KELSEY THEATRE OPEN AUDITIONS

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MIDNIGHT AT THE NEW DAWN

An Original Ensemble Comedy Written by Dan Maurer

• A Play Written & Directed by: Dan Maurer
• Produced by: Maurer Productions OnStage, Inc. & Maurer TheaterWorks
• Stage Manager: Jeff Cantor

Maurer Productions OnStage, Maurer TheaterWorks, and Kelsey Theatre are committed to advancing an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all our productions and programs. We aim to foster an inclusive environment for people of all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, creeds, socio-economic statuses, nationalities and abilities.

ABOUT THE SHOW
This special co-production reunites an acclaimed, Perry Award–winning creative team for the world premiere of Midnight at the New Dawn -- an original ensemble comedy play inspired by stage legends like Neil Simon and fueled by the delightful chaos of internet-age relationships.

It's New Year's Eve at the New Dawn Diner, where the lives of several couples collide. As midnight approaches, old loves are tested, new sparks fly, and everyone must decide who they're bringing into the new year — and who they're leaving behind. Wickedly funny, yet tender and full of heart, it's Neil Simon with a Wi-Fi connection.

PERFORMANCES DATES:
Friday, October 16 at 8pm
Saturday, October 17 at 2pm & 8pm
Sunday, October 18 at 2pm

 

AUDITION INFORMATION, APPOINTMENTS & QUESTIONS:

ATTENTION ACTORS:
What makes this opportunity unique is the chance to be part of the creative process. Actors who are cast will be invited to participate in the play’s development over the summer — character discussions, table readings, and collaborative conversations that will directly inform rewrites ahead of and during rehearsals. This is not simply performing a finished script. This is the rare chance to help shape one. Your voice, your instincts, and your artistry will leave a mark on this production that will last far beyond opening night.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE AUDITION GUIDE
https://tinyurl.com/MPOaudMID26

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR AN AUDITION TIME
https://forms.gle/Eb4N51HXiMPor1227

QUESTIONS - EMAIL:  MPOauditionsinfo@gmail.com

AUDITION DATES AND TIMES
Saturday, June 6, 2026  –  11am - 5pm
Sunday, June 7, 2026  –   11am - 5pm
Tuesday, June 9, 2026  –  6pm – 9pm (callbacks with vocal auditions)

• Monologues: Actors are asked to audition using one or more of the monologues provided in the audition guide. Download the guide from the link above.
• Music: While this is a straight play, there is one all-cast comic musical number that will be Music Directed by Laurie Gougher. Finalists for roles will be invited to callbacks and taught a piece of music as part of their audition.
• Age & Diversity: All performers must be at least 16 years old by the date of auditions.  Casting is open to performers of any race/ethnicity, gender identity or gender-non-conforming and ability for all roles. 
• Location: Auditions will be held on the Mercer County Community College West Windsor Campus. Check the Kelsey Theatre sign board for a room location on the day of your audition. MCCC is located at 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor, NJ 08550

CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS (AGE RANGES TEEN TO 70s)

(In order of appearance, some roles will be doubled)

• Krissy (F) -- Host of an internet web series called “Truth Be Told” designed to stir up trouble amongst couples by getting them to tell the truth about their relationships. (Principal) Age: 30s
• Brad (M) -- Earnest, but slightly outmatched. Caught in Krissy’s crosshairs during a man-on-the-street interview. Sasha’s boyfriend, but maybe not for long. (Featured/Ensemble) Age: 20s-30s
• Sasha (F) -- Brad’s girlfriend; sharp, perceptive. Beginning to question why she’s with Brad. (Featured/Ensemble) Age: 20s-30s
• Julie (F) -- Waitress who has inherited the diner from her late mother. She gets involved in her customers lives a little too much. Serves as the lens through which the audience sees the couples and their stories. (Principal) Age: 30s-40s
• Claire (F) -- Budding internet influencer who has filed for divorce from her husband and is writing a public divorce decree for her followers. She’s performative, image-driven, but confused about who she is. (Principal) Age: 20s-30s
• Louis (M) -- Claire’s confused husband who struggles to understand his wife while trying to save their marriage. (Principal) Age: 20s-30s
• Lucy (F) -- Romantic, searching, a member of a writers group who is trying to get her boyfriend (another member of the group) to acknowledge his feelings for her. (Principal) Age: 30s
• Owen (M) -- Lucy’s boyfriend (if you want to call him that) is another member of the writers group. Cautious, avoidant, emotionally unavailable. Hides behind the other writers and their stories. (Principal) Age: 30s
• Walt (M) -- Another member of the writers’ group. Blunt, cynical, the Simon Cowell of the group on the surface, but wounded inside. (Supporting) Age: 50s-70s
• Miles (M) -- Analytical, smug, a member of the writers’ group who never feels like anything is good enough. (Supporting) Age: 30-50s
• Ted (M) -- Earnest, eccentric, a widower who seems to be the only member of the writers group besides Lucy who understands empathy and relationships. (Supporting) Age: 50s-60s
• Nicole (F) -- Award-winning actor who has come home for the holidays. Approached by her ex-husband and forced to relive the time they were in the middle of their divorce and forced to act out a love scene together. (Principal) Age: 40s
• Jake (M) -- Nicole’s ex-husband, a philanderer, D-List celebrity in mid-career meltdown, recovering alcoholic. (Principal) Age: 40s
• Hildie (F) -- Intimacy coordinator for Nicole and Jake’s love scene. German accent. Broadly comic. (Supporting) Age: 50s-70s
• Toby (M) -- Emma’s boyfriend. A high school theater kid. Pleasant, attached to Emma, but confused about his own sexuality. (Principal) Age: Teens
• Emma (F) -- Toby’s girlfriend. Another high school theater kid. Emotionally naïve. Over the moon infatuated with Toby. Sick with puppy love. (Principal) Age: Teens
• Ensemble (F/M) -- Various diner staff and patrons – servers, hostess, kitchen worker, diner patrons, etc. Ever present. Creating the world of the diner. Some ensemble actors will double for some of the other characters listed above. Ages: Teens – 70s

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WONDERLAND

Music by Frank Wildhorn; Lyrics by Jack Murphy; Book by Jack Murphy and Gregory Boyd

Featuring characters from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There, by Lewis Carroll

• COMPANY NAME / INFO:
  Produced by Playful Theatre Productions
• Directed by Frank Ferrara; Musical Direction by Shannon Ferrara; Choreography by Joan Schubin

Playful Theatre Productions and Kelsey Theatre are committed to advancing an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.  We aim to foster an inclusive environment for people of all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, creeds, socio-economic statuses, nationalities and abilities.

ABOUT THE SHOW:
Playful Theatre Productions is excited to announce open auditions for the New Jersey premiere of Frank Wildhorn, Jack Murphy, and Gregory Boyd’s musical Wonderland, which will open the Kelsey Theatre season on September 18, 2026!

Wonderland tells a new story set in the world of Lewis Carroll’s novels, in which Alice – now an adult with a child of her own – is drawn back into a Wonderland in which nothing is not unchanged and everything isn’t not the same as she remembers. 

All roles are open. In keeping with the spirit of Wonderland, every role is open to any actor, entirely regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity or presentation, or body type. If you can sing it and act it, we want to see your audition. Details on the available roles   are below!

AUDITION DATES & TIMES:

For young actors (roles of Chloe and The Girl only, age <16)

• Saturday, June 6, 11 am - 2 pm

For adult actors (all other roles, age 16+)

• Wednesday, June 10, 7-10 pm
• Thursday, June 11, 7-10 pm

Callbacks (by invitation)

• Saturday, June 13

If you are unable to attend a scheduled audition date, we are happy to accept virtual auditions. Please see below for additional details.

Auditions will be held on the Mercer County Community College (MCCC) West Windsor Campus. Check the Kelsey Theatre sign board for a room location on the day of your audition. MCCC is located at 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor NJ 08550.

APPOINTMENTS AND QUESTIONS:
In order to minimize wait times, audition appointments are very strongly recommended. To schedule an appointment, please visit the audition website.

PLEASE NOTE: In order to increase efficiency and reduce paper waste, Playful is utilizing a new system for audition appointment registration; you can upload your headshot and resume, and enter all of your information, through the site rather than at the time of the audition. If you encounter any difficulty using this system, have any questions or concerns, please contact director Frank Ferrara at frankcferrara@gmail.com.

If you are interested in auditioning but are not available for any of the audition dates, we are happy to accept virtual (video) auditions. Please contact the director at the email address above for details.

PREPARE:
Actors are asked to prepare approximately two minutes of singing (a song from musical theatre is very strongly preferred), and to bring sheet music in the desired key. An audition accompanist will be provided. Given the musical demands of the show, a capella auditions cannot be considered.

All actors (including young and adult actors) should be prepared to learn and perform a brief dance combination at their initial audition; the entire audition process should take about 60 minutes.

Actors are also asked to bring (or upload to the registration site) a full list of recurring or one-time rehearsal conflicts. We are happy to construct the rehearsal schedule around reasonable conflicts.

SEEKING:
The cast will consist of approximately 13 adult (age 16 and up) actors, all playing a multitude of characters, and 2 younger actors to play Chloe and The Girl (as described below). All roles are otherwise open to any actor (please note that gender presentations and ages, when listed, are those of the character and not necessarily the actor who plays them).

SPECIAL NOTE: The role of the Cheshire Cat will be split among 2 actors, who will also play other roles throughout the show.

CHARACTER INFORMATION:

ADULTS

• Alice (presents F, 25-40) – Once a dreamer, now miles away from Wonderland, Alice is driven and creative, quick witted, and frankly a little annoyed much of the time. Need an excellent singer and actor with a strong high belt.
• The Mad Hatter (presents F, 25-40) – The villain. She is a demon of ambition: brilliant, ambitious, and, you know, mad. Must be an outstanding singer with a stratospheric belt but excellent vocal control.
• The Knight (presents M, 25-40) – A would-be hero with limited real-world experience. Wide-eyed and sincere. Warm, high baritone.
• The Queen of Hearts (any) – The ruler of Wonderland, chaos personified. Charismatic but easily manipulated. Old-school Broadway sound.
• The Cheshire Cat I (presents M, any age) – A mercurial rockstar. Need a strong high tenor who moves very well.
• The Cheshire Cat II (any) – A mercurial rockstar, part 2. For this iteration of the cat, need a strong dancer with a solid voice (but not necessarily the higher range of the other).
• Morris (presents M, any age) – The March Hare, a literal mad scientist. Strong high tenor with rock influence.
• The White Rabbit (any) – A fussy, frantic, panicked librarian. Mid-range singer (baritone or mezzo) with a strong character voice when needed.
• The Caterpillar (any) – Calm, relaxed; a self-professed font of cookie cutter wisdom. Need a dynamic funk singer comfortable with vocal improvisation.

ROLES FOR YOUNGER ACTORS

• Chloe (presents F, age ~10-14) – Alice’s daughter, reserved and full of curiosity. Need a strong, clear natural singing voice.
• The Girl (presents F, age ~10-14) – a mysterious visitor. Appears only once, but is a critical piece of the show. Need a strong singer with a good medium belt.

THE ENSEMBLE

• The Wonderland ensemble will consist of four actors performing all of the remaining roles, including but not limited to Walruses, Carpenters, Humpties Dumpty, Tweedledee and dum, Caterpillar legs, knights, playing cards, and card players. These roles will all include solo singing and/or dialogue, as well as significant featured dancing. Need versatile performers who dance very well and can hold harmonies.

REHEARSALS:
Rehearsals will be planned around the schedules of the actors who accept roles in the show. In general, there will be two weekday evening rehearsals and one weekend afternoon rehearsal each week, beginning in late June or early July and continuing until tech week in mid-September.

 

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LITTLE WOMEN: The Broadway Musical

Presented by Off-Centre Stages and Kelsey Theatre

 

Off-Centre Stages

• MJ Santry - DIRECTOR and CHOREOGRAPHER
• Madelyn Seltzer - MUSICAL DIRECTOR
• Abbey Acolia - STAGE MANAGER
• Haley De Luna - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
• Matthew Patalona - PRODUCER
• Garrett Bruce - DRAMATURG

 

Off Centre Stages and Kelsey Theatre are committed to advancing an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. We aim to foster an inclusive environment for people of all races, genders, religions, sexual orientations, creeds, socio-economic statuses, nationalities and abilities.

PLEASE READ THIS NOTICE IN ITS ENTIRETY TO ENSURE YOU DO NOT MISS ANY IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

 

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America. 

Off-Centre Stages’ production of Little Women will be performed with live pit musicians. 

 

AUDITION DATES & TIMES:

• Sunday, June 14 (12pm-5pm)
• Monday, June 15 (6pm-9pm)
• Callbacks, by invitation only, will be held on Saturday, June 20 beginning at 12pm. 

Auditions will be held on the Mercer County Community College West Windsor Campus. Check the Kelsey Theatre sign board for a room location on the day of your audition.

MCCC is located at 1200 Old Trenton Rd, West Windsor NJ 08550

 

APPOINTMENTS:

Please sign up using JOT FORM - a calendar with 10 time slots per hour is available at the end. We anticipate slots filling up quickly. Please ensure you properly register by completing the JotForm entirely and submitting it after you choose a time slot.

If you absolutely cannot make in-person auditions, video submissions may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to the director to discuss. 

 

QUESTIONS:

If you have any questions about anything at all, please contact us at info@offcentrestages.org

 

PREPARE: (All materials located in THIS FOLDER)

• Vocals: Musical selections from the show have been pre-selected per character. Please prepare all songs for the character(s) you wish to audition for. Tutorial videos and tracks are also provided, and these will be the same tracks used at auditions.
• Reading: You may be asked to read sides as time allows. Sides have been pre-selected per character. Please familiarize yourself with the slides for the character(s) you wish to audition for. Memorization is not required. There will be a reader present in the audition room to read the side with you.
• Movement: There will NOT be a movement call at initial auditions, but there will be a short movement call for anyone called back. This is not a dance-heavy show, but the production features lots of movement and physical performance. The movement combo will be taught at callbacks to everyone to see how well movement is received.

 

REHEARSALS:

Rehearsals will commence on or around Monday, July 13th with a read through, and will be held 2 to 3 times weekly. Additional weekly rehearsals will be added closer to the show, and we will work around summer holidays. 

A very tentative rehearsal calendar has been included in the audition materials folder listed above, but please note exact rehearsal days of the week will be determined based on actor availability AFTER casting. This is just to give you a general sense of what the schedule may look like. Not every actor will be called to every rehearsal.

Availability for all performances and tech rehearsals is mandatory.

 

CONFLICTS:

Conflicts will be collected during your audition registration, and confirmed during the casting process. From there, limited absences will be approved, except in the event of illness or emergency. Excessive absences may result in the recasting of a role. We also ask that you disclose any intentions of rehearsing or performing in another show that overlaps in any way with Little Women at the time of your audition.

 

SEEKING:

Roles are open to performers 18+* (we may consider actors ages 14+ for the role of BETH only) of all races, gender identities, sexual orientations, body types, and abilities. All roles are Non-Equity, unpaid. 

 

CHARACTER AND CASTING INFORMATION:

Please note that ages and gender presentations described below are of the characters, not necessarily of the actors who play them. Seeking a diverse cast of 10+ incredibly engaging actors, movers, and musicians. 

 

• Jo March (20s-30s) The second-eldest sister, a writer. In father’s absence, “the man of the house.” Animated and motivated; Jo is a dreamer whose determination and love drives this story. Playful, a bit messy, deeply caring. Biting, direct, and unflinching. Jo has a way of drawing people in, and making them feel a part of something bigger. Jo is someone who so clearly sees the unfairness and cruelties of the world, but whose heartbreak does not stop them from persevering. 

We have to believe that being a “girl” somehow sits uncomfortably with Jo. While the gender of the character of Jo must remain “female” as written, we warmly encourage transmasc, non-binary, and Queer actors to audition for this role.

• Professor Bhaer (30s-40s) A Professor who is also living at Mrs. Kirk’s boarding house. Cerebral, a bit of an oddball - but contained, polite. Amused and delighted by Jo’s oddities, even if he tries not to show it. She forces his shell to crack open, and, in turn, Professor Bhaer also gives Jo space to be fully herself in a way that few have. *Professor Bhaer is written as being German, but he does not necessarily need to read as German! If you have any other accent work in your wheelhouse, we may be interested in seeing that. 
• Amy March (20s-30s) The youngest sister. We need to believe that she just wants to be included, but in the end, will act selfishly and in her own best interest. Amy is someone who is interested in the material things in life - (maybe she’s not a bad person but just a deprived Taurus?) All jokes aside, Amy is determined to make a better life for herself. She is beautiful, and loves the beautiful things of this world. Amy is, at first, a child with big feelings. She is later an artist with big dreams. Sometimes she is both and it is hard to distinguish between the two. 
• Meg March (20s-40s) The eldest sister. Caring, maternal, (maybe even more so than Marmee? In typical eldest fashion, feels the need to actually be the one in charge and taking care of things.) Out of all the sisters, Meg maybe wants the most “typical” things (to marry, have a family), but is not flat. Meg struggles greatly with the expectations of 1860s womanhood, even if she desperately wants to fit into them. 
• Beth March (Teens-30s) The second-youngest sister - the peacemaker of the family. (Beth does not have to be so impossibly pure and angelic that she’s flat) but we need to believe that there is a rare, inherent goodness and gentleness in this person. Has a sparkle, and sees the best in everyone. We are open to auditioning teenagers for this role. 
• Marmee March (40s-70s) The mother of the four March sisters, holding it all together. Marmee would maybe be more of a free-spirit/firecracker (perhaps a bit like Jo) than her life circumstances have allowed her to be. She has adjusted to be content with her family role, although we see the cracks/pain of it being more lonely and difficult sometimes than she bargained for. A genuinely loving and comforting presence; a good mix of strong and gentle. 
• Mr. Laurence (50s-80s) “Mr. Laurence is Laurie's grandfather, a stiff and stern elderly man who eventually shows his softer side to Beth and gives her his beloved piano that belonged to his dead daughter.” He needs to have a playful and warm sparkle behind a cold exterior. 
• Laurie Laurence (20s-30s) A prideful exterior to cover insecurities, a bit mischievous, playful, lonely, and somehow incredibly charmingly. We need to love him at first, but believe that when it comes down to it, he will act in his own best interest. Something about his heart and Jo’s genuinely does connect; and maybe none of us can put a finger on it exactly, but it’s there. They see and are seen by one another in a way they both need. Laurie is welcomed in almost as another March sister; a reprieve and companionship it feels he has been waiting his whole life for. 
• Aunt March “50s. A formidable, over-bearing matron and great-aunt to the March sisters. The wealthy socialite in town.” (Any age, but decked out!) This character is high femme no matter what (the character’s gender must remain female as written), but interested in performers of any gender. Needs a diva presence and comedic timing. An expert in the performance of femininity; annoyed at Jo’s seeming inability to get with the program. 
• Mr. John Brooke (20s - 40s) Laurie’s tutor who later falls in love with Meg March. Committed, dutiful, a “hopeless romantic.” 
• Mrs. Kirk (to possibly also understudy Marmee and/or Aunt March) (30s - 70s) Dry-witted and plainspoken, sees right through things. Must have strong comedic timing. Irish accent preferred, but open to other accents! 

Other possible understudy tracks/coverage (might be combined in different ways): 

Jo/Beth, Amy/Meg, Laurie/John Brooke, Mr. Laurence/Aunt March

LITTLE WOMEN is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.  www.mtishows.com

 

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