Friday, November 8: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Saturday, November 9: 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Sunday, November 10: 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Visit
https://auditionsmanager.com/registration.php?AU=l48Tbh1411 to sign up for an audition time.
Hendersonville Theatre is a small theatre that welcomes actors, dancers, and singers of all experience levels. You don’t need any experience to audition. We host general auditions for our entire season at our theatre in Hendersonville, NC, and we also accept video auditions.
Hendersonville Theatre roles are open to anyone ages 16 and over who lives throughout Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. All experience levels are welcome to audition. Our actors are compensated through audience donations, so we do not guarantee a stipend or provide housing, meals, or pay for rehearsals. However, we offer a warm, friendly, and creative environment where you can showcase your talents and feel appreciated for your contribution.
We encourage performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend our auditions.
Here are a few tips to help you understand our audition process:
Show Dates with Characters and Role Breakdowns:
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner: February 6-16 Director: Josh Luria
Matilda (Tillie): African American Female, 45-65; Tillie has worked 27 years as a domestic for the Draytons. She displays wisdom and humor.
Hilary St. George: White Female, 40-50; Associate Director of the Drayton Gallery. She appears supportive, but appearances can be deceiving.
Christina Drayton: White Female, 50-65; Successful businesswoman who runs the Drayton Gallery and is Joanna’s mom. She is surprised and somewhat shocked when she meets her daughter’s fiancé but ultimately is supportive.
Matt Drayton: White Male, 55-70; Publisher of San Francisco newspaper and Joey’s father. He considers himself a progressive liberal but has difficulty accepting his daughter’s fiancé.
Joanna Drayton (Joey): White Female, 20-30; Joanna hopes to get her parents' blessing when she introduces them to her fiancé, Dr Prentice, but is resolved to marry him regardless of her parents’ concerns.
Dr. John Prentice: African American Male, 30-40; An accomplished and well-respected medical doctor who has come to the Drayton’s home to ask Joanna’s parents for their blessing to marry their daughter. He is a passionate man who has found meaning out of a great tragedy.
Monsignor Ryan: White Male, 55-70; Longtime family friend and Mat’s golfing buddy.
John Prentice, Sr.: African American Male, 50-70; A school teacher by trade and Dr Prentice’s father. He is having difficulty accepting his son’s decision to marry Joanna.
Mary Prentice: African American Female, 50-65; A department store clerk and Dr Prentice’s mother. She understands her son’s love for Joanna and reveals this greater truth to Christina.
Life Sucks.: March 20-30 Director: Dakota Mann
Vanya: Age 45. A ruminator. A kvetch. A bright, sweet, passionate, insightful, wound-tight failure. Attracted to Ella. Obsessed with what his life could have been. A textbook example of the Hedgehog’s Dilemma. *Must be comfortable with firearms*
Sonia: Age 24. Kind, caring, and quirky. Serious self-esteem issues. Not comfortable in her body. While experiencing her first crush in Aster. Full of innocence and love for her family. *Slaps Ella*
Ella: Age 36. Searching, frustrated, hopeful, and sad. Very attractive and rampantly desirable. Married to The Professor. Described as “a very sexy ocelot.” *Intimacy involved. Slapped by Sonia*
Babas: Age 64. Vibrant, artistic, outspoken, and even enlightened. A great soul and scrappy wit. Ceramic Artist. She always tried to live life to the fullest during her youth, for better or worse. No regrets.
The Professor: Age 62. Big mind, big ego, extensive vocabulary, small-ish soul. Selfish. Well-meaning. Married to Ella. Aging is affecting him both physically and mentally.
Aster: Age 52. Broken, beautiful, dissatisfied, savvy, and sad. He cares deeply and oddly. Attracted to Ella. Major conservationist. *Intimacy involved. Must be comfortable being on stage without pants*
Pickles: Age 40-ish. An odd, sweet, loyal duck. Very literal. A relentlessly positive utopian lesbian. Attracted to Ella. Creates sock puppets of her friends. A so-so mediator at best but full of spirit.
Audience: Age 9-99. Various wanderers in life who willingly chose to be in the same room with the other characters. Just as inquisitive on the importance of life and how to live it as those on stage. Mostly stoic by trade, they are presently engaged with all of the estate's actions and will speak up when they are addressed. Constantly in flux and will be played by a rotating ensemble for each performance.
This play includes some choreographed dances that incorporate all actors. Auditioning is encouraged for all experience levels.
This show contains adult language, themes, and situations involving intimacy, physicality, substance abuse, and the use of firearms.
Reader’s Theatre: Doubt, A Parable: April 12-13 Director: Patricia Sands
Seeking actors who are available on weekdays. The possibility of some evening rehearsals exists if needed to accommodate casting requirements. A possible combination of weekday and evening rehearsals may be utilized.
Father Brendan Flynn: age late 30s-early 50s; Irish American. A Catholic priest at St. Nicholas Church and School in the Bronx, New York, in 1964. He is responsible for the spiritual guidance of the congregation and plays an active role in the students' lives. Fr. Flynn holds a moral and spiritual authority position, commanding respect within the Church and the school. His role requires him to serve as an ethical guide, but the play questions whether he truly deserves this authority. He is open to the new ideas of Vatican II and is ready for the church to change with the times. He is warm, gentle, and youthful in spirit.
Sister Aloysius Beauvier: 50s-70s; Principal of St. Nicholas School, she is a bastion of traditional Catholic education. She is a strict disciplinarian and unwavering in her commitment to the conservative ways of the church. She believes in academic rigor and moral instruction. She goes “by the book” and enforces the rules with a strict hand, ensuring that her school upholds the values she holds sacred. Driven by an unyielding sense of duty, she is a formidable educator who will not budge on her convictions.
Sister James: age 20s to early 30s. A young nun who works as a teacher at St. Nicholas Church School in the Bronx, New York. She is relatively new to her role, which makes her more vulnerable to the influences and guidance of her superiors. She is responsible for educating and caring for the children that she teaches. Her youth and inexperience contrast with Sr. Aloysius’ seasoned and authoritative presence. She serves as a moral battleground, torn between the accusations against Fr. Flynn and her feelings of doubt and trust.
Mrs. Muller: age 30-40; Black. She is a composed, strict, working-class mother fiercely dedicated to her son, Donald. She is caught in a heart-wrenching war between her son’s current safety and not jeopardizing his educational prospects for the future. She exemplifies tenacity and complex sacrifices as Donald's mother.
Terms of Endearment: May 1-11 Director: Jonathan Forrester
Aurora Greenway: age 50-65; very set in her ways, very put together, judgmental, speaks her mind, but has a considerable heart hidden beneath it all.
Emma Greenway: age 22-30; tomboyish, not living up to her mother’s high expectations, fun-loving, honest.
Garrett Breedlove: age 50-65; retired astronaut, having a midlife crisis, boisterous, inappropriate but lovable.
Patsy Clark/Doris/Nurse: age 22-30; looking for an actress who can be versatile to play three different characters.
Flap Horton: age 25-30; married to Emma, trying his best to be the husband she wants but unsettled and finds himself being unfaithful.
Rudyard/Dr. Maise: age 40-60; looking for an actor that can be versatile to play two different characters
Something Rotten!: July 24-August 10 Director: Bess Park
Nick Bottom: Male presenting, Casting ages 20+. Tenor or High Baritone. The main protagonist of the show. A struggling Renaissance writer at the end of his rope. Nigel’s older brother. He is incredibly jealous of the success of William Shakespeare and will do anything to beat him. He is responsible for creating the first musical, Omelette, after guidance from the misguided Nostradamus. Seeking a comedic actor, tap dance skills a plus but not required. Vocal Range A2-G4.
William Shakespeare: Male presenting, Casting ages 20+. A renaissance rock star. He oozes swagger. Think Mick Jagger, Prince, Tina Turner, Lenny Kravitz. Seeking a comedic actor with a killer pop/rock voice and tap dance skills are a plus but not required. Shakespeare is both the real-life author of many plays and a rival to Nick Bottom. Shakespeare, also referred to as “The Bard” throughout the show, gets all the praise and attention from his adoring fans, leaving writers like Nick and Nigel in his shadow. Rockstar, “Mick Jagger,” Rock Belt, Croon low, Excellent rhythmic skills; Cocky; Vocal Range: A2- Ab4.
Nostradamus: Any gender role, Casting ages 20+. Tenor or High Baritone. A soothsayer who “almost” sees the future correctly. A bit loony. This character predicts that Nick and Nigel will write a musical. Seeking a dynamic comedic performer who sings and moves very well. Vocal Range: C3- F#4
Nigel Bottom: Male presenting, Casting ages 18+. Nick’s younger brother. A sweetly nai?ve young writer and poet, perhaps a little awkward. He’s not very confident, as shown when he doesn’t think his work is excellent despite the outstanding quality of his writing. He is very susceptible and can easily be manipulated. He falls in love with Portia and ultimately finds himself confident through art and love. Seeking a comedic actor who sings very well. Vocal Range: Eb3- A4.
Bea: Female presenting, Casting ages 18+. Nick’s wife and “Right Hand Man.” She loves and supports him despite his questionable decision-making and lack of success. Bea dresses up like a man to make ends meet for her growing family. She is a strong leader and a powerful woman who is quite persuasive when she wants to be. She ultimately saves the day. Seeking a comedic actor. Vocal Range: G3-F#5.
Portia: Female presenting, Casting ages 18+. A quirky Puritan girl whom Nigel meets on the street. Portia is the only daughter of Brother Jeremiah and the love interest of Nigel Bottom. They fall madly in love with each other over their love for Shakespeare and poetry. Seeking a comedic actor. Vocal Range: G3-F#5.
Minstrel: Any gender role, Casting ages 16+. The Minstrel is a narrator of sorts for the show, primarily introducing the cast and welcoming the audience to the show's Renaissance era. This performer opens the first and the second act. Seeking a charismatic actor with a thousand faces. The performer playing the Minstrel will also play other roles in the show. Vocal Range: C#3- A4 (ad. Lib. To C5).
Brother Jeremiah: Male presenting, Casting ages 30+. The Puritan father of Portia and the secondary antagonist in Something Rotten! He is very strict and refuses to let his daughter engage in “fulfilling her lustful desires.” He shows nothing but disrespect towards everyone, especially playwrights like Nick and Nigel. A deeply repressed Puritan. Seeking a comedic actor. Vocal Range: G3-G4.
Tom Snout, Peter Quince, Snug, Francis Flute: Any gender roles, Casting ages 18+. All Voice Types. These characters are individual members and characters within Nick Bottom’s theatrical troupe. Although these particular characters must present as male, they can be played by either male or female performers.
Robin: Male presenting, Casting ages 16+. Tenor or Baritone. Member of Bottom’s theatrical troupe who always plays the female characters.
Lord/Lady Clapham: Any gender role, Casting ages 18+. All Voice Types. Lord/Lady Clapham is a flamboyant theatre producer. Comic speaking role. This character may also play other singing/dancing roles throughout the show.
Shylock: Casting ages 30+. Baritone. Jewish landlord/tax collector who loves theater more than anything. It was illegal at that time to hire someone Jewish, so when Nick is forced to hire Shylock, he has to watch out, or he could be hanged. An investor to whom Nick and Nigel are in debt. Comic character.
Featured Ensemble Roles:
The Bard Backup Singers/Dancers – Ages 16+. All Voice Types. This small group of singers/dancers plays Shakespeare’s Entourage. Strong dance abilities are preferred.
Tap Dancing Ensemble: Ages 16+. Performers with tap dance training for A Musical, Make an Omelette, The Black Death, and more!
Puritans: Ages 16+. Singing and dancing Puritans in the number We See the Light and other scenes.
Renaissance Writers: Ages 16+. Actor / Singers who make an appearance in Welcome to the Renaissance
Shakespeare Groupies: Ages 16+. Singing / Dancing Ensemble in Will Power
Gallery/People in Court: Ages 16+. Actors / Singer Ensemble in Shakespeare in Court
New World Troupe: Ages 16+. Small Actor / Singer Ensemble in Welcome to America
London Townspeople: Ages 16+. Aside from a few principal characters, most of our cast will also play varied townspeople in different scenes and singing and dancing ensembles.
Vocal range for Ensemble males: at least an F4 (some with A4)
Vocal range for Ensemble females: at least F5 (More mix & belt as opposed to “legit”)
Reader’s Theatre: Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily: October 4-5 Director: Sofia Carfaro
Seeking actors who are available on weekdays. The possibility of some evening rehearsals exists if needed to accommodate casting requirements. A possible combination of weekday and evening rehearsals may be utilized.
Holmes: Apathetic, dedicated, and loyal to friends; very serious about good and evil. He is in denial about how much he wants to impress others, especially Wilde. He appears polished and controlled but has a history of impulsive, self-destructive habits and choices (hence Watson’s continued concern). Upper-class/educated British dialect.
Oscar Wilde: Well-established playwright and poet; big personality, witty, self-indulgent. Clever where Holmes is “smart”, very confident in his interests (particularly in other people), good with people. Exuberance to cover fear of being indeed seen? Speaks with an upper-class/educated Irish dialect.
Professor Moriarty: Our villain, 40s+, is Sherlock Holmes’s antithesis. He is evil incarnate, extremely deceitful but surprisingly honest and forthright. He competes with Holmes on a mental level but, when pushed, resorts to petty violence to prove his point. He speaks an upper-class/educated British dialect.
Abdul Karim: 30s+, a real historical figure from Lalitpur, India. Friend, attendant, and confidante to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, official; highly educated and worldly, erect in posture and personality. The most actually respectable, classy person in the room. Commands respect and power without being crass. Speaks in a British-educated Indian dialect. This is a minor role but very integral to the outcome of our story.
Mrs. Lillie Langtry: 40s+, beautiful but not arrogant or pretentious, physically graceful and gracious to all, proud of accomplishments but humble. She has a gravitas to her and is naturally magnetic. Gently commands respect, influence, and wit. Speaks with a cultured British dialect. She also uses an alternate (Cockney?) dialect.
Dr. Watson: 40s-50s+, intelligent but not very observant, easily befuddled; looks on most others as superiors, and is very loyal to Sherlock Holmes. Watson is constantly watching Holmes’ welfare and is more than just a sidekick or friend, he knows Holmes more than anyone else (except maybe Moriarty). Upper-class/educated British dialect.
Clue on Stage: October 16-26 Director: Jennifer Treadway
Wadsworth: (male-presenting, 30+) A traditional British butler in every sense: uptight, formal, and “by the book.” He is the driving force in the play.
Miss Scarlet: (female-presenting, 25+) A dry, sardonic D.C. madam who is more interested in secrets than sex.
Mrs. Peacock: (female-presenting, 30+) The church-going wife of a Senator. A bit batty, neurotic, and quick to hysteria.
Mrs. White: (female-presenting, 30+) A pale, morbid, and tragic woman. Mrs. White may or may not be the murderer of her five ex-husbands.
Colonel Mustard: (male-presenting, 30+) A puffy, pompous, dense blow-hard of a military man.
Professor Plum: (male-presenting, 30+) An academic Casanova who woos women with his big brain.
Mr. Green: (male-presenting, 20+) A timid, yet officious, rule follower. He’s a bit of a klutz and anxious.
Ensemble (2+ actors to play the following roles):
Yvette: (female-presenting, 20-30) A sexy French maid with her secret aspirations. (Also plays The Reporter in the final scene).
The Cook: (any gender) A threatening presence.
The Motorist: (any gender) A benign stranger who rings the wrong doorbell.
Singing Telegram Girl: (female-presenting) A cute, perky tap dancer.
Auxiliary Scarlet: (female-presenting) The back of Miss Scarlet during a scene of theatrical trickery.
Auxiliary Wadsworth: (male-presenting) Wadsworth during two scenes of theatrical trickery.
Chief Of Police: (any gender) A cop who helps save the day.
Backup Cop: (any gender) A backup for the chief.
Mr. Boddy: (any gender) A mobster-type fella. A dark cloud follows this guy wherever he goes.
The “Broken Down Car” Cop: (any gender) A “Regular Joe.”
Auxiliary Mustard: (male-presenting) The back of Colonel Mustard during a scene of theatrical trickery.
Dashing Through the Snow: December 11-21
Director: Abigail Dover Thomas
Trina: (Female, 50s) Owner of a Christmas inn in Tinsel, Texas. Trying to hold on to the Christmas spirit despite a demanding guest.
Mr. Boykin/Hoyt: (Male, 40s-50s) Mr. Boykin is a demanding guest at the inn. The actor doubles as Hoyt, a middle-aged divorced man intent on bringing his elderly aunts back together for Christmas.
Ida Lou/Paulette/Rhonda Lynn: (Female, 40s-50s) Ida Lou is Trina’s surly chef. The actor doubles as Paulette, a disgruntled road stage manager, and Rhonda Lynn, a Southern mama with a sore foot and dreams that got left behind.
Cuddles/Lenora: (Female, 40s / 60s) Cuddles is an empty-nester wife who participates in elaborate role-playing to keep the spark alive with her husband. The actor doubles as Lenora, an older actress who loves the stage, and her friend, Ainsley.
Binky/Ainsley: (Male, 40s / 60s) Binky is an empty-nester husband who participates in elaborate role-playing to keep the spark alive with his wife. The actor doubles as Ainsley, an older actor who is keeping a promise to his mentor.
Ennis/Honey Raye: (Female, 80s / 50s) An elderly great aunt who loves her niece and nephew but hates her sister, Della. Actor doubles as Honey Raye, a five-time divorced Southern woman who’s remarrying husband #2 to spite her ex-boyfriend.
Della/Twink: (Female, 80s / 50s) An elder great aunt who loves her niece and nephew but hates her sister, Ennis. Actor doubles as Twink: Honey Raye, Rhonda Lynn, and Frankie’s enthusiastic sister.
Donna Jo/Frankie: (Female, 40s-50s) Hoyt’s sister who thinks his plan is impossible and dangerous. Actor doubles as Frankie: Twink, Honey Raye, and Rhonda Lynn’s more level-headed sister.
Raynerd: (Male) Rhonda Lynn’s surrogate son, uncomplicated and childlike.
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