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: THE COLOR PURPLE
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is holding auditions for The Color Purple on Friday, February 7th from 6-9pm, and Saturday, February 8th from 4-8pm. Auditions are open to the public.
The production staff of The Color Purple is seeking volunteer cast of passionate, talented people willing to embody this heartfelt, tough, and meaningful story of self-discovery and power. Movement is an integral part of this story and as such we are looking for actors (especially in the ensemble) who can personify that part of the story. Movers, dancers, and acrobats are highly encouraged. We encourage performers of all gender identities and body types to audition; please note that the genders listed below represent that of the character as they should be portrayed. This production will feature a cast size of 25+ adults (18+) with a few roles for younger actors (13+).
An important note for auditioners: The Color Purple features onstage moments of sexual violence and aggression, consensual intimacy, and physical violence between characters as a part of telling this story. Moments of intimacy and aggression/stage combat will be choreographed collaboratively with the actors, Director, and Intimacy Director and/or Fight Choreographer to ensure that all actors feel confident and comfortable with the material.
ABOUT THE SHOW: The Color Purple is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who, through love, finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. This musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (and the popular 1985 Steven Spielberg film) spotlights Celie, a downtrodden young woman whose personal awakening over the course of 40 years forms the arc of this epic story. With a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life. With a book by Marsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s production of The Color Purple is a West Michigan community theatre premiere.
RATED: PG-13 due to some violence including domestic abuse, adult language, use of alcohol, and sexual situations.
The Color Purple is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by TRW.
REHEARSALS BEGIN: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
PERFORMANCES: April 18 – May 4, 2025 (Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm, Saturday May 3 at 2:00pm. No Matinee on Easter Sunday, April 20.)
PRODUCTION STAFF: Director: WILL GEARRING, Choreographer: TORREY THOMAS, Music Director: VANESSA ALLEN, Stage Manager: SHANELL HAIGH (Note: Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is pleased to welcome Will and Torrey to The Color Purple team. We joyfully wish our friend and previously announced Director and Choreographer, Christopher Chase Carter, all the best as he prepares for an exciting opportunity.)
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 Audition Checklist that can also be found in our Audition Guide!
AUDITION FOR: DISNEY’S CAMP ROCK
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is holding auditions for Disney’s Camp Rock The Musical on Friday, January 3rd from 6-9pm, and Saturday, January 4th from 12-4pm. Auditions are open to the public.
This production features a volunteer cast of 24+ actors with a mixture of older teen and adult performers (ages 16+), and younger teen/youth performers (ages 13-15). We are looking for bold performers and strong movers and dancers. We encourage performers of all gender identities, ethnicities, and body types to audition; please note that the genders listed below represent that of the character as they should be portrayed.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
A classic story of rivalry and power, Disney’s Camp Rock The Musical opens with Mitchie and her friends arriving at Camp Rock, ready to spend another summer jamming out and having the time of their lives. But the new, flashy Camp Star across the lake now threatens Camp Rock’s very existence. To keep the doors open, Mitchie steps up, rallies her fellow Camp Rockers and gets them into top shape for the ultimate showdown!
Rated: G for the whole family
Disney’s Camp Rock The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
REHEARSALS BEGIN: Monday, January 13, 2025
PERFORMANCES: February 28 – March 16: (Wednesdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm; 2:00pm Saturday Matinees on March 1 and 15; Low Sensory Performance on Monday, March 10)
PRODUCTION STAFF: Director: JASON MARLETT, Music Director: JOSH KELLER, Choreographer: ERIN KACOS POTT, Stage Manager: BREANNE BLACKWELL
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!
Note: For musicals, instructional choreography video is usually shared approximately 2 weeks prior to auditions.
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
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