SOLD OUT! US Hotel Murder Mystery Dinner
2022-06-24 13:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | US Hotel, 401 S. Juniata Street, Hollidaysburg, PA, 16648, United States
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 Hogwarts! 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
June 24th, 5:30 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!
GET TICKETS NOW
Seating subject to availability. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Questions? Please call the ACT Administrative Office at 814-943-4357

Membership Meeting
2022-07-25 19:00 - 21:00 | McGarvey’s Bar, 625 N 4th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Monday, July 25 at 7 pm

Hosted at McGarvey’s Bar & Grill
623 N 4th Ave, Juniata

Come early to order from McGarvey’s delicious menu, then stay after the meeting for KARAOKE!
In-person only. Open to the public!

On the agenda:
-“She Loves Me” auditions
-Rails & Ales fundraising event
-Committee openings for 2022-2023
-Volunteer needs for upcoming season

Don’t forget! Our Memberships run with our Fiscal Year from July to June. Renewals from March 2022 or before expired June 31.
Renew your membership here:
https://altoonacommunitytheatre.com/membership/

AUDITIONS: "She Loves Me"
2022-07-31 14:00 - 18:00, 2022-08-01 14:00 - 18:00 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Auditions for ACT’s first show of the 2022-2023 season will be held July 31 & August 1 in the Historic Mishler Theatre.
Callbacks are expected to be held on August 2 as needed.
Show dates are September 22-25, 2022. First rehearsal is scheduled for Saturday, August 6.
She Loves Me is 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. Directed by Anne Diminick
She Loves Me performs September 22-25, 2022.
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.

Audition Information:
General auditions will be held in four sessions.

July 31 from 6-8 PM
July 31 from 8-10 PM
August 1 from 6-8 PM
August 1 from 8-10 PM

Anyone interested in being considered for a named role or the ensemble should sign up & attend one of the four audition time blocks.
EXCEPT the part of “Busser” is a dance/acting only part and anyone only interested in this role need only attend the separate dance call on August 2nd at 6 PM.

Auditions will consist of a short movement audition and a vocal audition. Cold readings from the script may occur at callbacks.
Voice auditions should be a 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.
Please bring printed sheet music in the correct key for the pianist.
Everyone will be required to participate in a short movement audition. You will be taught a few steps as a group, no special dance clothing or preparation required.
AUDITIONS ARE AT THE MISHLER THEATRE. Enter through the front door.
Auditionees should sign up for a time on our Google form: https://forms.gle/9u64qQZpAJs5Yz3N8
Please arrive 15 min prior to your audition time.
Callbacks are expected to be held August 2. 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 to discuss scheduling an alternative audition time.

Cast of Characters:
All roles are available. No prior theatrical or ACT experience is required.
Arpad Laszlo- Male, 16-25, Tenor/Baritone
Delivery boy; optimistic and light. Strives for perfection and is capable.

Ladislav Sipos- Male, 30-55, Baritone
“The Perfect Employee” A man with family at heart; a peacekeeper. No outstanding features, that’s the way he prefers it.

Steven Kodaly- Male, 20-40, Tenor
Don’t know if you hate that you love him or love to hate him; the audience should do BOTH!
Fashion and romantically forward, suave and intoxicatingly charming.

Georg Nowack- Male, 20-40, Tenor/Baritone
Intelligent and charismatic, a well read romantic. He’s easy to talk to and a reliable friend. However, has a back-bite snark delivered with a smile.

Mr. Maraczek- Male, 45+, Baritone
A proud business man who rules over Maraczek’s with a stern hand. Loves his employees but the shop and his family more.

Ilona Ritter – Female, 20-40, Mezzo-Soprano/ Character voice
Her appearance is her biggest asset and she uses it as intelligently as a lawyer uses their words. Knowledgeable in the dating scene but internally strives for love. A character actress; a comedienne and a strong mover.

Amalia Balash- Female, 20-40, Soprano (High C)
A quick-witted business woman who despite her intelligence finds herself intimidated or shy at times. Someone who isn’t afraid to speak her mind when prompted and can vocally hold the audience in the palm of her hand.

Mr Keller/Ensemble- Male, 20+, Baritone
A secretive private investigator, non-descript to blend in.

Busser- Male or Female, 16+, Strong Dancer (doesn’t sing)
Clumsy busser at a romantic café. Physical comedy is a must, strong dancer with acting experience preferred.
“Busser” is a dance/acting only part and auditionees only interested in this role need only attend the separate dance call on August 2nd at 6 PM.

Waiter- Male, 30+, Tenor
Flamboyant waiter who takes great pride in his job and place of business. Impeccable comedic timing and often breaks the 4th wall.

Shoppers/Choir members- Female, 18+, Any
Three customers who frequent Maraczek’s parfumerie, vocally strong and independent

Adult Ensemble- Male or Female, 18+, Any
Multiple characters
Rowdy patrons at The Café Imperiale, preferably dance capable
Parfumerie customers in “Twelve Days to Christmas”

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

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

She Loves Me
2022-09-22 19:30 - 22:00, 2022-09-23 19:30 - 22:00, 2022-09-24 19:30 - 22:00, 2022-09-25 14:00 - 16:30 | 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.
GET TICKETS

"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

AUDITIONS: "The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon"
2022-09-27 18:30 - 21:00, 2022-09-28 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

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.

SOLD OUT: Another Murder at Hogwarts
2022-10-06 17:30 - 20:30, 2022-10-07 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

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)

The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon
2022-11-17 19:30, 2022-11-20 14:00, 2022-11-18 19:30, 2022-11-19 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.
GET TICKETS

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!

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!

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

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!

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

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 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.”

"Our Town"
2023-02-16 19:30 - 22:30, 2023-02-17 19:30 - 22:30, 2023-02-18 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
