Timber Lake Playhouse
Mount Carroll, IL

DESCRIPTION

Notice: Audition Call Type: EPA

AUDITION DATE

Thursday, February 5, 2026

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (C)

BREAK: 12:30PM - 1:30PM

CONTRACT

SPT

$697 weekly minimum (SPT 7)

SEEKING

Equity actors for roles in Timber Lake Playhouse's 2026 Season (see breakdown).

PREPARATION

Please prepare a short song that both reflects the season’s programming and brings you joy. Also, please bring your headshot and resume stapled together. If interested in solely Constellations, please prepare a brief contemporary monologue.

LOCATION

Actors' Equity Association - Chicago Member Center

557 W Randolph St

1st Fl

Chicago, IL 60661

PERSONNEL

See breakdown for production-specific Personnel.

Expected to attend:

Tommy Ranieri – Artistic Director

Matthew W. Surico - Music Director

OTHER DATES

See breakdown for production-specific dates.

OTHER

www.timberlakeplayhouse.org

EPA Procedures are in effect for this audition.

An Equity Monitor will be provided.

Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.

Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.

BREAKDOWN

TIMBER LAKE PLAYHOUSE 2026 SEASON

GODSPELL

Book by John Michael Tebelak Music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz Conceived and Originally Directed by John Michael Tebelak Based on The Gospel According to St. Matthew

DATES:

First Rehearsal - May 12th

Opening - May 29th

Closing - June 7th

SEEKING:

Jesus. 20s. A charismatic, energetic individual. A natural leader. With strong movement and singing. A high voice, strong up to G5.

John the Baptist/Judas. 20s. Perhaps the most serious of the group, but still has great skills with comedy and movement. Incredibly strong singer. Sings “Prepare Ye”, “All for the Best”, and “On the Willows,” Baritenor.

Performer 1. 20s. Sings “We Beseech Thee”. Strong singer, with a strong falsetto/head voice up to a high D6.

Performer 2. 20s. Sings “All Good Gifts”. Sings with control and brightness up to an A5. Tenor/soprano.

Performer 3. 20s. Has sharp comedic skills. They have solos in songs, but do not need to be as strong a singer.

Performer 4. 20s. Sings “Day by Day”. A strong voice, but not necessarily a high voice.

Performer 5. 20s. Sings “Oh Bless the Lord my Soul” Does not require a high belt, but sings an A5 with power.

Performer 6. 20s. Sings “By My Side”. The shyest of the group to start, slowly warms up through the show.

Performer 7. 20s. Sings “Turn Back, O Man”. A low voice, all the way down to a low G3 (Or even D3). Seductive, silly, and slightly rebellious.

Performer 8. 20s. “Sings “Learn your Lessons Well”. A lower, beltier voice, down to a G3.

LES MISÉRABLES

Book by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg

Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg

Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer

DATES:

First Rehearsal - May 26th

Opening - June 12th

Closing - June 28th

SEEKING:

Jean Valjean. 30s-40s. A poor peasant who rises to affluence, he has great natural nobility and dignity. A powerful figure, with a character of operatic size and passion. (Range: G#2-B4)

Javert. 30s-40s. Must have a natural gravitas with ability to be expressive and dynamic. The ultimate ‘law and order’ figure. Obsessed, to the point of irrationality, with rigid and merciless moral code. (Range: F2-F#4)

The Bishop Of Digne. 60s. A religious man who, despite Valjean’s theft of his valuable possessions, sees past the convict and allows him to move on with his new life. (Range: A2-E4)

Fantine. 20s. Poor but beautiful and elegant factory girl, struggling to support her fatherless daughter. Earthy and poignant. She should appear to be strong and a survivor. (Range: F3-Eb5)

Marius. 20s. Member of the revolutionary student movement. The goofy boy next door who is constantly thrust into relevance. (Range: A2-Ab4)

Enjolras. 20s. Charismatic political figure and leader of the revolution. (Range: A2-G4)

Thenardier. 30s-40s. Strong comic role. A crooked innkeeper and later petty, amoral thief. Greedy, irreverent, selfish, boorish, and vulgar. (Range: C2-G4)

Eponine. 20s. Daughter of the Thenardiers but in no way behaves like them. Fired by an unrequited love for Marius. Gamine. Hasn’t learned to disguise her emotions; wears her heart on her sleeve. (Range: F4-E5)

Cosette. 20s. Light, young ‘floating’ sound, without heavy vibrato. Fantine’s daughter who is delicate, elegant, and vulnerable. (Range: Bb3-C6)

Madame Thenardier. 30s-40s. Tough, sharp, coarse, boorish, vulgar. Strong character comedienne role. (Range: C2-G4)

The friends of the ABC. 20s. An anti-monarchist insurrection group of Parisian republican students. Combeferre, Grantaire, Courfeyrac, Lesgles, Prouvaire, Feuilly, Joly.

ENSEMBLE. Factory Workers, Turning Soloists, Lovely Ladies etc. 20s. The heartbeat of the revolution, the women who were the backbone of the working class and the underbelly of nineteenth century France. They carry grit, resilience, and raw humanity into every moment. Strong singers and storytellers who bring vocal energy, physical specificity, and emotional depth to the world of the show.

CABARET

Book by Joe Masteroff

Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood

Music by John Kander Lyrics by Fred Ebb

DATES:

First Rehearsal - June 16th

Opening - July 3rd

Closing - July 12th

NOTE: Actor/instrumentalists who are proficient in Tenor Sax, Alto Sax, Violin, Cello, Harp, Trombone, Guitar, Banjo, Piano, Accordion, Clarinet, Clarinet in A, Trumpet, Bass (Upright) are encouraged to audition.

SEEKING:

Emcee. 20s - 30s. Host of the Kit Kat Club. A gender nonconforming-presenting, exuberant figure. Comfortable with being close to the audience. Dark, comedic, sinister, and vulgar yet lovable. Possesses a strong presence that is playful and mysterious. (Range: C3-G4)

Sally Bowles. 20s-30s. A British cabaret singer at the Kit Kat Club. Quirky and flighty. Struggles with knowing the darkness of the reality of her life and has woeful luck in her relationships with men. Sings, and dances well; and is comfortable with moments of intimacy and bawdy/ suggestive staging/ choreography. (Range: E3-C5)

Clifford Bradshaw. 20s - 30s. An American novelist and English teacher traveling to Berlin. Through his journey he explores the many facets and complexities of his sexuality, politics, and artistic goals. (Range: C#3-E4)

Ernst Ludwig. 30s. A friendly and likable German, takes English lessons from Cliff, and smuggles funds for the Nazi party. (Range: D3-F#4)

Fraulein Kost. 20s-40s. A larger than life personality, quick witted and sharp tongued; exhibits a strong sexual and commanding nature; moves well and sings in German. (Range: F#3-Eb5)

Fraulein Schneider. 40s-60s She is alone and is resigned to her place in life, but secretly longs for companionship. She is very critical of some people while looking the other way with others; comfortable with stage movement and light dance. (Range: Eb3-B4)

Herr Schultz. Late 40s to 60s. A Jewish fruit shop owner who falls in love with Fraulein Schneider, sweet and lovable with an adoring nature, heartbreakingly naïve about the political turmoil rising around him. Sing well, and is comfortable with stage movement, light dance such as waltz, and moments of intimacy. (Range: C3-G4)

Kit Kat Ensemble. 20s. A dynamic group of Kit Kat Girls and Kit Kat Boys. Strong singer dancers comfortable with intimate or suggestive movement and direct audience interaction. Non speaking roles still sing.

Kit Kat Girls. 20s. Rosie, Lulu, Frenchie (doubles as Gorilla), Texas, Fritzie, Helga.

Kit Kat Boys. 20s. Bobby, Victor, Hans (also plays Rudy), Herman (doubles as Customs Official and Max).

SHREK THE MUSICAL

Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire

Music by Jeanine Tesori

Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions

DATES:

First Rehearsal - June 30th

Opening - July 17th

Closing - August 2nd

SEEKING:

Shrek. 30s - 40s. A big, green, terrifying ogre who lives alone on a swamp. He embarks on a journey to rid his land of fairytale creatures and, along the way, falls in love with Fiona. Begins as a grumpy hermit, but reveals his layers and eventually becomes the hero. (Range: A2-G#4)

Fiona. 30s - 40s. The beautiful princess of Far Far Away, she transforms into an ogre every night when the sun sets. Rescued by Shrek and eventually falls in love with him. Quirky, blunt, and multitalented, she is not an ordinary princess. (Range: F3-G6)

Donkey. 20s - 30s. Quite the chatterbox, he is not deterred by Shrek's looks and practically forces himself into his good graces. Easily frightened and pushy, but also an optimistic with heart. (Range: C3-B4)

Farquaad. 30s - 40s. Has an intensely unfair bias against fairytale creatures that stems from a resentment of his father. Self-absorbed, lonely, and cruel. (Range: B2-D5)

Pinocchio. 20s - 30s. The leader of the fairytale creatures. He is an animated puppet whose nose grows every time he lies. Plenty of sass with a penchant for lying. (Range: E3- F#4)

Dragon/Fairy Godmother. 20s - 40s. A powerful dragon tasked with guarding Fiona in her isolated castle. Also appears in the storybook world as a sparkling, over the top Fairy Godmother, adding a burst of magic and comedy to the fairytale creatures. (Range: F3 to Eb5)

Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy. 20s - 40s. A gingerbread man whose quick wit and stubborn spirit help him rally the fairytale creatures. Small in stature but huge in personality. Also appears as the Sugar Plum Fairy, bright, whimsical, and full of charm. (Range: B3–C#5)

Elf. 20s - 40s. One of the fairytale creatures, energetic and mischievous.

Stix, Brix & Straw. 20s - 40s. The Three Little Pigs, anxious and funny with a distinct German flair. Loyal and expressive within the fairytale ensemble.

Ugly Duckling. 20s - 40s. A shy and self conscious fairytale creature who longs to belong, bringing gentle vulnerability and sweet comedic moments.

Big Bad Wolf. 20s - 40s. A tough fairytale creature who proudly lounges in Granny’s clothes, more world weary than truly scary, with dry comedic timing and surprising loyalty. (Range: E3–F#4)

Peter Pan. 20s - 40s. A spirited fairytale creature with eternal kid energy, cheeky, bold, and refuses to grow up.

Wicked Witch. 20s - 40s. A bold, comedic fairytale creature with a sharp tongue and colorful, campy personality, delighting in every spell and glare. (Range: Bb3–Bb4)

Mama Bear/Mama Ogre. 20s - 40s. Warm, protective, and no nonsense. Appears as Mama Ogre sending Young Shrek into the world, and later as Mama Bear, balancing heart, humor, and strong ensemble vocals. (Range: F#3–B4)

Papa Bear/Papa Ogre. 20s - 40s. Gruff yet loving. Appears as Papa Ogre in the opening and later as Papa Bear, grounding the fairytale creatures with steady warmth and a solid baritone presence. (Range: E3–E4)

HANDS ON A HARDBODY

Book by Doug Wright

Lyrics by Amanda Green Music by Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green

DATES:

First Rehearsal - July 21st

Opening - August 7th

Closing - August 16th

SEEKING:

JD Drew. 60s. A “good old boy” with pomaded gray hair and a high wattage grin. (Range: G2-D4)

Kelli Mangrum. 20s. A pretty brunette with steel ambition. (Range: A3-E5)

Benny Perkins. 40s. Lanky frame, weather-beaten face, ingratiating grin and lots of homespun philosophy. (Range: C#3-G#4)

Greg Wilhote. 20s. A freckled white kid in a baseball cap. (Range: D3-B4)

Chris Alvaro. 20s. Well-built under his hoodie, a pair of aviator glasses conceal his eyes. (Range: Ab2-Ab4)

Ronald McCowan. 30s. A good-natured African American man with a slight Louisiana accent. (Range F3-B4)

Heather Stovall. 20s. A flirtatious blonde restaurant hostess. (Range: A3-D#5)

Virginia Drew. 50s. A one-time beauty settling into middle-age. (Range G3-C5)

Mike Ferris. 30s. Boyishly handsome, wears a cheap tie with a Nascar clip. (Range: Eb3-Bb4)

Cindy Barnes. 30s. Former Miss Gregg County, still fond of pageant hair and pastels.

Jesus Pena. 20s. A driven kid from Mexico. (Range: E3-B4)

Norma Valverde. 30s. A stout Latina woman in tennis shoes and a floral applique t-shirt. (Range: D3-G5)

Janis Curtis. 60s. A tough old bird with sunburnished skin and missing teeth. (Range: D3-Bb4)

Frank Nugent. 50s. Disc Jockey, a diehard good ole boy dressed in a Stetson. (Range: Eb3-Gb4)

Don Curtis. Mid 60s. Wears a cardboard sign on his head that reads “I LOVE YOU JANIS, GO BABY GO!” A baritone with a grounded, character driven presence. (Range: A2–Bb3)

THE ANDY BRO SHOW: NEW WORKS COMMISSION

Working Title “The Mermaids”

Book , Lyrics, and Music written by Billy Recce

DATES:

First Rehearsal - August 4th

Opening - August 21st

Closing - August 30th

SEEKING:

Mikayla / Arista. The Pod’s De Facto Leader 20s–30s. Driven, exacting, and fiercely type A, Mikayla works as the pool attendant at Prairie Springs Estates—her only tether to flowing water in her landlocked life. She enforces strict handmade-tail rules and insists everyone stay “in character,” crafting order out of chaos as she struggles to manage her unresolved grief. Becoming a professional mermaid has been her North Star for years, though her financial reality has kept that dream painfully out of reach. Her mersona, Arista, is everything Mikayla longs to be: regal, in control, and unbreakable.

Maya / Coralbird. Mikayla’s Best Friend, and Roommate 20s–30s. A gentle Type-B spirit and conflict-avoidant first-grade TA, Maya craves the peace and escape that summer mermaiding provides. Long overshadowed by Mikayla’s forcefulness, she often swallows her own needs out of fear of losing the one person who truly sees her. Mermaiding offers her a bridge to childhood joy—and to Mikayla. Meeting Bryan at the aquarium upends her priorities, forcing her to reckon with desires she’s long suppressed.

Will / Dorsea / Blessence Bluebell. The Pod’s Lone Merman 20s–30s. Will is a witty, insecure barista couch-surfing since estrangement from his religious family. Mermaiding is his artistic lifeline—his sanctuary in a town where he’s the only gay boy he knows. A lifelong aspiring drag queen, he yearns to debut his bold, glamorous mersona, Blessence Bluebell, at MerCon. But year after year, the pod pressures him to present as Dorsea, a masculine merman. He dreams of escaping the Midwest, but for now, this pod is his chosen family.

Bryan. Aquarium Dolphin Trainer 20s–30s. Working two hours away at the nearest aquarium, Bryan bursts into Maya’s life with encyclopedic marine knowledge and a warm, grounding presence. His genuine enthusiasm and unwavering support for Maya threaten Mikayla, especially when Maya begins spending more time with him—and decides to move in. His surprise arrival at MerCon becomes a turning point, testing long-held loyalties within the pod.

Arianne. Mermaid Celebrity 20s–30s. A former Prairie Springs pod member turned full-time mermaid at the state aquarium, Arianne is glamorous, ambitious, and thriving. She runs Fun Fin, a viral synthetic-tail company, and teaches $1500 “find your inner mermaid” online intensives after skyrocketing to TikTok fame. Both an aspirational figure and an unsettling mirror to Mikayla, she’s hosting this year’s MerCon—making her an irresistible and destabilizing force for the pod that once claimed her.

Murphy / Emeralida. The Pod’s Patron Princess 20s–30s. , Murphy—heiress to a small empire of thirty Dairy Queen franchises—has been coddled her whole life, but remains deeply lonely. Her parents neither understand nor approve of her mermaiding, but it is the one place where she feels seen. She puts $75,000 of her own money behind the pod’s dream of going pro, funding their shot at MerCon with wholehearted optimism. Her mersona, Emeralida, is her her joy, and her purpose. Thani.

Newcomer 20s–30s. Fresh from Florida and hungry for community, Thani is juggling graduate school, single motherhood to a 1st grader, and a secret OnlyFans career—born from her ostracizing experiences in the cosplay world. She joins the pod hoping for a low-stakes, judgment-free escape. Mermaiding offers her a rare space where reinvention feels possible.

Amarantha. The Mersona of Mikayla’s Dead Sister—Seen Only by Mikayla. 20s–30s. Amarantha is the shimmering, impossible presence of Mikayla’s sister Lauren, who drowned in childhood. She appears only to Mikayla, guiding her with a tenderness that veers dangerously close to seduction—inviting her into a world where grief and fantasy blur, and where Mikayla is tempted to join her forever.

CONSTELLATIONS

Written by Nick Payne

DATES:

First Rehearsal - August 21st

Opening - September 5th

Closing - September 13th

SEEKING:

Marianne. 20s–30s. Marianne is a theoretical physicist, fascinated by multiverse theories. She is passionate and driven and a fiercely intelligent scientist. Though she’s a serious professional working in the top 1% of her field, she has a quirky, head-in-the-clouds quality; friendly, warm, and quick-witted, comedic chops. Marianne is fact driven and doesn’t open up easily. She prefers to rely on her intellect and focus on science rather than getting her heart involved.

Roland. 20s–30s. Roland is a charming, laid-back beekeeper; warm and open, with a good sense of humor, earthy and likable. He is consistent and more emotionally open than Marianne. He is inclined to give and receive love. He represents a more modern form of a classic romantic lead. He is kind, understanding and caring. He is able to bring out Marianne’s romantic side when very little else can. He is portrayed as being less intelligent than Marianne but he is genuinely interested in her interests and wants to learn from her. He wants to learn what is important to her and that’s what makes him a heartbreakingly romantic lead.

SALARY

SPT $697 weekly minimum (SPT 7)

UNION

AEA