https://www.backstage.com/casting/peoples-light-2026-27-season-malvern-pa-epa-3111627/
Zak Berkman, producing artistic dir.; Suzanne Mayberry, general mgr.; Molly Rosa Houlahan, producing dir.; Andrew Watring, assoc. artistic dir.PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Casting Equity actors for roles in People's Light's 2026-27 Season. Some roles will be understudied.
The
season includes: "Topdog/Underdog," a co-production with Arden Theatre
Company (Suzan Lori-Parks, writer; Amina Robinson, dir. People's Light's
dates: Rehearsals begin Aug. 18; tech Sep. 8; runs Sep. 20-Oct. 11;
extension Oct. 18. Arden's dates: Tech/Rehearsals Oct. 23-28; runs Oct.
29-Dec. 13; potential extension Dec. 20); "Cinderella: A Musical Panto"
(Kathryn Peterson, book; Michael Ogborn, music; Liz Filios, dir.
Rehearsals begin Oct. 13; tech Nov. 10; runs Nov. 22, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027.
No performances on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day); Louisa
May Alcott’s "Little Women" (Lauren Gunderson, writer; Donya K.
Washington, dir. Rehearsals begin Jan. 12; tech Feb. 2; runs Feb.
14-March 14; extension March 21); "Harvey" (Mary Chase, writer; Molly
Rosa Houlahan, dir. Rehearsals begin March 16; tech April 6; runs April
18-May 9); and "Urinetown" (Mark Hollman, music-lyrics; Greg Kotis,
lyrics; Andrew Watring, dir. Rehearsals begin June 1; tech June 29; runs
July 11-Aug. 8; extension Aug. 15).
Rehearses and runs in Malvern, PA.
- Mar 16, 2026: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST
Holding
room is in the Steinbright Lobby. An Equity Monitor will not be
provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition. Prepare a
brief monologue or song of your choice.
To schedule an audition appointment please go to: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrNyY2AEwoTVeq6fBejvFtwgJIFQtTEaSmrFeWes26HDZS7A/viewform.
Walk-ins will be seen if the schedule allows. Slate before your
audition. 3-minute audition slots max. Bring a hard copy of your resume
and headshot with you to the audition.
Local
Philadelphia area actors are encouraged to audition. Note from
creative: The production welcomes Actors of all races and all gender
identities, abilities/exceptionalities, and body types. Take this into
consideration when submitting. In addition to the genders listed in
character breakdowns, the production is actively seeking trans and
non-binary performers for all roles.
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.
Additional Materials
"TOPDOG/UNDERDOG"
Please
note: This production will be LORT D scale during rehearsals and run at
People’s Light, then LORT C scale once you move to Arden.
SEEKING:
Lincoln: he/him, Black, the older brother. Thoughtful, quiet, weighed down by past mistakes.
Booth: he/him, Black, the younger brother. Charismatic, impulsive, desperate for respect and validation.
"CINDERELLA: A MUSICAL PANTO"
SEEKING:
Sudsy Squirrel: any ethnicity, any age, any gender, a pet of Ella’s heart.
Flea: any ethnicity, teenager, any gender, a pet of Ella’s heart.
Tom Cat: any ethnicity, any age, any gender, a pet of Ella’s heart.
Big Gus: any ethnicity, any age, any gender, a pet of Ella’s heart.
Hazel Opfinder: any ethnicity, she/her, drag queen, 30s-50s, Ella’s Mom, our fairy-God-tree and our Dame.
Ella Opfinder: any ethnicity, she/her, 20s-30s, the daughter of Hazel & Oliver, our ingénue.
Oliver Opfinder: any ethnicity, he/him, 30s-50s, Ella’s Father, an inventor, the Dame’s love interest
Baroness Lucretia Loosestrife: any ethnicity, she/her, 30s-50s, evil stepmother, our villain.
Poisianna Loosestrife: any ethnicity, she/her, 20s-30s, older stepsister, part of a comic duo.
Invasia Loosestrife: any ethnicity, she/her, 20s-30s, younger stepsister, part of a comic duo.
Barnaby: any ethnicity, he/him, 20s-30s, the valet to the prince, part of a comic duo.
Aiden: any ethnicity, 20s-30s, he/him, the Prince of Sargasso, our romantic lead, part of a comic duo.
Louisa May Alcott’s "LITTLE WOMEN"
SEEKING:
Louisa
/ Jo: any ethnicity, she/her, teens-20s. Independent, ambitious, and
fiercely determined to pursue her dreams of becoming a writer. Jo is
tomboyish, outspoken, and adventurous, with a strong sense of justice
and loyalty, but also self-critical and quick tempered. She is always
carrying a notebook or papers and scribbling away.
Meg: any
ethnicity, she/her, 20s. The eldest March sister, responsible,
nurturing, and traditional but vibrant and full of romantic dreams. Meg
is thoughtful, compassionate, and devoted but also sometimes vain and
longing for the ease of wealth that she never had.
Beth: any
ethnicity, she/her, teens-20s. Quiet, gentle, and musical. She is shy,
selfless, and deeply empathetic. She does not dream of a life outside of
her home and family, an inward girl, never a woman.
Amy: any
ethnicity, she/her, teens-20. The youngest sister who is impatient,
artistic, vivacious, charming. Often self-centered and vengeful, but
also spirited, creative, determined and loving.
Marmee: any
ethnicity, she/her, 40s-50s. The mother of the March sisters is wise,
nurturing, and compassionate, resilient, and patient. She guides her
daughters toward selflessness and levelheadedness, but also shares their
verve, delight for life, family and independence.
Aunt March: any ethnicity, she/her, 70. Fussy, rich, judgmental. (May double as Marmee)
Laurie:
any ethnicity, he/him, teens-20s. Wealthy, charming neighbor and close
friend of the March sisters. He is adventurous, mischievous, and
impulsive, with a playful spirit and a love for music and literature.
Despite his privileged upbringing, Laurie is kind-hearted, loyal, and
deeply devoted to the March family, especially Jo.
John: any
ethnicity, he/him, late 20s. Laurie's tutor and later Meg's husband. He
is intelligent, earnest, hardworking, and respectful, with a strong
sense of duty and integrity.
Mr. Laurence and Mr. March: any ethnicity, he/him, 40s-60s. Laurie’s prickly grandfather, Jo’s father. (May double as John)
Friedrich:
any ethnicity, he/him, 40. Professor Friedrich Bhaer is a sunny,
generous German immigrant and intellectual. He is cultured, cheerful and
kind-hearted, with a love for literature and philosophy. He embodies
principles of intellect, integrity, and genuine affection. (May double
as John)
"HARVEY"
SEEKING:
Myrtle Mae Simmons: Any
ethnicity, she/her, 20s. The daughter of Veta Simmons, Myrtle Mae is in
her early twenties and still unmarried, a source of concern to her
mother.
Veta Simmons: Any ethnicity, she/her, 40s-50s. Myrtle
Mae’s mother and Elwood’s sister, Veta considered herself a member of
the “better society” of their small town and is a member of the
Wednesday Forum, a social club for the ladies of the town. She is,
however, slightly embarrassed by her brother.
Elwood P. Dowd: Any
ethnicity, he/him, 40s-50s. Veta’s brother, Elwood is forty-seven years
old and owns the family home he lives in with Myrtle and Veta. He is
pleasant, loveable, and a friend to everyone.
Mrs. Ethel
Chauvenet: Any ethnicity, she/her, 50s-70s. Mrs. Chauvenet is wealthy
and a member of the Wednesday Forum. She also has a marriageable
grandson about Myrtle’s age. (May be doubled with Mrs. Chumley.)
Ruth Kelly, R.N.: Any ethnicity, she/her, 20s-30s. Ruth is head nurse at Chumley’s Rest, a sanitarium for mental patients.
Duane
Wilson: Any ethnicity, she/her, 20s-40s. Duane is the sanitarium’s
attendant and strong arm. He admires Dr. Chumley, perhaps excessively.
(May be doubled with EJ Lofgren.)
Dr. Lyman Sanderson: Any
ethnicity, he/him, 20s-50s. A slightly overzealous young doctor of
psychiatry, Dr. Sanderson has caught Ruth’s eye.
Dr. William R.
Chumley: Any ethnicity, he/him, 50s-60s. Dr. Chumley is the head of
Chumley’s Rest. He is a confident, sometimes pompous, man.
Betty Chumley: Any ethnicity, she/her, 50s-60s. Dr. Chumley’s wife, Mrs. Chumley is a lovely woman. (May double with Ethel.)
Judge
Omar Gaffney: Any ethnicity, he/him, 50s-70s. An elderly lawyer, Judge
Gaffney represents the estate of Veta and Elwood’s late mother.
E.J. Lofgren: Any ethnicity, he/him, any age. An ultimately wise cab driver. (May double with Wilson.)
"URINETOWN"
SEEKING:
Officer
Lockstock - Any ethnicity, he/him, 40s-50s. The narrator of the show
and leader of the police. A figure of authority with a strong and
commanding presence. Bass/Baritone.
Officer Barrel - Any
ethnicity, he/him, 30s-40s. Lockstock’s #2, the “Lefou” to Lockstock’s
“Gaston”. Loves being a cop and taking people to Urinetown. Has a
secret.
Penelope Pennywise - Any ethnicity, she/her, 30s. Bobby’s
boss and the proprietor of Public Amenity #9, the poorest urinal in
town. A survivor who has been hardened by her experiences during the
stink years. Harbors a secret! Soprano vocals with extensive range.
Little
Sally - Any ethnicity, she/her, teen-20s. A poor street urchin who is
also co-narrator of the show. Is she annoyingly smart or just annoying?
Small in stature but large in personality and charm. Mezzo Soprano.
Bobby
Strong - Any ethnicity, he/him, 20s-30s. The “hero” of the show and the
assistant-custodian at the poorest urinal in town. Bobby is the leader
of the poor through the rebellion and is not afraid to stand up for what
he believes in. Falls in love with Hope. Large voice with good range.
Tenor/Alto.
Hope Cladwell - Any ethnicity, she/her, 20s-30s.
Cladwell’s daughter. Fresh out of the Most Expensive University of the
World and about to work at her father’s company. More than meets the
eye. Soprano.
Caldwell B. Cladwell - Any ethnicity, he/him,
40s-50s. The owner and CEO of Urine Good Company (UGC). Overly proud of
his wealth and accomplishments. Will stop at nothing to maintain the
status quo he has created. Hope’s father. Baritone/Bass
Senator
Fipp - Any ethnicity, he/him, 30s-50s. A corrupt Senator who hides all
their crimes through politics. A creepy character who doesn’t pick up on
social cues very well.
Mr. McQueen - Any ethnicity, he/him,
40s-50s. Cladwell’s Right Hand Man – and proud of it! He is always
following in Cladwell’s footsteps. Too weak too step out of the shadow.
Has a secret.
Old Man Strong - Any ethnicity, he/him, 50s-60s. Bobby’s elderly and rebellious father. Doubles as Hot Blades Harry.
Little
Becky Two Shoes - Any ethnicity, she/her, teen-20s. Feisty and
pregnant. A member of the poor that regularly frequent Public Amenity
#9. Soprano with a belt. Doubles as Mrs. Millennium.
Hot Blades
Harry - Any ethnicity, he/him, 50s-60sDevilish and erratic - slightly
scary. A member of the poor that regularly frequent Public Amenity #9.
Tenor. Doubles as Old Man Strong.
Dr. Billeaux - Any ethnicity,
he/him, teen-20s. Cladwell’s Lead Scientist. Hopeful to change the world
but not getting anywhere fast. Doubles as Tiny Tom.
Tiny Tom - Any ethnicity, he/him, teen-20s. The tiniest or perhaps the tallest of the poor. Doubles as Dr. Billeaux.
Soupy
Sue - Any ethnicity, she/her, teen-20s. A member of the poor that
regularly frequent Public Amenity #9. Doubles as chorus track.
Bobby
The Stockfish - Any ethnicity, he/him, teen-20s. A member of the poor
that regularly frequent Public Amenity #9. Doubles as chorus track.
Josephine
Strong - Any ethnicity, she/her, teen-20s. Bobby’s mother. A member of
the poor that regularly frequent Public Amenity #9. Soprano Doubles as
Chorus Track.
Billy Boy Bill - Any ethnicity, he/him, teen-2
