Fall Musical Auditions (Title TBA)

AUDITIONS JUNE 11 & JUNE 13, 2026; CALLBACKS JUNE 16, 2026 (Invitation Only)

Director: Rooster Sultan
Producers: Diane Schwartz and Teri Cooney
Stage Manager: Linda Sellner
Music Directors: LeVar Betts and Eliyahu Kheel
Choreographer: Lisa Pellittiere
Assistant Director: Johnathan Hardin
Assistant Music Director: Linda Christensen
Assistant Choreographer: Rebekka Meyer
Costume Designer: Talia Parris
Hair & Makeup Designer: Alex Johnson
Set Designer: Collin Griese
Artistic Director and Executive Producer (for 2nd Star): Andrea Trent

About the Show

There's a circus of magic to do when a prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in Stephen Schwartz's iconic and unforgettable musical masterpiece. Heir to the Frankish throne, a young prince is in search of the secret to true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power. In the end, though, the prince finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavors, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day.

(Please note that due to temporary licensing restrictions, we can’t quite announce our show title yet, but the work needs to get started! Thanks for understanding!)

IMPORTANT AUDITION INFORMATION (Please read in full.)

  • We are seeking performers of all races, ages, ethnicities, gender identities, body types, and abilities for all roles in 2nd Star’s production of our fall show.

  • Deaf/HoH performers and performers with physical disabilities are encouraged to audition

    • If Deaf/HoH and you would prefer to perform your audition song in ASL or a combination of ASL and English please maintain the time limit (1 minute).

    • If an interpreter or other accommodations are required for auditions, please note when signing up.

  • Auditioners ages 14+ will be considered. Auditioners must turn 14 by the final night of auditions on June 16. No exceptions will be made to this policy. All auditioners under 18 will need permission from a parent or guardian to audition and participate, if cast.

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

  • 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 spread of illness that may affect the production. Auditioners should be prepared to accommodate these requests if needed.

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE DETAILS

Performances: There will be 9 performances scheduled and 1 held contingency performance over 3 weekends at the Bowie Playhouse (16500 White Marsh Park, Bowie, MD 20715). Performers are required to be in attendance for all shows. Performance dates/times are:
Friday, September 18, 2026 at 7:30pm, Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 7:30pm and Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 2pm
Friday, September 25, 2026 at 7:30pm, Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 7:30pm and Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 2pm
Friday, October 2, 2026 at 7:30pm, Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 7:30pm
Held Contingency - Sunday October 4, 2026 at 2pm

Tech Weeks and Dress Rehearsals are required for all performers. The required tech schedule will be:
Sat 9/5/26 daytime (Load-In)
Mon 9/7/26 evening
Tues 9/8/26 evening
Wed 9/9/26 evening
Thu 9/10/26 evening
Fri 9/11/26 NO REHEARSAL
Sat 9/12/26 daytime
Sun 9/13/26 NO REHEARSAL
Mon 9/14/26 evening
Tues 9/15/26 evening
Wed 9/16/26 evening
Thu 9/17/26 evening

Rehearsals will take place from approximately June 23 to September 3, 2026 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-10pm and Saturdays from 11am-3pm at at 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 to performers regarding time and location.

IN-PERSON AUDITIONS

Auditions: Thursday, June 11th from 7pm-10pm, and Saturday June 13th 11am-3pm; Auditioners should be prepared to arrive approximately 15 minutes before your audition time slot and should be prepared to stay through a one hour audition slot.

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

Music: Prepare a vocal piece that is 16-32 bars (or 1 minute) in length in the style of the show (Rock, Pop, Legit), that shows your vocal range. A piano accompanist will be provided for you to sing with, so please bring printed and annotated sheet music in the correct key. No songs from the show, please. You will have an opportunity to sing from the show if you are asked to attend callbacks.

Deaf/HoH performers and performers with physical disabilities are encouraged to audition. If Deaf/HoH and you would prefer to perform your audition song in ASL or a combination of ASL and English please maintain the time limit (1 minute). If an interpreter or other accommodations are required for auditions, please note when signing up.

Dance: Please come dressed to move. Dance sneakers, jazz shoes, socks, or street shoes without too much tread are recommended. We will be on low pile carpet. An audition combination video can be found at this link (Dance Audition Combination Video) for those who would like to review in advance.

Looking for unique Circus type skills (for example: juggling, unicycle, tumbling, hand walking, etc).  Please note any special skills on your audition form.

Callbacks: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 starting at 7pm, by invitation only at the Bowie Playhouse. Not all roles will require a callback, but all auditioners should keep this date clear in case you are 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.

Audition Signup & Form: Select your audition timeslot and complete our online Audition Form in advance of your audition. While timed audition slots are greatly preferred, we will see walk-in auditioners as time allows.

VIDEO AUDITIONS
In-person auditions are greatly preferred, but if you are unable to make the audition dates, you can submit a video audition. Please prepare:

For questions concerning auditions, feel free to email us at casting@2ndstarproductions.org.

Sign Up for Audition Slot

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN

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.

Auditioners ages 14+ will be considered. Auditioners must turn 14 by the final night of auditions on June 13, 2026. No exceptions will be made to this policy. All auditioners under 18 will need permission from a parent or guardian to audition and participate, if cast.

Pippin (male identifying 18-21) Is a young man in search a reason for being. A bit naive and disaffected, he is lead astray by the Leading Player and their troupe of performers before finding his way to his true purpose through Catherine. Vocal range: G2-Bb4 (Tenor)

Leading Player (any gender) They are the conniving and charismatic leader of this troupe of players. The narrator of our play within a play, as well as the ultimate villain, they are both facetious and vicious and can switch at the drop of a hat. Strong dance skills required. Vocal range: Db3-Eb5 (Alto /Mezzo)

Catherine (female identifying 20's-40's) She is one of our troupe of players. She is changed by Pippin's good heart and in turn helps him to find his way in the end. A woman who has been broken down over many years. Theo's mother. Vocal range: F#3 – D5 (Soprano)

Charles / Charlemagne (male identifying 50+) Pippin's demanding father. As the King of the Holy Roman Empire, Charlemagne has led countless troupes to their deaths and knows their blood is the cost he must pay to maintain order in his Empire. He carries himself with both pride and gravitas. Vocal range: G2-E4 (Bass/Baritone)

Berthe (female identifying 60+) Pippin's saucy grandmother. She tries to help Pippin and encourages him to live his life to the fullest. To his face, she is a brassy woman full of wisdom, grace, and sass, but behind the scenes she is the Leading Player’s right-hand man. Strong dance skills are a plus. Vocal range: Db3 – A4 (Alto/Mezzo)

Fastrada  (female identifying 30+) Pippin's stepmother, she is both beautiful and smart. Dedicated to gaining the throne for her darling son, Lewis. She is devious, crafty, cunning, and untrustworthy, but beneath the surface is a woman who is suffering. Strong dance skills required. Vocal range: A3 – E5 (Mezzo/Soprano)

Lewis (male identifying 16-25) Charlemagne and Fastrada’s son. Strong and not bright. Pippin’s half-brother and after Pippin, heir to the throne. Addicted to the physical, Lewis loves weight lifting, Lewis loves wrestling, but most of all, Lewis loves Lewis. Requires good physicality.

Theo (female identifying 16+) Catherine’s young son. This role to be portrayed by adult female performer.

Ensemble (any gender 14+) each portraying multiple roles in our play within a play, they are members of the Leading Player’s troupe of performers. All Vocal Ranges

** All supporting characters will be in ensemble numbers as well.

Sign Up for Audition Slot

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 info@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.