Auditions & Workshops
Our Casting Philosophy
The Civic is committed to inclusiveness and practices open and non-traditional casting. All roles in Civic productions, unless otherwise announced, are open to all who audition. The Civic goal is to foster and develop theatrical talent in our community and encourage anyone, regardless of experience, to audition for our productions.
Upcoming Auditions and Workshops
The Academy at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre is pleased to offer free Audition Workshops for each production of the season. . Audition workshops are led by the production’s artistic team, using the same materials that will be used at the auditions. Time is built into the workshop for participants to receive personalized tips and feedback. Registration will be open two months prior to each workshop. Before registration opens, dates may change based upon staff ability.
The workshops cover the performers audition only – they may include information but not instruction about crew opportunities.
Audition Results will be posted on the Call board located near the bottom of the home page.
Anything Goes
Ages: 16+
- Workshop: 5/16/26
- Auditions: 6/1-6/2/26
- 1st Rehearsal: 7/27/26
Performance Dates: September 18-27, 2026
Synopsis: Packed with Cole Porter favorites like “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” “Friendship,” “It’s De-Lovely,” and the iconic title song “Anything Goes,” this tap-dancing, laugh-out-loud musical adventure is delightful, delicious, and de-lovely!
The hilarious high-seas musical comedy Anything Goes features a dazzling score, mistaken identities, mismatched romances, and plenty of shipboard shenanigans.
- Director – Anthony J. Hamilton
- Music Director – Marie McColley-Kerstetter
- Choreographer – Sara Sherman & Anthony J. Hamilton
Some Enchanted Evening – The Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein
Ages: 50+
- Audition Workshop: 8/8/26
- Auditions: 8/16/29 & 8/17/26
- 1st Rehearsal: 8/31/26
Performance Dates: October 2 – 11, 2026
Synopsis: The Kalamazoo Civic Senior Class Reader’s Theatre celebrates the golden age of Broadway with the delightful musical revue Some Enchanted Evening – The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein.
Featuring the unforgettable melodies of legendary composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, this joyful evening of music brings together beloved songs from timeless classics such as The Sound of Music, Oklahoma!, South Pacific, Carousel, and The King and I.
- Director / Music Director – Hal Hobson Morse
Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR.
Ages: 9-18
- Audition Workshop: 8/8/26
- Auditions: 8/16/26 & 8/17/26
- 1st Rehearsal: 8/31/26
Performance Dates: October 23 – Nov. 1, 2026
Synopsis: In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.
Adapted from the 2008 Broadway production, the 1989 motion picture, and based on the beloved story by Hans Christian Andersen, Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance.
- Director – Anthony J. Hamilton
- Music Director – Theresa Williams-Johnson
- Choreographer – Sara Sherman
Silent Sky
- Audition Workshop: 8/22/26
- Auditions: 8/30/26 & 8/31/26
- 1st Rehearsal: 9/21/26
Performance Dates: November 6 – 15, 2026
Synopsis: The true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them.
When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who has no time for the women’s probing theories. In her free time, as Henrietta attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love.
Director – Mike Artis
The Wizard of Oz
- Audition Workshop: 9/12/26
- Auditions: 9/20/26 & 9/21/26
- 1st Rehearsal: 10/5/26
Performance Dates: December 4 – 20, 2026
Synopsis: Dorothy and her friends make The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre their home for the Holidays!
L. Frank Baum’s beloved classic comes to life in this magical stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, featuring the iconic songs and score from the MGM film. Follow young Dorothy Gale as she journeys from Kansas over the rainbow to the enchanting Land of Oz, meeting unforgettable friends along the way.
This timeless story of friendship, courage, and the power of home is a delightful adventure for all ages.
The Glass Menagerie
- Audition Workshop: 10/17/26
- Auditions: 10/25/26 & 10/27/26
- 1st Rehearsal: 11/16/26
Performance Dates: January 15 – 24, 2027
Synopsis: Tennessee Williams’ celebrated autobiographical memory play offers a moving look into the lives of a struggling American family, blending tenderness, beauty, and emotional depth. This unforgettable play captures the fragile line between hope and heartbreak.
Set in St. Louis during the Great Depression, this powerful play follows Tom Wingfield, a young man struggling between family duty and his desire for freedom. As his mother, Amanda Wingfield, pushes him to find a gentleman caller for his shy sister, Laura Wingfield, an unexpected dinner guest, Jim O’Connor; sets the stage for an evening that changes everything. A celebrated classic of modern theatre, this unforgettable story explores dreams, family, and the search for escape.
Honk! JR
- Audition Workshop: 10/17/26
- Mentor Training: 10/30/26 & 11/6/26
Performance Dates: Jan. 29 – Feb. 7, 2027
Synopsis: The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre’s Penguin Project production of Honk! JR will delight audiences of all ages with its charming mix of wit, humor, and memorable songs.
Based on the classic fable “The Ugly Duckling” this heartwarming musical follows Ugly, a duckling who looks very different from his siblings, as he embarks on an adventure of self-discovery. Despite the teasing of other farm animals—and the constant threat of a hungry Cat—Ugly discovers that being different is something to embrace. Along the way, he meets a flock of unique and unforgettable characters, learning that true beauty comes from within.
She Loves Me
- Audition Workshop: 11/7/26
- Auditions: 11/15/26 & 11/16/26
- 1st Rehearsal: 12/14/26
Performance Dates: February 12-21, 2027
Synopsis: What Valentine’s Day is complete without a workplace feud, anonymous love letters, and a comedic case of mistaken identity?
Set in a 1930s European perfumery, we meet shop clerks, Amalia and Georg, who, more often than not, don’t see eye to eye. After both respond to a “lonely hearts advertisement” in the newspaper, they now live for the love letters that they exchange, but the identity of their admirers remains unknown. Join Amalia and Georg to discover the identity of their true loves… and all the twists and turns along the way!
This romantic musical comedy, based on the same play that inspired the films The Shop Around the Corner and You’ve Got Mail, sparkles with witty dialogue, endearing characters, and music that will warm your heart on a cold February night.
August Wilson’s Fences
- Audition Workshop: 12/5/26
- Auditions: 12/13/26 & 12/14/26
- 1st Rehearsal: 1/19/27
Performance Dates: March 5 – 14, 2027
Synopsis: August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece Fences is a powerful and timeless exploration of family, ambition, and the fences we build—both seen and unseen.
Set in 1957 Pittsburgh, working-class man, Troy Maxon, a former baseball star who was excluded from the major leagues in his prime struggles with an unrealized dream in a society that deems him inferior. As he navigates love, loyalty, and the choices that define a lifetime, Troy confronts lifelong barriers of pride, regret, and ambition.
On Golden Pond
Kalamazoo Civic Reader’s Theatre Production
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Audition Workshop: 2/13/27
- Auditions: 2/21/27 & 2/22/27
- 1st Rehearsal: 3/15/27
Performance Dates: April 2 – 11, 2027
Synopsis: This is a touching and funny story about a spirited and lovable elderly couple facing their twilight years.
This charming play is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who have returned to their summer home on Golden Pond for the 48th straight year. He is a retired professor, nearing 80, with heart palpitations and a failing memory – but still as tart-tongued, observant and eager for life as ever. Ethel, ten years younger and the perfect foil for Norman, delights in all the small things that have enriched and continue to enrich their long life together.
Filled with humor, tenderness, and moments of profound insight, On Golden Pond is a celebration of enduring relationships, the passage of time, and the beauty of life’s fleeting moments.
Robin Hood
Kalamazoo Civic Youth Theatre Production
- Audition Workshop: 1/23/27
- Auditions: 1/31/27 & 2/1/27
- 1st Rehearsal: 2/22/27
Performance Dates: April 16 – 25, 2027
Synopsis: Robin Hood, the outlaw of Sherwood Forest, leads a merry life with his followers. Anyone who is hungry or who has no place to live is welcome in the Greenwood. The citizens of the forest oppose wicked Prince John. He’s taken the place of King Richard the Lion-Hearted, who has gone to the Holy Land on a crusade. One day, a caravan cuts through the wood. In the convoy is Robin’s childhood sweetheart, Maid Marian, ward of King Richard. Alas, the evil Lady Merle of Cornwall plans to force Marian to marry the Prince in an effort to make John more acceptable to the people of England. To arms! It’s up to Robin to stop the marriage, defeat a nasty sheriff and secure Nottingham for the king’s return. It’s all done in rousing fashion!
Les Misérables
- Audition Workshop: 2/6/27
- Auditions: 2/21/27 & 2/22/27
- 1st Rehearsal: 3/8/27
Performance Dates: April 30 – May 16, 2027
Synopsis: An epic, musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, chronicling Valjean’s 20-year journey of redemption.
In nineteenth century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe that Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals.