AUDITIONS

2026 SummerStage Season

LOCAL, IN-PERSON, ADULT AUDITIONS: UNION AND NON-UNION

AEA-ITC Tier 8 Contract

We encourage everyone ages 18+ who has a passion for acting, dancing, and/or singing – of any race/ethnicity, ability, age, or gender/gender identity – to attend our December auditions! We are happy to welcome back both new and returning auditionees.

We are equally as excited to see underrepresented communities and those new to the theatre world. We ask that you challenge us to find new perspectives in this season’s characters by auditioning for roles that may not be traditionally “written for you” or has not previously been cast with an actor from your community.  Let us see what you’ve got!

The Arkansas Repertory Theatre will hold union and non-union auditions for the 2026 SummerStage Season on Sunday, December 7th and Monday, December 8th at The Rep, located at 601 Main St., Little Rock, AR 72201.

In attendance:

Steve Broadnax III
Artistic Staff
Director of Ain’t Misbehavin’
Playwright & Director of The Remarkable Resignation of Dr. Joycelyn Elders

Tamra Patterson-Calamese
Director of Community, Learning, & Public Programming
Producing Staff

Maggie Simpson
Company Manager
Casting & Producing Staff

TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

Email casting@therep.org to request an audition appointment.  Please allow 48 hours for a response.
Stage Managers- please submit your resumes to production@therep.org

WHAT TO PREPARE

Please bring a recent headshot or photo of yourself, and a resume or bio.

An accompanist will be provided.  Please bring any sheet music in the correct key, or you are welcome to sing unaccompanied.

  • For Steel Magnolias: one contemporary monologue that showcases humor

  • For Ain’t Misbehavin’: one contemporary monologue; plus 16 bars of a jazz or jazz-inspired musical theatre song

  • For Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: one contemporary monologue; plus 16 bars of a pop or pop-inspired musical theatre song

  • For The Remarkable Resignation of Dr. Joycelyn Elders: one contemporary monologue

  • For Side by Side by Sondheim: one contemporary monologue; plus 16 bars of a musical theatre song

2026 SEASON PRODUCTIONS

Steel Magnolias

By Robert Harling

Production Dates

1st Rehearsal: May 5, 2026
Performances: May 26 – June 7, 2026

The Play

In a small Louisiana beauty salon, six women share laughter, love, and life’s hardest moments with grace and humor. Steel Magnolias is a touching portrait of friendship and resilience, reminding us that strength can be as delicate—and as enduring—as a magnolia bloom.

Author’s Note: The women in this play are witty, intelligent, and above all, real characters. They in no way, shape, or form are meant to be portrayed as cartoons or caricatures.

The Roles

Female-presenting | Late 30’s to mid 40’s | Any ethnicity

Owner of the small town beauty shop the play takes place in. She knows everyone’s business and shares it with anyone who will listen. A traditional Southern Belle who always has advice to give.

Female-presenting | Age Range 18-25 years old | Any ethnicity

Truvy’s very shy beauty shop assistant and hair-dresser. She goes from a very soft-spoken person to a bible-loving Christian with her heart on her sleeve.

Female-presenting | Mid to Late 60s | Any ethnicity

Widow of the former Mayor of Chinquapin. She’s wealthy and also knows everyone’s business. She’s sarcastic, loves to poke fun at the little things, and is very close with Ouiser.

Female-presenting | Mid 20s | Any ethnicity

Roughly 25, Shelby is the prettiest girl in town and loved by all. She often rebels just for the sake of rebellion.

Female-presenting | Late 40s to Mid 50s | Any ethnicity

Shelby’s mother; Socially prominent career woman, and is at times over-protective. She finds the need to have a firm grasp on the world at all times, and worries too much for her ages.

Female-presenting | Mid to Late 60s | Any ethnicity

A wealthy old bitty – she is a loveably miserable lady, and her unique personality and sense of humor is a great relief in the serious scenes. She’s very close with Clairee.

Ain’t Misbehavin’

by Richard Maltby, Jr.

Production Dates

1st Rehearsal: May 26, 2026
Performances: June 16-28, 2026

The Play

Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a vibrant musical revue celebrating the legendary music of the golden age of Harlem Renaissance. Brimming with swing, sass, and soulful energy, it’s a joyous tribute to the spirit, style, and rhythm of 1930s jazz.

The Roles

Male-presenting | Age range 21-45| African American | Bari-Tenor G2-E6

A smooth and charismatic performer whose charm and playful wit light up the stage. With his rich vocals and effortless style, huses both humor and heart to embody the soul of the Harlem jazz scene.

Female-presenting | Age range 21-45 | African American | Soprano (G3-C6)

A spirited and talented singer whose vibrant personality shines through every performance. Her charm, wit, and passion for music make her a captivating presence. She is strong-willed, sassy, and not afraid to share her thoughts.

Female-presenting | Age range 21-45 | African American | Mezzo Soprano (G3-G6)

A sweet, young lady who is very innocent. Her wit, confidence, and vibrant presence make her a standout.

Male-presenting | Age range 21-45 | African American | Tenor (D3 – C6)

A smooth and engaging performer whose charisma and charm captivate both the audience and his fellow castmates. With his confident presence and playful energy, he brings humor, warmth, and rhythm to every number.

Female-presenting | Age range 21-45 | African American | Alto (F3-F5)

A vibrant and engaging performer whose energy and expressive voice captivate the audience. Charming and confident, she is a knowledgeable woman of the world.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber

Production Dates

1st Rehearsal: June 16, 2026
Performances: July 8-26, 2026
Possible Extension: July 28-August 2, 2026

The Play

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a dazzling musical that tells the story of Joseph, the youngest of twelve brothers, whose vivid dreams and vibrant coat sparks jealousy and adventure. From betrayal to triumph, Joseph’s journey takes him from the family home to Egypt, where he rises to power through resilience and faith. Filled with catchy songs, colorful characters, and lively choreography, this show is a joyful celebration of hope, forgiveness, and dreams coming true.

The Roles

Female-presenting | Age Range 21 + | All ethnicities | Mezzo-Belter (G3-G5)

A character not of the time or place of the action. The Narrator tells the story through word and song, guiding the audience gently through the story of Joseph and his brothers. She is the glue that holds the story together.

Male-presenting | Age Range 40-50 | All ethnicities | Baritone (A2-C3)

The father of twelve sons, his favorite being Joseph.

Male-presenting | Age Range 20-30 | All ethnicities | Bari-Tenor (A2-B4)

The eleventh son of Jacob, and the favored son. Early on shows a talent for interpreting dreams and telling the future. This gets him into trouble with his brothers when he predicts his future will include ruling over the other eleven.

Male-Presenting | Age Range 40-50 | All ethnicities | Baritone (D3-A3)

A powerful and rich Egyptian, Potiphar purchases Joseph and puts him to work in his household, where he soon realizes that Joseph is honest, hard-working, and a great addition to his pool of help.

Female-presenting | Age Range 40-50 | Any ethnicity

Beautiful and scheming, Mrs. Potiphar tries to seduce Joseph, but is unsuccessful. Preferable to have some level of dance ability.

Any gender identity | Age Range 25-50 | All ethnicities | Baritone (Bb2-G#4)

The most powerful man in Egypt, Pharaoh is considered a god on Earth. A homage to Elvis.

Male-presenting | Age Range 20-35 | Any ethnicity

Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulon, Benjamin.

For solos: “One Day More” Soloist – Baritone (D3-F4); “Those Caanan Days” Soloist – Baritone (C3-F#4); “Benjamin Calypso” Soloist – Bari/Tenor (F3-C5)

Any gender identity| Age Range 20-35 | All ethnicities | Sopranos (to High C), altos and mixed male ranges (Low A to High A, Basses down to E)

Many of the women ensemble members will play the role of the brothers’ wives, including a strong female dancer with partnering ability (Adagio) in “The Apache.” The ensemble is critical in this show and appears in the majority of songs and scenes. 

The Remarkable Resignation of Dr. Joycelyn Elders

by Steve H. Broadnax III

Production Dates

1st Rehearsal: July 21, 2026
Performances: August 11-23, 2026
Possible Extension: August 25-30, 2026

The Play

Inspired by the autobiography From Sharecropper’s Daughter to Surgeon General: The Joycelyn Elders, this new work dramatizes Dr. Joycelyn Elders’ journey from her humble beginning to her historic role as the first African American Surgeon General of the United States. Set in her living room, the play unfolds as a tense one-act interview conducted the day after she was forced to resign from her post.

The Roles

Female-presenting | Age Range late 50s-60s | African American

A groundbreaking and unapologetically outspoken figure, Dr. Elders is both commanding and vulnerable. As the first African American Surgeon General of the United States, she carries the weight of her accomplishments and the scars of public scrutiny. She is deeply principled, fiercely intelligent, and emotionally complex – a woman reflecting on her legacy in the face of personal and political fallout.

Female-presenting | Age Range mid 20s to early 30s | African American

An ambitious and sharp interviewer driven by the pursuit of truth – or perhaps, personal gain. The journalist arrives under the guise of objectivity but reveals deeper motives throughout the interview. Bold, probing, and increasingly antagonistic, this character serves as both provocateur and mirror to Dr. Elders’ struggles with legacy, responsibility, and media framing.

Male-presenting | Age Range late 50s-60s| African American

Dr. Elders’ steadfast and loyal husband. A former coach turned quiet pillar of strength, he is a man of few words but profound emotional presence. His silence throughout much of the interview speaks volumes, and when he finally steps in, it is powerful and protective. He represents love, sacrifice, and the quiet resilience behind public greatness.

Side by Side by Sondheim

by Stephen Sondheim

Production Dates

1st Rehearsal: August 18, 2025
Performances: September 8-20

The Play

A lively musical revue celebrating the brilliance of Stephen Sondheim’s songs, from witty comedies to heartfelt ballads. Through a mix of iconic numbers and clever arrangements, the show explores the range, emotion, and artistry of one of musical theatre’s greatest composers. This joyful, entertaining journey showcases the timeless appeal and versatility of Sondheim’s work.

The Roles

Male-presenting | Age Range 18+ | All ethnicities | Vocal Range: Top D4, Bottom C3

The production’s guide through the life and music of composer & lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Informative and full of facts, but quick to crack a joke

Male-presenting | Age Range 18+ | All ethnicities | Vocal Range: Top B4, Bottom G2

Featured musical numbers include: “I Remember”, “Marry Me a Little”, “Beautiful Girls”, “Buddy’s Blues”, “Anyone Can Whistle”, and “Could I Leave You?”.

Female-presenting | Age Range 18+ | All ethnicities | Vocal Range: Top F5, Bottom D3

 Featured musical numbers include: “Getting Married Today”, “I Never Do Anything Twice”, “Au Paris”, “Send in the Clowns”, “A Boy Like That”, “The Boy From…”, and “I’m Still Here”.

Female-presenting | Age Range 18+ | All ethnicities | Vocal Range: Top C6, Bottom E3

Featured musical numbers include: “Another Hundred People”, “Broadway Baby”, “I Have a Love” and “Losing My Mind”.

QUESTIONS? | Email casting@therep.org