AUDITIONS: August Wilson’s GEM OF THE OCEAN

Playing in the Long Beach Playhouse’s Mainstage Theater

By August Wilson

Directed by Rovin Jay

AUDITION DATES:  Dec. 29 – 30, 2025, & Jan. 2, 2026

• Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 – 7pm – 9pm: Open Call
• Tuesday,  Dec. 30, 2025 – 7pm – 9pm: Open Call
• Friday,  Jan. 2, 2025 – 7pm – 10pm: Callbacks – By invitation only.

(Auditioners only need to come to one night of open call auditions.  We are only seeing in-person auditioners during audition times – no video submissions.)

PERFORMANCE DATES:  Feb. 21 – Mar. 21, 2026

Master playwright, August Wilson, blends naturalism, mysticism, and magical realism to explore the experience of a Black community at the turn of the 20th century. It’s 1904, and Citizen Barlow comes seeking asylum in the Pittsburgh Hill District home of matriarch and spiritual advisor Aunt Ester. She sets him off on a spiritual journey aboard the legendary slave ship Gem of the Ocean to visit the home of the ancestors, the City of Bones. Confronted with the plight of those who came before him, Citizen must come to terms with his own guilt in this unsettling but compelling story filled with humor and heart that is a touchstone for everything else that Wilson has written.

AUDITION NOTICE:

TITLE: GEM OF THE OCEAN

AUTHOR: August Wilson

DIRECTOR: Rovin Jay

RUN:  February 21 – March 21, 2026

Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Special performances on Thursday and Sunday nights may be added for private parties and special events.

This is a volunteer community theater production.  Non-Equity.  There is no pay. 

AUDITION DATES:

Open Call:

Dates: Monday, December 29th and Tuesday, December 30th, 2025

(Auditioners only need to come to one night of Open Call Auditions.)

Times: 7pm – 9pm

Location: Long Beach Playhouse  

Callbacks: By Invitation Only.

Date: Friday, January 2nd, 2026 

Times: 7pm – 10pm

REHEARSALS:

First Read-Through: Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, Noon – 4pm

Regular Rehearsal: Starting Jan. 5th:

Mondays – Thursdays, 7pm -10pm 

Saturdays, 11am – 4pm

Possible Sundays, 6pm – 9pm TBD

 (Please see beginning rehearsal schedule BELOW for specific dates and times.)

Location: Long Beach Playhouse

NOTE: Open to working with some limited minor conflicts, but we will not be casing people with conflicts on tech dates and performances.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

Bring a headshot and resume. 

Please prepare a monologue from an August Wilson play. 

Sides for cold readings will be available at the auditions for those without a monologue prepared.

SHORT SYNOPSIS:  

Set in 1904 Pittsburgh, Gem of the Ocean is the first chronological installment of August Wilson’s Century Cycle. The play centers on Aunt Ester, a 285-year-old spiritual guide, and her home at 1839 Wylie Avenue—a sanctuary for souls seeking redemption. As Citizen Barlow arrives in search of salvation, the household is drawn into a journey that spans history, memory, and myth.

CASTING THE FOLLOWING ROLES:

All roles are Black/African decent except for the role of Rutherford Selig. Long Beach Playhouse encourages actors of all backgrounds, gender identities, and abilities to audition.

AUNT ESTER (F, Black/African Decent, 60s–80s): A spiritual matriarch; commanding and wise.

CITIZEN BARLOW (M, Black/African Decent, 20s–30s): A young man seeking redemption; earnest and haunted.

SOLLY TWO KINGS (M, Black/African Decent, 60s–70s): A former conductor on the Underground Railroad; fiery and proud.

BLACK MARY (F, Black/African Decent, 30s–40s): Aunt Ester’s housekeeper and protégé; strong-willed and compassionate.

CAESAR WILKS (M, Black/African Decent, 40s–50s): Black Mary’s brother, a strict lawman; complex and authoritative.

ELI (M, Black/African Decent, 50s–60s): Caretaker of Aunt Ester’s home, grounded and loyal.

RUTHERFORD SELIG (M, Caucasian/European Decent, 40s–60s): A traveling peddler; observant and affable.

BEGINNING REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:

AUDITIONS: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (2025)

Playing in the Long Beach Playhouse’s Mainstage Theater

Adapted from the novella by Charles Dickens

Directed by Carol Louise Nicholson

AUDITION DATES:  Oct. 15 – 16, & Oct 18, 2025

• Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 – 7pm – 9pm: Open Call
• Thursday,  Oct. 16, 2025 – 7pm – 9pm: Open Call
• Saturday,  October 18, 2025 – Noon – 3pm: Callbacks – By invitation only.

(Auditioners only need to come to one night of open call auditions.  We are only seeing in-person auditioners during audition times – no video submissions.)

PERFORMANCE DATES: Dec. 6 – Dec. 21, 2025

AUDITION NOTICE:

TITLE: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (2025)

AUTHOR: Charles Dickens, adapted by Carole Louise Nicholson

DIRECTOR: Carole Louise Nicholson

RUN: Dec. 6 – Dec. 21, 2025

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Special performances on Wednesday and Sunday nights may be added for private parties and special events.

This is a volunteer community theater production.  Non-Equity.  There is no pay. 

AUDITION DATES:

Open Call:

Dates: Wednesday October 15th and Thursday October 16th, 2025 

(Auditioners only need to come to one night of Open Call Auditions.)

Times: 7pm – 9pm

Location: Long Beach Playhouse  

Callbacks: By Invitation Only.

Date: Saturday October 18th, 2025

Times: 12pm-3pm

REHEARSALS:

First Read-Through: Monday October 20th, 2025, 7pm – 10pm

Regular Rehearsal: Starting Tuesday October 21st, 2025:

Monday – Thursday: 7pm – 10pm

Saturday: 12:00pm – 3:00pm

Select Sundays: 6:00pm – 9:00pm

No rehearsal on Wednesday, November 26th & Thursday, 27th, 2025 (Thanksgiving)

(Please see beginning rehearsal schedule BELOW for specific dates and times.)

Location: Long Beach Playhouse

NOTE: Open to working with some limited minor conflicts, but we will not be casting people with conflicts on tech dates and performances.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

All Actors: Bring headshot and resume. 

For the Ghost Trio: Please be prepared to sing “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” a cappella.

For all other characters: Please be ready for a cold reading from the script. Sides for cold readings will be provided at the auditions.

SHORT SYNOPSIS:  

An adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas novella. A Christmas Carol is the tale of a miserable and miserly man, Ebenezer Scrooge, learning to value people over riches with the help of spirits. This story takes a critical look at the responsibilities of those with wealth to those in need, and the importance of family and community care. 

CASTING THE FOLLOWING ROLES:

NOTE: Non-traditional casting welcome: open to all races, genders, and ages. All roles require a British Accent and being comfortable with singing on stage. 

SCROOGE, MARLEY & ASSOCIATES (FAMILY)

EBENEZER SCROOGE (M, to play 50+) A cold-hearted miser, whose fear of the world has manifested in a hatred for Christmas. (Role requires a British Accent.)

JACOB MARLEY (M, to play 50+) The ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge’s dead business partner. Will also play Mr. Fezziwig and Broker 2 (Role requires a British Accent.)

FRED HOLLOWELL (M, 18-30) Scrooge’s nephew and a joyful young man filled with Christmas cheer. Will also play Young Ebenezer and Thomas. (Role requires a British Accent.)

ELIZABETH HOLLOWELL (F, 18-30) Fred’s outgoing and playful wife. Will also play Belle and Caroline. (Role requires a British Accent.)

CRATCHIT FAMILY

BOB CRATCHIT (M, 35-50) An optimistic, mild-mannered man who loves his large family. Will also play Dick Wilkins and Broker 1 (Role requires a British Accent.)

MRS. CRATCHIT (F, 35-50) A strong headed matriarch of her family. She is kind-hearted but not afraid to speak her truth. Will also play Oliver. (Role requires a British Accent.)

MARTHA CRATCHIT (F, 16-20) Eldest daughter of the Cratchits. Will also play the Solicitor and Street Child. (Role requires a British Accent.)

PETER CRATCHIT (M, 13-17) Eldest son of the Cratchits. Will also play Young Caroler, Ignorance, and Street Child. (Role requires a British Accent.)

BELINDA CRATCHIT (F, 7-13) Youngest daughter of the Cratchits. Will also play a Street child, Fan, and Want. (Role requires a British Accent.)

TINY TIM (M or F, 7-10) Youngest son of the Cratchits. A kind-hearted, sickly boy who loves Christmas. Will also play School-age Scrooge and Turkey boy. (Role requires a British Accent.)

SPIRIT ROLES

All spirit roles are non-gendered.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST (18-60): A strange, otherworldly spirit who shows Scrooge his past. Will also play Topper and Dilber.

GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT (18-60): An exuberant spirit who is the embodiment of Christmas Day. Will also play Old Joe.

GHOST 1: (18-60), (Soprano): A playful and mischievous spirit who will narrate and sing carols throughout the story. Strong choral singing and storytelling is required.

GHOST 2: (18-60), (Mezzo Soprano/Alto): A stern and cautious spirit who will narrate and sing carols throughout the story. Strong choral singing and storytelling is required.

GHOST 3: (18-60), (Tenor/Baritone): A serious and dark spirit who will narrate and sing carols throughout the story. Strong choral singing and storytelling is required. 

BEGINNING REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:

AUDITIONS: Agatha Christie’s GO BACK FOR MURDER

Playing in the Long Beach Playhouse’s Mainstage Theater

By Agatha Christie

Directed by Philip Brickey

AUDITION DATES:  November 3 – 5, 2025

• Monday, Nov.  3, 2025 – 7pm – 9pm: Open Call
• Tuesday,  Nov. 4, 2025 – 7pm – 9pm: Open Call
• Wednesday,  Nov. 5, 2025 – 7pm – 10pm: Callbacks – By invitation only.

(Auditioners only need to come to one night of open call auditions.  We are only seeing in-person auditioners during audition times – no video submissions.)

PERFORMANCE DATES:  Jan. 10 – Feb. 7, 2026

AUDITION NOTICE:

TITLE: GO BACK FOR MURDER

AUTHOR: Agatha Christie

DIRECTOR: Philip Brickey

RUN: January 10 to February 7, 2026

Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Special performances on Thursday and Sunday nights may be added for private parties and special events.

This is a volunteer community theater production.  Non-Equity.  There is no pay. 

AUDITION DATES:

Open Call: Dates: Monday, November 3 and Tuesday, November 4, 2025 

(Auditioners only need to come to one night of Open Call Auditions.)

Times: 7pm – 9pm

Location: Long Beach Playhouse  

Callbacks: By Invitation Only.

Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Times: 7pm – 10pm

REHEARSALS:

First Read-Through: Saturday, November 8, Noon to 4 pm.

Regular Rehearsal: Starting Monday, November 10, regular rehearsals will be Monday through Thursday, 7pm -10 pm, and Saturdays, 1pm – 4 pm.

(Please see beginning rehearsal schedule BELOW for specific dates and times.)

Location: Long Beach Playhouse

NOTE: Open to working with some limited minor conflicts, but we will not be casting people with conflicts on tech dates and performances.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

Bring headshot and resume. 

Sides for cold readings will be provided at the auditions.

SIDES AVAILABLE BELOW

For specified roles, a British dialect is encouraged at auditions but not required.  Time will be spent during rehearsals to work on the British dialect.

SHORT SYNOPSIS:  

Agatha Christie turns back the clock with this unique take on a murder mystery. After receiving a letter from beyond the grave, Carla Crale believes her mother, who died in prison, was wrongly convicted of her father’s murder. In a passionate attempt to clear her mother’s name, Carla persuades those present on the day of her father’s death to return to the scene of the crime and ‘go back’ 16 years to relive their version of events.

CASTING THE FOLLOWING ROLES:

NOTE: All roles are open to all ethnicities.

Some actors will play their characters in two different decades.

Some actors may play multiple roles.

JUSTIN FOGG (M, 25-35). Solicitor in the office of Fogg, Fogg, Bamfylde and Fogg. Sober and serious. Doting at times. (Role has a British dialect.)

CARLA LE MARCHANT (F, CANADIAN, 20-35 TO PLAY 21). Passionate, persuasive and dead set on proving her mother’s innocence. Also plays Caroline Crale, her mother.

Will also double as:

CAROLINE CRALE (F, 25-35). Married to Amyas. A formidable woman. Deeply in love with her husband, she fights to keep him. Also plays Carla Crale, her daughter. (Role has a British dialect.)

JEFF ROGERS (M, CANADIAN, 25-40). Carla’s fiancé. A slick, self-satisfied, good-looking man. Insensitive to others.

Will also double as:

AMYAS CRALE (M, 35-45). The artist. He is unashamedly self-absorbed, yet charismatic and likeable. (Role has a British dialect.)

PHILLIP BLAKE (M, 25-40 AND 40-55). Amyas Crale’s devoted friend. Self-important with traces of nervous irritability. He is very sure of himself. (Role has a British dialect.)

MEREDITH BLAKE (M, 25-40 AND 40-55). Phillip’s older brother. A sweet man. At times ineffectual and irresolute. (Role has a British dialect.) 

Will also double as:

TURNBALL. (M, 60-75). Elderly clerk in the law office. Dry and reserved. (Role has a British dialect.)

ELSA GREER/LADY MELKSHAM (F, 20-30 AND 30-45). The “other” woman. Attractive and alluring. Cold at times. She knows what she wants. (Role has a British dialect.)

MISS WILLIAMS (F, 35-45 AND 50-60). The nanny. She is intelligent, reserved and quietly commanding. (Role has a British dialect.)

ANGELA WARREN (F, 30 AND 14). Caroline Crale’s half-sister. Emotionally volatile as a child. Self-assured as an adult. (Role has a British dialect.)

BEGINNING REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:

AUDITION SIDES:

AUDITIONS: DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE

Playing in the Long Beach Playhouse’s Mainstage Theater

Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, from the novella by Robert Louis Stevenson

Directed by David Scaglione

AUDITION DATES:  July 28 – 30, 2025

• Monday, July 28, 2025 – 7pm – 9pm: Open Call
• Tuesday,  July 29, 2025 – 7pm – 9pm: Open Call
• Wednesday,  July 30 2025 – 7pm – 10pm: Callbacks – By invitation only.

(Auditioners only need to come to one night of open call auditions.  We are only seeing in-person auditioners during audition times – no video submissions.)

PERFORMANCE DATES:  Sept. 20 – Oct. 18, 2025

AUDITION NOTICE:

TITLE: DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE

AUTHOR: Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, from the novella by Robert Louis Stevenson

DIRECTOR: David Scaglione 

RUN: Sept. 20 – Oct. 18, 2025

Fridays & Saturdays 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. Special performances on Thursday and Sunday nights may be added for private parties and special events.

This is a volunteer community theater production.  Non-Equity.  There is no pay. 

AUDITION DATES:

Open Call: Monday, July 28 and Tuesday, July 29, 2025

(Anyone auditioning will only need to come to one night of Open Call Auditions.)

Times: 7pm – 9pm

Location: Long Beach Playhouse  

Callbacks: By Invitation Only.

Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Times: 7pm – 10pm

REHEARSALS:

First Read-Through: Saturday, Aug. 2, Noon – 4pm.

Regular Rehearsal: Starting Aug. 4, Monday – Thursday, 7pm – 10pm; Saturdays, Noon – 4pm, unless otherwise listed.

(Please see beginning rehearsal schedule BELOW for specific dates and times. We will accept minor, limited conflicts with the rehearsal schedule, but will not be casting anyone missing tech dates or performances.)

Location: Long Beach Playhouse

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:

Bring headshot and resume. 

Sides for cold readings will be provided at the auditions.

NOTE: This is an ensemble show – most performers, other than Elizabeth and Jekyll, will be needed to play multiple roles with multiple accents, as well as to play HYDE.

SHORT SYNOPSIS:  

Adapted from the novella ‘Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ by Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr. Jekyll has been performing strange experiments, on himself, at the same moment multiple murders have befallen the city. Can the two situations be related? Simultaneously, a mysterious and sinister Mr. Hyde has appeared in the darkness of the city’s underbelly, but who is this man and what relationship is he to Dr. Henry Jekyll?

CASTING THE FOLLOWING ROLES:

NOTE: All roles are open to any ethnicity.

DR. HENRY JEKYLL (M, 21 – 40, Upper-class British Accent): A kind Doctor of anatomical science, and a soft-spoken humanitarian, yet with a dark side he keeps hidden. Henry tries not to allow his temper to get away with him, but what secret is he hiding? 

ELIZABETH JELKES (F, 18 – 40, Working-class British Accent): a very loving soul, but is drawn to the darkness, and falls in love with the wrong man. 

The following actors perform many roles in the play and at certain points will perform as HYDE:

GABRIEL UTTERSON AND HYDE (M/F, 18 – 60, Upper-class British Accent): Utterson is a good friend of Jekyll’s, and a lawyer who is in the middle of several cases of murder. 

SIR DANVERS CAREW, RICHARD ENFIELD, O.F. SANDERSON, AND INSPECTOR, AND HYDE (M, 21 – 60, Upper/lower class British Accent): Sir Carew is an egotistic doctor and nemesis of Dr Jekyll’s. Enfield is a colleague of Jekyll’s.

DR. H.K. LANYON, POLICE DOCTOR, SURGICAL STUDENT, AND HYDE (M/F 18 – 60, Lower/upper-class British Accent): Lanyon is a doctor and a colleague of Jekyll. This actor also plays assorted medical personnel. 

POOLE, SURGICAL STUDENT, POLICE DOCTOR, & HYDE (M/F 18 – 60, Lower/upper class British Accent): Poole is Jekyll’s butler and is a witness to many of Hyde’s crimes. 

ORDERLIES (M/F, 18 – 60) They are part of the ensemble, and, at points, a body double for Hyde. 

BEGINNING REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: