Tag Archives: Middletown Lyric Theatre

MASTER CLASS 
Directed by TBD​

AUDITIONS

• Sunday, August 9, 2026 – 1pm – 4pm
• Monday, August 10, 2026 – 6:30pm – 8:30pm
• Tuesday, August 11, 2026 – 6:30pm – 8:30pm

First Meeting: Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 1pm
Rehearsals will be 3-4 times a week beginning at the end of August
You must be CONFLICT FREE: September 19 – October 4, 2026​

All auditions are held at:
The SORG Opera House – 63 South Main Street, Middletown, Ohio 45044
Enter through the front doors on South Main Street.

Click here to sign up.

SYNOPSIS:
MASTER CLASS by Terrence McNally is a bold, theatrical homage to opera legend Maria Callas. Set in a music conservatory, the play captures Callas at the end of her career as she conducts a master class with three aspiring singers. With biting wit, unfiltered passion, and razor-sharp insight, she pushes them beyond technique to uncover the soul of performance. As she critiques, cajoles, and reminisces, her own triumphs and heartbreaks come alive, blurring the line between teacher and diva, artist and woman. Featuring soaring live performances of iconic arias from operas by Verdi, Puccini, and Bellini, this electrifying drama is a powerful exploration of sacrifice, artistry, and the high price of greatness. Recommended for ages 13+​

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

• You must complete an audition form & sign up for an audition time slot
• Those auditioning for one of the opera students should prepare an excerpt from the song listed in the character description as well as another brief excerpt of a song of choice that shows the personality of the auditioner.

CHARACTERS

MARIA CALLAS: This role has been cast
Female, 35-65. A hugely successful world-class opera diva who, following her operatic career, has come to Julliard to teach opera students; she is glamorous, intelligent, and has a commanding stage presence; she is fiercely dedicated to teaching her students about commitment to the demanding discipline of the art; she stresses the need for them to not just sing the notes but to embody the character; she does not mince words; she has a dry and sometimes piercing sense of humor; she is frequently misjudged by an outward personae that belies the sensitive and vulnerable woman who lives within her; strong acting and light singing; Speaks stage English with a tinge of a Greek (Mediterranean accent). Must have excellent foreign language skills especially Italian and some French.

SOPHIE DePALMA (First Soprano):
Female, 22-30. Must be a strong operatic soprano and actress; thinks of herself as fiery but is soon overwhelmed and intimidated by Maria’s criticism; must be able to sing Bellini’s Sonnambila aria, Ah non credea mirati.

SHARON GRAHAM (Second Soprano):
Female, 22-30. Must be a strong operatic soprano and actress; sensitive, but courageous; not afraid to ask questions; works very hard; she is feisty enough to stand up and talk back to Callas, and must be able to cry on cue; must be able to sing Verdi’s Macbetto, Lady Macbeth’s letter aria, Vieni! T”affretta.

ANTHONY ‘TONY” CANDOLINO (Tenor):
Male, 25-35. Attractive and flirtatious; confident verging on cocky. Possesses openness and courage, naive about the preparation necessary to be an opera singer. Serious about becoming an artist. A good listener. Must be able to sing Recondita Armonia from Tosca.

THE STAGEHAND (Supporting) 18+ any gender. A dedicated theatre stagehand; has speaking lines.

MANNY WEINSTOCK: The pianist

Official page |

PIPPIN
Directed by Ryan Heinrich​

AUDITIONS

• Sunday, May 17, 2026 –  1pm – 4pm
• Monday, May 18, 2026 –  6:30pm – 8:30pm
• Tuesday, May 19, 2026 –  6:30pm – 8:30pm

First Meeting: Saturday, June 6 11am
Rehearsals will be 3-4 times a week beginning in mid June
You must be CONFLICT FREE: July 19 – August 2, 2026​

All auditions are held at:
The SORG Opera House
63 South Main Street
Middletown, Ohio 45044
Enter through the front doors on South Main Street.

SYNOPSIS:
Pippin is a bold, theatrical musical that follows a young prince on his quest to find purpose and meaning in life. Guided and manipulated by a mysterious troupe of performers and their charismatic Leading Player, Pippin tries everything from war to love to revolution, searching for his “corner of the sky.” With a dazzling score by Stephen Schwartz and a story that blends spectacle, satire, and soul-searching, Pippin is a high-energy journey through fantasy and reality that dares its hero and its audience to ask what truly makes a life extraordinary. This show deals with mature themes, war, and death. Recommended for 13+​

AUDITION REQUIEMENTS:

• You must complete an audition form & sign up for an audition time slot
• ALL auctioneers should prepare 24 – 32 measures of 2 Broadway style songs; one upbeat and one ballad.
• Please have music prepared for the provided accompanist. Also be prepared for a movement and or dance audition.

CHARACTERS​

LEADING PLAYER:
The ultimate ‘ring leader.’ Masterfully charming and manipulative, the Leading Player is a chameleon of sorts. Guides Pippin through his own story and tries to intervene at the end. excellent dancer. Obsessed with putting on a great show for the audience.
Gender: any – Vocal range top: Ab4 – bottom: Db3

PIPPIN:
Our story’s young and confused protagonist. He is longing to find his purpose in life. Naive, innocent, and discontent. Eventually finds love, and meaning in life, with Catherine and Theo. Gender: male Age: 18 to 20’s – Vocal range top: Ab4 – bottom: G2

CHARLES:
Pippin’s demanding father. As the King of the Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne is more comfortable wielding a sword than breaking bread. He wears his years with great pride. Gender: male – Age: 50 to 60 – Vocal range top: E4 – bottom: G2

LEWIS:
Pippin’s half-brother. Athletic, a little daft and a lot vain. Gender: Male 20’s May sing in group numbers.

FASTRADA:
Pippin’s conniving stepmother. A seductress, who is no stranger to deceit and betrayal, she is both sexy and smart. Skilled at using her sexual appeal to benefit her and her son. Gender: female – Age: 40 – low 50’s – Vocal range top: F5 – bottom: A3

BERTHE:
Pippin’s saucy grandmother. A brassy broad full of wisdom, grace, and sass. She tries to help Pippin and encourages him to live his life to the fullest. Gender: female – Age: low mid 60’s and up. Vocal range top: C5 – bottom: E3

CATHERINE:
A widow and mother. She is a beautiful and a hopeless romantic, who possesses graceful elegance. Encounters Pippin at his lowest point and eventually falls in love with him. Gender: female – Age: 25 to 35 – Vocal range top: Db5 – bottom: F#3

THEO:
Catherine’s son. Gender: male Age: 6 to 10

ENSEMBLE:
Charlemagne’s Army, Monks, Nobility, Peasants, The Players

Official page |

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