FIRESIDE THEATRE 2027 SEASON — Principal Actors Auditions

AUDITION DATE

Sunday, October 18, 2026
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

APPOINTMENTS

This audition will be run on a 1st Come, 1st Served basis with sign-ups beginning when the space opens at 8:30am on the morning of the audition.

CONTRACT

Dinner Theatre
$830 weekly minimum

SEEKING

Equity actors for roles in Fireside Theatre's 2027 Season (See

BREAKDOWN

).

PREPARATION

Please prepare a brief song appropriate for the roles of interest in our 2027 season. You may bring two brief contrasting cuts if interested in multiple roles. If you are interested in CLUE, please prepare a brief monologue in the style of the show that shows character. If you are interested in both CLUE and one of the musicals, you should prepare a short monologue and a very brief song. An accompanist will be provided. Also, bring your headshot and resume stapled together.

LOCATION

Fireside Playhouse
1131 Janesville Ave
Fort Atkinson, WI 53538-2406

Auditions will be held in the Fireside rehearsal studios.

PERSONNEL

Expected to attend:
Fireside General Manager: Nate Stamper
Lara Hayhurst: Casting Director
Mary Ehlinger: Musical Supervisor
Cindy Blanc: Accompanist

OTHER

firesidetheatre.com

An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition.

Equity's

CONTRACT

s prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.

Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.

BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY

Director: Matt McClure
Music Director: Sarah Godwin
Choreographer: Natalie Herschman
Written By: Alan Janes
Rehearses: Mon, Dec 14, 2026
Opens: Thu, Jan 7, 2027
Closes: Sun, Feb 14, 2027

SEEKING:

BUDDY: Male, White, Age: Early 20s - Mid 20s, Plays electric and acoustic guitar. The young rock-and-roll trailblazer at the center of the story. Buddy is ambitious, confident, innovative, and determined to make music on his own terms. His partnership with Joe and Jerry creates The Crickets, and his songwriting and performances quickly propel him from a local Texas musician to a national star.

JOE B: Male, White, Age: Early 20s - Mid 20s, Plays upright and electric bass. Joe Mauldin, bassist for The Crickets and one of Buddy's closest musical partners. A talented musician and an important part of the band's signature sound, Joe becomes increasingly frustrated as Buddy's ambitions begin pulling him away from the group.

JERRY: Male, White, Age: Early 20s - Mid 20s, Plays drums. Jerry Allison, drummer for The Crickets and one of Buddy's longtime friends and collaborators. A driving force behind the band's sound, Jerry is a talented young musician who shares Buddy's excitement about the possibilities of their new music.

4TH CRICKET: Male, White, Age: Early 20s - Mid 20s, Plays electric and acoustic guitar. Tommy Allsup, known as the Fourth Cricket, is a talented guitarist who joins Buddy and The Crickets as their music career continues to grow. The role also functions as a featured musician within the larger world of the show.

VI PETTY / OTHERS: Female, White, Age: Early - Mid 30s, Plays piano. Vi Petty, wife and musical partner of record producer Norman Petty. A talented pianist and musician, Vi is part of the creative environment surrounding Norman's recording studio in Clovis, New Mexico, where Buddy and The Crickets develop their breakthrough sound. Doubles as additional ensemble roles.

BIG BOPPER / OTHERS: Male, White, Age: Late 20s - Early 30s, Instruments a plus. J.P. Richardson, better known as The Big Bopper, is a larger-than-life rock-and-roll entertainer known for his energetic personality and hit Chantilly Lace. He joins Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens on the Winter Dance Party tour and ultimately shares the stage with them at the final concert in Clear Lake.

RITCHIE VALENS / OTHERS: Male, Mexican American, Age: Early 20s - Mid 20s, Instruments a plus. Ritchie Valens is a groundbreaking young rock-and-roll performer whose recording of La Bamba becomes one of the show's major musical highlights. Talented, charismatic, and still very young, Valens joins Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper on the Winter Dance Party tour and performs alongside them at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake.

MARIA ELENA / OTHERS: Female, Puerto Rican, Age: Mid 20s, Instruments a plus. Maria Elena Santiago is the young Puerto Rican receptionist at Buddy's music publisher who quickly captures Buddy's attention. Their whirlwind romance leads to marriage, and Maria Elena becomes one of the most important people in Buddy's personal life as his career begins to pull him in a new direction. Doubles as additional ensemble roles.

TYRONE JONES (APOLLO PERFORMER): Male, African American, Age: Late 20s - 30s, Instruments a plus. An Apollo performer who helps establish the energy and musical world of Harlem's legendary Apollo Theater. The Apollo sequence is one of the show's major turning points, as Buddy Holly and The Crickets win over an initially skeptical audience and demonstrate the power of their music.

MARLENA MADISON (APOLLO PERFORMER): Female, African American, Age: Late 20s - 30s, Instruments a plus. An Apollo performer who helps create the vibrant musical atmosphere of Harlem's Apollo Theater. She is part of the ensemble of performers who establish the contrast between Buddy and The Crickets' Texas rock-and-roll sound and the African American musical traditions surrounding the Apollo.

PRETTY WOMAN THE MUSICAL

Director: Heather Patterson King
Musical Director: Mary Ehlinger
Choreographer: Trent Soyster
Book: Garry Marshall & J.F. Lawton
Music & Lyrics: Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance
Rehearses: Mon, Feb 1, 2027
Opens: Thu, Feb 18, 2027
Closes: Sun, Apr 11, 2027

SEEKING:

VIVIAN WARD: Character is female, 20s – 30s, any ethnicity. A quirky girl who reluctantly works on Hollywood Boulevard as a prostitute but harbors Cinderella dreams of a better life. A star-crossed meeting with a lost billionaire propels her into a fish-out-of-water adventure among the rich and powerful of Beverly Hills. Along the way she learns that confidence and staying true to oneself are even more important than material wealth. Has strong comedic chops and movement ability. Excellent pop/rock singer with strong belt and mix.

EDWARD LEWIS: Character is male, late 30s – 40s, any ethnicity. A smart, successful, well-educated business mogul who takes over troubled companies and liquidates their assets. His tough, workaholic exterior conceals a sensitive artistic side, including a love of music and the arts. After meeting Vivian he realizes he will have to change if he wants to hold onto the things that matter most to him. Excellent pop/rock singer. Tenor. Has to confidently be able to sing an A.

HAPPY MAN/BARNARD THOMPSON: Character is male, 30s – 50s, any ethnicity. The magical Hollywood Boulevard fairy godfather to Vivian's street Cinderella. Later he transforms into Mr. Thompson, the efficient, tactful manager of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. He teaches Vivian to believe in herself. Excellent pop/rock singer. Tenor. Strong movement ability.

KIT DE LUCA: Character is female, 20s – 40s, any ethnicity. A professional prostitute and party girl who took Vivian under her wing to teach her how to survive on the streets. Tough but funny, she comes to realize she has a lot to learn from Vivian about not giving up and settling for less. Excellent pop/rock singer. Powerhouse high belter.

PHILLIP STUCKEY: Character is male, 30 to 45 years old, any ethnicity. A shameless yes-man who is as ambitious as he is insincere. While he promotes himself as Edward's closest friend and confidant, he is an opportunistic, manipulative, and cutthroat attorney. Tenor. Strong Singer.

Featured Ensemble Roles Include:

MR. MORSE: Character is male, 30s-40s. Any ethnicity. A self-made industrial tycoon who owns a major shipbuilding company. His business becomes a target for a takeover by Edward Lewis and Philip Stuckey. However, he is fiercely determined to fight back. Strong pop/rock singer and mover.

GIULIO: Character is male, 18-25. Any ethnicity. The young bellhop at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, he exudes wide-eyed innocence and has strong comedic timing. Strong pop/rock singer and mover.

MR. HOLLISTER: Character is male, 30s—40s, any ethnicity. A Beverly Hills high-end clothing store manager, he will say or do anything to make a sale. Strong pop/rock singer. Strong movement ability.

VIOLETTA: Character is female, 20s – 40s, any ethnicity. To appear in the ensemble with a feature as an opera singer playing VIOLETTA in a La Traviata sequence. Must have a glorious high soprano operatic voice and also the ability to sing in the pop/rock style. Strong movement ability.

ALFREDO: Character is male, 20s — 40s, any ethnicity. To appear in the ensemble with a feature as an opera singer playing ALFREDO in a La Traviata sequence. Must have a glorious high tenor operatic voice and also the ability to sing in the pop/rock style. Strong movement ability.

SCARLETT: Character is female, 20s-40s, any ethnicity. A vibrant lounge singer at the Voltaire inside the Beverly Wilshire. Versatile in pop/rock/jazz stylings, strong movement ability.

THE CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES IN RISE UP, OH MEN

Director: TBA
Choreographer: TBA
Musical Director: TBA
Book: Greta Grosch
Music: Dennis Curley
Lyrics: Dennis Curley, Greta Grosch, and Graydon Royce
Additional material: Graydon Royce
Rehearses: Mon, Mar 29, 2027
Opens: Thu, Apr 15, 2027
Closes: Sun, May 23, 2027

SEEKING:

Mrs. Vivian Snustad: Character is female, 50s-60s. The matriarch of the kitchen. Her word is not to be tested and her decisions are final. Vocally hers is the highest voice of the ladies.

Mrs. Mavis Gilmerson: Character is female, 40s-50s. A farmer's wife and a grandmother. Mavis is a physical comedienne. She appears rather disheveled even when dressed up, but has an irresistible, lovable personality. The lowest voice in the trio.

Mrs. Karin Engelson: Character is female, 40s. Karin is neat and tidy in appearance and prefers everything perfectly in its place. The middle voice in the trio, should have a comfortable belt.

Pastor E. L. Gunderson/Arlo: Character is male, 40s-50s. A wonderful man, if perhaps not a terribly dynamic preacher. He finds that he can truly relax when in the kitchen. He has a very friendly and intimate relationship with God, and knows that the church runs best when the kitchen is happy. Baritenor.

Carl/Roger: Characters are male, 40s-50s. A member of the congregation and a traveling salesman.

Elroy Engleson/Arlene: 40s-50s. Elroy is the local John Deere salesman and Karin's husband. Arlene is a much discussed, often referenced character in the CBL multiverse, finally brought to life.

HEARTBREAK HOTEL

Director: TBA
Choreographer: TBA
Musical Director: TBA
Book: Sean Cercone and David Abbinanti
Based on a Concept by: Floyd Mutrux
Rehearses: Mon, May 10, 2027
Opens: Thu, May 27, 2027
Closes: Sun, Jul 11, 2027

SEEKING:

ELVIS PRESLEY: Character is male. The King of Rock and Roll. Ideally looks and sounds like Elvis in the early part of his career. Embodies both the charming-yet-shy young man prior to stardom, as well as a charismatic superstar he became. Vocal Range: G2 - Ab4

KID ELVIS: Character is a male child/young teen. A young Elvis Presley. Vocal Range: G3 - B5

GLADYS PRESLEY: Character is female. Elvis' mother and closest person in his life. Strong, Southern Woman. Overly-doting on Elvis but doesn't suffer any fools. Vocal Range: C4 - C5

COLONEL TOM PARKER: Character is male, 50s - early 60s. Elvis' unscrupulous, infamous manager. Driven purely by profit. Cigar-smoking, a big man and a big presence, former carnival barker and con-artist.

SAM PHILIPS: Character is male. Elvis' first producer. Outspoken, tough but sensitive southern man. Had a true ear and passion for authentic music.

BETTY / ENSEMBLE: Characters are female, 20s, Black/African American. Doubles as various characters.

DIXIE LOCKE / ANN MARGRET / ENSEMBLE: Characters are female. 20s. Elvis's teen girlfriend, Ann Margret and various characters. Strong dancer and singer. Vocal Range: C4 - Bb4

PRISCILLA / ENSEMBLE: Characters are female. Portrays Elvis's future wife and various characters. Vocal Range: E4 - D5

VERNON PRESLEY / ENSEMBLE: Characters are male. Portrays Elvis's father and various characters.

SCOTTY MOORE / GLEN / ENSEMBLE: Characters are male. Portrays Elvis' first lead guitarist and various characters. Comedic and straight shooter. Ability to play the guitar is a plus but not required.

REVEREND BREWSTER / ROY BROWN / CHUCK / ENSEMBLE: Characters are male. The influential African American Memphis minister and gospel composer whose church had a formative influence on a young Elvis Presley and various other characters. Vocal Range: A2 - G4

FRANK SINATRA / ENSEMBLE: Characters are male. Frank Sinatra and various other characters. Vocal Range: C3 - D4

MARION KEISKER / ENSEMBLE: Characters are female. Record Producer and various other characters.

DISNEY'S NEWSIES THE BROADWAY MUSICAL

Director: TBA
Choreographer: TBA
Musical Director: TBA
Book by: Harvey Fierstein
Music by: Alan Menken
Lyrics by: Jack Feldman
Rehearses: Mon, Jun 28, 2027
Opens: Thu, Jul 15, 2027
Closes: Sun, Aug 29, 2027

SEEKING:

Jack Kelly: Character is male, 18-30. Any ethnicity. The charismatic leader of the Manhattan newsies, is an orphaned dreamer and artist who yearns to get out of the crowded streets of New York and make a better life for himself out West. Jack isn't afraid to use his voice to attain better conditions for the working kids of New York City. Even with his tough-guy exterior, Jack has a big heart and can demonstrate a sweet vulnerability. Has a great pop tenor voice and sense of physicality. (Vocal Range Bb2-A4)

Katherine Plumber: Character is female, 18-30. Any ethnicity. An ambitious young reporter, works hard to make a name for herself as a legitimate journalist in a time when women aren't taken seriously. Quick, funny, and resourceful, she boldly captures the voice of a new generation rising in her coverage of the newsies' strike. Great contemporary pop voice with high belt, dancer with tap. (Vocal Range A3-F5)

Crutchie: Character is male, 18-25. Any ethnicity. A dedicated newsie with a bum leg that's painful, but helps sell more papes. Though he walks with the assistance of a crutch, Crutchie doesn't let it define him. He is Jack Kelly's best friend and relies on a goofy-sweet sense of humor and optimistic resilience. Crutchie is the heart of the resistance. Tenor, mover. (Vocal Range C3-A4)

Davey: Character is male, 18-30. Any ethnicity. Les's straight-laced, bright big brother starts selling newspapers to help his family earn a living, but becomes swept up in the fervor of the strike. A leader in his own right who is learning to use his voice to uplift others, Davey is the brains of the resistance. Tenor, strong dancer. (Vocal Range D3-A4)

Les: Character is male, 18-25. Any ethnicity. Davey's cheeky younger brother, is inspired by the freedom of the newsies and loves their independent lifestyle. A precocious and natural newsie, Les is an intuitive salesboy and a pint-sized charmer. He should present as younger than the other newsies. Tenor, strong dancer. (Vocal Range Db3-Bb3)

Joseph Pulitzer: Character is male, 35-50. A pompous businessman through and through, owns the World and is concerned solely with the bottom line. Katherine's no-nonsense father, Pulitzer doesn't sympathize with the strikers, but he does eventually – and grudgingly – respect Jack. (Vocal Range F4-C3)

Medda Larkin: Character is female, 25-45. Inspired by vaudeville performer Aida Overton Walker, this big-voiced saloon singer and star of the Bowery offers her theater as a safe haven for the newsies. An astute entertainer with great comic delivery, she's a good friend to Jack and stands firmly behind the newsies in their fight for justice. (Vocal Range F3-E5)

Spot Conlon: Character is male, 18-29. Any ethnicity. The proud leader of the Brooklyn newsies, boasts an intimidating reputation and a short singing solo in Brooklyn's Here. Strong dancer.

Darcy: Character is male, 18-29. Any ethnicity. The upper-class kid of a publisher who sides with the newsies. Tenor. Dancer.

Bill: Character is male, 18-25. Any ethnicity. The son of William Randolph Hearst who joins the newsies' cause.

Wiesel: Character is male, 30-50. Any ethnicity. Weasel, runs the distribution window for the World and knows most of the newsies by name. Assisted by the intimidating Delancey brothers, who keep order by any means necessary, Wiesel is Pulitzer's disgruntled paper-pusher. Mover.

Oscar and Morris Delancey: Characters are male, Age 18-29. Tough brothers who work at the distribution window for the World, take the side of the publishers in the strike and are known to use their fists to make a point. Movers.

Mr. Jacobi: Character is male, Age 33-59. Any ethnicity. Allows the newsies to congregate in his restaurant to plan their strike – when he doesn't have any paying customers, that is. Mover.

Governor Teddy Roosevelt: Character is male, Age 50-65. A well-respected lifelong public servant, inspires Jack to stand up to Pulitzer. Mover.

CLUE

Director: TBA
Author: Sandy Rustin based on the screenplay by Jonathan Lynn Pearson
Rehearses: Mon, Aug 16, 2027
Opens: Thu, Sep 2, 2027
Closes: Sun, Oct 24, 2027

SEEKING:

WADSWORTH: 30 to 60 years old, any ethnicity, character is a man. A traditional British butler in every sense: uptight, formal and by the book. He is the driving force in the play.

YVETTE: 20 to 35 years old, any ethnicity, character is a woman. A loyal and sexy French maid.

MISS SCARLET: 25 to 45 years old, any ethnicity, character is a woman. A dry, sardonic D.C. madam, more interested in secrets than sex.

MRS PEACOCK: 40 to 60 years old, any ethnicity, character is a woman. The wealthy wife of a senator. A bit batty, neurotic, and quick to hysteria.

MRS WHITE: 40 to 60 years old, any ethnicity, character is a woman. A pale, morbid, and tragic woman. Mrs. White may or may not be the murderer of her five ex-husbands.

COLONEL MUSTARD: 40 to 55 years old, any ethnicity, character is a man. A puffy, pompous, dense, blowhard of a military man.

PROFESSOR PLUM: 45 to 60 years old, any ethnicity, character is a man. An arrogant academic, easily impressed by himself.

MR GREEN: 30 to 45 years old, any ethnicity, character is a man. A timid yet officious rule follower. He's awfully anxious.

FEMALE 1: 25 to 40 years old, any ethnicity, characters are women. Will double a number of smaller parts and may cover Principal roles. Including: THE COOK, a gruff woman with a threatening presence. (Alive and Dead.) SINGING TELEGRAM GIRL, a tap dancer with a heart of gold. (Alive and Dead.) AUXILIARY SCARLET, the back of Miss Scarlet during a scene of theatrical trickery. BACKUP COP, backup for the Chief in the very final Cop entrance.

MALE 1: 25 to 45 years old, any ethnicity, characters are men. Will double a number of smaller parts and may cover Principal roles. Including: MR. BODDY, a slick, Frank Sinatra, film noir-esque type fella. (Alive and Dead.) THE MOTORIST, a professional driver. (Alive and Dead.) CHIEF OF POLICE, a cop who helps to save the day.

MALE 2: 25 to 45 years old, any ethnicity, characters are men. Will double a number of smaller parts and may cover Principal roles. Including: THE UNEXPECTED COP, a regular Joe. (Alive and Dead.) BACKUP COP, backup for the Chief. AUXILIARY MUSTARD, the back of Colonel Mustard during a scene of theatrical trickery.

IRVING BERLIN'S WHITE CHRISTMAS

Director: TBA
Choreographer: TBA
Musical Director: TBA
Music and Lyrics: Irving Berlin
Book: David Ives and Paul Blake
Rehearses: Mon, Oct 11, 2027
Opens: Thu, Oct 28, 2027
Closes: Thu, Dec 23, 2027

Performers of all ethnicities are encouraged to audition.

SEEKING:

BOB WALLACE: Character is male, late 20s-late 30s. Easygoing, charming, decent principled man. A major singing star in post-World War II America. He wears his fame easily, but is

SEEKING

something more important: a decent, fulfilling life and true love. While helping his Army unit general regain his dignity, he defines his own life and meets his true love. A superb singer with a crooning style who moves very well. Basic tap is a plus. Baritone.

PHIL DAVIS: Character is male, late 20s-late 30s. The ambitious, go-getting, song-and-dance partner of the team of Wallace and Davis. An irrepressible clown and definite ladies man. He saved BOB's life during the war and became his partner and engine behind their fabulous success. He has boyish charm and magnetism. Strong tap and theatre jazz dance needed. A major song-and-dance comic performer. Bari-tenor.

JUDY HAYNES: Character is female, 20s. The younger, more ambitious Haynes sister. While wholesome and adorable, she is magnetic and flirty – a winning charmer no one can resist. Strong tap and theatre jazz dance needed. A major song-and-dance performer. Chest-mix.

BETTY HAYNES: Character is female, 20s-30s. The sensible responsible half of the up-and-coming song-and-dance team the Haynes Sisters. She has a beautiful, rich singing voice that matches her decent, upstanding principles. She is overprotective of her younger sister and – like BOB – she needs something more. A major singer with grace, warmth, and charm with a rich chest-mix sound & a soprano extension.

MARTHA WATSON: Character is female, 40s-mid 50s. Once a musical comedy star, now the general's housekeeper at the Inn. She has a VERY dry, wry, honest wisecracking sense of humor. Big-hearted but completely unsentimental. She runs the GENERAL's life in spite of his protestations. A winning, appealing character comedian with a clarion belt voice.

GENERAL HENRY WAVERLY: Character is male, 50s-mid 60s. A retired U.S. Army General, adjusting to returning to civilian life in post-World War II America. Once a powerful leader, he now struggles to run an inn in Vermont. He remains a man of great principle and dignity. Beneath his hard, curmudgeon, military exterior, lays a warm compassionate man in need of family and love. Non-singing role.

RALPH SHELDRAKE: Character is male, 30s. Former Army buddy of BOB and PHIL's, now a major television executive with the Ed Sullivan Show. Fast-talking, New York professional. Baritone.

EZEKIEL FOSTER/MR. SNORING MAN: Characters are male, 40s-50s. Comedic character man. EZEKIEL: Vermont local with dry delivery who is a stagehand for the show and comes to love showbusiness. MR. SNORING MAN: Passenger on the train to Vermont; vocal feature in the song Snow. Excellent legit baritone.

MIKE NULTY: Character is male, 20s-30s. Strong singer, first or second tenor preferred but not absolutely necessary. Harassed, overworked, frustrated stage manager of Bob & Phil's show. A Jason Alexander/Nathan Lane-type comic. Baritone.

SUSAN WAVERLY: Character is female, 9. The GENERAL's granddaughter visiting from California for Christmas. A charming, loveable, and outgoing real kid. Susan is very intelligent, but knows nothing about show business. Once bitten by the showbiz bug, she demonstrates everything that is winning in a child performer. Excellent belt voice, must move well.