Altoona Community Theatre

ACT Membership Holiday Party
2025-12-05 18:30 - 21:30 (America/New_York) | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
All ACT Members and Active Volunteers are invited to a Holiday Party on December 5 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 3 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 7:30PM
ACT Members or Volunteers from an 2025 show, event, etc. only, but you may bring a Non-Member Guest

Memberships run with our Theatre Season, 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!

A Seussified Christmas Carol
2025-12-14 15:00 - 16:30 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
A SEUSSIFIED CHRISTMAS CAROL
by Peter Bloedel
A whimsical reinvention of Dickens’ most beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets. With zoot fruited juices and binka bird geese, from Ded-Headed Fred to Timmy Loo Hoo, this tale of glorious holiday cheer is similar to something Dr. Seuss might have come up with…if he ever had his way with the story!
Presented by Altoona Community Theater as part of BCAF’s Family Theatre at the Mishler Series
Many thanks to UPMC Altoona Foundation for sponsoring this performance.

Tickets on sale now through the Mishler Theatre Box Office – 814-944-9434

9 to 5 Auditions
2026-01-26 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-01-26 19:45 - 21:30 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
9 to 5 SNOW SCHEDULE UPDATE
Due to the incoming winter storm, auditions for 9 to 5 on Sunday, January 25 have been cancelled. To make Monday (January 26) auditions as efficient as possible, we are splitting the evening into two audition time blocks:
If you have a song prepared, please arrive at the Mishler Theatre promptly at EITHER 6 pm OR 7:45 pm.
If you need to be taught a song to audition with, please come to the 7:45pm audition time.
If you have access to a printer, you can help us out by pre-filling out your audition form and bringing a PRINTED COPY: https://altoonacommunitytheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/9t5-Audition-Form.docx.pdf
Each audition block will consist of vocal auditions followed by the group movement audition.
The DANCE ENSEMBLE ONLY audition will now be held at 5:45PM on Wednesday, January 28 at the Mishler Theatre.
Callbacks are also still being planned for the evening of Wednesday, January 28.
For all sets of auditions, please enter through the front door of the Mishler Theatre. An accessible entrance is available on the left side of the theatre (the yellow Spiritz doors.)
Anyone who cannot make the above audition times should email alicelyn26@gmail.com as soon as possible to schedule an alternate audition time.

The below information is the original audition announcement with show & character information:
9 to 5
Open Auditions Monday January 26 at 6:00 pm & 7:45 pm (Sunday auditions have been cancelled, please read above)
Dance Ensemble Audition: Wednesday January 28 at 5:45 PM
Show Dates: April 30, May 1 & 2 @ 7:30 pm, May 3 @ 2 pm
Directed by Alice Lyn Oswald
Music Directed by Gabriella Petrarca
Choreographed by Shelly McCaffrey & Lizzie Beam
Stage Managed by Becky Robinson & Jackie Settimio
Auditions will be held in the Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave Altoona PA.
Auditionees need only attend one night of auditions unless asked to attend callbacks, expected to be held the evening of Wednesday January 28.
Some music rehearsals will take place throughout February, with regular rehearsals beginning in early March. Rehearsals are expected to take place on weekday evenings, but some weekends may occasionally be necessary. Auditionees will be asked to share their scheduling conflicts from February through show dates.
Everyone should be prepared with approximately 32 bars of a broadway song that showcases their ability. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring paper copies of your sheet music in the appropriate key. A song will be taught to those without a prepared number.
Everyone will participate in a general movement audition. No special dance clothing is required, just clothes and shoes that are comfortable to move in.

DANCE ENSEMBLE AUDITION for those not interested in singing:
Wednesday January 28 at 5:45 PM
At the Mishler Theatre
This DANCE ONLY audition is to cast a special dance ensemble to do some advanced movement throughout the show, without any expectations to say lines or sing.
Please attend the general auditions if you would like to be considered for any roles that include singing or acting, including ensemble. Auditionees interested in being considered for both an acting role and the dance ensemble will be given a chance to demonstrate advanced dancing skills immediately following the general movement audition.

ABOUT THE SHOW:
9 to 5, a musical based on the 1980 hit movie, is a laugh-out-loud story of friendship and revenge with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call a boss. In a zany turn of events, Violet, Judy, and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Mr. Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?

AVAILABLE ROLES:

Violet (Female, Age 40-50)
Vocal Range F3-D5
The company’s Head Secretary and Mr. Hart’s Administrative Assistant, she is a single mother and typically stands up for what she believes in. Has a sarcastic sense of humor. Resilient, ambitious.
Romantic moments with Joe, including a passionate kiss (lip-to-lip contact).

Doralee (Female, Age 20-35)
Vocal Range G3-E5
A young, sexy spitfire who works at Mr. Hart’s office. She is proof that there is more to a woman than just her looks.
Romantic & sensual moments with Dwayne, no lip-to-lip contact. Staged, non-consensual touching by Mr. Hart (but she fights back!). The character’s body is referenced throughout the show. Must be body-confident and comfortable in costumes that show your curves.

Judy (Female, Age 30 to 35)
Vocal Range Ab3-F5
The “new” girl at the firm, she has been burned by her husband’s affair and is searching for personal empowerment. Insecure but determined and hopeful.

Franklin Hart Male, (Age 40-50)
Vocal Range C3-Gb4
One of the firm’s executives and a notorious chauvinist. He is capable of faking charm but usually shows his true colors as an arrogant, self-absorbed boss.
Staged non-consensual touching of Doralee (but she fights back!). Makes several inappropriate comments to or about females throughout the show.
Some physically demanding movement required. Must be able to kneel, get up and down off the floor unassisted.

Roz Keith (Female, Age 35 to 50)
Vocal Range G3-C5
The attentive office gossip queen and snitch. She has an unrequited love for Mr. Hart and will do anything she can to win his approval.

Joe (Male, Age 25-35)
Vocal Range B2-G4
An endearing young office accountant. Genuine and nice, and smitten with Violet.
Romantic moments with Violet, including a passionate kiss (lip-to-lip contact).

The following roles may also double for ensemble members:
Dwayne (Male, Age 25 to 35)
Vocal Range E2-G4
Doralee’s attractive husband. He is very supportive of her professional pursuits.
Some intimate moments with Doralee, no lip-to-lip contact. May be asked to be shirtless and/or just in boxers.

Josh (Male, Age 15-19)
Violet’s awkward teenage son.

Missy (Female, Age 25-40)
Franklin Hart’s wife, clueless to her husband’s true nature.

Maria (Female, Age 20-35)
Vocal Range F4-D5
A young and vibrant secretary in Hart’s office. Tries to rally the women of the office but gets punished for it.

Dick (Male, Age 35-45)
Judy’s soon-to-be ex-husband. An average guy. May be showing signs of mid-life aging.

Kathy (Female, Age 30 to 45)
Vocal Range: G4-D5
A secretary in Hart’s office with a tendency to gossip.

Margaret (Female, Age 30 to 50)
A secretary in Hart’s office with a tendency to drink.

Ensemble (actors ages 16 and up)
Office employees, police officers, hospital employees. Some dancing required. The Ensemble will help move the set as part of their choreography.

Dance Ensemble (dancers ages 16 and up)
A special dance ensemble to perform advanced movement throughout the show, without expectations to act or sing. Will be costumed appropriately for each scene and will help move set pieces as part of their choreography.

All roles are available. No prior theatrical or ACT experience is required.
Age ranges are suggestions for the role, not necessarily the actor age. Roles are open to racially diverse and gender-inclusive casting for actors of all physical and neurological abilities. 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.
Questions can be directed to the ACT Office at 814-943-4357 or act@altoonacommunitytheatre.com.

Primanti Bros Dine to Donate
2026-01-27 11:00 - 23:00 | PA
Eat Delicious Food, Support Local Theatre!
Dine at or order to go from Primanti Bros in Altoona from 11 AM-11 PM on Tuesday January 27 to support Altoona Community Theatre!
All you have to do is show this flyer (digitally is fine) when dining in, or use code DINE2DONATE when ordering online.
20% of proceeds will come back to ACT!
SET A REMINDER: https://calget.com/0cdc7vmz

Dance Only Audition: 9 to 5
2026-01-28 17:45 - 18:45 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
9 to 5
Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton
Book by Patricia Resnick
Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture
Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009
Dance ONLY Audition: RESCHEDULED FOR Wednesday January 28 at 5:45 p.m. in the Mishler Theatre

Full Auditions for singing/acting roles: Monday January 26 at 6:00 p.m. Read more here.
Show Dates: April 30, May 1 & 2 @ 7:30 pm, May 3 @ 2 pm
Directed by Alice Lyn Oswald
Music Directed by Gabriella Petrarca
Choreographed by Shelly McCaffrey & Lizzie Beam
Stage Managed by Becky Robinson & Jackie Settimio
This DANCE ONLY audition is to cast a special dance ensemble to do some advanced movement throughout the show, without any expectations to say lines or sing. Dance ensemble minimum age is 16.
Please attend the general auditions if you would like to be considered for any roles that include singing or acting, including ensemble. Auditionees interested in being considered for both an acting role and the dance ensemble will be given a chance to demonstrate advanced dancing skills immediately following the general movement audition. Read full audition information at altoonacommunitytheatre.com/9to5audtions

ABOUT THE SHOW:
9 to 5, a musical based on the 1980 hit movie, is a laugh-out-loud story of friendship and revenge with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call a boss. In a zany turn of events, Violet, Judy, and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Mr. Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?

Roles are open to racially diverse and gender-inclusive casting for actors of all physical and neurological abilities. 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.
Questions can be directed to the ACT Office at 814-943-4357 or act@altoonacommunitytheatre.com.

Membership Meeting
2026-01-30 19:00 - 21:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Friday, January 30 at 7 pm
ACT Rehearsal Hall
1213 12th St, Downtown Altoona

General Membership Meeting Agenda
– Vote on proposed slate for 2026-2027
– Elect new Artistic Committee members
– Plan to paint rehearsal hall to match the new floor!

Join as Member or to Renew Your Membership:
https://altoonacommunitytheatre.com/membership/

Your dues must be up-to-date in order to vote.

The season selections as presented by the Artistic Committee are:

September: Come From Away/ Cabaret

November: Murder on the Orient Express (Ludwig)/
The Outsiders (Sergel)

February: Pride & Prejudice (Jory)/ Radium Girls (Gregory)

May: Something Rotten/ Monty Python’s Spamalot

ARTISTIC COMMITTEE ELECTION:

Four Artistic Committee members are at the end of their terms and we will be voting on their replacements for new two-year terms. Thank you to Stephanie Curry, Christine Keppler, Kristin Franco, and Lucy Craig for their dedication & time. If you would like to put your name, or someone else’s name, on the ballot for a new two-year term, please send us an email! Nominations for the ballot will also be accepted from the floor. Each nominee will be given a couple of minutes to address the membership and share why they’d like to be on the Artist Committee.
If you are submitting someone else’s name for the ballot – check with them first and CC them on the email, please. Being on the Artistic Committee is a lot of fun, but it does require a larger time commitment, both in meetings and in reading or watching or listening to shows.

Wait Until Dark
2026-02-12 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-02-13 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-02-14 19:30 - 21:30, 2026-02-15 14:00 - 16:00 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Wait Until Dark
By Frederick Knott
Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher
February 12, 13, 14 at 7:30 PM
February 15 at 2 PM
Directed by Michael Manfred
Wait Until Dark is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. In 1944 Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, becomes the target of a group of ruthless criminals searching for a mysterious doll filled with contraband. As the tension mounts and the stakes grow higher, Susan must use her cunning and her courage to outmaneuver her dangerous adversaries in a heart-pounding battle of wits.
With its masterful blend of intrigue, danger, and unexpected twists, Wait Until Dark delivers a thrilling theatrical experience with a final scene that will leave you breathless.

Appropriate for ages 13+. Content advisory: strong language, violence, and mild adult themes
Tickets on sale now through the Mishler Theatre Box Office – 814-944-9434

Theatrical Intimacy: Staging and Storytelling
2026-02-21 13:30 - 15:30 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Theatrical Intimacy: Staging and Storytelling

You can attend this workshop without having attended “Intro to Intimacy” last fall

In this workshop, we will explore storytelling techniques behind moments of intimacy on stage. We will begin by examining spatial relationships in staging—how the physical distance and positioning of actors can communicate a great deal about their relationships. We will then consider how specific details, such as the way characters hold hands, can alter the story being told. Next, we will explore different approaches to embraces and physical closeness, and how minor adjustments in blocking, timing, and intention can significantly shift meaning. Participants will then be divided into small groups to stage a specific moment between two characters using these principles. Intimacy in this context includes closeness between friends and family as well as romantic partners, and may encompass moments of comfort, connection, joy, and support—not only romance. All touch will be consensual and must remain within each participant’s stated boundaries. A willingness to give and receive respectful, non-sexual touch is encouraged but not required in order to participate.
Saturday February 21
1:30PM – 3:30 PM
ACT Rehearsal Hall
1213 12th St
Altoona PA 16601
LIMITED SPACE: Only 26 spots available. Participants must be aged 18+
$15 for ACT Members
$30 for Non-members (option to sign up as a member with your registration to save on future workshops)

About the Facilitator

Jessica Morgan (she/her) is the Head of Graduate Acting and Associate Professor of Stage Movement for BFA/MFA Acting at West Virginia University. Recent highlights of her production work at WVU include Dracula, a feminist revenge fantasy, really., Phoebe in Winter, 9 to 5: The Musical, Cinderella, Into the Woods, and Indecent. She is in her fifth season as an Intimacy and Fight Director with The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio where her work includes POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, Big Fish, Indecent, Head Over Heels, and Alice By Heart. She has also worked professionally for Greenbrier Valley Theatre, Vintage Theatre Company, Cumberland Theatre Company, Shepherd University, and The Contemporary American Theatre Festival doing intimacy and violence. She teaches workshops on consent and intimacy practices for theatre training programs and companies. Jessica is a Certified Intimacy Director with Intimacy Directors and Coordinators (IDC) and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA).

Register Now

Blood Drive
2026-03-19 12:30 - 18:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Altoona Community Theatre is proud to host an American Red Cross blood drive on March 19, 12:30-6:00
Schedule your donation time now!
All who come to give at ACT’s blood drive will receive a discount voucher for tickets to our upcoming production of “9 to 5”.
Altoona Community Theatre
Rehearsal Hall
1213 12th Street
Altoona, PA 16601
(Located next to Tom & Joe’s, downtown Altoona)

Bet On The Arts Fundraiser
2026-03-21 18:00 - 21:00 | PA
You’re invited to BET ON THE ARTS with Altoona Community Theatre!
Join us for an unforgettable night of casino-style games, live entertainment, and show-stopping fun.
ACT’s brand new fundraising gala event takes place March 21, 2026 from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Blair County Convention Center.
Each ticket to the gala includes:-Two drink tickets for select alcoholic beverages-$10 worth of game chips-Catered Hors d’oeuvres-Support of quality live theatre in your community and art education programs such as Summer Drama Camps, The Isaac Awards, and The Penguin Project
Available games include poker, blackjack, roulette, craps and virtual horse racing, all run by professional dealers!
As you place your bets, local performers will serenade you with Broadway to Hollywood favorites, as well as music from ACT’s upcoming 2026-2027 season.
Additional alcoholic beverages and game chips available for purchase with cash or card.Game chips/winnings are exchanged for raffle tickets entered for prizes.
Cocktail or semi-formal attire, please.
21+ only event.ID required for alcohol consumption.

Ticket options:Individual Buy-in: $65 a ticket, includes two drink tickets, $10 worth of game chipsDouble Down: Buy a pair of tickets and save! $100, includes four drink tickets and $20 worth of game chipsHigh Roller VIP: $450, includes 8 VIP ticket packages (total 16 drink tickets and $80 worth of game chips) plus a reserved table for your group! Limited quantity available
Go all in on your support of the arts now!

9 to 5
2026-04-05 14:00 - 16:30, 2026-04-30 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-05-01 19:30 - 22:00, 2026-05-02 19:30 - 22:00 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
9 to 5
Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton
Book by Patricia Resnick
Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture
Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009
April 30, May 1 & 2 at 7:30 PM
May 3 at 2 PM
Directed by Alice Lyn Oswald
9 to 5 The Musical, based on the 1980 hit movie, is a laugh-out-loud story of friendship and revenge with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call a boss. In a zany turn of events, Violet, Judy, and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Mr. Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?

Tickets on sale now through the Mishler Theatre Box Office – 814-944-9434
