AUDITION FOR: PETE THE CAT

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is holding auditions for our theatre for young audiences production of Season 99, PETE THE CAT, on Saturday, August 23 at 12pm and Sunday, August 24 at 12pm. Auditions are open to the public. Pete the Cat features a volunteer cast of 5 adults (age 16+). We are looking for performers prepared to make big choices and who aren’t afraid to be silly!

Rehearsals will begin September 2. Performances: October 14 – 19 *Weekday performances on October 14 and 16 at 10am and 12:30pm | NOTE: Possible performance extension May 7-10 with rehearsals on May 5-6. See rehearsal/performance schedule for more information.

PRODUCTION STAFF:

Director: Brock Gabbert

Music Director: Jason Hill

Choreographer: Joi Thomas

Stage Manager: Ashley Schwallier

ABOUT THE SHOW:

For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus!

“‘Believe in yourself’ is a common message in family theater, but this cat and his magic VW bus make delightfully unorthodox vehicles for it.” – The New York Times

Script and lyrics by Sarah Hammond; Music by Will Aronson; Original Pete the Cat series of books by Kimberly and James Dean.

Rated: G for the whole family

Pete the Cat 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 Pete the Cat.

REGISTER FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT/COMPLETE FORM
READ THE CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
SEE THE REHEARSAL/PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
LEARN THE AUDITION CHOREOGRAPHY

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 17 – February 2

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.