Altoona Community Theatre

Oliver! Auditions
2023-02-27 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Oliver!
By Lionel Bart
Directed by Matt Michrina
Auditions for ACT’s final show of the 2022-2023 season will be held Sunday February 26 & Monday February 27 in the ACT Rehearsal Hall (1213 12th Street, Downtown Altoona).
Audition times are split between children and adults. Please read below for more information.
Oliver! performs May 4-7, 2023. Actors must be available for all performances. Availability for rehearsals will be asked at auditions, please be prepared to list all conflicts from auditions to performance dates.
Full Vaccination against COVID-19, including updated boosters, is strongly encouraged but not required for participation in Oliver!. We will ask for vaccination status at auditions. This information is important for us to have in case of illness during the show process. If you have any questions regarding our policies on Covid-19 & vaccines, please contact the ACT Office at 814-943-4357.
Audition Information:

General auditions will be held in separate sessions each day for children and adults:
-Auditionees 17 and under will audition from 5 PM to 6:30 PM
-Auditionees 18 and up will audition from 7 PM to 9 PM
-Please arrive as close to the start time for your age group as possible
All auditionees should prepare 24-32 bar cut of a theater song in the style of the show, preferably one that reflects the character you’re most interested in. Auditionees are required to provide printed sheet music in the correct key for the pianist.
If you do not have a song prepared, you will be given a short song to audition with.
Auditions will also include a short movement audition. You will be taught a few steps as a group, no special dance clothing or preparation required.
Cold readings from the script may occur at callbacks.
Auditions are in the ACT Rehearsal Hall (NOT the Mishler Theatre). Please enter through the back door off the 13th Ave Parking Lot (Behind Tom & Joes).
Callbacks are expected to be held March 1 as needed. You will be notified if you are needed at callbacks. Not receiving a call back does not mean you are not cast.

If you are unable to attend general auditions, please contact the ACT Office at least one week prior to auditions to discuss scheduling an alternative time with the director.

About the show:
“The streets of Victorian England come to life as Oliver, a malnourished orphan in a workhouse, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, Mr. Brownlow takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap him back, threatening Oliver’s chances of discovering the true love of a family.”

Cast of Characters:
All roles are available. No prior theatrical or ACT experience is required.

Oliver Twist– 8-13 years of age, Soprano; Orphaned and abandoned from an upper-class family, Oliver ends up in the workhouse. He is innocent and good-hearted, with a strong spirit.
Fagin– 40+, Bass-Baritone; A conniving career criminal and conman. He takes in homeless children and teaches them to pick pockets for him.
Bill Sykes– 20s-30s, Bass/Baritone; Perhaps the most infamous graduate from Fagin’s gang. Nancy’s brutal and abusive boyfriend.
The Artful Dodger– 13-18, Soprano; The cleverest of Fagin’s pickpockets, he introduces Fagin to Oliver. He is a good soul in spite of his “occupation.” Dodger is lively and self-assured.
Nancy– 20s-30s, Alto; A graduate of Fagin’s “school of thieves” and tragically involved in an abusive relationship with Bill Sikes. She is a career thief, hardened and streetwise beyond her years, but also intelligent, caring and good-hearted. She longs for a better life. A mother figure to Fagin’s gang.
Mr. Bumble– 35-60, Tenor; The domineering Beadle (a minor official who carries out various civil, educational or ceremonial duties) who runs the workhouse. Pompous and self-absorbed, greedy and uncaring. He preaches Christian morality, but behaves without compassion towards the paupers in his care.
Widow Corney– 30-60, Soprano; The sharp-tongued, domineering matron of the workhouse. A widow, she will do anything to get Mr. Bumble’s attention.
Mr. Sowerberry– 35-60, Baritone; The Undertaker. Lives up to his name. He is stingy and ruled by his wife. Slimy.
Mrs. Sowerberry– 35-60, Soprano; The Undertaker’s wife. She rules the roost and is stingy and mean-spirited. Along with her husband, she provides some comic relief.
Bet– 16-25, Alto; One of Fagin’s former pickpockets. Bet looks up to Nancy and is caring and good-natured.
Mr. Brownlow– 45-50, Non-singing; A distinguished older gentleman of wealth and breeding.
Child Ensemble– 6-18, All vocal parts; Includes various smaller named roles including Charley Bates, Noah Claypole, Charlotte, Nipper, and Captain in addition to Workhouse Kids and Fagin’s Kids.
Adult Ensemble- 18+, All vocal parts; Includes various smaller named roles including Grimwig and Old Sally in addition to townspeople, police officers, and criminals.

Roles are open to diverse & gender-inclusive casting. Our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender nonconforming, genderqueer, transgender and nonbinary actors to select the roles they most identify with.
Age ranges are suggestions, please audition for any role you would like.

Questions can be directed to the ACT Office.
Phone: 814-943-4357
Email: act@altoonacommunitytheatre.com

Oliver! Auditions
2023-02-26 17:00 - 21:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Oliver!
By Lionel Bart
Directed by Matt Michrina
Auditions for ACT’s final show of the 2022-2023 season will be held Sunday February 26 & Monday February 27 in the ACT Rehearsal Hall (1213 12th Street, Downtown Altoona).
Audition times are split between children and adults. Please read below for more information.
Oliver! performs May 4-7, 2023. Actors must be available for all performances. Availability for rehearsals will be asked at auditions, please be prepared to list all conflicts from auditions to performance dates.
Full Vaccination against COVID-19, including updated boosters, is strongly encouraged but not required for participation in Oliver!. We will ask for vaccination status at auditions. This information is important for us to have in case of illness during the show process. If you have any questions regarding our policies on Covid-19 & vaccines, please contact the ACT Office at 814-943-4357.
Audition Information:

General auditions will be held in separate sessions each day for children and adults:
-Auditionees 17 and under will audition from 5 PM to 6:30 PM
-Auditionees 18 and up will audition from 7 PM to 9 PM
-Please arrive as close to the start time for your age group as possible
All auditionees should prepare 24-32 bar cut of a theater song in the style of the show, preferably one that reflects the character you’re most interested in. Auditionees are required to provide printed sheet music in the correct key for the pianist.
If you do not have a song prepared, you will be given a short song to audition with.
Auditions will also include a short movement audition. You will be taught a few steps as a group, no special dance clothing or preparation required.
Cold readings from the script may occur at callbacks.
Auditions are at ACT (NOT the Mishler Theatre). Please enter through the back door off the 13th Ave Parking Lot (Behind Tom & Joes).
Callbacks are expected to be held March 1 as needed. You will be notified if you are needed at callbacks. Not receiving a call back does not mean you are not cast.

If you are unable to attend general auditions, please contact the ACT Office at least one week prior to auditions to discuss scheduling an alternative time with the director.

About the show:
“The streets of Victorian England come to life as Oliver, a malnourished orphan in a workhouse, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, Mr. Brownlow takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap him back, threatening Oliver’s chances of discovering the true love of a family.”

Cast of Characters:
All roles are available. No prior theatrical or ACT experience is required.

Oliver Twist– 8-13 years of age, Soprano; Orphaned and abandoned from an upper-class family, Oliver ends up in the workhouse. He is innocent and good-hearted, with a strong spirit.
Fagin– 40+, Bass-Baritone; A conniving career criminal and conman. He takes in homeless children and teaches them to pick pockets for him.
Bill Sykes– 20s-30s, Bass/Baritone; Perhaps the most infamous graduate from Fagin’s gang. Nancy’s brutal and abusive boyfriend.
The Artful Dodger– 13-18, Soprano; The cleverest of Fagin’s pickpockets, he introduces Fagin to Oliver. He is a good soul in spite of his “occupation.” Dodger is lively and self-assured.
Nancy– 20s-30s, Alto; A graduate of Fagin’s “school of thieves” and tragically involved in an abusive relationship with Bill Sikes. She is a career thief, hardened and streetwise beyond her years, but also intelligent, caring and good-hearted. She longs for a better life. A mother figure to Fagin’s gang.
Mr. Bumble– 35-60, Tenor; The domineering Beadle (a minor official who carries out various civil, educational or ceremonial duties) who runs the workhouse. Pompous and self-absorbed, greedy and uncaring. He preaches Christian morality, but behaves without compassion towards the paupers in his care.
Widow Corney– 30-60, Soprano; The sharp-tongued, domineering matron of the workhouse. A widow, she will do anything to get Mr. Bumble’s attention.
Mr. Sowerberry– 35-60, Baritone; The Undertaker. Lives up to his name. He is stingy and ruled by his wife. Slimy.
Mrs. Sowerberry– 35-60, Soprano; The Undertaker’s wife. She rules the roost and is stingy and mean-spirited. Along with her husband, she provides some comic relief.
Bet– 16-25, Alto; One of Fagin’s former pickpockets. Bet looks up to Nancy and is caring and good-natured.
Mr. Brownlow– 45-50, Non-singing; A distinguished older gentleman of wealth and breeding.
Child Ensemble– 6-18, All vocal parts; Includes various smaller named roles including Charley Bates, Noah Claypole, Charlotte, Nipper, and Captain in addition to Workhouse Kids and Fagin’s Kids.
Adult Ensemble- 18+, All vocal parts; Includes various smaller named roles including Grimwig and Old Sally in addition to townspeople, police officers, and criminals.

Roles are open to diverse & gender-inclusive casting. Our casting seeks to be as inclusive as possible and we invite gender nonconforming, genderqueer, transgender and nonbinary actors to select the roles they most identify with.
Age ranges are suggestions, please audition for any role you would like.

Questions can be directed to the ACT Office.
Phone: 814-943-4357
Email: act@altoonacommunitytheatre.com

General Membership Meeting
2023-02-24 19:00 - 21:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Join us for a General Membership Meeting on Friday February 24 at 7PM in the ACT Rehearsal Hall.
At this meeting, we’ll discuss auditions for “Oliver!”, the 75th Anniversary Celebration, results of the Reverse Raffle Fundraiser.
The Artistic Committee will also present their show choices for the 2023-2024 seasons, and the membership will discuss & vote on their selections.
The meeting is open to Non-Members, but only current paid Members can vote on upcoming season.
Join as Member or to Renew Your Membership:
https://altoonacommunitytheatre.com/membership/

We will also elect new members to the Artistic Committee. To nominate yourself or someone for consideration, please email your nomination to act@altoonacommunitytheatre.com

"Our Town"
2023-02-19 14:00 - 17:00, 2023-02-18 19:30 - 22:30, 2023-02-17 19:30 - 22:30, 2023-02-16 19:30 - 22:30 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Our Town
By Thornton Wilder
February 16, 17, & 18 at 7:30 PM
February 19 at 2:00 PM
Directed by Dan Evers
Thornton Wilder’s story of the fictional small town of Grover’s Corners and its citizens. Spanning the years between 1901 and 1913, Our Town is narrated by a stage manager in three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity”. The play depicts the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually – in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre – die.
Described by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,’ this classic of American theatre has endured for 84 years.
GET TICKETS

Sondheim Workshop Session 2
2023-01-28 10:00 - 12:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
G.O.A.T.?
The works and legacy of Stephen Sondheim

Please note, this is a two-part workshop on January 14 & 28. If you missed the first session but would like to join us for the second, please call the ACT Office at 814-943-4357
Stephen Sondheim was one of Broadway history’s songwriting titans, whose music and lyrics raised and reset the artistic standard for the American stage musical. An intellectually rigorous artist who perpetually sought new creative paths, Sondheim was the theater’s most revered and influential composer-lyricist of the last half of the 20th century, if not its most popular.
In two Saturday morning sessions, we’ll dig into Sondheim’s work and how he and his many collaborators reimagined and reshaped the art of musical theatre, impacting and influencing the works of future theatrical writers, directors, and composers.

About the Facilitator

Jonathan O’Harrow would never call himself a Stephen Sondheim expert, but the title “overly-obsessed superfan” certainly seems to fit. Jonathan eagerly gobbles up every book on the theatre legend that he can find and has spent ridiculous amounts of time (and money) acquiring as many video and audio recordings of the composer’s works as possible.
Jonathan has had the opportunity to work on many Sondheim shows, having performed in productions of “Gypsy,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Company,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” and “Assassins,” as well as directing Altoona Community Theatre’s productions of “A Little Night Music” and “Sweeney Todd.”

Reverse Raffle
2023-01-20 19:30 - 21:30 | Virtual, PA, United States
Only 200 tickets will be sold with a chance to win $250 , $500, or a grand prize of $1000
Plus! Second Chance Drawings and Gift Card Drawings throughout the night!
Virtual Raffle Party
Friday, January 20, 2023 at 7:30 pm

You’ll be on the edge of your seat hoping that your name is NOT the next one called, because once your name is called – you’re out! Cross your fingers and hope that yours is the last name called and the winner of the $1000 cash prize.
You’ll receive your email invitation to the exclusive and virtual drawing party after you’ve purchased your raffle tickets. Make sure to get your tickets early so that you can choose your lucky number!
Our host for the virtual raffle party is Jonathan O’Harrow & William Baumann. It’s sure to be fast-paced, entertaining, and – above all – serendipitous.
Raffle tickets with a chance to win $1000 make great holiday gifts for those
hard-to-buy-for people on your list!
$50 per ticket.
Get Your Tickets Now!
Prefer to purchase your ticket over the phone? Call 814-943-4357

Sondheim Workshop
2023-01-14 10:00 - 12:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
G.O.A.T.?
The works and legacy of Stephen Sondheim

Please note, this is a two-part workshop on January 14& 28. Registration cost is for BOTH sessions.
Stephen Sondheim was one of Broadway history’s songwriting titans, whose music and lyrics raised and reset the artistic standard for the American stage musical. An intellectually rigorous artist who perpetually sought new creative paths, Sondheim was the theater’s most revered and influential composer-lyricist of the last half of the 20th century, if not its most popular.
In two Saturday morning sessions, we’ll dig into Sondheim’s work and how he and his many collaborators reimagined and reshaped the art of musical theatre, impacting and influencing the works of future theatrical writers, directors, and composers.

About the Facilitator

Jonathan O’Harrow would never call himself a Stephen Sondheim expert, but the title “overly-obsessed superfan” certainly seems to fit. Jonathan eagerly gobbles up every book on the theatre legend that he can find and has spent ridiculous amounts of time (and money) acquiring as many video and audio recordings of the composer’s works as possible.
Jonathan has had the opportunity to work on many Sondheim shows, having performed in productions of “Gypsy,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Company,” “Merrily We Roll Along,” and “Assassins,” as well as directing Altoona Community Theatre’s productions of “A Little Night Music” and “Sweeney Todd.”

Register Now

ACT Membership Holiday Party
2022-12-16 18:30 - 21:30 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
All ACT Members are invited to the 2022 Holiday Party on December 16 in the ACT Rehearsal Hall.
Please join us for Pizza & Festivities to celebrate the season & our theatre family.
We ask that you please RSVP by December 9 to act@altoonacommunitytheatre.com

Pizza & Soda Provided
Bring a snack to share if you’re able
BYO Adult Beverages (Must Have ID)
The ACT Great Gift Give Away begins at 7:00PM
ACT Members only, but you may bring a Non-Member Guest

Memberships run with our Theatre Seson, July 1 to June 30 of the following year. Please make sure your membership dues for this season are paid.
Online Membership Registration (New members welcome!)

MORE INFORMATION:
The ACT Great Gift Give Away: Each guest who wants to participate brings one “White-Elephant” Gift. This gift can be a silly item, a random object cluttering up your house you want to get rid of, or, if you choose to purchase something, any gift under $30—just make sure whatever it is, you wrap it pretty! Rules will be explained at the party. You may walk away with a nice present, a useless trinket, or maybe nothing at all. It’s a game of chance, speed, and theft. Similar to paper bag awards, it’s an honor to play, but not always an honor to win.
Drinking Rules: All ACT functions that involve alcoholic beverages are served by a RAMP certified bartender. Even in the case of Bring Your Own Booze such as this party, you must turn your drinks over to the bartender and provide an ID. (We don’t care how old you look– No ID, no wristband, no drinking!) Your drinks will then be served to you in appropriate portions to make sure everyone is drinking responsibly. ACT pays for the bartender’s fee, but tips from our party guests are appreciated.
Possible other games & activities to follow the Gift Give Away. Bartender stops serving at 9:30PM & Party officially ends at 10:00PM
We hope too see you there!

Board Game Day (ACT Membership Event)
2022-12-03 13:00 - 17:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States

Our Town Auditions
2022-11-30 18:00 - 21:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
https://altoonacommunitytheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/316750364_8235604003178595_7212126706413380507_n.mp4

Our Town
By Thornton Wilder
Directed by Dan Evers

Open Auditions: November 29 & 30 from 6-9 PM

Performances: February 16, 17, & 18 at 7:30 PM
& February 19 at 2:00 PM
Actors must also be available for a student matinee performance on February 15 at 10 AM.

Open auditions for this theatre classic will take place November 29 & 30 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM in the Altoona Community Theatre Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th Street, Downtown Altoona. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Auditionees need only attend one night unless asked to attend callbacks, expected to be held on December 1.

Actors must be available for all performances. Availability for rehearsals will be asked at auditions, please be prepared to list all conflicts from auditions to performance dates. Rehearsals are expected to begin December 5 with limited rehearsals through December to give time off for the holidays. If you are unable to attend general auditions, please contact the ACT Office to discuss scheduling an alternative audition time.

“Thornton Wilder’s story of the fictional small town of Grover’s Corners and its citizens. Spanning the years between 1901 and 1913, Our Town is narrated by a stage manager in three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity”. The play depicts the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually – in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre – die.
Described by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,’ this classic of American theatre has endured for 84 years.”

Available roles:

All roles available. Altoona Community Theatre welcomes anyone to audition for any role they like regardless of age, gender identity, race or color. We encourage and affirm trans and nonbinary actors to submit for whatever role feels best to them.
ACT is dedicated to being a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community theatre. We strive to hold open auditions where community members have an equal and fair opportunity to be cast.
Stage Manager – The omniscient narrator of the play. The Stage Manager exercises control over the action of the play, cueing the other characters, interrupting their scenes with his own interjections, and informing the audience of events and objects that we cannot see. He occasionally assumes other small roles in the story.
George Gibbs – Dr. and Mrs. Gibbs’s son. A decent, upstanding young man, George is a high school baseball star who plans to attend the State Agricultural School after high school. His courtship of Emily Webb and eventual marriage to her is central to the show. George’s age in the show ranges from 16 to 28.
Emily Webb – Mr. and Mrs. Webb’s daughter. Emily is George’s schoolmate and next-door neighbor, then his fiancée, and later his wife. She is an excellent student and a conscientious daughter. Emily suffers an untimely death and the show continues to follow her in the afterlife. Emily’s age in the show ranges from 16 to 28.
Dr. Gibbs – George’s father and the town doctor. Dr. Gibbs is also a Civil War expert. He and his family are neighbors to the Webbs.
Mrs. Gibbs – George’s mother and Dr. Gibbs’s wife. A homemaker with desires to travel to Paris, a wish never fulfilled. Mrs. Gibbs must find her satisfaction within this small town.
Mr. Webb – Emily’s father and the publisher and editor of the Grover’s Corners Sentinel. Mr. Webb’s gives a news report that breaks the fourth wall with the audience in Act 1.
Mrs. Webb – Emily’s mother and Mr. Webb’s wife. At first a no-nonsense woman, Mrs. Webb later shows her innocent and caring nature.
Mrs. Soames – A gossipy woman who sings in the choir along with Mrs. Webb and Mrs. Gibbs. Mrs. Soames helps give a sense of the intertwined lives of the citizens of Grover’s Corners.
Simon Stimson – The choirmaster, whose alcoholism and undisclosed “troubles” have been the subject of gossip in Grover’s Corners for quite some time. *Trigger warning: suicide* Mr. Stimson appears in the land of the dead souls in Act III having committed suicide by hanging himself in his attic.
Rebecca Gibbs – George’s younger sister. Rebecca’s role is minor, but she does have one very significant scene with her brother. Young girl about 11-13
Wally Webb – Emily’s younger brother. Wally is a minor figure, but he turns up in Act III among the group of dead souls. Wally dies young, the result of a burst appendix on a Boy Scout trip. Young boy about 11-13
Howie Newsome – The local milkman. Howie reappears during every morning scene—once each in Acts I, II, and III
Joe Crowell, Jr. – The paperboy.
Si Crowell – Joe’s younger brother, also a paperboy.
Professor Willard – A professor at the State University who gives the audience a report on Grover’s Corners. Professor Willard appears once and then disappears.
Constable Warren – A local policeman. Constable Warren keeps a watchful eye over the community.
Sam Craig – Emily Webb’s cousin, who has left Grover’s Corners to travel west, but returns for her funeral in Act III.
Joe Stoddard – The town undertaker. Joe prepares Emily’s grave and remarks on how sad it is to bury young people.
Foley Artists – We are seeking one to two individuals who will be on stage creating the sound effects of the show in real time. These artists will need to attend rehearsals regularly through the whole process to work with the props master and actors to practice getting the sounds & timing correct. No props, sound, or foley experience required, but is definitely a plus!

https://altoonacommunitytheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/316750364_8235604003178595_7212126706413380507_n.mp4

Our Town Auditions
2022-11-29 18:00 - 21:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
https://altoonacommunitytheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/316750364_8235604003178595_7212126706413380507_n.mp4
Our Town
By Thornton Wilder
Directed by Dan Evers

Open Auditions: November 29 & 30 from 6-9 PM

Performances: February 16, 17, & 18 at 7:30 PM
& February 19 at 2:00 PM
Actors must also be available for a student matinee performance on February 15 at 10 AM.

Open auditions for this theatre classic will take place November 29 & 30 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM in the Altoona Community Theatre Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th Street, Downtown Altoona. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Auditionees need only attend one night unless asked to attend callbacks, expected to be held on December 1.

Actors must be available for all performances. Availability for rehearsals will be asked at auditions, please be prepared to list all conflicts from auditions to performance dates. Rehearsals are expected to begin December 5 with limited rehearsals through December to give time off for the holidays. If you are unable to attend general auditions, please contact the ACT Office to discuss scheduling an alternative audition time.

“Thornton Wilder’s story of the fictional small town of Grover’s Corners and its citizens. Spanning the years between 1901 and 1913, Our Town is narrated by a stage manager in three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity”. The play depicts the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually – in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre – die.
Described by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,’ this classic of American theatre has endured for 84 years.”

Available roles:

All roles available. Altoona Community Theatre welcomes anyone to audition for any role they like regardless of age, gender identity, race or color. We encourage and affirm trans and nonbinary actors to submit for whatever role feels best to them.
ACT is dedicated to being a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community theatre. We strive to hold open auditions where community members have an equal and fair opportunity to be cast.
Stage Manager – The omniscient narrator of the play. The Stage Manager exercises control over the action of the play, cueing the other characters, interrupting their scenes with his own interjections, and informing the audience of events and objects that we cannot see. He occasionally assumes other small roles in the story.
George Gibbs – Dr. and Mrs. Gibbs’s son. A decent, upstanding young man, George is a high school baseball star who plans to attend the State Agricultural School after high school. His courtship of Emily Webb and eventual marriage to her is central to the show. George’s age in the show ranges from 16 to 28.
Emily Webb – Mr. and Mrs. Webb’s daughter. Emily is George’s schoolmate and next-door neighbor, then his fiancée, and later his wife. She is an excellent student and a conscientious daughter. Emily suffers an untimely death and the show continues to follow her in the afterlife. Emily’s age in the show ranges from 16 to 28.
Dr. Gibbs – George’s father and the town doctor. Dr. Gibbs is also a Civil War expert. He and his family are neighbors to the Webbs.
Mrs. Gibbs – George’s mother and Dr. Gibbs’s wife. A homemaker with desires to travel to Paris, a wish never fulfilled. Mrs. Gibbs must find her satisfaction within this small town.
Mr. Webb – Emily’s father and the publisher and editor of the Grover’s Corners Sentinel. Mr. Webb’s gives a news report that breaks the fourth wall with the audience in Act 1.
Mrs. Webb – Emily’s mother and Mr. Webb’s wife. At first a no-nonsense woman, Mrs. Webb later shows her innocent and caring nature.
Mrs. Soames – A gossipy woman who sings in the choir along with Mrs. Webb and Mrs. Gibbs. Mrs. Soames helps give a sense of the intertwined lives of the citizens of Grover’s Corners.
Simon Stimson – The choirmaster, whose alcoholism and undisclosed “troubles” have been the subject of gossip in Grover’s Corners for quite some time. *Trigger warning: suicide* Mr. Stimson appears in the land of the dead souls in Act III having committed suicide by hanging himself in his attic.
Rebecca Gibbs – George’s younger sister. Rebecca’s role is minor, but she does have one very significant scene with her brother. Young girl about 11-13
Wally Webb – Emily’s younger brother. Wally is a minor figure, but he turns up in Act III among the group of dead souls. Wally dies young, the result of a burst appendix on a Boy Scout trip. Young boy about 11-13
Howie Newsome – The local milkman. Howie reappears during every morning scene—once each in Acts I, II, and III
Joe Crowell, Jr. – The paperboy.
Si Crowell – Joe’s younger brother, also a paperboy.
Professor Willard – A professor at the State University who gives the audience a report on Grover’s Corners. Professor Willard appears once and then disappears.
Constable Warren – A local policeman. Constable Warren keeps a watchful eye over the community.
Sam Craig – Emily Webb’s cousin, who has left Grover’s Corners to travel west, but returns for her funeral in Act III.
Joe Stoddard – The town undertaker. Joe prepares Emily’s grave and remarks on how sad it is to bury young people.
Ensemble – Depending on audition numbers & interest, we may cast some ensemble roles to take smaller parts, including speaking and non-speaking roles.
Foley Artists – We are seeking one to two individuals who will be on stage creating the sound effects of the show in real time. These artists will need to attend rehearsals regularly through the whole process to work with the props master and actors to practice getting the sounds & timing correct. No props, sound, or foley experience required, but is definitely a plus!

The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon
2022-11-19 19:30, 2022-11-18 19:30, 2022-11-20 14:00, 2022-11-17 19:30 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon
A Comedy by Don Zolidis
November 17, 18, & 19 at 7:30 PM
November 20 at 2:00 PM
Directed by Sam Wagner
Christmas: a time for magic. A time for the traditions we cherish. A time to watch as many original TV movies as a human being can possibly endure. But now with The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon, you can enjoy the sugar rush of six Christmas movies all at once!
Welcome to Hopewood Falls, Vermont, where singles in adorable sweaters converge to look for love. Can disguises help royalty and/or movie stars find the down-to-earth connections they crave? Will evil city slickers destroy charming inns and/or Christmas tree farms? Grab a hot chocolate and your favorite wise single friend to find out in this wildly entertaining parody of holiday rom-coms.
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General Membership Meeting
2022-11-04 19:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Join us for a General Membership Meeting on Friday, November 4 at 7:00PM in the ACT Rehearsal Hall.
On the Agenda:

“Wonderthon” Load-in (November 5 @ 9 AM)
“Our Town” Auditions (November 29 & 30 at 6 PM)
Game Day (December 3 @ 1 PM)
Membership Holiday Party (December 16 @ 6:30 PM)
Reverse Raffle (January 20)

SOLD OUT: Another Murder at Hogwarts
2022-10-07 17:30 - 20:30, 2022-10-06 17:30 - 20:30 | US Hotel, 401 S. Juniata Street, Hollidaysburg, PA, 16648, United States
Tickets for this event are sold out.
The Waitlist is also full. Thank you for your interest, and we hope to have more Murder Mystery Dinners in the future!

Join us for an evening of mystery & fun with your favorite characters from the world of Harry Potter!
The school is gathered in The Great Hall for a big holiday feast when the Ministry of Magic bursts in and reveals a tragedy within the walls of Hogwart! Everyone is locked in the Great Hall. Everyone is a suspect. Can YOU solve the mystery?
Tickets: $40 for Adults, $30 for children under 12* (gratuity included in ticket price)
Includes an appetizer salad, dinner buffet, non-alcoholic beverages, and dessert. Dinner Buffet includes herb roasted chicken breast, oven-roasted veggies, penne pasta primavera with alfredo sauce, chicken fingers, and fries.
Cash bar will be available.
*Not recommended for children under 8 years old
Thursday October 6 or Friday October 7
Doors open at 5:30 PM
Dinner Served shortly after 6 PM
US Hotel, Hollidaysburg

School Uniforms or Dress Robes are encouraged!
Please note this location is inside a Muggle-owned building. Use caution while casting spells and remember the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy!
This will be a new mystery to solve from our previous dinner in June.
Questions? Please call the ACT Administrative Office at 814-943-4357

Crying On Cue Workshop
2022-10-01 10:00 - 14:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Crying On Cue
Ever wanted to expand your acting skills to include crying on command? Altoona Community Theatre is hosting a workshop to help you nail those crying scenes!
Facilitators Emily Evey and Jordan Shumaker will coach actors on techniques to realistically cry on stage. You’ll learn Stanislavsky based techniques such as Sense Memory, personalization and substitution. Combined with an open mind and vulnerability, these lessons will have you in tears in no time!
This workshop will require comfortable clothing and shoes, a willingness to be vulnerable in a group, and a monologue or scene which has heightened emotion or the actor is comfortable crying over. If the actors need help picking a text, they are encouraged to reach out to the ACT Office at 814-943-4357 or act@altoonacommunitytheatre.com. Participants should come ready to work; focus and willingness are necessary.
The workshop will include meditation, a physical warm-up, sense memory exercises, and multiple crying exercises. This will be an intimate class with sensitivity and vulnerability required. .Acting is hard. Crying is messy and scary, but it’s something we do and can be a very powerful tool. And as performers, you want every tool you can have in your tool box!
Due to the intimate nature and intense techniques being taught, the class is only open to those ages 18 and up. The workshop is limited to 15 attendees to allow for maximum learning and participation for all.
$10 for ACT Members, $15 for Non-Members
REGISTER HERE

About the Instructors:
Emily Evey studied Theatre, Communication, and Social Justice at Juniata College. Through her degree, Emily trained, studied, and worked with over twenty professional theatre artists. Emily’s experience includes, but is not limited to: mime, trapeze, and acting for the camera. Emily’s has taught and adjudicated at national competitions and conferences. She has directed at Things Unseen Theatre Company, Altoona Community Theatre, and Bishop Guilfoyle.

Jordan Shumaker studied acting at Penn State University where he majored in Theatre with a minor in creative writing. He’s been in a plethora of shows and has been studying acting and theater for thirteen years. He has performed with ACT and Things Unseen for nearly a decade and hopes to have brought depth and truth to his performances. Jordan has always loved technique and would love to help others develop their acting skills.

AUDITIONS: "The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon"
2022-09-28 18:30 - 21:00, 2022-09-27 18:30 - 21:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon
Audition Dates: September 27 at 6:30pm & September 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Show Dates: November 17-20, 2022
Directed by Sam Wagner

Open auditions for this hilarious holiday rom-com parody directed by Sam Wagner will take place September 27 and September 28 at 6:30 p.m. in the Altoona Community Theatre Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th Street, Downtown Altoona. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Christmas sweaters are encouraged, but not required – especially if it’s really hot.

Actors must be available for all performances. Availability for rehearsals will be asked at auditions, please be prepared to list all conflicts from auditions to performance dates. If you are unable to attend general auditions, please contact the ACT Office to discuss scheduling an alternative audition time.

Call-backs are expected to take place September 29 as needed.

“Christmas: a time for magic. A time for the traditions we cherish. A time to watch as many original TV movies as a human being can possibly endure. But now with The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon, you can enjoy the sugar rush of six Christmas movies all at once!
Welcome to Hopewood Falls, Vermont, where singles in adorable sweaters converge to look for love. Can disguises help royalty and/or movie stars find the down-to-earth connections they crave? Will evil city slickers destroy charming inns and/or Christmas tree farms? Grab a hot chocolate and your favorite wise single friend to find out in this wildly entertaining parody of holiday rom-coms.”

Available Roles:
NARRATOR 1 & NARRATOR 2 – These two roles are the overseers of the Christmas movie madness. They are a comedic duo who play off each other, sometimes relying on improv. They are sarcastic, excitable, passionate, and full of Christmas-filled aggression.
HOLLY, owner of the Evergreen Inn in Hopewood Falls, Vermont. A heart of gold.
BRETT, stranded by a snowstorm, but secretly a prince from Artemisia, a tiny aristocratic country in Europe that no one has ever heard of. Luckily, he’s rich, y’all.
JOY, a romance novelist, visiting the inn to try to break her writer’s block.
PAUL, a rival romance novelist, running his own writer’s retreat- kind of a self-important jerk, but with the love of the right woman, he’s probably a pretty nice guy.
CAROL, a war reporter, home for the holidays, tired of big city life. Goes a little off her rocker.
JACKSON, 35, a veterinarian, who owns two golden retrievers. Unconscious for a portion of the show, and drug around the stage occasionally.
MERRY, in town to search out the perfect Christmas tree for the big Christmas celebration in the big city. A real estate lawyer businessperson with no time for love.
BLAKE, rugged, owner of a tree farm. He’s heartbroken but oh-so-handsome.
KRIS, the son of the former Santa Claus in the town parade, but he has troubles, y’all. Troubles. Currently working as a real estate lawyer business-person.
NOELLE, owner of the oldest Christmas ornament boutique in town, charged with helping Kris quit his job and become a full time Santa. Filled with the Christmas spirit.
SVEN, the secret prince of Broxtenburg, which is another tiny aristocratic country in Europe that no one has ever heard of. Shocker, he’s also rich as heck.
RITA, movie star filming a movie in Hopewood Falls, but pretending to be an ordinary girl.
BRIDGETTE, the boisterous best friend of all the women.

Stage Crew – the show also requires a Christmas-loving stage crew who may be featured in small roles.

Roles open to diversity & gender inclusive casting.
Age ranges are suggestions, please audition for any role you would like.
Questions can be directed to the ACT Office.
Phone: 814-943-4357
Email: act@altoonacommunitytheatre.com

"A Bagful of Fables" for BCAF's Family Theatre series
2022-09-27 15:00 - 16:00 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Come see the ACT Family Theatre Production “A Bagful of Fables” September 27 and 28 at the historic Mishler Theatre!
Aesop has five of his favorite fables to share with elementary school groups Tuesday, September 27 at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 28 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Plus, you can bring the whole family to the public show Tuesday, September 27 at 7:00 p.m.
This collection of fables presents Aesop with an attitude! Join this lively troupe of actors and even Aesop — who may be long gone from this earth but is still the life of the party! — as they bring to the stage the tried and true stories of “The Fox and the Crow,” “The Fox and the Grapes,” “The Tortoise and the Hare,” “The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing” and “The Sun and the Wind.” Enjoy the silly antics as Aesop runs the show, pulling the scripts out of his messenger bag and assigning roles to the actors who magically learn the lines and transform into the animal characters! Other actors become a Greek chorus, providing voices, sound effects and engaging the audience along the way.
Directed by Kate Kale Wolf
Approximate 60-minute run time

She Loves Me
2022-09-25 14:00 - 16:30, 2022-09-24 19:30 - 22:00, 2022-09-23 19:30 - 22:00, 2022-09-22 19:30 - 22:00 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
She Loves Me
Book by Joe Masteroff, Music by Jerry Bock, Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
Based on a Play by Miklos Laszlo
Original Orchestrations by Don Walker
Adapted by Frank Matosich, Jr.
Originally Directed on Broadway by Harold Prince
in Association with Lawrence N. Kasha and Philip C. McKenna
September 22, 23, & 24 at 7:30 PM
September 25 at 2:00 PM
Directed by Anne Diminick
A romantic, witty, and effervescent musical comedy set in a 1930’s European perfumery where shop clerks, Amalia and Georg, are constantly squabbling on the job. After both respond to a “lonely hearts advertisement” in the newspaper, they now live for the love letters that they exchange. But the true identities of their admirers remain unknown. Join Amalia and Georg as they discover their true loves with all the twists and turns along the way,
“She Loves Me” is a warm, romantic comedy with a soaring score along with an endearing innocence and a touch of old-world elegance.
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Rails & Ales Brewfest
2022-08-20 15:00 - 18:00 | Heritage Plaza, Downtown Altoona, Altoona
What: BOOZE & FOOD & MUSIC, benefitting ACT

When: August 20, 2022, 3PM – 6PM (2PM for VIPs)
Where: Heritage Plaza, 1401 11th Ave, Downtown Altoona

Drink for a good cause! Sample beers from your favorite local breweries, dance to live music, enjoy great food, and support Altoona Community Theatre.
Now located at Heritage Plaza in Downtown Altoona.
$35 in advance, $40 at the gate.*
USE PROMO CODE EARLYBIRD for an additional $5 off tickets bought before August 1.
LIMITED QUANTITY VIP TICKETS AVAILABLE!
$60 VIP tickets include an extra hour of tasting, exclusive brews, and appetizers catered by US Hotel (specialty brews and food only available during VIP hour from 2-3PM). PLUS a Rails & Ales event t-shirt!
Joining us this year on the stage is local funk band The PennSOULvanians!
Rain or Shine Event!
Tickets available July 5 at railsandalesaltoona.com/tickets

If you’re interested in being a beer or wine vendor, food truck, or Sponsor for the event, you can get more information at railsandalesaltoona.com
OR contact the ACT Office at 814-943-4357 or act@altoonacommunitytheatre.com
