COTTON PATCH GOSPEL - ACT1 Theater Non Equity Auditions

ACT1 Theater: Cotton Patch Gospel, July 2026

Show: Cotton Patch Gospel
Music: Harry Chapin
Book: Tom Key & Russell Treyz

Directed by: Melody Cookson

ACT1 Theater is excited to announce auditions for Cotton Patch Gospel which will be performed at APC on July 17th , 18th, 24th and 25th. This Greatest Story Ever Retold is based on the book The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John by Clarence Jordan in which the Gospel is presented in a setting of rural Georgia with a classic American roots music score, the final and perhaps best work of Harry Chapin.

Signup Here:
Cotton Patch 2026 Auditions

Concept:
This production will use a large, community-driven cast with:

• Expanded speaking roles
• A featured choir/ensemble
• Strong storytelling through music and movement

We are seeking performers who are:

• Comfortable with ensemble storytelling
• Willing to sing, move, and act collaboratively
• Open to playing multiple roles (in some cases)

Audition Dates: Tuesday, April 14th OR Thursday, April 16th, Callbacks Sunday, April 19th
Location: Alpharetta Presbyterian Church, 180 Academy Street, Alpharetta GA 30009 – Fellowship Hall

What to Prepare:

• One suggested karaoke track
• Be prepared for:
  • Cold readings
  • Movement/group work
  • Possible callbacks

Bring:

• Audition application
• Headshot/resume (if available)

CALLBACKS

Callbacks will include:

• Sides from the script
• Group singing
• Chemistry reads (especially for key relationships)

KARAOKE TRACKS

I Did It/Mama’s Here from Cotton Patch Gospel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5ITb_sJSbg

Jubilation from Cotton Patch Gospel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCFetxIFEZI&list=RDFCFetxIFEZI&start_radio=1

Way Back In The Day from Bright Star:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMqD0UyjkHU&list=RDiMqD0UyjkHU&start_radio=1

Something’s Coming from West Side Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAv5O7ayTJo

Waiting For the Light to Shine from Big River:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTkZhbJgIEg&list=RDeTkZhbJgIEg&start_radio=1

Thank God I’m A Country Boy by John Denver:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_dqZQ0L8kI&list=RDI_dqZQ0L8kI&start_radio=1

I will Wait by Mumford & Sons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzwyGq6aL9I&list=RDAzwyGq6aL9I&start_radio=1

Chicken Fried by Zac Brown Band:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nudao8sP_u0&list=RDNudao8sP_u0&start_radio=1

Other tracks possible with permission, please email
melody.l.cookson@gmail.com

ROLES AVAILABLE

Jesus

• Warm, charismatic, grounded leader
• Strong singer and storyteller

Matthew (Narrator)

• Excellent clarity, diction and presence
• Drives the storytelling

Mary

• Emotional depth, strong vocalist

Joe (Joseph)

• Relatable, sincere, slightly comic

Herod

• Big personality, comic antagonist
• Strong character singer

John the Baptizer

• Energetic, preacher-style presence

FEATURED ROLES

• Messenger (Angel)
• Mother
• Reverend Bissel
• Senator
• Reporter
• Businessman
• Woman (healing scene)

DISCIPLES (can be women or men, as it was in those days! Numbers flexible)

Seeking strong ensemble actors to play:

• Rock (Peter)
• Andy (Andrew)
• Additional named disciples

CHOIR / ENSEMBLE

Looking for:

• Strong singers
• Comfortable movers
• Engaged actors

The ensemble will:

• Play multiple roles
• Function as crowd, congregation, and storytellers
• Be featured in multiple musical numbers