Auditioning At CTL

The Community Theatre League is holding open auditions for

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Audition Information: 

Audition Dates: January 28 @ 7PM & January 29 @7PM
Performance Dates: April 12-14 & 18-21, 2024

Those that can not make these auditions should reach out to CTL@CTLshows.com to make different audition plans.

Show Specific Production 

Director: Tara Deljanovan 

About the Show:
Truvy’s beauty salon, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done, laugh, gossip, cry, and offer friendship and understanding to each other in a safe, man free environment. The play begins with hilarious repartee and some humorously revealing verbal collisions. However, in the second act, it moves toward tragedy when, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic), risk pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the ladies and draws them together through their underlying strength and love. All this gives steel magnolias and its characters, the ability to make truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good times and bad.
 

What to Prepare For Your Audition:

At its heart, Steel Magnolias is about women and strength. Please come prepared to share a brief personal story about an influential, strong woman in your life. Anecdotes may be serious, silly, or anything in between.

Additionally, be familiar with the show. Be ready to read for any role from the cold readings provided. Reading for a certain role does not mean you are being considered for the role, and vice versa. Auditions are looking for depth of character, committed choices, a willingness to show vulnerability.

PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO IMPERSONATE THE FILM ADAPTATION IN ANY WAY.

****Please Note: Most characters we encounter currently are written with he/him or she/her pronouns. However limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with. We will also list race/ethnicity when specific to the character but are otherwise seeking all races and ethnicities.****

Performance Dates: April 12,13, 18, 19, 20 1 at 7:30 and January 14 & 21 at 2:00
 
ll roles, unless otherwise announced, are open. CTL encourages anyone who is interested to audition and is always eager to welcome new faces and fresh talent to its stage. Except as specifically required by the author for certain roles, The Community Theatre League has a non-discrimination casting policy, open to members of all races, sexes, creeds, orientations, and abilities. We encourage members of diverse backgrounds and abilities to audition for our productions.
Available Roles:
 

Truvy Jones (30 – 45) – She is the vivacious beauty shop owner who is a true Southern belle.  Truvy knows all the best gossip in town and dispenses it like pleasantries, but never in a mean-spirited way.  Married to a “slug” with twin boys about to leave the nest, Truvy becomes a surrogate mother of sorts to Annelle.  On the surface, Truvy may come off as vain at times..  However, at her core, Truvy is compassionate, resilient, and loyal.

Annelle Dupuy-Desoto (18 – mid-20s) – Annelle is an extremely sheltered, shy mouse of a girl who was duped by a fugitive husband and raked over the coals.  Beyond fragile and naïve at the play’s onset, she soon finds herself under Truvy’s wing – literally and figuratively.  Eventually, Annelle flourishes to become a more mature and self-confident version of herself. 

Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie (20s) – Bubbly with her rose-tinted (Or should we say blush or bashful?) glasses securely on at all times, Shelby makes the best of any curveball life throws her way.  While she is close with her mother, Shelby is her own person and will not be dissuaded from forging her own path – even if it’s dangerous for her on account of a severe case of diabetes.  Shelby is the prettiest girl in town with a lovely personality to match – compassionate, cheerful, and giving.

M’Lynn Eatenton (between 40 – 55)  — M’Lynn is a woman who likes things to be a certain way – hers. Although M’Lynn can be a controlling force, this isn’t to say that she’s unpleasant.  M’Lynn is caring, articulate, and loyal to a fault.  She worries deeply about her daughter and is concerned for her well-being.  M’Lynn and Shelby often argue because both women are so headstrong.  M’Lynn truly is a woman who knows what she wants out of life for herself and her family. 

Clairee Belcher(55 – 70+) – Claire is an elegant and wealthy widower with a sweet tooth.  While Clairee lives for a good treat, she loves gossip even more.  If you don’t have anything nice to say, you could come sit by her, after all.  Whenever Clairee discovers an interest, she dives into it with fervor  — football, radio stations, and viewing theatre.  If Clairee isn’t spending time on one of her passions, she’s most likely having a battle of the wits with her BFF, Ouiser.  Although Clairee’s penchant for gossiping may make her seem callous or cruel, that could not be further from the truth.  Clairee is a friend everyone would love to have in their tribe.

Ouiser Boudreax (55 – 70+)  — Curmudgeon.  Grouch.  Grinch.  These three words have probably been used more than once to describe Ouiser.  They’re not wrong, but that’s not all there is to her.  Ouiser has a heart of gold, but don’t let her hear you running around telling people that!  She’d much rather hear you call her snarky or scathing.  The ladies at Truvy’s are her dearest friends, even if she doesn’t always treat them like they are.  The actress playing Ouiser needs impeccable comedic timing and a willingness to bring on the vile attacks when Ouiser’s hackles are up.

 
 Audition Dates: December 28 & 29 @ 7PM
 
All roles, unless otherwise announced, are open. CTL encourages anyone who is interested to audition and is always eager to welcome new faces and fresh talent to its stage. Except as specifically required by the author for certain roles, The Community Theatre League has a non-discrimination casting policy, open to members of all races, sexes, creeds, orientations, and abilities. We encourage members of diverse backgrounds and abilities to audition for our productions.

The Community Theatre League is holding open auditions for

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Audition Information: 

Audition Dates: December 10 @ 7PM & December 11 @7PM

OPEN AUDITIONS FOR ACTORS 18+ YEARS OF AGE, NO EXCEPTIONS!

Performance Dates: March 1-3, 2024 at the Community Arts Center

Those that can not make these auditions should reach out to CTL@CTLshows.com to make different audition plans.

Show Specific Production 

Director: MARIE FOX | Music Director: SARAH K. DECKER | Choreographer: KATIE CONKLIN 

About the Show:
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” the beloved classic fairytale, comes to life on the Community Arts Center stage with a magical and enchanting twist. This timeless tale tells the story of a kind and gentle young woman named Ella (Cinder Ella), who, with the help of her fairy godmother, overcomes adversity and captures the heart of a prince. The Broadway version, originally adapted for the stage in 2013, features stunning costumes, memorable songs, and a modern take on the beloved characters. Audiences can expect a captivating experience filled with romance, humor, and the enduring message that dreams can come true. With its dazzling production and timeless charm, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella promises to transport theatergoers to a world of wonder and make them believe in the power of love and magic once more.
 

What to Prepare For Your Audition:
VOCAL AUDITION:
Please prepare 16-32 bars of song in the style of the show.
An accompanist
will be provided, please have your sheet music prepared prior to arriving. If using an accompaniment track please have your song ready via bluetooth or aux. cord.

DANCE/MOVEMENT:
Everyone auditioning will be expected to participate in a dance/movement audition. Please come dressed to move (character shoes preferred but not required). 

ADDITIONAL AUDITION INFO:
Some actors maybe asked to stay to read. Please be ready to read for any role from cold readings. Reading for a certain role does not mean you are being considered for the role, and vice-versa. 
Please do not try to impersonate the film adaptations in any way.

****Please Note: Most characters we encounter currently are written with he/him or she/her pronouns. However limiting the descriptions are, our casting seeks to be inclusive as possible and we invite gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, and non-binary actors to submit for the roles they most identify with. We will also list race/ethnicity when specific to the character but are otherwise seeking all races and ethnicities.****

Performance Dates: March 1-3, 2024 at the Community Arts Center
 
 
All roles, unless otherwise announced, are open. CTL encourages anyone who is interested to audition and is always eager to welcome new faces and fresh talent to its stage. Except as specifically required by the author for certain roles, The Community Theatre League has a non-discrimination casting policy, open to members of all races, sexes, creeds, orientations, and abilities. We encourage members of diverse backgrounds and abilities to audition for our productions.
Available Roles:
 

ELLA (Cinderella)
(Female, 20s, Soprano, Any Ethnicity)

Kind-hearted beauty with an infectious generosity of spirit. Though she has been flying under the radar she comes fully into herself as an articulate dynamic woman with a great deal to say Traditional musical theatre soprano.

TOPHER
(Male, 20s – early 30s, Baritone, Any Ethnicity)
The prince of the kingdom leads with heroic bravado but is deeply naïve and not always quick on the draw. In search of his purpose. His kindhearted nature spills into an endearing goofiness at times. Light comedic touch is essential. Soaring, rich musical theatre baritone to G.

MADAME
(Female, Late 40s – 50s, Mezzo-Soprano, Any Ethnicity)
Ella’s selfish stepmother. A vain and tyrannical climber. Deeply concerned with status and image and entirely dismissive of her stepdaughter. Comic timing essential. Traditional musical theatre character voice.

GABRIELLE
(Female, 20s – 30s, Mezzo-Soprano, Any Ethnicity)
Ella’s stepsister and daughter of Madame. Begins aligned with her materialistic mother and sister but her kindness and thoughtful nature emerge as she is effected by Ella and love interest John-Michel. Perhaps a bit quirky and cut from a different mold than the social climbers around her. Comic timing is essential. Strong and expressive traditional musical theatre voice.

CHARLOTTE
(Female, Late 20s – 30s, Mezzo-Soprano, Any Ethnicity)
Ella’s stepsister and daughter of Madame. Deeply self-involved, attention seeker. Loud, brash and delights in being cocky. Lacks self-awareness and often the last one in on the joke. Excellent comic timing required. Traditional musical theatre character belt to F.

MARIE
(Female, 40s – 60s, Soprano, Any Ethnicity)
First presents as a bag lady but is revealed as Ella’s fairy godmother in disguise. Warm with a spark of wackiness she lifts the magic in the show and highlights what is possible! Soaring traditional musical theatre soprano to G.

JEAN MICHEL
(Male, 20s – 30s, Any Ethnicity)
An enthusiastic revolutionary determined to make a difference. Energized and on his way to becoming a leader. Great comic timing. Traditional musical theatre voice.

SEBASTIAN
(Male, 40s – 60s, Any Ethnicity)
Topher’s Lord Chancellor. He actively shields the Prince from what is occurring in his kingdom and revels in maintaining his own power. Disregarding villagers in need he is primarily concerned with preserving the wealthy and the reach of his power. Fantastic comic timing essential. Traditional musical theatre character voice.

LORD PINKELTON
(Male, 30s – 50s, Tenor, Any Ethnicity)
Sebastian’s second-in- command and the herald for all balls and events. Announces royal balls, banquets and even the weather. Excellent comic timing is essential. Traditional musical theatre tenor.

Ensemble of villagers, knights and ball guests.

 
 Audition Dates: December 3 & 4 @ 7PM
 
All roles, unless otherwise announced, are open. CTL encourages anyone who is interested to audition and is always eager to welcome new faces and fresh talent to its stage. Except as specifically required by the author for certain roles, The Community Theatre League has a non-discrimination casting policy, open to members of all races, sexes, creeds, orientations, and abilities. We encourage members of diverse backgrounds and abilities to audition for our productions.

Dates for 2023-2024 Auditions!

KEEP A LOOK OUT HERE FOR AUDITION DATES FOR THESE EXCITING SHOWS AND MORE!
THE PROM
April 14 & 15
THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL
May 19 & 20
All auditions will be held at 7pm, unless otherwise advertised. Information on what to prepare will be put out 2-3 weeks in advance of auditions.

Audition Calendar

Community Theatre League Audition Policy

All roles, unless otherwise announced, are open. CTL encourages anyone who is interested to audition and is always eager to welcome new faces and fresh talent to its stage. Except as specifically required by the author for certain roles, The Community Theatre League has a non-discrimination casting policy, open to members of all races, sexes, creeds, orientations, and abilities. We encourage members of diverse backgrounds and abilities to audition for our productions.

If, after open auditions, the director believes that a particular role or roles cannot be cast, additional actors may be contacted and further auditions may be held as required. Being invited to audition, either directly or indirectly, does not guarantee a role.

In the event an actor cannot attend regular auditions, s/he may audition at a pre-arranged time at the director’s discretion. Callbacks will be held if necessary. Not being called back does not mean that auditionees are not cast in the show. Likewise, being called back does not guarantee casting.

Please note that by auditioning, you are obligating yourself to a considerable rehearsal and performance process. Please be certain that you are willing and able to make this commitment.

Audition / Rehearsal Facts and FAQs

CTL strives to make the audition process a positive and comfortable experience for everyone. Our goal is to put on a wonderful show for the audience and an enjoyable and fulfilling process for local performers.

Anyone may audition, depending on the age groups required for the selected play or musical. Some people come to auditions who are long-time, experienced performers, while some have never been on stage before. No experience is necessary for tryouts. Frequently, auditionees who may not be cast in a particular show choose to participate in the production, through backstage, costuming or technical support.

Play auditions generally do not require advance preparation. Actors may be asked to perform monologues, or may be asked to read from the selected script and to interact with other performers during the audition process, at the discretion of the director. For musicals, you will be asked to bring your own piece of prepared music. Unless stated otherwise in the audition notice, you may bring a CD with pre-recorded background instrumentals (i.e., karaoke tracks). Most singers use sheet music, and an accompanist will be provided for you.

Most directors post information on the CTL website regarding character outlines and a synopsis of the show. Reviewing this information before auditions should provide an idea of what parts might be available and suitable for a specific performer. Please be advised that stage productions of stories which may have also been produced as books or movies might have differences in cast and content.

Rehearsal times vary depending on the director. Most rehearsals will run 2-3 hours. Starting times vary. Shows with children in the cast usually start earlier in the evening than those with adults. Starting times are usually 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM. An effort is made early in the rehearsal process to target specific performers at specific times, to minimize “down time” for performers at rehearsals.

All those who audition are contacted via phone or email. An announcement is made at auditions, to advise when auditionees should expect to hear from a member of the production team. A cast list is posted on the CTL website once it is final.

Casting decisions are ultimately made by the Director, with input from the show’s production staff, which includes the Production Manager, Music Director and Choreographer (if applicable), Stage Manager, and at least one member of CTL’s Production Planning Committee.

The Community Theatre League reserves the right to recast a part if a performer behaves in a manner that is deemed detrimental to the production.

Tips for Auditioning

CTL is a volunteer-run non-profit and, as such, is always looking for more people to audition, organize and just help out in general. To keep up with the details of each audition, check this website often, listen to the radio stations of Clear Channel Williamsport, check your local newspaper’s arts and entertainment section, email, or call the theatre at 327-1777, weekdays 11-4.

Before auditioning

Check the rehearsal and performance schedules before you audition. Probably one of the worst things is to audition, get a great part and then find out that rehearsals interfere with classes or that you’ll be out of town during the 2 weeks the play goes on. Always err on the side of asking too many questions to make sure you can fulfill your obligations.

Read up on the play you’ll be auditioning for. This goes not only for the actual audition piece (if provided), but it’s good to check, especially in newer or independent works, for any subject matter that you may be uncomfortable with. Very little is sacred to some playwrights, so do your homework.

Practice the required audition piece (if available) until you know it by heart. Called “off book” in theater lingo, being able to speak the part freely shows professionalism and allows you to use your hands and body language during your scene. Practice alone in front of a mirror, as well as with others either as an audience or someone feeding you responses if the audition piece is interactive.

If the show is a musical, you will be required to sing a short song. The standard length of an audition piece is 16 measures, which would be roughly a verse or chorus of a tune. Each director is different and some may allow you to sing more than 16 bars or even all of the song so you should bring sheet music (in the correct key) for the accompanist. Unless specifically stated in the audition notice, CD’s and background tracks (karoke CDs) are allowed. The piece should be memorized, but if not, a second copy for yourself is best. Most auditions at CTL happen in large groups, which means you will likely be requested to sing in front of the group.

Be prepared to commit time to building sets and sewing costumes if necessary. Remember, many community theaters are volunteer run and funding comes either from grants or the success of the last performance. Pitching in may be expected, and even if it isn’t, if you have the time consider contributing anyway since it’ll only make the total experience that much better.

F.Y.I.

It may take up to two weeks for the directors to cast the show. Be patient. The directors are always looking for just the right combination of people to have a great show.

Best of luck!