AUDITION FOR:

THE LIGHTNING THIEF:

THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is seeking 6-10 volunteer actors, ages 16+ to 50s for their February/March production of The Lightning Thief. We are looking for performers who are empathetic, work well as a team, willing to make bold and silly character choices, and willing to lead with fun. 

Auditions are open to the public and will take place on Sunday, January 4 at 1pm and Monday, January 5, at 6pm. Callbacks are by invitation only and are scheduled for Wednesday, January 7 at 6pm. 

Performance dates are February 27 – March 15, 2026:

  • Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm
  • February 28 and March 14 will be two-show Saturdays with shows at 2:00pm and 7:30pm
  • March 5 and March 12 will be two-show Thursdays with shows at 10am (school matinee) and 7:30pm 

Rehearsals begin Monday, January 12

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Director: Eric Hand, Music Director: Emily Volz-Mills, Choreographer: Phoebe Dawson, Stage Manager: Jess Reilly

ABOUT THE SHOW:

When teenager Percy Jackson discovers he’s a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. Adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan and featuring a thrilling original rock score, The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is an action-packed mythical adventure.

“One foot in Harry Potter and another in Dear Evan Hansen.” – Chicago Tribune

Rated: G for the whole family

The Lightning Thief  is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals | concordtheatricals.com

HOW TO AUDITION: Click on the buttons below to get started. Note: If you are a returning auditoner to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre you may notice some differences to the process and grct.org/audition. All pertinent forms, links, and documents can now be found on this page of our website. Refer to this page at grct.org/audition for all questions and resources to prepare for your audition.

Start by clicking HERE to read the Audition Guide that is specific to The Lightning Thief.

JOIN US FOR… auditions!

Note that auditions dates below are tentative and may shift slightly; be sure to confirm audition dates and times in the official audition notices. Notices are posted here approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the audition dates.  

Rock of Ages
MUSICAL

Performances: September 12 – October 5, 2025

Auditions: Saturday, June 28, 12pm; Sunday, June 29, 6pm

Callbacks: Monday, June 30, 6pm

Rehearsals Begin: July 14

Disney’s Frozen
HOLIDAY MUSICAL

Performances: November 14 – December 14, 2025, with possible extension dates December 17-21 *November 22, 29, December 6, 13 will all be two-show Saturdays with a 2:00 matinee and a 7:30 evening performance

Auditions: Friday, July 25, 4pm; Saturday, July 26, 10am

Callbacks: Monday & Tuesday July 28-29, 6pm

Rehearsals Begin: September 15

Pete the Cat
LIMITED ENGAGEMENT MUSICAL FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

Performances: October 14 – 19 *Weekday performances on October 14 and 16 at 10am and 12:30pm

Auditions: Saturday, August 23, 12pm; Sunday, August 24, 12pm

Callbacks: Monday, August 25, 6pm

Rehearsals Begin: September 2

Ain’t Misbehavin’
MUSICAL

Performances: January 16 – February 1

Auditions: Friday, October 24, 6pm; Saturday, October 25, 4pm

Callbacks: Monday, October 27, 6pm

Rehearsals Begin: November 10 *No rehearsals scheduled from December 23-January 1 for holiday break

The Lightning Thief
MUSICAL

Performances: February 27 – March 15, 2026; February 28 and March 14 will be two-show Saturdays with a 2:00 matinee and a 7:30 evening
performance

Auditions: Sunday, January 4, 12pm; Monday, January 5, 6pm

Callbacks Wednesday, January 7, 6pm

Rehearsals Begin: January 12

Dial M for Murder
PLAY

Performances: April 17 – May 3, 2026

Auditions: Friday, February 6, 6pm; Saturday, February 7, 4pm

Callbacks: Monday, February 9, 6pm

Rehearsals Begin: February 18

Legally Blonde
MUSICAL

Performances: June 5 – 28, 2026

Auditions: Friday, February 20, 6pm; Saturday, February 21, 12pm

Callbacks: Monday, February 23, 6pm

Rehearsals Begin: April 6

Learn more about the ’25/26 season at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre:

Auditioning for a Show…

Is there a place for me?

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is a community theatre, which means that all the actors who perform on our stage are a collection of individuals from West Michigan who have a talent and interest in theatre arts and volunteer their time. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned actor, you are welcome to audition at Civic! It’s not uncommon for newcomers to be the star of the show, or a part of the ensemble! On average, approximately 30%-40% of Civic’s volunteer performers are new, either to our community or our theatre. GRCT welcomes all genders and non-conforming individuals, all races and ethnicities, and artists of all ages and body types. With each season offering a variety of musicals and plays, we are excited to offer a little something for everyone.

Audition Notices

This page is your best resource for updated information regarding audition dates and times, casting needs, and rehearsal schedules. You’ll find audition notices posted on this page approximately 4-6 weeks in advance; in addition, all notices are posted on Civic’s Facebook and Instagram. Follow us on social to stay informed! 

What to expect at an audition

Those planning to audition for a Play will be asked to read from the script. For Musical auditions, prepare 16-32 measures of a memorized song and bring sheet music that includes a piano accompaniment line. Musical auditions will also include a dance audition.  

What to expect at a callback

Those that are asked to return for Play Callbacks will read from the script. Musical Callbacks consist of reading from the script, singing songs from the show, and learning additional dance choreography.

Audition Workshops AND CLASSES

Civic Theatre’s School of Theatre Arts offers workshops and classes designed to help you prepare specifically for an audition. Please check our current Education page for information and availability on upcoming classes.