Totem Pole Playhouse 2026 Season Equity Principal Actors - Totem Pole Playhouse Auditions

TOTEM POLE PLAYHOUSE 2026 SEASON - GETTYSBURG, PA EPA

LOCATION

Majestic Theatre
25 Carlisle St
Gettysburg, PA 17325-1802

Entry into the Majestic Theatre backstage area will be through the red STAGE DOOR. It is located at the bottom of the pedestrian ramp that runs between the rear of the Majestic and the Borough's Race Horse Alley parking garage.

PERSONNEL

Expected to attend:

• Producer/Director: Ryan B. Gibbs
• Musical Director: Steve Zumbrun

OTHER DATES

See breakdown for production-specific dates.

OTHER

Contact for casting:
Casting@totempoleplayhouse.org

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

AUDITION DATE

Saturday, January 31, 2026
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (E)

APPOINTMENTS

To schedule an audition appointment please go to:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DA5AA2BA5FEC07-61444379-totem#/. If you are unable to attend these in-person auditions, you may submit a video audition. See breakdown for details.

CONTRACT

LOA

LOA

$811 weekly minimum (Ref. to COST) - 2025 rates. Plus, applicable pension and health payments. Housing and travel provided when point of origin requires.

SEEKING

Equity actors for roles in Totem Pole Playhouse's 2026 Season (see breakdown). Produced by The Caledonia Theatre Company at the Totem Pole Playhouse.

PREPARATION

For singing roles in musicals: Please prepare a short song (maximum 2 minutes) in a style appropriate to the season’s shows. Be prepared to sing an additional contrasting selection if requested. Please bring sheet music and your repertoire book. An accompanist will be provided. Please also prepare a short monologue (45 seconds) appropriate to the style of the season, in case it is requested.

For acting-only roles in plays or musicals: Please prepare a 60-second monologue appropriate to the style of the season. All should bring a headshot and resume. We will also hold brief stage management interviews.

BREAKDOWN

Theater Information:
The Caledonia Theatre Company at the Totem Pole Playhouse, Pennsylvania’s premier professional summer theatre, is located within the breathtaking 1,200-acre Caledonia State Park, between Gettysburg and Chambersburg, PA. Totem Pole Playhouse produces Equity productions and presents select guest productions as part of its summer series. With its stellar industry reputation, The New York Times has described Totem Pole Playhouse as “the Cadillac of summer theaters.”

Totem Pole maintains a modest office staff and a technical team of 18–20 individuals who staff our shops and run crew. Totem Pole Playhouse holds collective bargaining agreements with the Actor’s Equity Association (AEA), Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), and United Scenic Artists (USA).

General Production Information:
Our standard production process includes 10–14 days of studio rehearsals, costume fittings, and press activities. This is followed by three and a half days of technical and dress rehearsals, which include one “10 out of 12” rehearsal and culminate in one invited dress rehearsal. Performance runs typically consist of 18–20 performances, depending on the title. Mondays are always scheduled days off, and once we are through opening weekend, Fridays are occasionally dark/no performance.

Historically, Totem Pole Playhouse has operated under an LOA to the COST contract with Actors’ Equity Association. Our Equity contract is up for renewal in 2026.

Housing & Transportation:
While Totem Pole Playhouse does not own housing, we provide accommodations for guest artists through a variety of arrangements, including apartments and dormitories at local colleges, Airbnb rentals, and housing provided by local hosts. Housing is generally located 2–15 miles from the Playhouse. Additionally, we have a limited number of company cars available to assist with local travel logistics.

Equal Opportunity Statement:
The Caledonia Theatre Company at the Totem Pole Playhouse is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and to providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local laws.

If you require reasonable accommodations to apply or participate in the hiring process, please contact Ryan B. Gibbs at:
casting@totempoleplayhouse.org.

Video audition instructions:
Please submit your headshot, resume and link to your audition video to:
casting@totempoleplayhouse.org. Please include a brief note expressing which role(s) you would like to be considered for.

For singing roles in musicals: Please include a short video (a reel or song you have that you feel best reflects our season). Optionally, we will review a video of a short monologue (45 seconds) appropriate to the style of the season, should you wish to send it along (not required).

For acting-only roles in plays or musicals: Please submit a video of a 60-second monologue appropriate to the style of the season. The deadline to submit is Monday, February 2, 2026.

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN

Directed by: Ryan B. Gibbs
Associate Director/Choreographer: Joshua Green
Musical Director: Lena Gabrielle

Rehearsals begin: May 12, 2026
Opens: May 29, 2026
Closes: June 13, 2026

Gretna Theatre Transfer:
Tech/Sound Check: June 16–17, 2026
Opens: June 18, 2026
Closes: June 21, 2026

Synopsis: A Night With Janis Joplin is a musical celebration of the legendary rock and blues icon Janis Joplin. Featuring many of her greatest hits—including “Piece of My Heart” and “Me and Bobby McGee”—the show also honors the powerful artists who influenced her sound, such as Bessie Smith, Nina Simone, Etta James, and Aretha Franklin. Set in 1970, the musical offers a contemporary concert-style take on Joplin’s life and legacy, bringing her music and the stories of her influences vividly to life. Totem Pole Playhouse’s production will be the Central Pennsylvania/Northern Maryland Regional Premiere of the piece. This production is a co-production between Totem Pole Playhouse and Gretna Theatre, with the Totem Pole production transferring to Gretna Theatre for a consecutive limited engagement with no break in employment for the company.

SEEKING

Following roles plus understudies (possibly external):

• Janis Joplin (and Alternate): Female, late 20s. A force of nature with an authentic rock & roll/blues voice, incredible range, and chords of steel. Range: G3–A5. Capturing the iconic sound and presence of Janis is a priority. Special Note: The Janis Alternate will have scheduled public performances and will also cover the Joplinaires chorus tracks (not their historic features).
• Joplinaires (4): Female-identifying Black performers with strong blues, rock, and legit vocal skills. Ranges vary from G3–E5/A5. These are chorus contracts with features. The Joplinaires serve as Janis’s backup singers in her band and additionally portray features of the women who most influenced her sound, including Etta James, Odetta, Bessie Smith, The Chantels, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, a Blues Singer (“Summertime”), and The Blues Woman. Feature tracking may be adjusted from original tracking based on casting.

COME FROM AWAY

Directed and Choreographed by: Christine O’Grady
Associate Director: Luke Reed
Musical Director: Jane Best

Rehearsals begin: June 2, 2026
Opens: June 19, 2026
Closes: July 4, 2026

Synopsis: Come From Away tells the true story of the September 11 attacks, when 6,579 airline passengers were unexpectedly stranded in Gander, Newfoundland. As planes from around the world were diverted, the residents of Gander and surrounding towns welcomed the passengers with food, shelter, and compassion. The musical captures the extraordinary generosity, resilience, and humanity that emerged during this unprecedented moment, highlighting the deep connections formed between strangers in a time of crisis.

Special notes: Our plan is to utilize the actor’s natural hair in this production.

SEEKING

Following roles and understudies (possibly external):

• Claude & Others – Male-identifying, any ethnicity, 40–60. The gregarious and well-liked Mayor of Gander. Doubles as Derm and Eddie. Vocal range top: G4.
• Bonnie & Others – Female-identifying, any ethnicity, 30–40. Head of the Gander SPCA. Doubles as Martha. Vocal range top: B4.
• Beulah & Others – Female-identifying, any ethnicity, 35–60. Head of the Gander Legion. Doubles as Delores.
• Oz & Others – Male-identifying, any ethnicity, 25–50. A quirky constable. Doubles as Joey, Customs Officer, Mr. Michaels, Terry, Matty, Rabbi, and Head Cardiologist. Vocal range top: G4.
• Janice & Others – Female-identifying, any ethnicity, 20–30. A local TV reporter. Doubles as Britney and Flight Attendant. Vocal range top: E5.
• Beverley & Others – Female-identifying, any ethnicity, 40–55. The first female captain for American Airlines. Doubles as Annette and Reporter. Vocal range top: C#5.
• Diane & Others – Female-identifying, any ethnicity, 35–50. A traditional divorcee from Texas. Doubles as Crystal and Brenda. Vocal range: A3–C#5.
• Bob & Others – Male-identifying, Black, 20–40. A hardened New Yorker transformed by kindness. Doubles as Muhumuza and Captain Bristol.
• Nick & Others – Male-identifying, any ethnicity, 35–55. A reserved English oil engineer. Doubles as Doug, Officer Stephenson, and Male Townsperson. Vocal range top: E4.
• Kevin T & Others – Male-identifying, any ethnicity, 25–40. A corporate executive from Los Angeles. Doubles as Garth and President Bush. Vocal range top: G4.
• Kevin J & Others – Male-identifying. Kevin's boyfriend and secretary. Sarcastic and unhappy. Also includes Ali: an Egyptian man who finds a connection to Beulah. Doubles as Dwight.
• Hannah & Others – Female-identifying, Black, 35–55. The mother of a New York firefighter. Doubles as Margie and Mickey. Vocal range top: E5.

OSCAR AND FELIX: A NEW LOOK AT THE ODD COUPLE

Directed by: John Putch

Rehearsals begin: June 23, 2026
Opens: July 10, 2026
Closes: July 25, 2026

Synopsis: This contemporary reimagining of The Odd Couple updates the classic story with modern references while preserving the iconic relationship between Oscar and Felix.

Special notes: Our plan is to utilize the actor’s natural hair in this production.

SEEKING

• Oscar Madison – 50s. A carefree, good-natured, divorced sportswriter who lives alone in a messy eight-room New York apartment. Male-identifying.
• Felix Unger – 50s. A fussy man who knows he is difficult to live with but cannot—or will not—make compromises. Male-identifying.
• Ynez Costazuela – 30s–40s. Oscar and Felix’s upstairs neighbor, one of a pair of Spanish sisters. A widow. Female-identifying.
• Julia Costazuela – 30s–40s. Oscar and Felix’s upstairs neighbor, one of a pair of Spanish sisters. A divorcée. Female-identifying.
• Speed – 50s–70s. One of Oscar and Felix’s poker buddies. Gruff, sarcastic, and frequently picks on Vinnie and Murray. Could be male or female identifying.
• Murray – 40s–60s. An NYPD policeman and poker buddy. Male-identifying.
• Roy – 40s–60s. Oscar’s accountant and poker buddy. Dry-witted but less abrasive than Speed. Male-identifying.
• Vinnie – 40s–60s. A mild-mannered, hen-pecked poker buddy and frequent target of Speed’s barbs. Male-identifying.

SOUTH PACIFIC

Directed by: Ryan B. Gibbs
Musical Directors: Darren Server / Steve Zumbrun
Choreographer: Jenn Reed

Rehearsals begin: July 14, 2026
Opens: July 31, 2026
Closes: August 16, 2026

Synopsis: South Pacific is set on a remote Pacific island during World War II, where American service members stationed far from home confront love, longing, and the realities of war. Two parallel romances—between Navy nurse Nellie Forbush and French planter Emile de Becque, and between Marine Lt. Joe Cable and a young island woman—unfold against a backdrop of military duty and cultural collision. As friendships form and lives intertwine, the characters are forced to confront fear, loss, and deeply rooted prejudice.

SEEKING

• Nellie Forbush: Female-identifying, a Navy nurse in her 30s–40s. A soprano (B3–C6).
• Emile de Becque: Male-identifying, 40s–50s. A cultured French ex-patriot with a rich baritone voice (G2–G4).
• Bloody Mary: Female-identifying, 40s–60s. A Tonkinese businesswoman. Alto/mezzo (G3–E5).
• Lt. Joseph Cable: Male-identifying, 20s. A young Marine officer with a lyrical tenor voice (C3–B4).
• Liat: Female-identifying, late teens–early 20s. Bloody Mary’s daughter; largely non-speaking. Strong dance and physical storytelling required.
• Luther Billis: Male-identifying, 30s–50s. A charismatic Seabee with a baritone/tenor range (C3–G4).
• Professor: Male-identifying, 20s–30s. A Seabee, thoughtful and dryly humorous.
• Stewpot: Male-identifying, 20s–30s. A Seabee with strong ensemble skills.
• Captain Brackett: Male-identifying, 40s–60s. A career Navy officer, primarily a spoken role with ensemble vocals.
• Commander Harbison: Male-identifying, 30s. A senior naval commander, primarily spoken with ensemble vocals.
• Ngana: Female-identifying, age 8–12. Emile’s daughter, child soprano voice, sings “Dites-Moi” in French.
• Jerome: Male-identifying, age 8–12. Emile’s younger child, sings “Dites-Moi.”
• Ensemble: Both male and female-identifying, sailors, Seabees, Marines, Navy nurses, and island residents. All genders, ages 18+, and vocal ranges encouraged. Strong character work and period authenticity required.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

First Rehearsal: November 17, 2026
Opens: December 4, 2026
Closes: December 13, 2026
Venue: Majestic Theatre, Gettysburg

Holiday Production – Separate Fall Auditions. We are accepting early auditions for A Christmas Carol. A dedicated in-person audition will be held in September, which will serve as the primary casting opportunity. Additional audition details will be announced closer to the September call.

Synopsis: Set in Victorian London, A Christmas Carol follows the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter and isolated miser who is visited on Christmas Eve by a series of supernatural spirits. Through visions of his past, present, and possible future, Scrooge is forced to confront the consequences of his choices and ultimately discovers the redemptive power of generosity, compassion, and human connection.

SEEKING

• Ebenezer Scrooge: Male-identifying. An older businessman whose rigid exterior masks regret and loneliness. Demanding, transformative leading role.
• Bob Cratchit: Male-identifying. Scrooge’s loyal clerk—gentle, warm, and quietly resilient despite hardship.
• Mrs. Cratchit and the Cratchit Family: Both male and female-identifying. Loving, resourceful, and central to the heart of the story.
• Jacob Marley: Male-identifying. Scrooge’s former partner, now a ghost burdened by the consequences of a wasted life.
• The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come: Both male and female-identifying. Otherworldly guides who lead Scrooge toward transformation.
• Ensemble: Both male and female-identifying. Members portray Londoners of all ages, including townspeople, party guests, schoolmates, businessmen, and spirits.