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.

NOW AUDITIONING: ANNIE

The Dayton Playhouse is holding auditions for the ultimate feel-good family classic, Annie!

We aren't just building a cast; we’re building a family. We believe the stage belongs to everyone and that representation truly matters. Because of that, our doors and hearts are wide open. We warmly encourage actors of all races, ethnicities, sizes, identities, and abilities to come out and share their talents with us. If you’ve been waiting for your sign to get on stage—this is it!

Audition & Callback Dates

No need to stress—just show up ready to have fun!

  • Kids Auditions (Ages 6–17): Monday, July 20 at 7:00 PM

  • Adult Auditions: Tuesday, July 21 at 7:00 PM

  • Callbacks (If needed): Wednesday, July 22 at 7:00 PM

Your Creative Team

You'll be in great hands with our fantastic, supportive production crew:

  • Director: Dawn Roth Smith

  • Assistant Director: Jennifer Strader

  • Music Director: Sherri Sutter

  • Choreographer: Amber Todd

  • Stage Manager: Dionne Meyers

Annie is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

We can't wait to meet you, cheer you on, and see what you bring to the audition room. See you there!

Here is everything you need to know about auditions, rehearsals, and show dates.

Rehearsal Schedule

We respect your time and want to make sure everyone can balance life and theater!

  • First Rehearsal: Monday, July 27

  • Weekly Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings

  • Time: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Important Note: Tech Week runs from September 13 – September 17, 2026. Because this is when we add lights, sound, and costumes, attendance during this week is mandatory.

Performance Dates

Get ready to show Dayton what you've got! The show runs for three weekends:

  • Opening Night: Friday, September 18, 2026

  • Closing Night: Sunday, October 4, 2026

  • Weekly Schedule: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday performances

What to Prepare

  • Vocal: Please prepare 16–32 bars of a musical theatre song in the style of the show (traditional musical theatre). Bring sheet music in the correct key; an accompanist will be provided. Please, no a cappella singing or recorded tracks.

  • Dance/Movement: Come prepared for a brief movement/dance combination. Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear (jazz shoes, sneakers, or character shoes).

  • Acting: Actors may be asked to read sides from the script, which will be provided at the audition.

Character Breakdown

All roles are open to actors of any background, ethnicity, or body type. Ages listed indicate the character's age/appearance on stage, not necessarily the actor's physical age.

The Orphans

  • Annie (Age 10-12): Streetwise, tough, independent, but full of hope and heart. A strong belt singer.

  • The Orphans (Ages 6-14): Molly, Pepper, Duffy, July, Tessie, Kate, and others. gritty, energetic actors with strong personalities who are excellent singers and movers. Any acrobatic or tumbling abilities are also highly welcome.

The Adults

  • Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks (Age 40-60): A powerful, billionaire businessman who seems gruff on the outside but reveals a warm, deeply caring heart. Vocal range: Baritone.

  • Miss Hannigan (Age 35-55): The disillusioned, comedic, and funny matron of the orphanage. Excellent comedic timing and a strong character belt.

  • Grace Farrell (Age 25-45): Warbucks’ loyal, classy, intelligent, and highly capable secretary. She is warm and maternal toward Annie. Vocal range: Soprano.

  • Rooster Hannigan (Age 25-45): Miss Hannigan’s flashy, slick, untrustworthy brother. A smooth talker and a great dancer. Vocal range: Tenor.

  • Lily St. Regis (Age 20-40): Rooster’s airheaded, gold-digging girlfriend. Great comedic timing and a strong character voice. Vocal range: Soprano/with mix belt.

Ensemble Roles

  • The Adult Ensemble (Ages 16+): A versatile group playing multiple roles including Oliver Warbucks' Staff (Drake, Mrs. Pugh, Cecille, Annette), Hooverville Residents, NYC Citizens, Star to Be, FDR, Cabinet Members, and Radio Personalities (Bert Healy, Boylan Sisters). Looking for strong singers, actors, and dancers.

A Note on Accessibility: The Dayton Playhouse is dedicated to providing an accessible audition environment. If you require any specific accommodations to participate fully in the audition process, please reach out to us ahead of time.

Auditions: The Color Purple

“Dear God, I’m thankful for every breath I take.”

The Dayton Playhouse Invites You to Audition for The Color PurpleThis 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).