition. Here are a few tips to help you understand our audition process:
Check out ACT’s updated COVID policies: https://ashevilletheatre.org/about/covid-policies-and-info/
Auditions are held over two nights, and you may choose either night to audition. Auditions for are held on our Mainstage. For Mainstage or Readers Theatre Showcase show, there’s no need to make an appointment – we’ll get you signed in when you arrive! Some 35below shows do offer audition sign-ups (and we’ll list that by show).
We list approximate age ranges of the characters – but it’s always a good idea to come by and check out the script so you can get a feel for the characters. Note: scripts for musicals are not available to check out.
For musical auditions, please prepare 16 bars of music and bring your sheet music to the audition in the key in which you will be singing. We will provide an accompanist. No one may sing along to a CD or other recording.
For non-musical auditions, please see guidelines below the specific show you’re auditioning for. Generally, you will be asked to memorize and prepare a monologue or to read pages from the script in front of the director, the stage manager, and another reader.
But what happens when you walk in the front door? What to Expect at ACT Auditions
Note: Asheville Community Theatre policy prohibits participation by anyone on any sex offender or sexual abuse registry to any activity sponsored by Asheville Community Theatre. The only exception is being a member of an audience of an event sponsored by ACT.
MAINSTAGE
Elf The Musical
MUSICAL
Book by Thomas Meehan & Bob Martin; Music by Matthew Sklar; Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Directed by: Jeff Catanese
AUDITION DATES: AUDITION DATES HAVE BEEN CHANGED. NEW AUDITION DATES ARE: Saturday, August 27 5:30-8:30pm and Sunday, August 28 1:00-4:00pm with callbacks Tuesday, Aug 30th 6:30-9:30pm.
AUDITION FORM: Please fill out the Audition Form and sign up for an open time slot. Walk-ups are welcome (just be aware you may have to wait for an open slot). You can fill out the Audition Form at the audition, or save time and fill it out now!
CALLBACK DATE: Tuesday, August 30, 2022; 6:30-9:30 pm
PRODUCTION DATES: December 2-December 18, 2022; Performances: Fridays December 2, 9, 16 and Saturdays December 3, 10, and 17 at 7:30pm and Sundays December 4, 11, and 18 at 2:30pm. Extra Performance Added for Thursday, December 15 at 7:30pm. Student Matinee: Tuesday December 6th, 2022 at 10am. Cast must plan to arrive at least 1 hour prior to show time.
REHEARSALS: Production Calendar. Rehearsals will be held Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30PM – 9:30PM beginning September 18th. A printed rehearsal calendar will be available at auditions – you are able to list any conflicts you have with the rehearsal schedule at this time.
DIRECTOR SEEKS: A cast of 9 principal roles and 10+ ensemble roles. Actors of all ages, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and disabilities will be considered for any desired role indicated on their audition sheet.
AUDITION MATERIAL:
Singing: Please prepare 16 bars of music and bring your sheet music to the audition in the key in which you will be singing. We will provide an accompanist. Acapella is fine if you don’t have sheet music. The music director will also have you sing scales.
Dance: All those auditioning will learn a short routine with choreographer Rose Pillmore. Dances will be modified as needed to ensure accessibility of choreographic content. No need to prepare in advance, just wear something you can move in.
CAST OF CHARACTERS:
Buddy (21-35)
The perfect elf! This role is perfect for an excellent actor and good singer who has energetic earnestness and comedic timing.
Gender ID: Male
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Jovie (20/30s)
Gender ID: Female
Jovie works as a store elf at Macy’s, but don’t be mistaken: she doesn’t quite exude the Christmas spirit. She is kind of cynical, a bit tough around the edges, and now the target of Buddy’s complete adoration. Strong singer and actor.
Vocal range top: Db5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Santa Claus (40s+)
This is a great role for a character performer who can play an older (and somewhat cranky) man while trying hard to keep his holiday spirit.
Gender ID: Male
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Walter Hobbs (40/50s)
He has a strong, authoritative presence, but he reveals a softer side.
Gender ID: Male
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Deb (20/30s)
She has a pleasant demeanor, yet efficient work ethic.
Gender ID: Any
Manager (30-50s)
The manager is a terrific featured acting role for a performer with good comedic timing. As the manager of Macy’s, he is doing everything he can to make sure all the employees stay in line.
Gender ID: Any
Emily Hobbs (40/50s)
Walter’s devoted wife who would prefer her husband to spend a little more time at home. She has a sense of maturity and warmth.
Gender ID: Female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Michael Hobbs (appears 12)
Smarter-than-average 12-year-old son of Walter and Emily. He quickly befriends his new adult brother, Buddy, and does everything he can to make sure Buddy becomes a permanent part of the family. He has an unchanged voice.
Gender ID: Male
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Mr. Greenway (50/60s)
Mr. Greenway is one of the crankiest businessmen around. He is the big boss with a commanding presence.
Gender ID: Any
READERS THEATRE SHOWCASE
Chapter Two
By Neil Simon; Directed by Elliot Weiner
AUDITION DATE: Tuesday, August 9, 2022; 10:30 am-2:30 pm on the Mainstage
PRODUCTION DATES: September 2-4, 2022; All performances at 2:30 pm; Friday and Saturday performances at Asheville Community Theatre, Sunday performance at the Reuter Center on the campus of UNCA
REHEARSALS: Tuesdays and Thursdays August 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, and Sept. 1, 2022; 10:30 am-2:30 pm
DIRECTOR SEEKS: Cast of 4: 2M, 2W
ABOUT THE SHOW: Meet George, a widowed New York City novelist who vows he’ll never love again – in spite of his brother’s constant pushing. In another NYC apartment sits “never- again!” Jenny Malone who’s just returned from getting a Mexican divorce. Mix in George’s brother, Leo, and Jenny’s best friend, Faye, who have their own marital issues. Neil Simon dishes up a brilliant and romantic jumble of comedy and pathos that is too delightful to be missed!
Outside Mullingar
By John Patrick Shanley; Directed by Wendy Strauss
AUDITION DATE: Tuesday, October 4, 2022; 10:30 am-2:30 pm on the Mainstage
PRODUCTION DATES: October 28-30, 2022; All performances at 2:30 pm; Friday and Saturday performances at Asheville Community Theatre, Sunday performance at the Reuter Center on the campus of UNCA
REHEARSALS: Tuesdays & Thursdays October 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, and 27; 10:30 am-2:30 pm
DIRECTOR SEEKS: Cast of 4: 2M, 2W
Hay Fever
By Noel Coward; Directed by Marianne Lyon
AUDITION DATE: Tuesday, February 21, 2023; 10:30 am-2:30 pm on the Mainstage
PRODUCTION DATES: March 17-19, 2023; All performances at 2:30 pm; Friday and Saturday performances at Asheville Community Theatre, Sunday performance at the Reuter Center on the campus of UNCA
REHEARSALS: Tuesdays & Thursdays February 28, March 2, 7, 9, 14, and 16, 2023; 10:30 am-2:30 pm
DIRECTOR SEEKS: Cast of 9: 4M, 5W
The Good, The Bad and The Guilty: A Trio of One-Acts
The Rising of the Moon by Lady Gregory
Trifles by Susan Glaspell
In the Shadow of the Glen by J.M. Synge
Directed by Margaret Crowell
AUDITION DATE: Tuesday, March 21, 2023; 10:30 am-2:30 pm on the Mainstage
PRODUCTION DATES: April 14-16, 2023; All performances at 2:30 pm; Friday and Saturday performances at Asheville Community Theatre, Sunday performance at the Reuter Center on the campus of UNCA
REHEARSALS: Tuesdays & Thursdays March 28, 30, April 4, 6, 11, and 13, 2023; 10:30 am-2:30 pm
DIRECTOR SEEKS:
The Rising of the Moon – 4M
Trifles – 3M, 2W
In the Shadow of the Glen – 3M, 1W
Office Hours
By Norm Foster; Directed by Ellen Pappas
AUDITION DATES: Tuesday, May 2, 2023; 10:30 am-2:30 pm on the Mainstage
PRODUCTION DATES: May 26-28, 2023; All performances at 2:30 pm; Friday and Saturday performances at Asheville Community Theatre, Sunday performance at the Reuter Center on the campus of UNCA
REHEARSALS: Tuesdays & Thursdays May 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, and 25, 2023; 10:30 am-2:30 pm
DIRECTOR SEEKS: 3M, 2W playing 16 characters