Ever had the itch to step on stage, or wonder what goes on behind it? Your chance arrives next weekend as the Marathon Community Theatre holds auditions for its 2025-26 main stage show season on Aug. 23 and 24. For the first time in years, MCT’s season includes multiple musicals – and even a mixed-age casting that allows actors young and old to share the stage.
Shows for the season include:
- “The Wizard of Oz”: The timeless musical tells the story of Dorothy’s journey to meet the Wonderful Wizard of Oz with the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tin Man. The show opens in November, just in time to give fans a refresher before the theatrical release of its prequel, “Wicked: For Good,” on the silver screen.
- “The Odd Couple”: Another Neil Simon classic that tells the comical story of two mismatched roommates: the uptight, neat-as-a-button Felix, recently thrown out of the house by his wife, and the laid-back sportswriting slob, Oscar. Opens in January 2026.
- “Little Shop of Horrors”: As the name suggests, a “horror comedy rock musical” about a flower shop worker who finds himself in over his head as his bloodthirsty sentient plant becomes the talk of the town. Opens in late February 2026.
- “Wait Until Dark”: An edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller about a housewife targeted by a trio of con men searching for diamonds hidden in a doll. Opens in April 2026.
More information about each show’s audition, including rehearsal schedules and sample readings, is at marathontheater.org/open-auditions. Singing and dancing auditions will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on both days, and script readings will run from 1 to 3 p.m. Actors auditioning for “Wait Until Dark” and “The Odd Couple” must attend one script reading session, while actors auditioning for either musical must attend one reading session and one singing/dancing session.
Thought about auditioning, but nervous to give it a try? Don’t worry – no experience is necessary, and the biggest hurdle is just showing up. “Community” is at the center of MCT’s name, and the four directors say they’re eager to dispel common myths about auditions:
- Myth: Auditions are a scary process. “People will embrace you just for being there,” said “Little Shop” director John Schaefer. “I was made to feel so welcome at my first audition, it was like stepping into a room of almost-immediate friends.” Auditions include group warm-up games, simple dance steps to learn and script readings – no memorization needed.
- Myth: You have to be on stage to be involved. “Even if you don’t want to be on stage, there are so many other ways you can help out,” said “Odd Couple” director Linda Schaefer. “That’s what got me into directing – I started by getting my husband dressed for all his shows.” Backstage roles include costume and prop help, light and sound technicians, stage hands, set construction and many, many more.
- Myth: Main stage shows cast only adults, and you have to be a pro. For the first time in years, “The Wizard of Oz” will feature a mixed-age cast. Elementary school children will be cast in roles including munchkins, flying monkeys and citizens of Oz, and teens are welcome to audition with the adults for the production’s lead roles, said director Kara Pascucci. And seriously, no experience is necessary: “If a 6-year-old can get up on stage and do it, so can you,” she added.
Myth: Auditions are like Broadway – nerve-wracking and serious. “Our audition process is very relaxed – we don’t put any pressure on the people trying out,” said “Wait Until Dark” director Mike Wagner. “It’s a nice, friendly conversation. We ask you to read a few lines, we give you some direction, and we just have a chat. Don’t be afraid – if it’s something you want to try, try it!”
