Albany Civic Theater – Albany, OR

Albany Civic Theater • Albany, OR

Now in our 74th season

GET TICKETS

livetheateratact_yiq7gq

Shrek the Musical Jr. - ACT Summer Camp (Special Event)

Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the Book by William Steig
Book and Lyrics by: David Lindsay-Abaire
Music by: Jeanne Tesori

Directed by: Rebecca Douglas

Audition Dates: Jun. 16, 17, 18 (callbacks), 2025

Camp Dates: July. 28 – August 22, 2025

Performances: August 15, 16 (mat. and eve.), 22, 23 (mat. and eve.), 2025

Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions
Original Production Directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford.
“I’m a Believer” by Neil Diamond

Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical.  It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance.  Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.

Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek.  One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.

Director

Rebecca Douglas has been involved in community theater for thirty years! Some of her local credits include: ACT’s All Together Now!, Annie as Grace Ferrell, Big Fish as Josephine, Shrek as the Witch, Avenue Q as Lucy and Mrs. T., Thoroughly Modern Millie as Alice, Meet Me in St. Louis as Anna Smith, The Music Man as Eulalie Shinn, and Hello, Dolly! as Ernestina Money.  She also directed Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., Disney’s My Son Pinocchio Jr, Seussical Jr., Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Jr., The Wizard of Oz, Once on This Island Jr. and At First Sight, co-directed Matilda, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and served as vocal director for The Wizard of Oz, Man of La Mancha, Meet Me in St. Louis, and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, as assistant director for Treasure Island and Excalibur! The Story of Young King Arthur and as administrative director/stage manager for Shakespeare for Kids. She also performed in On the Verge and Annie Get Your Gun at CCT, An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein with Pipe Dream Theatre, Majestic Eight and The Little Mermaid with the Majestic Theatre.  She has also directed a number of shows for CCT and Majestic Education. She is the General Music Teacher at Albany Christian School. She is also the Music Director for the Adventures in Acting Camp at the Majestic Theatre.

Director’s email: rbbailey@hotmail.com

Cast of Characters

Storytellers: Wonderful roles for performers with natural stage presence and big, clear voices. These characters are important for setting up the world and moving the story forward, so cast some bold, energetic young actors. Gender: any
Shrek: He may be a big, scary, green ogre to the rest of the world, but as the story reveals, he’s really just a big fellow with a big heart. It is great if Shrek is a solid singer, but most importantly, snag a young man who is an excellent actor with comedic chops. Gender: male
Fiona: She may appear to be an ideal princess straight from the fairy tale books, but there is more to her than that stereotypical image. She is an audacious young lady with a wonderful sense of humor and – surprisingly – manners akin to those of a teenage boy. Cast a girl who can do it all: act, sing and dance. This is a premiere role for an experienced performer with a loveable spirit. Gender: female
Young Fiona: Young Fiona and Teen Fiona are younger versions of Fiona and should have solid singing voices. Gender: female
Teen Fiona: Young Fiona and Teen Fiona are younger versions of Fiona and should have solid singing voices. Gender: female
Lord Farquaad: A very short man with gargantuan ambition! He is solely interested in gaining as much power as possible. This is a role for a good singer, but most importantly, your very best comedian who isn’t afraid of making bold choices or looking silly. Gender: male
Donkey: A brash, loud, fast-talking animal with no concept of “”quiet time.”” Cast an experienced performer who can sing well and has a whole lot of presence and character. Be sure to choose a performer who complements Shrek well as his loyal and ever-faithful sidekick. Gender: male
Dragon: A breakout role for a young girl with a lot of soul and spunk. She is a ferocious fire-breathing dragon but finds a surprising love in Donkey. Cast a performer who has tremendous presence and a good pop singing voice. Gender: female
Mama Ogre: Good roles for a dynamic duo that can kick off the show with a lot of energy and presence. Make sure to cast good singers. Gender: female; Vocal range top: C5; Vocal range bottom: A3
Papa Ogre: Good roles for a dynamic duo that can kick off the show with a lot of energy and presence. Make sure to cast good singers. Gender: male; Vocal range top: E4; Vocal range bottom: C3
Little Ogre: A role just right for a smaller, younger performer who is new to the stage. He may not have lines but he is very important to the storytelling. Gender: any
Pinocchio: The wooden boy who cannot tell a lie without being belied by his growing nose. Pinocchio begins in a sour mood about his second-class status but ends the story as a natural leader among the Fairy Tale Creatures. Cast a young performer with a lot of personality who can sing well. Gender: male
The Three Little Pigs: Pig 1, Pig 2 And Pig 3. The classic three little pigs with a German twist. It isn’t necessary that they look identical; focus on finding a fun and dynamic trio. Gender: any
Ugly Duckling: He may be bitter about his unfortunate appearance, but he does find camaraderie among his fellow fairy tale outcasts. This is a fun comedic role for a new performer. Gender: male
The Three Bears: Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear. Great cameo roles for young performers who have little performing experience but make a complementary group. Gender: any; Vocal range top: C4; Vocal range bottom: D3
Wicked Witch: A great role for a young performer destined to be a character actress. She has a big personality, so find a performer who is up to the task. Gender: female
Big Bad Wolf: He doesn’t need to be a scary, threatening big-bad-wolf type. At this point, he’s a pretty tame wolf who is reduced to wearing Little Red Ridinghood’s grandmother’s dressing gown. This is a fun role for a newcomer to the stage. Gender: any
Gingy: A great cameo role for a young performer who is as earnest as can be. Gingy is based on the Gingerbread Man who runs away like a fugitive from his baking captors. Find a performer with great energy. Gender: any
Peter Pan: The boy who never grew up, and he continues to act the part in this story. Cast a boy (or girl, if you want to give a nod to the traditional theater casting) who will have fun physicalizing the character. Gender: any
Captain Of The Guard: This role is just right for an actor with some inherent strength and authority. He or she doesn’t have to have a lot of stage experience; just be sure to cast somebody who has a big, booming voice and who isn’t scared to put all the Fairy Tale Creatures in their place. Gender: any
Knights: The Dragon’s background singers who all tried at some point to save Fiona from her tower but were held hostage by the Dragon. Cast young performers who can sing well and have some soul just like the Dragon. Gender: any
Dwarf: Farquaad’s comparably short and grumpy father. This is a perfect cameo role for a young performer. Gender: male
Ensemble: The Fairy Tale Creatures make up the heart of the show. These characters are taken from the story books but have a bit of a comedic twist. Be sure to cast a diverse group of kids with lots of personality and different strengths. Your performers should be proficient singers but most importantly, great actors. Other standout ensemble roles include : The Guards, Duloc Performers, Puss in Boots, Rooster, Pied Piper, Rats and the Bishop. Ensemble roles like Birds, Trees, Deer, Woodland Creatures and Fairy Tale Creatures help make up the backbone of the musical. Remind your actors that the story demands everyone jump on board as you create the hilarious and lovely world of Shrek The Musical JR. Gender: any

Gender: Female
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Prince Eric: Prince Eric is the adventurous prince who captures Ariel’s heart. Look for a charming performer with a sensitive nature. Prince Eric has a few small solos, but it is more important to cast a strong actor in this role.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Sebastian: Sebastian is the meticulous and anxious crab who tries to keep Ariel safe while getting to lead some of the most memorable songs in the show! Look for a strong singer who can also handle Sebastian’s emotional range. Sebastian can be played by a boy or girl.
Gender: Any
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Flounder: Flounder is Ariel’s sincere and sensitive best friend who is loyal to the end. This spunky fish also has a show-stopping solo in “She’s in Love.” Flounder can be cast with a girl or a boy with an unchanged voice. This may be a wonderful role for a younger performer who is ready to take the next step into the spotlight.
Gender: Any
Vocal range top: Db5
Vocal range bottom: G3
King Triton: King Triton rules the sea and is a force to be reckoned with. This non-singer needs to command the stage as a strong leader but also show the tenderness of a parent. Cast a mature performer who feels comfortable playing father to Ariel and the Mersisters.
Gender: Male
Mersisters: The Mersisters (Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Atina, Adella, Allana) are Ariel’s siblings and full of personality and sass. These are great roles to showcase talented singers and dancers who can create and play six distinctive characters.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Ursula: Ursula is the manipulative sea witch who tries to overthrow King Triton. She is cunning and devious and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Cast a mature performer who can bring out this villain’s humor while finding texture in Ursula’s complexity. Ursula’s songs can be challenging, so look for a singer who will feel comfortable with these solos.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Tentacles: The Tentacles are extensions of Ursula, perhaps the poor unfortunate souls who are now trapped in her lair. Look for six or eight performers who work well together and can move as a unit.
Gender: Any
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Flotsam: Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula’s slippery spies. These electric eels are sinister and sneaky, so look for performers who can be underhanded and devious while still being heard on stage. Flotsam and Jetsam can be played by boys or girls.
Gender: Any
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Jetsam: Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula’s slippery spies. These electric eels are sinister and sneaky, so look for performers who can be underhanded and devious while still being heard on stage. Flotsam and Jetsam can be played by boys or girls.
Gender: Any
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Scuttle: Scuttle is the know-it-all seagull who serves as Ariel’s expert on humans. He is funny and off-beat. While a good singer will rock “Human Stuff,” this song can easily be spoken in rhythm. Look for a performer with good comedic timing who is willing to have fun with Scuttle’s eccentricities.
Gender: Any
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Gulls: The Gulls are Scuttle’s flock of zany “back-up singers” who help explain human stuff to Ariel. While there are three principal gulls written in the score, feel free to add as many as you need to best serve your production. The Gulls’ solos can be spoken if necessary.
Gender: Any
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Grimsby: Grimsby is Prince Eric’s prim and proper valet. He is rigid in personality and constantly trying to guide Prince Eric towards the throne. While Grimsby does have some singing to do, strong acting trumps singing ability for this role.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: E4
Chef Louis: Chef Louis is the over-the-top head chef in the palace. He is always wild and frenetic. This is an excellent featured role for a comedic performer.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Chefs: The Chefs are Chef Louis’s assistants. The music in “Les Poissons” can be challenging, so good choral singers are a plus for this group. Your Chefs can also double as members of the Sea Chorus.
Gender: Any
Carlotta: Carlotta is the headmistress in Prince Eric’s palace and Ariel’s greatest human ally. This non-singing role needs to be warm and maternal to make Ariel feel welcome.
Gender: Female
Princesses: The six Princesses try everything they can to win the heart of Prince Eric. Since none of them possesses the voice Prince Eric is searching for, cast actresses who can create an exaggerated and comedic personality through song. The six Princesses can double as the six Mersisters.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: E4
Pilot: The Pilot is the head sailor on Prince Eric’s ship. This nautical expert who entertains the sailors with wild tales of the sea presents an opportunity to highlight a developing performer. The Pilot has a few speaking lines, but his singing voice is most important.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Sailors: The Sailors are the crew of Prince Eric’s ship. They are eager for adventure and ready to tackle a storm. The Sailors can be played by boys or girls and can double as Sea Chorus.
Gender: Any
Seahorse: The Seahorse is the court herald for King Triton. This non-singing part is a good role for a young performer with a clear speaking voice.
Gender: Any
Sea Chorus: The Sea Chorus is responsible for creating each world within the show. Look for performers who can move gracefully and are capable of being part of a scene without drawing focus. This can also be an opportunity to showcase some of your more skilled dancers. The Sea Chorus can double as Merfolk, Sea Creatures and Lagoon Animals.
Gender: Any
Sea Creatures: The Sea Creatures are the ensemble under water animals in King Triton’s court. They can include as few or as many performers as your production permits. There are several moments to showcase both dancers and singers in “Under the Sea.”
Gender: Any
Merfolk: The Merfolk of King Triton’s Court and can double as Sea Creatures.
Gender: Any
Lagoon Animals: The Lagoon Animals try to convince Prince Eric to kiss Ariel. This ensemble can double as the Sea Creatures.
Gender: Any

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

by Edward Albee

Directed by: Sarah Roth 

Auditions: May 12, 13, 14 (callbacks), 2025

Performances: July 18, 19, 20(m), 24, 25, 26, 2025

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a play by Edward Albee that explores the complex and dysfunctional relationship between a middle-aged couple, George and Martha. They invite a younger couple, Nick and Honey, over for drinks, and as the night progresses, the interactions between the characters reveal deep-seated resentments, secrets, and illusions, leading to emotional and psychological turmoil. The play delves into themes of illusion versus reality, the breakdown of communication, and the destructive nature of societal expectations.

Director

Sarah Roth made her directorial debut in 2023 with Moonglow. She started her ACT career costuming The Rocky Horror
Show in 2005, and has since had many roles including the Cook in Clue, Sylvia in Sylvia, Sister Rita in The Runner Stumbles, ensemble in Pippin, Bet in Oliver!, and Tweedle Dee in Alice in Wonderland. She was Assistant Director for Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, stage managed Fly Babies and Dracula, and was lead costumer for Mamma Mia, Annie, and many other shows. Sarah is also the current costume room manager for ACT. She lives in Albany with her childhood best friend. Sarah works in accounting for Power Auto Inc. Her hobbies include theater, hanging out with her sister and nephew, and playing Animal Crossing.

Director’s email: sarah.roth85@gmail.com

Cast of Characters

George: Male
Martha: Female
Nick: Male
Honey: Female

 

Dial 'M' for Murder

by Frederick Knott

Directed by: Dan Bushong, Josh Mitchell and Christi E. Sears

Auditions: Apr. 7, 8, 9 (callbacks), 2024 

Performances: June 13, 14, 20, 21, 22(m), 26, 27, 28, 2025

A psychological thriller that unravels an elegant mystery about an ex-tennis star who plots to kill his wealthy wife. Tony Wendice, who married his wife Margot for her money, now plans to murder her for the same reason. Tony arranges the perfect murder: He hires a scoundrel he once knew into strangling Margot, and arranges a brilliant alibi for himself. The night of the planned attack, in a thrilling surprise twist, the plan goes awry (Concord Theatricals). 

Director

This is Dan Bushong’s directorial debut at ACT. Dan was recently on ACT’s stage as Hugh ‘Bullshot’ Crummond in Bullshot Crummond, Bill Slank in Peter and the Starcatcher, Paul in Moon Over Buffalo, Andre Bouville in The Dinner Party and the dead Boddy in Clue, he was Assistant Director for Assistant Director for The Prom, stage managed Moonglow, and was stage crew for She Kills Monsters. He is also the director for Mousetrap at Majestic Theater. He is a voice actor in training. Dan lives in Albany. His hobbies are hiking, working out, video games, and volunteering.

Josh Mitchell appeared in ACT’s All Together Now! as a vocalist,
Christmas Carol as Christmas Future and Fred, Too Good to Say Goodbye as Dutch Van Dyke, The Three Musketeers as Porthos, Shrek as Fourth Knight and Mad Hatter, The Wizard of Oz in several roles, Avenue Q as Trekkie Monster and the Newcomer, It’s a Wonderful Life as George Bailey and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer as Injun Joe. A real estate broker and toy store operator, he lives in Albany with his wife Holly and sons Quentin, Hudson, and Lincoln. He enjoys music, art, cooking, home remodeling, and playing Ultimate Frisbee.

Director’s email: joshmitchell.srr@gmail.com

Christi E. Sears has a string of hit musicals and plays to her credit, including: The Prom, Something Rotten!, Clue, Altogether Now (Special Event), The Secret of Chimneys: ACT Radio Play, Mamma Mia, The Addams Family, Annie, Big Fish, Shrek, Young Frankenstein, Avenue Q, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Curtains, Steel Magnolias, The Producers, The Music Man, Hello, Dolly!, The Rocky Horror Show, Pirates of Penzance, Into the Woods, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Bell, Book and Candle, Auntie Mame, and Greater Tuna at ACT. Christi also directed at CCT: Cinderella, Damn Yankees, and Little Shop of Horrors. A long-time administrative member at ACT, Christi has served four terms as president and two terms as treasurer. She currently serves on the ACT Board as Production Manager. Christi resides in Albany and has worked for over 30 years as the Accounting/Payroll Manager at Palm Harbor Homes.

Director’s email: cirsey@comcast.net

Cast of Characters

Tony Wendice: Male
Margot Wendice: Female
Max Halliday: Male
Inspector Hubbard: Male
Captain Lesgate: Male
Thompson: Male



And Then There Were None

by Agatha Christie

Directed by: Ken Long 

Auditions: Feb 24, 25, 26 (callbacks), 2025

Performances: May 9, 10, 16, 17, 18(m), 22, 23, 24, 2025

Ten strangers are summoned to a remote island. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they’re unwilling to reveal and a secret that will seal their fate. For each has been marked for murder. As the weather turns and the group is cut off from the mainland, the bloodbath begins and one by one they are brutally murdered in accordance with the lines of a sinister nursery rhyme.

Director

Ken Long previously Directed or Co-Directed ACT’s Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Sweeny Todd, Singin’ in the Rain, Young Frankenstein, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Game Show, and Meet Me in St. Louis. He has been an assistant director for many shows at ACT, the Majestic Theatre, and Corvallis Community Theatre. Some of his accomplishments include The Mousetrap, Curtains, The Producers, Chicago, and Little Women. He also assisted with the technical aspects of more than ten other shows at ACT and within the surrounding community. He works as the Classroom Support/Media Manager at Linn-Benton Community College and lives in Jefferson with his wife Patty.

Director’s email: makeitimpact@gmail.com

Cast of Characters

Vera Claythorne: Female
Philip Lombard: Male
Sir Lawrence Wargrave: Male
Rogers: Male
Mrs. Rogers: Female
Anthony Marston: Male
William Blore: Male
General John MacKenzie: Male
Emily Brent: Female
Dr. Edward Armstrong: Male
Fred Narracott: Male

The Big Five-Oh

by Brian Mitchell

Directed by: Scott Harvey 

Auditions: Jan. 20, 21, 22 (callbacks), 2025

Performances:April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 2025

Whoever said life is better after fifty had better be right! George Thomas is turning fifty on Saturday, and it has been a terrible week. His dog is sick, his son is a slacker, and his daughter wants to marry a Republican. With a neurotic wife and a widowed neighbor providing more challenges than even George can overcome, this may be the worst week of his life. Through these trying days, George will discover the wonders of family, the responsibilities of parenthood, and the results of his latest physical. The Big Five-Oh is a hilarious, sometimes touching account of a grown man coming to terms with his age, his relationship with his son, and his future. It is the story of a middle-aged man finally growing up.

Director

Scott Harvey got started with ACT in 2001 and made his directorial debut at ACT with The Trouble With Cats. He has since then directed No Body Like Jimmy and The Savannah Sipping Society. He has been involved in almost every aspect of the theater productions, from assistant director (Singin’ in the Rain, Waiting for Godot) to acting (Peter Pan, The Secret Garden, It’s a Wonderful Life, Man of La Mancha, Looking for Normal) to behind the scene duties (Treasure Island, The Game’s Afoot, The Mousetrap).

Director’s email: pengserv1@yahoo.com

Cast of Characters

Marie Thomas: Loving wife of George Thomas, fifty years old.
George Thomas: A Professor of sociology, fifty years old.
Julie Thomas: Daughter of Marie and George, twenty-five years old.
Eric Thomas: Son of Marie and George, twenty-two years old.
Douglas: Julie’s fiancé, forty-four years old.
Kathy Walters: Widowed neighbor; sweet, grandmotherly type, sixty-five years old.
Sara Donavan: Student of George’s, nineteen.

Ride the Cyclone

Book, Music and Lyrics by: Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond

Directed by: Loriann Schmidt 

Auditions: Dec. 2, 3, 4 (callbacks), 2024

Performances: Feb. 21, 22, 27, 28, Mar. 1, 2(m), 6, 7, 8, 9(m), 14, 15, 2025

In this hilarious and outlandish story, the lives of six teenagers from a Canadian chamber choir are cut short in a freak accident aboard a roller coaster. When they awake in limbo, a mechanical fortune teller invites each to tell a story to win a prize like no other — the chance to return to life. This popular musical is a funny, moving look at what makes a life well-lived!

Director

Loriann Schmidt has done theater all her life. Starting in 2nd grade with an appearance in The Music Man, the theater bug (and lighting bug) has always been with her. Her first light board was her own invention (in high school) made with rheostats and an old suitcase, a ton of soldering lead and a whiff of smoke. A long string of shows both professional and community as costume designer, light designer, stage manager, assistant director and director followed and the rest, they say, is history. Loriann has directed shows at Pentacle, Keizer Homegrown Theatre and a private school in Beaverton. She serves on the board at Keizer Homegrown Theatre and has been active in other areas of Albany Civic Theater as Lighting Manager, costume designer and all-around Helpful Person. She made her directorial debut at Albany Civic Theater last season with The Great Gatsby.

Director’s email: loriann.c.schmidt@gmail.com

Cast of Characters

Casting folks who are at least 17 by auditions.

The Amazing Karnak: non-singing role; the narrator; a mechanical fortune-telling machine.
Ocean O’Connell Rosenberg: The leader of the group, relentlessly competitive, sometimes cruel, though she sees herself as a virtuous person; high Broadway mix, with a pop quality; big range.
Misha Bachinski: adopted from the Ukraine as a teenager; he has thick Ukrainian dialect and a lot of rage; he is obsessed by Gansgsta Rap (an enormous fan of the auto-tune phenomena); there is a hidden, soulful romantic side; Bari-tenor with the ability to sing lyrical Ukrainian folk music as well rap.
Noel Gruber: the only gay kid in Uranium; never had a relationship; obsessed by French New Wave cinema, he has fantasies of dying a tragic death. Must be able to sing in the style of a French chanteuse.
Ricky Potts: Begins the play wordless and on crutches; suffers from a degenerative disease that has left him speechless and mostly immobile; he discovers at the beginning of the play that in this strange purgatory, he has regained all of these abilities. Baritone rock voice; basic accordion and/or tumbling a plus.
Constance Blackwood: Overweight, and outwardly okay with it, but there is a very deep self-loathing. Will do anything for Ocean’s friendship and allows herself to be used as a doormat; dubbed “the nicest girl in town,” a title she secretly despises. Very likable comic actress; alto belt, with a rock edge.
Jane Doe: She was decapitated in the accident and no one claimed her body; even though she isn’t headless in the piece (but often carries around a headless doll). She reacts in a literal way and largely without emotion, almost robot-like; the other contestants are totally freaked out by her. Classically trained soprano with a flexible coloratura upper range, and some grit and meat in the lower register.

Charley's Aunt

By Brandon Thomas

Directed by: Shauna Kiefiuk & Stephanie Schwarz 

Auditions: Oct. 21, 22, 23 (callbacks), 2024

Performances: Jan. 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19(m), 23, 24, 25, 2025

Jack Chesney loves Kitty Verdun and Charley loves Miss Amy Spettigue. They invite the ladies to meet Charley’s wealthy aunt from Brazil, “where the nuts come from”. Cancelling her visit at the last minute, the millionaire aunt sends the boys into cataclysmic confusion. What do they do now? The problem is solved by drafting their feckless Oxford undergrad pal into a black satin skirt, bloomers and wig. As “Charley’s Aunt”, this charming frump is introduced to the ladies, to Jack’s father and to Stephen Spettigue, Amy’s guardian. When the real aunt turns up, classic comic confusion ensues as Fancourt Babberley, posing as “Charley’s Aunt”, tricks Spettigue into agreeing to the marriage of his ward, the real aunt marries Jack’s father, Jack gets Miss Verdun, and Fanny Babs regains the fortune he lost at gambling as well as the girl he loves.

Audition Welcome Letter 

Audition Form

Director

Shauna Kiefiuk has been involved with ACT since 2002. Previously, she has directed The Dinner Party, The Unexpected Guest, Rabbit Hole, The Butler Did It, The Odd Couple and Independence. Shauna has been onstage in several shows as well as musicals. She was the assistant director for Fat Pig, Hay Fever, The Game’s Afoot and A Little Piece of Heaven. Shauna also serves on the ACT Board.

Director’s email: theatregirl21@yahoo.com

Stephanie Schwarz (also known as Violet) has been involved in theater at ACT since 2013. She has been onstage for several performances such as The Butler Did it and Little Women. She has costumed plays like Peter Pan and run lights for Moon over Buffalo. Violet has been involved in other theaters as well and was the music director for Matilda at Majestic and a co-director for Jefferson High School many years in a row. Most recently she was the assistant director for Peter and the Starcatcher. 

Director’s email: schwarzwerks@gmail.com

Cast of Characters

Jack Chesney: MP College Age
Charles Wykeham: MP College Age
Kitty Verdun: FP College Age
Amy Spettigue: FP College Age
Lord Fancourt Babberley: MP College Age
Col. Sir Francis Chesney, Bart: MP 50’s
Stephen Spettigue: MP 50-60
Brassett: MP: 40-50
Donna Lucia D’ Alvadorez: (Charley’s real aunt) FP Middle Age 40-50
Ela Delahay: FP 17-20

MP = Male presenting
FP = Female presenting

Irving Berlin's White Christmas

Music & Lyrics by: Irving Berlin
Book by: David Ives and Paul Blake

Directed by: Mirinda Keeling

Performances: Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1(m), 6, 7, 8(m), 12, 13, 14, 15(m), 20, 21, 2024

Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. With a dazzling score featuring well-known standards including Blue Skies, I Love A Piano, How Deep Is the Ocean, and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting, wholesome musical that will delight audiences of all ages.

About the Director…

Peter and the Starcatcher was Mirinda Keeling’s ACT directorial debut last season. She also co-directed The Prom, with Christi E. Sears. Mirinda co-directed School House Rock at ACT and directed Animal Krackers, Magic in Me, and The Shoemaker and the Elves at North Albany Elementary. Mirinda has assistant directed Something Rotten, Murder on the Orient Express, Clue, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, High School Musical, and Excalibur: The Story of Young King Arthur at ACT. Her resume includes additional crew positions of vocal director, production assistant, set dressing design, set dresser, set design, hair and makeup designer, props designer and costumer in over 30 productions and has performed on stage in an additional 20. She has performed with her husband, Dean Keeling, as well as her two sons, Braden and Adam.

Director’s email: r_mirinda@hotmail.com

Cast of Characters

Bob Wallace: Dean Keeling
Phil Davis: Danny Corliss
Betty Haynes: Liz Winters
Judy Haynes: Annika Nelson (Beals)
General Henry Waverly: Josh Anderson
Martha Watson: Heidi Kravitz
Susan Waverly: Elsie Kravitz & Teagan Hearn
Ralph Sheldrake: Conner Riley
Rita and Rhoda: Hailey & Hannah Prater
Ezekiel Foster: Michael Harte
Mike: Jay Kendall
Tessie: Carissa Halloran
Jimmy: Michael Harte
Cigarette Girl: Heidi Kravitz
Snoring Man: Ray Phipps
Mrs. Snoring Man: Mary Smalley Acuff
Train Conductor: Jay Grenard
Dance Captain: Emily Clark
Seamstress: Kate Clark
Assistant Seamstress: Mila Sturgill
Quintet: Carissa Halloran, Kate Clark, Jay Kendall, Emily Clark, Josh Anderson
Ed Sullivan Announcer
Regency Room Announcer (offstage voice)
Sheldrake’s Secretary (offstage voice)
‘Jimmy’s Back Room’ Clubgoers
Train Passengers
Inn Guests
Chorus Kids
Patrons of the Regency Room

Grace & Glorie (Special Event)

By Tom Ziegler

Directed by: Rick Wallace 

Performance: Nov. 2, 2024

Hospice volunteer Glorie Whitmore is in for some new experiences when she arrives at the Appalachian cabin of feisty ninety-year-old Grace Stiles following Grace’s discharge from cancer treatment in a local hospital. The recently transplanted New York City business executive finds that the patient not only has a very different lifestyle from her own but also has very clear ideas about who is in charge during her last days of life. The two women tug at each other’s habits and beliefs as they learn more about each other and themselves. Grace & Glorie is a touching comedy/drama that will evoke laughter, thoughtful reflection and probably a few tears.

Director

Rick Wallace has been acting and directing in the Corvallis area for over 50 years. He is the retired Director of Theatre at Corvallis High School, where he staged nearly fifty productions, including West Side Story, Eclipsed, The Importance of Being Earnest, Grease, Bang Bang You’re Dead and Much Ado About Nothing. His 2005 production of Oklahoma! was the last musical staged at the old CHS. Rick has appeared on the OSU Theatre stage in some 30 roles and annually plays Godfather Drosselmeyer in The Nutcracker for the Regional School of Ballet. His last ACT appearance was in the staged reading of Educating Rita with Harriet Owen-Nixon, directed by Charlotte Headrick.

Director’s email: wallace8726@gmail.com

Cast of Characters

Grace: Charlotte J. Headrick
Glorie: Harriet Nixon

Evil Dead The Musical (Special Event)

Book and Lyrics by: George Reinblatt
Music by: Christopher Bond, Frank Cipolla, Melissa Morris, George Reinblatt

Directed by: Johanna Spencer

Performances: Sep. 20, 21, 27, 28, 29(m), Oct. 4, 5*, 6(m)*, 10, 11, 12, 2024

*ASL interpreters on these dates

Evil Dead The Musical takes all the elements of the cult classic films The Evil Dead and Evil Dead 2 and combines them for one of the craziest, funniest, and bloodiest theatrical experiences of all time.

Five college students go to an abandoned cabin in the woods, and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. It’s all up to Ash (a housewares employee, turned demon-killing hero), and his trusty chainsaw to save the day. Blood flies. Limbs are dismembered. Demons tell bad jokes… and all to music. The songs in the show are completely off the wall as well. Titles like All the Men in My Life Keep Getting Killed by Kandarian Demons and What the F**k was That? have had audiences rolling in their seats, and screaming for more and more blood.

You don’t need to be a fan of Evil Dead to love this show. You don’t need to be a fan of horror to love this show. You don’t even need to be a fan of musicals to love this show. As long as you like having fun, this show is for you. Is it scary? No! Is it gory? No. This is a pure comedy start to finish. It has fun with the horror genre, and in doing so appeals to a wider audience than you could ever imagine. Plus it’s the only show with a “Splatter Zone”—a section of the audience that gets covered in fake blood. And with this combination of blood, jokes, cheesy effects, and really awesome musical numbers, Evil Dead The Musical is unlike any live show you’ve ever seen.

Note: Evil Dead The Musical contains violence & gore, adult language & profanity, and sexual themes & content.

Director

Johanna Spencer first directed Nickel and Dimed at Albany Civic Theater in July 2008. She has directed and appeared in many other productions at Albany Civic Theater in addition to adapting a couple of radio plays for ACT during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been acting and directing in the mid-valley since 1982 and is a graduate of the Oregon State University theater program. She resides in Albany with her spouse, Rus Roberts, and is semi-retired after 35 years with the federal government.

Director’s email: johanna.spencer@gmail.com

Cast of Characters

Ash: Ant
Linda: Lucy Elgin
Cheryl: Ashlee Nunez
Annie/Shelly: Jessica Moyer
Scott: James Murray V
Ed: Olivia Pereyra
Jake: Maximilian Corneliusen
Fake Shemp: Hunter O’Guinn Briggs
Demons/Blood Dogs: Llewyn, Jay Kendall, Red, Luke Bowden, Bear Simonet