Monthly Archives: May 2026

Auditions Announced for BIRTHDAY CANDLES at Dayton Theatre Guild

Open audition notice for BIRTHDAY CANDLES by Noah Haidle

We are looking for six actors for this upcoming production

Auditions will be held Mon & Tue, Jul 6 & 7, 2026, starting at 7:00 pm both nights.
Production dates: Aug 21-Sep 6, 2026

The Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philip TheatreScape
430 Wayne Ave, Dayton OH, 45410
937-278-5993 — www.daytontheatreguild.org

Directed by Jared Mola
Produced by Rick Flynn

Ernestine Ashworth spends her 17th birthday agonizing over her insignificance in the universe. Soon enough, it’s her 18th birthday. Even sooner, her 41st. Her 70th. Her 101st. Five generations, an infinity of dreams, and one cake baked over a century. This sweet, poignant, and funny play takes you through the extraordinary moments that make up one woman’s ordinary life.

BIRTHDAY CANDLES is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com

Casting Requirements:

  • Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
  • A résumé and headshot are not required but are appreciated.
  • Please provide a list of all known conflicts between Jul 8 & Sep 7, 2026

A note on ages: The actors in this production will portray either multiple characters of various ages or one character across an entire lifetime. As such, the apparent age of the actor is less important than their ability to play the age of the characters truthfully — not realistically and not ridiculously.

-) Ernestine Ashworth:
Travels from Age 17-107

-) Alice/Madeline/Ernie:
Alice – 40. Ernestine’s Mother
Madeline – 21-30. Ernestine and Matt’s daughter
Ernie- 15. Alex’s Daughter, Ernestine’s great-granddaughter

-) Kenneth:
18-90s. Ernestine’s neighbor and admirer

-) Matt/William:
Matt – 18-72. Ernestine’s boyfriend, then Husband
William – 13. Alex’s Son, Ernestine’s great-grandson

-) Billy/John:
Billy – 17-70s. Ernestine and Matt’s son
John – A man woken up in the middle of the night. Beth’s partner

-) Joan/Alex/Beth:
Joan – Billy’s wife
Alex – 17-43. Billy and Joan’s daughter, Ernestine’s granddaughter
Beth – John’s partner

For more information please contact Jared Mola at jared.mola@daytontheatreguild.org

Dayton Theatre Guild is a community theatre that values community representation, and we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion on and off stage. People of all ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities are welcome and encouraged to participate and will be given full consideration in casting and all volunteer opportunities. Unless explicitly specified by the playwright in the text of the play, all roles will be open to all performers.

The show runs weekends Aug 21-Sep 6, 2026
First Weekend: Friday 8pm, Saturday 8pm, Sunday 3pm
Second & Third Weekend: Friday 8pm, Saturday 5pm, Sunday 3pm

*Children under seven will not be admitted

Individual tickets on sale now
Adult: $25
Senior (60 or older): $23
Student: $18

To purchase:
– https://daytontheatreguild.thundertix.com/
– or call 937-278-5993
– or at the box office day of the show

* All individual tickets purchased in advance via our on-line ticket system or by telephone will also include a $1 convenience fee.

for more information, including auditions, see http://www.daytontheatreguild.org/ 

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Auditions Announced for SHREK the Musical at Springboro Community Theatre

Springboro Community Theater is looking for performers of all ages* to bring “Shrek the Musical” to life at North Park Amphitheater! Join us for a hilarious, heartwarming adventure filled with unforgettable characters, big laughs, and the message that what makes us different makes us special. This high-energy musical features a fast-moving story, crowd-favorite songs, and a large ensemble cast. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the beloved movie or discovering the story for the first time, this fun, inspiring musical has something for everyone!

Once upon a time in a faraway swamp, an unlikely hero finds his quiet life turned upside down when a group of fairy tale misfits are suddenly banished to his land. Alongside a wisecracking donkey and a feisty princess with a few secrets of her own, Shrek sets off on an unforgettable journey to save the day—and maybe discover that true beauty comes from within.

Auditions will be June 8th and 9th starting at 7pm with potential callbacks on June 10th.

ALTERNATE LOCATION: NOTE: Due to an ongoing production, auditions will NOT be held in the Theatre. They will be held at The Gabriel House, next to United Church of Christ (15 West Mill Street, Springboro, OH 45066).

Please prepare a 32-bar (<1 minute) cut of a song in the style of the show that showcases your performing talents! A pianist and Bluetooth speaker will be available—no a cappella auditions, please! All auditions will include a dance call, so have comfortable clothes and appropriate shoes ready!

*Children under 14 are invited to audition with the participation of a sibling, parent, and/or guardian 16+ in the cast, crew, or production team. Children interested in an ensemble-only role do not need to prepare a solo audition piece and may instead participate in a group vocal activity at the start of auditions.

Video auditions will be considered, but in-person auditions are strongly preferred. Videos must be submitted by June 8th at 5pm. Please reach out to Director Emily Kallenberg(Emily.kallenberg@gmail.com) for more information.

Breakdown

Shrek
Our story’s title character. A big, green, terrifying ogre who lives alone on a swamp. He embarks on a journey to rid his land of fairytale creatures and, along the way, falls in love with Fiona. Begins as a grumpy hermit, but reveals his layers and eventually becomes the hero.
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 45
Vocal range top: G#4
Vocal range bottom: A2

Princess Fiona
The beautiful princess of Far Far Away, she transforms into an ogre every night when the sun sets. Rescued by Shrek and eventually falls in love with him. Quirky, blunt, and multitalented, she is not an ordinary princess.
Gender: female
Age: 20 to 30
Vocal range top: G6
Vocal range bottom: F3

Donkey
A talking donkey who joins Shrek on the run from Farquaad’s guards. Quite the chatterbox, he is not deterred by Shrek’s looks and practically forces himself into his good graces. Easily frightened and pushy, but also an optimistic with heart.
Gender: male
Age: 20 to 35
Vocal range top: B4
Vocal range bottom: C3

Lord Farquaad
The comically short, ruthless ruler of Duloc. He is in search of a princes to marry so that he can become king. Has an intensely unfair bias against fairytale creatures that stems from a resentment of his father. Self-absorbed, lonely, and cruel. Doubles as GUARD in swamp and KNIGHT in “Forever”.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 45
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B2

Dragon
A dragon that has been charged with guarding Princess Fiona in her isolated castle. She eventually falls in love with Donkey and attempts to keep him there forever. Imposing and flirtatious, but tired of her job as the glorified baby-sitter. Doubles as MAMA BEAR and DULOC PERFORMER
Gender: female
Age: 25 to 45
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: F3

Gingy
A gingerbread man initially kidnapped by Lord Farquaad. His wit and resolution help him both avoid trouble and inspire the rest of the fairytale creatures. Puppet. Doubles as WICKED WITCH and BLUEBIRD.
Gender: female
Age: 20 to 40
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Pinocchio
The leader of the fairytale creatures. He is an animated puppet whose nose grows every time he lies. Plenty of sass with a penchant for lying. Doubles as DULOC PERFORMER and KNIGHT in “Forever”.
Gender: male
Age: 20 to 40
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: E3

Wolf
Famous adversary of Little Red Riding Hood. Doubles as THELONIUS, DULOC PERFORMER, KNIGHT in “Forever”, BISHOP, GRUMPY DWARF.
Gender: male
Age: 20 to 40
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: E3

Official Facebook event |

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THE PRINCE OF EGYPT at Rise Up Performing Arts Runs June 25-28

THE PRINCE OF EGYPT
Rise Up Performing Arts
June 25-28
Miami University Hamilton Parrish Auditorium

A stage musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Philip LaZebnik. Based on the Book of Exodus with songs from the DreamWorks Animation 1998 film of the same name, the musical follows the life of Moses from being a prince of Egypt to his ultimate destiny of leading the Children of Israel out of Egypt.

  • Thu-Sat, June 25-27 at 7pm
  • Sun, June 28 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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THE NANCE at Middletown Lyric Theatre Runs June 26-28

THE NANCE
Middletown Lyric Theatre
June 26-28
Sorg Opera House [Middletown]

Directed by Charley Shafor

Cast: Bill Brewer as Chauncey Miles,  Brock Bornhorst as Ned,  Steve Deckman as Efram, Charmien Byrd as Sylvie, Jocelyn Wright as Carmen,  Zella Younce as Joan &  Heather Adams as Rose

A bold, heartfelt comedy/drama set in 1930s New York, where burlesque and politics collide. At its center is Chauncey Miles, a witty performer who plays the flamboyant “Nance” caricature onstage, an outrageous stereotype of a gay man, while secretly living as one in a world that refuses to accept him. As Mayor LaGuardia cracks down on “indecency” in entertainment, Chauncey grapples with the rising tide of censorship, the costs of hiding his true self, and a surprising romance that threatens his carefully constructed facade. A sharp blend of comedy, tragedy, music and showbiz sparkle, The Nance explores identity, repression, and the fight for dignity with unflinching honesty. This play deals with mature themes, gay & political issues and suggestive humor of the era. Recommended for 16+.

  • Fri, June 26 at 8pm
  • Sat, June 27 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, June 28 at 2pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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Cast Announced for MISERY at The Drama Workshop

The Drama Workshop and directors Dane Rogers and Sarah Louise Rogers are thrilled to announce the cast of the next production in our upcoming season, MISERY by William Goldman, adapted from the novel by Stephen King.

MISERY runs October 2 – 18, 2026.
Tickets are on sale now at thedramaworkshop.org

  • PAUL SHELDON: Keith Cassidy
  • ANNIE WILKES: Kate Matthews
  • BUSTER: Christie Bishop

We want to sincerely thank the over 30 people who shared their time and talents to audition for a small number of roles, and we are so grateful and humbled by the community’s interest in MISERY. We were overwhelmed by the response, and we hope to see each of you again!

Check out our page at thedramaworkshop.org/get-involved to see how you can find your home at TDW. There are many volunteer opportunities available for our upcoming season!

Audition information about the remainder of our season will be posted very soon, so keep an eye on this account for updates!

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