Rails & Ales Brewfest
2024-08-17 15:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Heritage Plaza, Downtown Altoona, Altoona
Drink for a good cause! Sample beers from your favorite local breweries, enjoy great food, and support Altoona Community Theatre.

When: August 17, 2024
Where: Heritage Plaza, 1401 11th Ave, Downtown Altoona
Rain or Shine Event!
More information & tickets at railsandalesaltoona.com

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

The Mousetrap
2024-09-19 19:30 - 21:30 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap

Directed by Leila McCrumb

September 19, 20, 21 at 7:30 PM
September 22 at 2 PM

As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves cut off by a snowstorm in a remote countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover – to their horror – that a killer is in their midst. One by one, the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts. Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim? And can you solve this world-famous mystery for yourself?

For 70 years, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has kept millions of people, from every corner of the globe, on the edge of their seats, and it continues to be a sell-out hit of London theatre.

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

The Mousetrap
2024-09-20 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-09-21 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-09-22 14:00 - 16:00 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap

September 19, 20, 21 at 7:30 PM
September 22 at 2 PM
Directed by Leila McCrumb

As news spreads of a murder in London, a group of seven strangers find themselves cut off by a snowstorm in a remote countryside guesthouse. When a police sergeant arrives, the guests discover – to their horror – that a killer is in their midst. One by one, the suspicious characters reveal their sordid pasts. Which one is the murderer? Who will be their next victim? And can you solve this world-famous mystery for yourself?

For 70 years, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap has kept millions of people, from every corner of the globe, on the edge of their seats, and it continues to be a sell-out hit of London theatre.

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

A Dickens' Christmas Carol AUDITIONS
2024-09-24 18:00 - 21:00, 2024-09-25 18:00 - 21:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
A Dickens’ Christmas Carol : A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts
Audition Dates: Tuesday, September 24 at 6:00pm & Wednesday, September 25 at 6:00 p.m.
Show Dates: November 14-17, 2024
Directed by Sam Wagner
Open auditions for this hilarious take on Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” directed by Sam Wagner, will take place September 24 and September 25 at 6:00 p.m. in the Altoona Community Theatre Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th Street, Downtown Altoona. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
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 26 as needed.

A play by Mark Landon Smith.
From the bonny shores of England comes the Styckes-Upon-Thump Repertory Theatre Company, a stuffy old traveling troupe embarking on their fifteenth annual farewell tour of the Dickens’ tale. Mayhem ensues as this professional company scrambles to keep the show going and everything that could possibly go wrong does, to hilarious, ridiculous results!

Available Roles
The cast requirements include four men and three women, all over the age of 18. Actors will need to have brushed up on their English accents and be able to engage in varying degrees of physical comedy (based on the roles.)
Sir Selsdon Piddock – A “Classical” actor in the truest sense of the word who will be playing Ebenezer Scrooge.
Mrs. Cordelia Ffoliet-Ffolkes Ffortescue Woods – An actress who wishes her resume were as long as her name. She will be playing multiple roles this evening.
Dame Rowena Middleton-Lewis – An actress of some pretensions who plays multiple roles.
Cynthia Imbry – A young actress who is the company understudy and is suddenly forced into the production and isn’t prepared but anxious to make an impression.
Mr. Elyot Crummels – A once dashing leading man now playing character parts. He will be very busy in this evening’s production.
Teddy Shub – An over-anxious young actor who appears to be all teeth.
Mrs. Bettina Salisbury – The company diva who was pretending to be ill for this evening’s performance, assured that the show would be canceled. It hasn’t happened and she appears mid-way through the show determined to play her roles.

All roles are available. No prior theatrical or ACT experience is required.
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

Much Ado About Nothing AUDITIONS
2024-10-13 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-10-14 19:00 - 21:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Auditions for William Shakespeare’s
Much Ado About Nothing
Audition Dates: Sunday October 13 and Monday October 14 at 7:00 pm
Show Dates: February 13-16, 2025
**PLUS a required student matinee February 12 at 10a.m.**
Directed by Tom Liszka
Auditions for this Shakespearean rom-com will take place Sunday October 13 and Monday October 14 starting at 7 p.m. Auditions will be open in the ACT Rehearsal Hall unless a private audition is requested.
Actors must be available for all performances, including a student matinee at 10am on Wednesday February 12. Availability for rehearsals will be asked at auditions, please be prepared to list all conflicts from October 17 through November 1 as well as January 2 to February 16. While regular rehearsals will not begin until January, actors will be expected to be off book at the start of full rehearsals.
If you are unable to attend general auditions, please contact director Tom Liszka at TRL1@psu.edu before October 1 to arrange an alternate time.
Call-backs are expected to take place October 16 as needed.

Acting audition: It is highly recommended you read the director’s version of the script prior to auditions. Then, choose two scenes/monologues to prepare from those available in the Google Drive linked below. You do not need to prepare a scene for every character you are interested in playing. If you prepare a scene that requires more than one actor, a member of the crew will read with you.
Director’s note: “I’m interested in actors who can act naturally, just as you’ve always done for any other part. Don’t just try to recite Shakespeare’s lines like they are some kind of sacred text.”
This show will also incorporate some music elements throughout. Singing, dancing, and instrument playing is not a requirement to audition*.
Optional dance audition: no preparation needed, you will be taught a dance at auditions
Optional music audition: prepare any song (the director recommends a “fun schmaltzy Italian song”) to sing acapella or accompanied by a track or yourself; you may also do a music audition with just an instrument and no singing.
*The character Balthasar will be required to sing in two scenes
For more information, please read the director’s full statement on auditions here.
It is highly recommended you read the director’s cut of the script prior to auditions.
Full Script & Audition scenes available via a Google Drive here.

About the show:

Love is in the air as two of Shakespeare’s most tumultuous couples— Beatrice and Benedick, and Claudio and Hero—volley hilarious quips and damning accusations back and forth. For Beatrice and Benedick, wit is a full-contact sport, and each is happy to throw some elbows. But wethinks they doth protest too much. Sometimes a stubborn soul needs that proverbial kick in the pantaloons to get out of their own way.

Will the truth win in this mischievous game of love? Romance, wit, false accusations, mistaken identities, and a cunning villain fuel this beloved classic with a central couple that set the standard for today’s rom coms.

Available Roles
(all auditionees should be of Junior High School age and above)
Don Pedro—a Prince and a soldier, any adult age
Leonato—Hero’s father, older, governor of Messina
Antonio—Beatrice’s father, even older than Leonato, a gentleman of Messina
Benedick—a soldier, 20-40, witty, swears he’ll never marry (until he falls in love), upper class
Beatrice—an independent woman, 20-40, witty, swears she’ll never marry (guess what happens), upper class
Claudio—a soldier, 20-40, upper class (must be willing to kiss on stage)
Hero—20-40, more innocent, upper class (must be willing to kiss on stage)
Margaret—an attendant to Hero, possibly slutty, thinks herself witty, probably younger, but possibly any age
Ursula—an attendant to Hero, probably younger, but possibly any age
Don John—a soldier, younger brother to Don Pedro, also a Prince—the villain
Borachio—a follower of Don John, so also a bad guy, any age, his name means “drunkard” in Spanish
Conrade—a follower of Don John, so also a bad guy, any age, thinks he’s a gentleman
Dogberry—Constable in charge of the Watch, lower class, confuses words, thinks he’s important, any age
Verges—Dogberry’s sidekick, lower class, a little slow, maybe smarter than Dogberry?, any age
Sexton (Francis Seacoal), any age, lower class, might be double cast with the Messenger, and one of the “Several” people below
Messenger, a soldier, might be double cast with the Sexton, and as one of the “Several” people below
4 Watchmen/women, lower class, any age, need to develop individual comic attributes, one of them has pants that fall down
Balthasar, a professional singer, any age, might be double-cast with the Friar, might also be a musician
Friar Francis, any age, might be double cast with Balthasar
Several Musicians, Servants, Mourners, a Boy, Party-goers, Dancers—4 to 7, these might all be the same people, any age

All roles are available. No prior theatrical or ACT experience is required.
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

A Dicken's Christmas Carol
2024-11-14 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-11-15 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-11-16 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-11-17 14:00 - 16:00 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
A Dickens’ Christmas Carol: A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts

by Mark Landon Smith
November 14, 15, 16 at 7:30
November 17 at 2 PM

Directed by Sam Wagner

This is NOT your traditional “Christmas Carol!” When a rag-tag theatrical touring company stages their 15th annual farewell performance of “A Christmas Carol,” nothing goes right. All the characters in Dickens’ story are there, but only seven actors play them. Mayhem ensues as these “seasoned professionals” scramble to keep the show going. But everything that can go wrong does go wrong to hilarious, ridiculous results!

This show celebrates the Dickens classic but with a bit of a twist. If you love the original but would like to see something a little different this holiday season, this is the show for you!

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

Membership Play Reading #1
2024-11-24 16:30 - 18:30 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Join the Artistic Committee for the first of two Play Reading events! We will present a few titles to gauge membership interest, as we prepare to propose the 2025-2026 Main Stage season slate. The plays presented are in consideration, but not necessarily indicative of the Artistic Committee’s opinions for the proposed season.
The event will be hosted at the ACT Rehearsal Hall (1213 12th St. Altoona, PA) on November 24th. You can enter through the back door of ACT, located behind Tom & Joe’s. The event will begin at 4:30 pm, and last until about 6:30 pm. This event is open to ACT members only.
Plays that will be under consideration are:
Boeing Boeing
August Osage County
The Importance of Being Earnest
You can sign up for a membership or renew a membership at this link: https://altoonacommunitytheatre.com/membership/.

ACT Membership Holiday Party
2024-12-06 18:30 - 21:30 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
All ACT Members are invited to the 2024 Holiday Party on December 6 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 2 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 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!

Penguin Project Holiday Party!
2024-12-07 16:00 - 18:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Join us for the annual Penguin Project Holiday Party at Altoona Community Theatre!
The event will be hosted at the ACT Rehearsal Hall (1213 12th St. Altoona, PA) on December 7th. You can enter through the back door of ACT, located behind Tom & Joe’s. The event will begin at approximately 4 pm, after the conclusion of the Altoona Holiday Parade, and last until about 6 pm.
This event is open to those currently involved in the Penguin Project (and their families!) as well as those looking to get involved with the Penguin Project for the first time. Please send your RSVP to act@altoonacommunitytheatre.com by November 30th, and make sure to include the number in your party so that we can accurately plan for food.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Membership Play Reading #2
2024-12-08 16:30 - 18:30 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Join the Artistic Committee for the second of two Play Reading events! We will present a few titles to gauge membership interest, as we prepare to propose the 2025-2026 Main Stage season slate. The plays presented are in consideration, but not necessarily indicative of the Artistic Committee’s opinions for the proposed season.
The shows that will be being read from are Wait until Dark, The Dinner Party, and The Great American Musical Disaster.
The event will be hosted at the ACT Rehearsal Hall (1213 12th St. Altoona, PA) on December 8th. You can enter through the back door of ACT, located behind Tom & Joe’s. The event will begin at 4:30 pm, and last until about 6:30 pm. This event is open to ACT members only.
You can sign up for a membership or renew a membership at this link: https://altoonacommunitytheatre.com/membership/.

The Rainbow Fish Musical (Family Theatre at the Mishler)
2024-12-15 15:00 - 16:00 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Altoona Community Theatre Presents
The Rainbow Fish Musical
As part of the Blair County Arts Foundation’s Family Theatre at the Mishler Series
Book, Music, and Lyrics by Austin Zumbro
Adapted from the Book by Marcus Pfister, translated into English by J. Alison James, illustrations by Marcus Pfister
December 15th, 2024 at 3 PM in the Historic Mishler Theatre
When Rainbow Fish refuses to share his vibrant, shimmering scales, the whole ocean seems to turn against the vain creature. Unhappy that no one adores him anymore, the Rainbow Fish seeks out the wise Octopus, who helps him learn that it’s far better to be admired for being kind than for being beautiful.
Get tickets now!

2025 Reverse Raffle
2025-01-10 19:30 - 21:00 | Virtual, PA, United States
Only 200 tickets will be sold with a chance to win $250 , $500, or a grand prize of $2000
Plus! Second Chance Drawings and Gift Card Drawings throughout the night!
Virtual Raffle Party
Friday, January 10th, 2025 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 you are named the winner of the $2000 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! It’s sure to be fast-paced and entertaining!
Raffle tickets with a chance to win $2000 make great holiday gifts for those hard-to-buy-for people on your list!
$50 per ticket
Get your tickets now!
You may request a specific number through Monday November 2. If your requested number is not available, we will give you the next closest or similar number. After November 2, numbers will be assigned randomly.
Prefer to purchase your ticket over the phone? Call ACT at 814-943-4357.

How To Audition for a Musical: Educational Workshop
2025-01-18 10:00 - 12:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
“How to Audition for a Musical”
Educational Workshop led by Karen Volpe and Jonathan O’Harrow
Saturday January 18
10 AM – Noon
ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Downtown Altoona

Join us for a few fun and productive hours as we share musical audition basics for all ages. This workshop will benefit both seasoned auditionees and newcomers.
Subjects covered will include:

Auditions 101: What to expect when auditioning for a musical or play.
Audition Prep: Do your research, choose the right song or monologue (if required), and decide what to wear.
Audition Tips and Etiquette: What to do (and not to do) and how to behave (or not behave) as you audition and watch others audition.
The Long Wait: How to handle the results of an audition (whether good or bad) and appropriate ways to seek feedback
Questions and Feedback: We’ll be available for questions from the group or individual chats about your audition questions.

NOTE: This workshop will provide general audition guidance. While we may go over some ACT specifics, this knowledge will be helpful for auditions anywhere!

$10 for ACT Members / $15 for NonMembers
For children twelve or under, an adult may attend with them for no charge.
Register Now!
Contact the ACT Office at 814-943-4357 with questions or for registration assistance.

Membership Meeting
2025-01-31 19:00 - 21:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Friday, January 31 at 7 pm
ACT Rehearsal Hall
1213 12th St, Downtown Altoona

General Membership Meeting Agenda
– Vote on proposed slate for 2025-2026
– Elect new Artistic Committee members

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

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

PROPOSED SLATE:
September 18-21, 2025
Cinderella (Primary)- Rodgers, Hammerstein II, Beane
Groundhog Day (Alternate)- Minchin, Rubin

November 13-16, 2025
Boeing Boeing (Primary)- Camoletti, Cross, Evans
Present Laughter (Alternate)- Coward

February 12-15. 2026
Wait Until Dark (Primary)- Knott, Hatcher
The Importance of Being Earnest (Alternate)- Wilde, Holland

April 30-May 3, 2026
9 to 5 (Primary)- Parton, Resnick
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Alternate)- Yazbek, Lane

Three Artistic Committee members are at the end of their terms and we will be voting on their replacements for new two-year terms. . 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.

Board Game Day (ACT Membership Event)
2025-02-07 18:00 - 21:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States

Much Ado About Nothing
2025-02-13 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-02-14 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-02-15 19:30 - 21:30, 2025-02-16 14:00 - 16:00 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Much Ado About Nothing
by William Shakespeare
February 13, 14, 15 at 7:30 PM
February 16 at 2 PM

Directed by Tom Liszka

Love is in the air as two of Shakespeare’s most tumultuous couples— Beatrice and Benedick, and Claudio and Hero—volley hilarious quips and damning accusations back and forth. For Beatrice and Benedick, wit is a full-contact sport, and each is happy to throw some elbows. But wethinks they doth protest too much. Sometimes a stubborn soul needs that proverbial kick in the pantaloons to get out of their own way.

Will the truth win in this mischievous game of love? Romance, wit, false accusations, mistaken identities, and a cunning villain fuel this beloved classic with a central couple that set the standard for today’s rom coms.

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

Mary Poppins AUDITIONS
2025-02-23 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-02-24 18:00 - 21:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
AUDITIONS FOR
Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s
Mary Poppins
A Musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers
and the Walt Disney Film
Original Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Book by Julian Fellowes
New songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe
Co-Created by Cameron Mackintosh
Open Auditions Sunday, February 23 at 6:00pm & Monday, February 24 at 6:00 p.m.
Show Dates: May 1, 2, & 3 @ 7:30 pm, May 3 & 4 @ 2 pm
(5 performances)
Directed by Tara E. Enedy
Open auditions for Altoona Community Theatre’s production of “Mary Poppins” will be held Sunday and Monday, February 23 and 24, beginning 6:00 p.m. in the Altoona Community Theatre Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th Street, Downtown Altoona. Auditionees need only attend one night of auditions unless asked to attend callbacks. All audition times are for all ages appropriate for the show.
Everyone should be prepared with 16 to 32 bars of a broadway song that showcases their ability. No unaccompanied singing will be permitted. 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. Please bring dance or character shoes to change into, if you have them available. During the movement audition you will have the opportunity to demonstrate advanced dancing skills if you would like to be considered for a full dancing and singing ensemble role, Bert, or Mary Poppins.

DANCE ONLY audition for those not interested in singing:
Sunday February 23 at 4pm
This DANCE ONLY session is a special dance ensemble audition for those only interested in dancing in “Step in Time”, “Jolly Holiday”, or “Supercali..” This dance ensemble will include advanced tapping and dance skills, but not necessarily singing. Only attend this dance audition if you do not want to sing.
If you are unable to attend this date for a dance audition, please call ACT Office at 814-943-4357 to discuss attending on Wednesday February 26 instead. This alternative time is by invitation or prior arrangement only.
Attend the general auditions on Sunday or Monday at 6 pm if you would like to be considered for “full ensemble” roles that include singing. Auditionees will be given a chance to demonstrate advanced dancing skills during the movement portion of the general auditions.

About the show:

This uplifting and energetic musical is sure to delight all ages. Bert, a chimney sweep, introduces us to the troubled Banks family in 1910 London. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins appears at their doorstep. The family finds that she is the answer to their prayers, but in the most peculiar way.

Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Songs include “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Step in Time,” and “Let’s Go Fly a Kite.”

Available Roles & Vocal Range:
Age ranges are a suggestion, please audition for any role you would like to be considered for. Listed by order of appearance.
Bert: The narrator of the story, is a good friend to Mary Poppins. An everyman, Bert has many occupations, including hurdy-gurdy player, sidewalk artist and chimney sweep. Bert watches over the children as well as the goings on in Cherry Tree Lane. He has charm, speaks with a Cockney accent and is a song-and-dance man.
Gender: male
Age: 25 to 45
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: B2
Must have dance abilities and not be afraid of heights.
George Banks: The father to Jane and Michael Banks, is a banker to the very fiber of his being. Demanding “precision and order” in his household, he is a pipe-and-slippers man who doesn’t have much to do with his children and believes that he had the perfect upbringing by his nanny, the cruel Miss Andrew. His emotional armor, however, conceals a sensitive soul. A baritone, George may speak-sing as necessary.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 60
Vocal range top: Eb4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Winifred Banks: George’s wife and Jane and Michael’s mother. A former actress, she is loving and distracted homemaker who is busy trying to live up to her husband’s desire to only associate with “the best people” as well as be the model wife and mother. She suffers from the conflicting feelings that she’s not up to the job of “being Mrs. Banks,” yet, she is, and more. She has great warmth and simplicity to her tone.
Gender: female
Age: 30 to 60
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Jane: The high-spirited daughter of Mr. and Mr. Banks, is bright and precocious but can be willful and inclined to snobbishness.
Gender: female
Age: 10 to 12
Vocal range top: F#5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Michael: The cute and cheeky son of Mr. and Mrs. Banks. Excitable and naughty, he adores his father and tries to be like him. Both he and Jane misbehave in order to get the attention of their parents.
Gender: male
Age: 8 to 10
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Katie Nanna:Jane and Michael’s nanny at the beginning of the show. Overwhelmed and upset, she has absolutely had her fill of the Banks children.
Gender: female
Age: 30 to 60
Policeman: A neighborhood fixture who is respected by and observant of households on his beat.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to Any
Miss Lark: The haughty next-door neighbor of the Banks family who treats her dog, Willoughby, as if her were child.
Gender: female
Age: 30 to Any
Admiral Boom: A retired Royal Navy man and neighbor of the Banks family. A physically large man with a loud and booming voice, he speaks in Navy jargon and has a soft spot for his neighbor, Miss Lark. Can be any vocal range as needed. If Admiral Bloom doubles as the Banks Chairman, he can be a baritone.
Gender: male
Age: 50 to 75
Mrs. Brill: The housekeeper and cook for the Banks family. Overworked and harassed, she’s always complaining that the house is understaffed. Her intimidating exterior is a cover for the warmth underneath. Mrs. Brill doesn’t have a high opinion of nannies in general and Mary Poppins in particular. She does not have to be a strong singer.
Gender: female
Age: 40-60
Vocal range top: D#5
Vocal range bottom: F#3
Robertson Ay: The houseboy to the Banks family. Lazy, sleepy and grumbling, he never gets things right and believes himself to be useless. He doesn’t do a lot of singing, but his “Spoonful” solo can be a fun surprise.
Gender: male
Age: 20 to 40
Vocal range top: G#4
Vocal range bottom: F3
Mary Poppins: Jane and Michael Banks’s new nanny. She is extraordinary and strange, neat and tidy, delightfully vain yet particular, and sometimes a little frightening but always exciting. She is practically perfect in every way and always means what she says. A mezzo soprano with strong top notes, she should be able to move well. She can have a more traditional soprano sound, but precision and diction is the key.
Gender: female
Age: 20 to 40
Vocal range top: C6
Vocal range bottom: Gb3
Must have some dance ability and not be afraid of heights.
Park Keeper: Uniformed and officious, he makes sure no one breaks park regulations. His life is defined by rules, but he secretly hankers after his childhood.
Gender: male
Age: Any
Neleus: The statue of a young boy posed with a dolphin in the park. Neleus was separated from his father, Poseidon, and misses him very much. A small and lonely being, he is very happy to befriend Jane and Michael. This will be a featured dance role.
Gender: male
Age: 14 to 21
Queen Victoria: A statue in the park.
Gender: female
Age: Any
Bank Chairman: The head of the bank where Mr. Banks is employed, is an Edwardian stuffed-shirt. He can speak/sing his lines if necessary.
Gender: male
Age: 50 to Any
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: C3
Miss Smythe: The Bank Chairman’s humorless secretary.
Gender: female
Age: Any
Ensemble: Annie, Fannie, Valentine, Teddy Bear, Mr. Punch, Doll, Chimney Sweeps, Toys, Parkgoers.
Von Hussler: A businessman seeking a loan from the bank for a shady business deal. He speaks with a German accent.
Gender: male
Age: Any
John Northbrook: An honest business man seeking a loan to build a factory for his community. He speaks with an accent from Northern England.
Gender: male
Age: Any
Bird Woman: Covered in a patchwork of old shawls, and her pockets are stuffed with bags of crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her crumbs for the birds. She tries to sell her crumbs to passersby, who ignore her as if she doesn’t exist. Sings “Feed the Birds.” There can be a gruff, folksy quality to her voice that reflects the hardness of her life.
Gender: female
Age: 30 to Any
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: Gb3
Mrs. Corry: Owns a magical gingerbread shop. She is a mysterious woman of great age who speaks with a Caribbean accent (or any accent that would make her seem exotic).
Gender: female
Age: 30 to Any
Miss Andrew: George’s overbearing and scary nanny. With her bottle of nasty-tasting brimstone and treacle to keep naughty children in line, she is a bully who only knows one way of doing things – her way. A soprano with an alto belt, there can be some heaviness to her voice along with range.
Gender: female
Age: 40 to Any
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: Gb3

Penguin Project Spring Fling
2025-03-22 14:00 - 17:00 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
ACT invites you to our Penguin Project Spring Fling!
Open to current Penguins or those interested in getting involved for the first time.
Please RSVP to act@altoonacommunitytheatre.com

Mystery at the Ozdust Ball
2025-03-27 17:30 - 21:00 | US Hotel, 401 S. Juniata Street, Hollidaysburg, PA, 16648, United States
Click Here to Learn More!
