It’s audition time for the 24/25 Season…
and we’ve made some changes to our processes this year!
Read the content on this page fully to set you on the right path for success, whether you are brand new to Civic or a returning auditioner.
AUDITION FOR: CATS
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is holding auditions for CATS on Friday, September 6th from 5-9 pm, and Saturday, September 7th from 12-4 pm. Auditions are open to the public. This production features a large volunteer cast of 22-26 multifaceted performers ages 13+ of all gender identities, ethnicities, and body types who can sing, dance/move, and act. Note that not all cats require dance.
This production team may choose to cast across gender identities, body types, and vocal ranges for this cast; any vocal type that can sing the part without musical transposition (ie. may “sing up/down the octave”) are welcome to audition for the roles that interest them. Note that this will not change the gender of the character as written, but we are open to various genders portraying those characters.
ABOUT THE SHOW: One of the world’s best-known and meow-velous musicals! The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year – the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; Based on Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot. Rated: G for the whole family. Cats is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals | concordtheatricals.com
REHEARSALS BEGIN: Monday, September 16, 2024
PERFORMANCES: November 15 – December 15, 2024 (Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, Saturdays* and Sundays at 2:00pm. *Saturday matinee performances begin November 23)
PRODUCTION STAFF: Director: BRUCE TINKER, Music Director: SCOTT PATRICK BELL, Choreographer: MIEKE MOLL, Stage Manager: LAUREN HEYBOER
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 SignUpGenius and grct.org/audition for the ’24/’25 Season. All pertinent forms, links, and documents can now be found on this page of our website and SignUpGenius will only be used to schedule your appointment. Refer to this page at grct.org/audition for all questions and resources to prepare for your audition.
Start by reading the Audition Guide above; then visit the links below.
Need some help? Check out the step by step checklist that can also be found in our Audition Guide!
Instructional choreography video is usually shared approximately 2 weeks prior to auditions; for Cats, it’s available now!
JOIN US FOR… ’24/’25 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.
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW Auditions:
Saturday, June 29, 12-4pm and Sunday, June 30, 6-9pm;
Callbacks Monday, July 1, 6-10pm
A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD TYA Auditions:
Saturday, August 24 and Sunday August 25, 12-3pm; Callbacks Monday August 26, 6-9pm (Note: These dates have shifted slightly from what was original posted)
CATS Auditions:
Friday, September 6, 5-9pm and Saturday, September 7, 12-4 pm;
Callbacks Wednesday, September 11, 6-10pm
THE 39 STEPS Auditions:
Friday, October 25, 6-9pm and Saturday, October 26, 4-8 pm;
Callbacks Monday, October 28 6-10pm
CAMP ROCK Auditions:
Friday, January 3, 6-9pm and Saturday, January 4, 12-4 pm;
Callbacks Monday, January 6, 6-9pm
THE COLOR PURPLE Auditions:
Friday, February 7, 6-9pm and Saturday, February 8, 4-8pm;
Callbacks Monday, February 10, 6-10pm
TEN FOR ALL Auditions:
To be announced in 2025
WAITRESS Auditions:
Friday, February 21, 6-9pm and Saturday, February 22, 12-4pm;
Callbacks Monday, February 24, 6-10pm
Learn more about the ’24/’25 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.
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. For specific details on how to prepare and what to expect, visit the Audition Guide above.
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 f