SOLD OUT: Another Murder at Hogwarts
2022-10-06 17:30 - 20:30, 2022-10-07 17:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | 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!

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

Board Game Day (ACT Membership Event)
2022-12-03 13:00 - 17:00, 2023-04-15 12:30 - 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, 2023-02-19 14:00 - 17:00 | 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yet Another Murder at Hogwarts
2023-03-09 17:30 - 20:30 | 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!
Things have become very dangerous at Hogwarts School, with yet another murder happening in the magical school. Everyone is locked in the Great Hall. Everyone is a suspect. Can YOU solve the mystery? NOW with even more clues and audience interaction!
Tickets: $40 (gratuity included in ticket price)
Dinner 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. Cash bar will be available.
Optional reduced ticket price for children of $30 to be served chicken fingers and fries ONLY. (This performance is not recommended for children under 8 years old.)
Thursday March 9 or Friday March 10
Doors open at 5:30 PM
Dinner Served shortly after 6 PM
US Hotel, Hollidaysburg

Click here for tickets for THURSDAY
Click here for tickets for FRIDAY

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 dinners.
8 wizards per table. We do our best to seat parties together, but it is not guaranteed.
Questions? Please call the ACT Administrative Office at 814-943-4357
As this is a fundraising event that requires meal preparation, tickets are non-refundable.

Yet Another Murder at Hogwarts
2023-03-10 17:30 - 20:30 | 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!
Things have become very dangerous at Hogwarts, with yet another murder happening in the magical school. Everyone is locked in the Great Hall. Everyone is a suspect. Can YOU solve the mystery? NOW with even more clues and audience interaction!
Tickets: $40 (gratuity included in ticket price)
Dinner 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. Cash bar will be available.
Optional reduced ticket price for children of $30 to be served chicken fingers and fries ONLY. (This performance is not recommended for children under 8 years old.)
Thursday March 9 or Friday March 10
Doors open at 5:30 PM
Dinner Served shortly after 6 PM
US Hotel, Hollidaysburg

Click here for tickets for THURSDAY
Click here for tickets for FRIDAY

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 dinners.
8 wizards per table. We do our best to seat parties together, but it is not guaranteed.
Questions? Please call the ACT Administrative Office at 814-943-4357

Blood Drive
2023-03-27 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 27th from 12:30 to 6 pm.

Schedule a Donation

March is Red Cross Month. During this month, the Red Cross honors the commitment of volunteers and blood and platelet donors to support individuals and families in need.
Giving blood is an easy way to help a patient in need, and new donors will also get a mini physical and learn their blood type!
Eligible donors with types O, B negative or A negative are encouraged to make a Power Red donation at our blood drive. You can help more patients with one scheduled appointment. During a Power Red donation, a donor gives more red blood cells than they do during a regular whole blood donation.
All who come to give in March will receive a $10 Visa PrePaid Card by email, plus they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa PrePaid Card to help with grocery or gas expenses. There will be five lucky winners. Terms apply at RedCrossBlood.org/Help.
In addition, all who come to give at ACT’s blood drive will receive a discount voucher for tickets to our upcoming production of “Oliver!”.

ACT Blood Drive

Altoona Community Theatre
Rehearsal Hall
1213 12th Street
Altoona, PA 16601
(Located next to Tom & Joe’s, downtown Altoona)

Oliver!
2023-05-05 19:30 - 22:00, 2023-05-06 19:30 - 22:00, 2023-05-07 14:00 - 16:30 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Lionel Bart’s
Oliver!
Music, Book, and Lyrics by Lionel Bart
May 4, 5, & 6 at 7:30 PM
May 7 at 2:00 PM
Directed by Matt Michrina
“Consider yourself at home” with this classic musical based on the Charles Dickens novel, “Oliver Twist.” A Tony and Oscar-winning musical, it is widely hailed as a true theatrical masterpiece.
The streets of Victorian England come to life as Oliver, an orphan in a workhouse, becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance among a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the wily Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, Mr. Brownlow, the benevolent victim, takes him in, and Oliver discovers the true meaning of family.
GET TICKETS

75th Anniversary Celebration
2023-06-17 19:30 - 21:00 | The Historic Mishler Theatre, 1208 12th Ave, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Tickets Available Now!
ACT’s roots extend back to the 1920s, but it was in October 1948 that we formally incorporated as Altoona Community Theatre. Today, 75 years later, ACT has developed into a mainstay of the local arts community…enlightening our audiences with great dramas, comedies and musicals…challenging the artistic sensibilities of our volunteer performers and technicians…and awakening the imaginations of young people with programs like our Summer Drama Workshops and the Isaacs Awards.
Altoona Community Theatre invites you to celebrate our Diamond Anniversary with us on June 17, 2023.

The evening begins in the Historic Mishler Theatre with “Places!”
A Theatrical Celebration of ACT’s 75th Anniversary
“Places!” is an original work conceived, written & directed by Karen Volpe. The star of this dazzling production is Altoona Community Theatre. The people. The plays. The musicals. The fun. The heartaches. And everything in between. The show captures the spirit of ACT and tells our story using songs and scenes from past productions. Thank you to our Production Sponsors, Jane & Lee Hite, Matthew & Tiffany Stuckey Foundation, and Stevens Family Funeral Homes.
After the performance, there will be a reception at The Columns Banquet Center, just a quick walk down the block from the Mishler.
The reception will include hors d’oeuvres, non-alcoholic beverages, and desserts provided by David and Paula Binus Catering. Cash Bar will be available. Thank you to our reception sponsor, UPMC Altoona.
Tickets sales to the reception end at 3PM June 9.
Show only tickets will remain on sale as long as seats remain in the Mishler!

This evening is also in honor of YOU, the community members who have made our theatre company so sensational these 75 years with your patronage, your donations, and your volunteer hours. We hope you’ll join us for a night of celebrating our past and in looking forward to 75 more years of being an integral, artistic element of our community.
Tickets are available with the Mishler Theatre Box Office. Click here to purchase online or call 814-944-9434.
Tickets to the theatrical celebration are $50 a seat, with limited tickets to the reception available for an additional $25.
Dressy-Casual to Semi-Formal attire welcome.
Hotel Rooms are available at
Wingate by Wyndham Altoona
Downtown/Medical Center
814-515-2233
June 16 & 17, 2023
Use discount code “ACT75”

Matilda the Musical Auditions
2023-06-24 12:00 - 15:30 | ACT Rehearsal Hall, 1213 12th St, Altoona, PA, 16601, United States
Auditions for “Matilda the Musical” will be held Saturday, June 24th and Sunday, June 25th in the ACT Rehearsal Hall (1213 12th Street, Downtown Altoona).
Audition times are split between children and young adults/adults and held at different times on Saturday and Sunday. Please read below for details.
Matilda the Musical performs September 21st-24th, 2023. Actors must be available for all performances. Availability for rehearsals will be asked at auditions. Please be prepared to list all conflicts from auditions to performance dates.

Audition Information:
General auditions will be held in separate sessions each day for children and adults:

Saturday, June 24th

Auditionees 14 and under will audition from 12-1:30 pm
Auditionees 15 and over will audition from 2-3:30 pm

Sunday June 25th

Auditionees 14 and under will audition from 5-6:30 pm
Auditionees 15 and over will audition from 7-8:30 pm

Please arrive 10 minutes early to your audition slot, if possible. The audition holding room will be in the ACT Rehearsal Hall with vocal auditions taking place in the ACT Office (closed auditions). Please enter the ACT building through the back door off the 13th Ave Parking Lot (Behind Tom & Joes).

All auditionees should prepare a 24-32 bar cut of a song in the style of the Matilda the Musical. Please do not prepare a song directly from Matilda the Musical. The song should reflect your vocal abilities and, preferably, the character(s) you are most interested in. Auditionees should provide printed sheet music in the correct key for the piano accompanist. If you do not have a song prepared, you will be taught a short song to audition with.
Auditions will consist of a short movement combination. No specialty dance clothing or preparation is required. After all vocal auditions in your audition slot have concluded, all auditionees will be taught the movement combination in the ACT Rehearsal space.
Callbacks will be held as needed the evening of June 27 at Blair Dance Academy, 2914 W. Chestnut Ave. Altoona, PA 16601

Callbacks may consist of a combination of vocal selections, cold readings, and dance combinations. You will be notified if you are needed at callbacks and given a scheduled time. Not receiving a callback does not mean you have not been cast. You may let the director know at general auditions if you are unable to attend callbacks.

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

About the Show:
Based on the twisted genius of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book, this musical follows Matilda Wormwood, an extraordinary girl with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind whose talents are constantly belittled by her cruel parents and her hostile headmistress, the outrageous and wicked Miss Trunchbull. Reclusive, but with an ever-growing imagination and with a caring protector in her teacher Miss Honey, Matilda dreams of a better life, daring to take a stand against unjust forces and to grasp her destiny in her own, tiny hands.
With a high stakes battle between good and evil along with high energy music and dancing, “Matilda” will rock the Mishler Theatre.

Cast of Characters:
All roles are available. No prior theatrical or ACT experience is required. Roles are open to diverse and gender-inclusive casting. Age ranges are suggestions. Please audition for any role that interests you.
Matilda Wormwood (Age 7-12, A3-D5): An imaginative girl who is clever and wise far beyond her years. She has a thirst for knowledge that cannot be quenched. Actor must be a strong vocalist and have the ability to learn many lines. (‘Miracle,’ ‘Naughty,’ ‘Story 1-4,’ ‘Quiet’)
Agatha Trunchbull (Age 30-60, A2-G4): The tyrannical, child-despising headmistress at Matilda’s school. Actor must be a skilled mover. (‘’The Hammer,’ ‘The Smell of Rebellion’)
Miss Honey (Age 25-45, F3-D5): Matilda’s kindhearted teacher. She is tired of living in fear under Miss Trunchbull. (‘Pathetic,’ ‘This Little Girl,’ ‘When I Grow Up,’ ‘My House’)
Mr. Wormwood (Age 30-45, D3-A4): Matilda’s uncaring father. A slimy, greedy used-car salesman. (‘Miracle,’ ‘Telly’)
Mrs. Wormwood (Age 30-45, A3-F5): Matilda’s self-absorbed, negligent mother and an amateur ballroom dancer. Actor must be a strong vocalist and dancer. (‘Miracle,’ ‘Loud’)
Michael Wormwood (Age 12-16): Matilda’s older brother. He is not very bright and is favored by the Wormwood parents. (‘Telly’)
Bruce (Age 7-13, C4-E5): Matilda’s classmate. He is subject to extreme punishment by Miss Trunchbull. Actor must be a strong vocalist and mover. (‘Miracle,’ ‘School Song,’ ‘The Hammer,’ ‘The Chokey Chant,’ ‘Bruce,’ ‘When I Grow Up,’ ‘The Smell of Rebellion,’ ‘Revolting Children’)
Lavender (Age 7-13): Matilda’s classmate and friend. (‘Miracle,’ ‘School Song,’ ‘The Hammer,’ ‘The Chokey Chant,’ ‘Bruce,’ ‘When I Grow Up,’ ‘The Smell of Rebellion,’ ‘Revolting Children’)
Mrs. Phelps (Age 25-65): A nice librarian who is one of the few adults who does not treat Matilda with disrespect. Mrs. Phelps is a major supporter of Matilda’s curiosity and opens up Matilda’s imagination through their mutual love of stories. (‘Story 1-4’)
The Escapologist (Age 25-45, C3-E4): A character in a story Matilda tells to Mrs. Phelps. This character comes to life in their imagination. Actor must be a strong singer. (‘Story 1-4’)
The Acrobat (Age 25-45, D4-A4): A character in a story Matilda tells to Mrs. Phelps. This character comes to life in their imagination. (‘Story 1-4’)
Rudolpho (Age 20-30, D#3-A4): Mrs. Wormwood’s ballroom dance partner. Actor must be a strong dancer. (‘Loud’)
Doctor (Age 25-45, C3-A4): Mrs. Wormwood’s doctor when she goes into labor with Matilda. Actor must be a strong singer. (‘Miracle’)
Children’s Ensemble (Age 7-14): Will act as Matilda’s classmates. Actors must be strong vocalists and movers. (‘Miracle,’ ‘School Song,’ ‘The Hammer,’ ‘The Chokey Chant,’ ‘Bruce,’ ‘When I Grow Up,’ ‘The Smell of Rebellion,’ ‘Revolting Children’)
Teen Ensemble (Age 15-22): Will act as the older students at Matilda’s school who have been around the block and know what to expect from Miss Trunchbull. Actors must be strong vocalists and proficient or advanced dancers. (‘Miracle,’ ‘School Song,’ ‘The Hammer,’ ‘The Chokey Chant,’ ‘Bruce,’ ‘When I Grow Up,’ ‘The Smell of Rebellion,’ ‘Revolting Children’)
Adult Ensemble (Age 23+): Will act as parents to the children in several scenes and play various other ensemble roles. Adult Ensemble members will act as ‘pit singers’ when not physically onstage. Actors must be strong vocalists and preferably movers. (‘Miracle,’ ‘Bruce,’ ‘When I Grow Up,’ ‘The Smell of Rebellion,’ ‘Revolting Children’)
