Auditions
Actors of all races and/or ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to audition for all parts.
Unless otherwise noted, all auditions take place at the Dayton Playhouse, located inside Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark at 1301 East Siebenthaler Avenue, Dayton, OH 45414. All auditions begin at 7:00 PM. Auditioners are encouraged to arrive 10-20 minutes early for auditions to complete the audition form. Please be prepared to list all conflicts between the date of the Audition through the final performance of the production. Theatre resumes are welcome, but not required.
Auditions September 21 & 22, 2026:
The Crucible
The Dayton Playhouse invites you to Audition for The Crucible. This gripping pillar of American Theatre is an examination of truth, belief, and the dangers of dogmatic repression. The Crucible delves into the corruption of vanity, humanity, and hysteria.
“This is a sharp time, now, a precise time --- we live no longer in the dusky afternoon when evil mixed itself with good and befuddled the world.”
“While I speak God’s Law, I will not crack its voice with whimpering.”
The Production Crew
Director: Bradley R. Mattingly
Assistant Director: Criag Smith
Stage Manager: Neve Monigan
Set Design: Emma Essex
Lightning Design: Meagan Clark
Sound Design: Adrian Christie
The Audition:
Be prepared to read selected scenes from the show.
The Timeline: Rehearsals & Performances
Important Dates:
Auditions September 21st & 22nd, 2026
Callbacks: To Be Announced
First Rehearsal: To Be Announced
Opening Night November 13, 2026
Closing Performance November 22, 2026
The Commitment:
Weekly Schedule & Times: To Be Announced
Mandatory Attendance: Attendance during technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals is mandatory.
Characters – (All roles listed below are available)
John Proctor - A farmer trying to outrun his own guilt after an affair with Abigail. Not a hero, just a deeply flawed man whose silence and pride helped light the match.
Elizabeth Proctor - John's wife, cold on the surface because that's the only armor available to her. Fiercely moral, quietly devastated, and the one character whose integrity never wavers, our heroine.
Abigail Williams - The engine of the hysteria, but not a cartoon villain, is she even a villain or a victim? Orphaned niece of Parris, former Proctor servant, ringleader of the girls. She genuinely believes her own lies by the end, or that the ends justify the means.
Reverend Parris - Salem's paranoid, self-interested minister. More concerned with his reputation than his congregation's souls.
Tituba - Parris's enslaved servant from Barbados, first person coerced into confessing and naming names.
Reverend John Hale - Arrives as a confident witch-hunting expert and slowly unravels as he realizes what he's helped build.
Deputy Governor Danforth - Presiding judge, a true believer who thinks doubt itself is a sin.
Judge Hathorne - Co-judge, even less patient than Danforth - the machinery of the witch hunt with a face on it.
Giles Corey - Stubborn old farmer, pressed to death for refusing to enter a plea.
Rebecca Nurse - Elderly, deeply respected, accused almost to prove no one is safe.
Francis Nurse - Rebecca's husband, fighting for his wife's life.
Thomas Putnam - Wealthy, opportunist, grudge-driven landowner using the trials to settle old scores.
Ann Putnam - Thomas's wife, grieving seven lost infants, broken, desperate for answers.
Mary Warren - The Proctors' servant, weak-willed, torn between conscience and the group.
Mercy Lewis - The Putnams' servant, an aggressive follower of Abigail.
Susanna Walcott - Another of the girls, minor but complicit.
Ezekiel Cheever - Court clerk, follows orders without resistance.
Marshal Herrick - Town marshal, shows some reluctance later on.
Sarah Good - Homeless town outcast, an easy early target.
Hopkins - Jailer
A Note About Content:
The Crucible contains mature themes some directly, some implied, including racism, domestic violence, sexual abuse, emotional trauma, and death. While these topics are difficult, the production aims to shed light on the similarities between 1692 and now.
We are deeply committed to creating a rehearsal environment that is safe, respectful, and supportive for all artists.
Auditions December 7th & 8th, 2026:
The Color Purple
“Dear God, I’m thankful for every breath I take.”
The Dayton Playhouse Invites You to Audition for The Color Purple. This extraordinary, Tony Award-winning musical is a story of survival, sisterhood, self-discovery, and ultimate triumph. Through breathtaking music and unforgettable characters, The Color Purple celebrates the power of love, faith, resilience, and finding your voice in a world determined to silence it.
We aren't just building a cast; we're building a community. We believe the stage belongs to everyone and that representation matters. While this story centers the experiences of Black women and families in the American South, we warmly welcome all performers who feel called to tell this powerful story with authenticity, respect, and heart.
The Creative Circle
“I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it.”
You'll be in collaborative, supportive hands with our production team:
Director: Tiffany Countryman
Assistant Director: Dana Graham
Music Director: Stevin Crane
Choreographer: Monica Heflin
Stage Manager: To Be AnnouncedII.
Finding Your Voice (What to Prepare)
A Note on the Audition Space: No need to stress. Come prepared, be yourself, and let your light shine.Vocal: Please prepare 16–32 bars of a song in the style of the show. Gospel, soul, R&B, blues, or contemporary musical theatre selections are highly encouraged. Bring sheet music in the correct key; a live accompanist will be provided. No a cappella or recorded tracks, please.
Dance/Movement: Actors should be prepared to learn a brief movement combination. Please wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear.
Acting: Those who audition may be asked to read sides from the script, which will be provided at the auditions.
The Timeline: Rehearsals & Performances
Important Dates:
Auditions December 7th & 8th, 2026
Callbacks: To Be Announced
First Rehearsal: To Be Announced
Opening Night January 22, 2027
Closing Performance February 7, 2027
The Commitment:
Weekly Schedule & Times: To Be Announced
Mandatory Attendance: Attendance during technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals is mandatory. This is the sacred time when all production elements come together and every voice is needed to make the story whole.
The People of the Story (Character Breakdown)
All roles are open. Ages listed reflect stage age and character appearance.
Principal Roles
Celie (Ages 14–40s): The heart of the story. A resilient young woman who endures tremendous hardship while discovering her strength, independence, and self-worth. Requires a powerful actor and singer capable of carrying the emotional journey of the show.
Nettie (Ages 14–40s): Celie's intelligent, hopeful, and loving younger sister. Optimistic and determined, she serves as a beacon of hope throughout the story. Strong singer.
Mister / Albert (Ages 35–55): A troubled and emotionally complex farmer whose treatment of Celie causes deep pain, but who ultimately confronts his own shortcomings. Strong actor and singer.
Shug Avery (Ages 25–45): A glamorous blues singer with confidence, charisma, and a fiercely independent spirit. Dynamic vocalist with strong blues, gospel, and soul influences.
Sofia (Ages 20–40): Bold, fearless, outspoken, and unapologetically herself. One of the most powerful women in the story. Requires exceptional acting and vocal strength.
Harpo (Ages 18–30): Mister's son. Kind-hearted, funny, and often caught between expectations and his own desires. Strong singer and actor.
Squeak / Mary Agnes (Ages 18–30): Sweet, determined, and often underestimated. Experiences a powerful journey of self-discovery. Strong singer.
Pa (Ages 35–60): Celie and Nettie's abusive father figure. Strong actor.
Ol' Mister (Ages 55–75): Mister's demanding and judgmental father.
Church Ladies (Ages 25+): Doris, Jarene, and Darlene serve as narrators, commentators, and vocal powerhouses throughout the show. Strong gospel singers with excellent comedic timing.
The Heartbeat
Adult Ensemble (Ages 18+): The ensemble is the cornerstone of this production, portraying townspeople, church members, field workers, juke joint patrons, family members, and missionaries. Seeking versatile performers with strong singing, movement, and storytelling abilities.
A Note About Content:
The Color Purple contains mature themes including racism, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and emotional trauma. While these topics are difficult, the show ultimately celebrates healing, empowerment, love, forgiveness, and joy.
We are deeply committed to creating a rehearsal environment that is safe, respectful, and supportive for all artists.
A Note on Accessibility:
The Dayton Playhouse is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive audition environment. If you require accommodations to participate fully in the audition process, please contact us in advance so we can best support you.We can't wait to meet you, hear your story, and see what you bring into the room.
The Color Purple is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW).
