Winter Musical Auditions (Title TBA)

AUDITIONS SEPTEMBER 22 & SEPTEMBER 24, 2026
CALLBACKS SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 (Invitation Only)

Director/Movement: Rikki Howie Lacewell
Producers: Sonja Dinkins and Nate Jackson
Assistant Director: Jason Fowler
Music Director: LeVar Betts

2nd Star Productions is seeking 25 talented performers for an upcoming award-winning contemporary musical. This inspiring ensemble production celebrates community, resilience, hope, and the extraordinary ways people come together during moments of challenge.

Please note: We are not yet able to publicly announce this show title due to licensing restrictions. Additional information permitted by licensing will be shared directly with auditionees. For questions or concerns, please email casting@2ndstarproductions.org.

IMPORTANT AUDITION INFORMATION

We welcome performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, body types, abilities, and vocal ranges. We are committed to inclusive casting and encourage anyone who connects with this opportunity to audition.

We are seeking versatile actor-singers who:

  • Love storytelling through music.

  • Thrive in an ensemble-driven production.

  • Can portray multiple characters with authenticity and heart.

  • Are collaborative, generous artists.

  • Are comfortable with movement and physical storytelling.

Strong harmony singing is highly valued. Formal dance training is not required. All voice types are encouraged to audition.

Auditioners ages 18+ will be considered. Auditioners must turn 18 by the final night of auditions on September 24.

AVAILABLE ROLES

Because of licensing restrictions, character names and production details cannot be released prior to casting. Ages and gender identities indicated below are those of the character, not necessarily the actors cast in these roles. All listed identifiers are in accordance with the agreement with MTI and the options provided by the book writers in the script.

Adult Women — Approximate Playing Ages 20s–70s

1 Mature Female Lead (50s–70s)
Exceptional actor and singer with warmth, humor, authority, and emotional depth.

3 Adult Female Featured Roles (40s–60s)
Strong storytellers with excellent vocal ability and the versatility to portray multiple characters.

5 Adult Female Ensemble Roles (20s–50s)
Strong actor-singers comfortable with quick character changes and ensemble storytelling.

Adult Men — Approximate Playing Ages 20s–70s

2 Mature Male Leads (40s–70s)
Strong actors and singers capable of portraying authority, compassion, humor, and emotional complexity.

5 Adult Male Featured Roles (30s–60s)
Excellent storytellers with solid vocal ability and versatility.

9 Adult Male Ensemble Roles (20s–50s)
Actor-singers who excel in collaborative storytelling and portraying multiple characters.

IN PERSON AUDITIONS

Tuesday, September 22 and Thursday, September 24, 2026
7:00–10:00 p.m.

Location:
All Saints Lutheran Church
16510 Mt Oak Rd
Bowie, MD 20716

Auditions are by appointment. Walk-ins may be seen as time allows. [Sign Up for Audition Slot]

Please arrive approximately 15 minutes before your audition time and be prepared to stay through a 30-minute audition slot.

Please Prepare

Prepare a contemporary musical theatre selection approximately 32 bars or 60–90 seconds in length that best showcases your storytelling and vocal ability.

  • Bring printed, annotated, and clearly marked sheet music in the correct key.

  • A live piano accompanist will be provided.

CALLBACKS

Saturday, September 26, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
By invitation only

Location:
All Saints Lutheran Church
16510 Mt Oak Rd
Bowie, MD 20716

Not all roles will require a callback, but all auditioners should keep September 26 available in case they are needed.

Please wear clothing that allows for movement if invited to callbacks. You may be asked to participate in a brief movement call at callbacks only.

VIDEO AUDITIONS

In-person auditions are greatly preferred, but performers who are unable to attend in person may submit a video audition.

Prepare a video of you singing a contemporary musical theatre selection approximately 32 bars or 60–90 seconds in length that best showcases your storytelling and vocal ability.

Video submissions are due by Sunday, September 20 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

Submit our online Audition Form which has a spot for you to include your audition video Please ensure that your video is set to open access, i.e. unlisted on YouTube, or otherwise available for viewing without requiring us to request access. Due to expected high turnout, we will not have the bandwidth to follow up for viewing permission.

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE COMMITMENT

Please carefully review the complete schedule before auditioning.

Because this is a large ensemble production in which performers may cover multiple characters and tracks, excessive rehearsal conflicts may affect casting decisions. Please disclose all known conflicts on your audition form.

No conflicts will be permitted during required tech/dress rehearsals or scheduled performances.

Rehearsals

October 6, 2026–January 28, 2027

Regular rehearsals will be held:

  • Tuesdays: 7:00–10:00 p.m.

  • Thursdays: 7:00–10:00 p.m.

  • Saturdays: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Location: All Saints Lutheran Church, 16510 Mt Oak Rd, Bowie, MD 20716

Not all performers will be required at every rehearsal, and major holidays will be avoided in rehearsal scheduling.

Occasional additional rehearsals may be added if needed, with plenty of notice regarding time and location.

Required Tech & Dress Schedule

Tech and dress rehearsals are required for all performers.

  • Saturday, January 30 — Daytime Load-In

  • Monday, February 1 — Evening

  • Tuesday, February 2 — Evening

  • Wednesday, February 3 — No Rehearsal

  • Thursday, February 4 — Evening

  • Friday, February 5 — No Rehearsal

  • Saturday, February 6 — Daytime

  • Sunday, February 7 — No Rehearsal

  • Monday, February 8 — Evening

  • Tuesday, February 9 — Evening

  • Wednesday, February 10 — Evening

  • Thursday, February 11 — Evening

No conflicts will be accepted for required tech/dress dates.

PERFORMANCES

There will be 11 scheduled performances over four weekends at the Bowie Playhouse, plus three held contingency dates in case of weather or other cancellations.

Performers are required to be available for all scheduled performances and held contingency dates. No performance conflicts will be permitted.

Weekend 1

  • Friday, February 12, 2027 — 7:30 p.m.

  • Saturday, February 13, 2027 — 7:30 p.m.

  • Sunday, February 14, 2027 — 2:00 p.m.

Weekend 2

  • Friday, February 19, 2027 — 7:30 p.m.

  • Saturday, February 20, 2027 — 7:30 p.m.

  • Sunday, February 21, 2027 — 2:00 p.m.

Weekend 3

  • Friday, February 26, 2027 — 7:30 p.m.

  • Saturday, February 27, 2027 — 7:30 p.m.

  • Sunday, February 28, 2027 — 2:00 p.m.

Weekend 4

  • Friday, March 5, 2027 — 7:30 p.m.

  • Saturday, March 6, 2027 — 2:00 p.m.

Held Contingency Dates

  • Saturday, February 27, 2027 — 2:00 p.m.

  • Thursday, March 4, 2027 — 7:30 p.m.

  • Sunday, March 7, 2027 — 2:00 p.m.

Performance Location:
Bowie Playhouse
16500 White Marsh Park
Bowie, MD 20715

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director/Movement: Rikki Howie Lacewell
Producers: Sonja Dinkins and Nate Jackson
Assistant Director: Jason Fowler
Music Director: LeVar Betts
Stage Manager: Lin Whetzel
Associate Producer: Otega Okurume
Assistant Stage Manager: Kristi Gardner
Set Designers: Rikki Lacewell and Collin Griese
Props Designer: Doreen Roberts
Costume Designer: Linda Swann
Hair/Makeup Designer: Que Sagers
Lead Carpenter: Melissa Peregrina
Lead Set Painter: Karen Wootton
Sound Designer (Programming & Effects): Kenneth L. Waters
Sound/Mic Technical Programmer: Trevor Graf
Artistic Director (2nd Star): Andrea Trent
Human Relations Director (2nd Star): Cheramie J. Jackson
Executive Producer (2nd Star): Katie Riegel

2ND STAR POLICIES & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Volunteer Organization
2nd Star Productions is an all-volunteer organization. All performance roles are unpaid. Production Team members and 2nd Star personnel are also unpaid volunteers.

Health & Safety
While not guaranteed to be needed, the production team and 2nd Star reserve the right to require masking and/or at-home COVID testing during rehearsals or performances for temporary periods to curb the spread of illness that may affect the production. Auditioners should be prepared to accommodate these requests if needed.

Accessibility & Accommodations
2nd Star recognizes that audition and callback processes can impact individuals differently. Auditioners who require accommodations or advance access to materials due to accessibility needs should contact accessibility@2ndstarproductions.org as early as possible so arrangements can be considered.

For questions concerning auditions, please email casting@2ndstarproductions.org.

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2ND STAR’S CASTING POLICIES

*These policies are taken from the 2nd Star Productions Operations Manual, which is a document that is continually updated to improve our practices. If you have any comments or questions about casting, please email casting@2ndstarproductions.org.

2nd Star believes theater should celebrate and reflect the diversity within our community and practices culturally-appropriate and identity-conscious, expansive casting.

  • No roles are pre-cast. All potential cast members must audition. All auditions will be advertised publicly online and will be open to anyone who wishes to participate. If, after auditions, one or more parts have not been filled, further publicly-announced auditions will be held. 

  • All roles are open to any performer (race, ethnicity, gender identity) unless stipulated otherwise by rights or if the plot of a show is contingent upon specific casting. There may be age restrictions for certain shows, especially as related to minor performers. These specifics will be listed in any casting breakdowns in audition notices. 

  • It is 2nd Star’s policy to cast age-appropriate performers for each role, insofar as the pool of available auditioners allows. 

  • Shows will be cast in a way that considers race and ethnicity in an intentional manner. Directors and production teams are expected to have an understanding and be mindful of the implications that such casting has on the story being told.

  • During casting, the Director, Choreographer, Music Director and Assistant Director should be the primary voices and decision-makers. If the Director would like additional opinions or input on casting from Producers, the Stage Manager, the 2nd Star Artistic Director, 2nd Star Board members, creative team/production team assistants, or any other other production staff member, they should make all present in audition discussions aware of their request for additional input.  

  • The Director has the final say on casting. However, the Artistic Director (or a designee if they are not available) will provide input as it relates to upholding 2nd Star’s casting policies and to advocate for diversity, and 2nd Star as the Executive Producer reserves the right to have input concerning casting decisions that may impact the company.

  • Auditioners will be asked to disclose conflicts they may have for the planned rehearsal period on their audition form. Excessive rehearsal conflicts and any conflicts affecting tech and performance dates are not permitted and should be taken into account by creative teams when making casting decisions. 

  • For larger-scale shows – usually our 5 weekend runs – 2nd Star expects production teams to cast at least 28 performers. Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the Board of Directors, depending on the director’s vision or the specific show’s needs. Due to spacing constraints, a production team shall not cast more than 35 individuals in a show without consent from the Board of Directors.

Other Upcoming Auditions

If you’re interested in auditioning for an upcoming show, please sign up for the 2nd Star email list below and you’ll be the first to hear when audition signups are available.

FAQs

  • 2nd Star usually holds auditions 2.5 to 3.5 months prior to the opening of shows. That information will be posted on this page as soon as they are scheduled and more information is available.

  • 2nd Star is an all-volunteer run community theatre, and all acting (and production staff) roles are non-paid.

  • 2nd Star welcomes all levels of experience to audition for our shows!

  • For our musicals there will usually be the following members of the production team: Director, Music Director, and Choreographer. Some productions will also have Assistant Director, Music Director, or Choreographers present. An accompanist will also be provided for auditioners.

    2nd Star’s Board representatives will include: Artistic Director, or designated representative, and the Producer. Artistic Director is there to ensure the production team is adhering to published casting policies (see above) and the Producer has no say in casting.