Upcoming Auditions

🎭 BRIGHT STAR AUDITIONS: FEB 22 & FEB 24 (postponed due to storm) 🎭

We are excited to announce auditions for our upcoming production of Bright Star by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell!

Directed by: Kristin Hughes

Music Directed by: Judy Hayward
Stage Managed by: Allie Brown

📅 Audition Dates:
Sunday, February 22 & Monday, February 23
🕖 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM

⏱ Audition slots are 10 minutes each.
Walk ins are welcome! Or sign up with your time preference at the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054AAFA72AA0F5C43-62386932-auditions 

🎶 Preparation:
Please prepare two contrasting 16-bar selections that showcase your vocal and acting range. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring a headshot, resume, and your conflicts. 

The production runs Friday May 1 through Saturday, May 16.
Performance Dates: May 1, 2, 3 (2 pm matinee), 8, 9, 10 (2 pm), 14, 15 and 16.

Video auditions are accepted -  Instructions follow:
The deadline for submitting is 9pm on Tuesday, February 24th.

• Upload your video to the google drive here

• In your video:

  • Introduce yourself (name, pronouns, who you’re auditioning for)

  • Sing two contrasting 16-bar selections that demonstrate your vocal and acting range.

• Download & fill out the audition form (here), and then email it to producers Patrick and Karl (patrick@burlingtonplayers.com and karl@burlingtonplayers.com)

Reharsal Schedule:
Rehearsals will begin after auditions and typically be Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 10:00. No one will be called for all nights of the week until early April. Please be honest about your conflicts; we will do our best to work around them.

📌 Callbacks:
Wednesday, February 25 starting at 7:00 PM. 

The audition form is available online: click here

This can be downloaded and brought to your audition (we will have hard copies available as well)

Ages 16 and older are welcome to audition. If cast, minors must have a guardian responsible for bringing them to and from the theatre.

Synopsis

Inspired by a true story, BRIGHT STAR is a sweeping, heartfelt musical featuring a Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s, this deeply emotional tale explores love, loss, and the transformative power of redemption. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives.

With its stunning melodies and richly developed characters, BRIGHT STAR weaves an uplifting and poignant journey through time, filled with hope, heartache, and the promise of second chances. A beautifully genuine and soul-stirring musical, BRIGHT STAR captivates audiences with its deeply moving story and lively bluegrass score.

Character Breakdown:

All roles are open. Roles with an asterisk may be double-cast and will also participate in the ensemble. This production is completely inclusive, actors of all backgrounds, orientations, abilities and ethnicity are encouraged to audition. We are looking for a variety of people to tell this story and populate and establish the world of the play; the story shifts time and location seamlessly and the ensemble will be key to making these transitions happen. 

Posted gender designations are for the characters. Age ranges posted are relative! Don’t limit yourself!

Alice Murphy (Female, 25-40) The actor portrays Alice at age 16 and age 38. Adult Alice: an editor of a southern literary magazine; intelligent, savvy and strong–but with an air of melancholy. Young Alice: rebellious, high-spirited, adventurous–looking to break out of small-town life and experience the world. Must be a powerful singer, good mover, and comfortable in folk and bluegrass styles. Vocal range: F3-C5

Billy Cane (Male, 20-30) A soldier returning home from WWII; an aspiring young writer; fresh, open, optimistic, charming, and a little naïve. Must be a strong singer and mover. Vocal range: C3-A4

Jimmy Ray Dobbs (Male, 25-40) The actor portrays Jimmy Ray in his early 20s and early 40’s. Young Jimmy: Mayor Dobbs’ son and young Alice’s love-interest; boyishly charming and intelligent; willing to stand up to his father’s plans for his future. Adult Jimmy: Sad, remorseful, hopeful. Vocal range: C3-A4

Mayor Josiah Dobbs (Male 50s-60s) The Mayor of Zebulon; distinguished, controlling, and rigid – but masked with charm. Willing to do just about anything to preserve his family. Vocal range: A2-G4

Margo Crawford (Female, 20-30) A small-town bookstore owner; a childhood friend of Billy’s who now harbors romantic feelings towards him; Smart, funny, and sweet. Vocal range: B3-F#5

Daryl Ames (Male 20s to 50s) Colleague of adult Alice. Precise, exacting, specific and sarcastic. Good comic timing. Vocal range: C3-E4

Lucy Grant (Female 20-30) Colleague of adult Alice.  Confident, intelligent, flirtatious. She speaks her mind. Vocal range: A3-D5

*Daddy Murphy (Male 40s-60s) Alice’s father; Authoritative, strict, devoutly religious, hard-working. Loves his family but not always sure how to express it. Vocal range: A2-G4

*Mama Murphy (Female, 40-60s) Alice’s mother. Warm and strong, the center of her family. A fierce protector of her daughter. Vocal range: G3-C5.

*Daddy Cane (Male, 50 – 65). Billy’s father. A warm, loving country man. Lives for his son, mourning the recent loss of his wife. Hiding a secret for many. Vocal range: C3-A4

*Stanford (Male, 30 plus) Mayor Dobbs’ lawyer. Professional, hovering. Knows what strings to pull for his own success. Says what he knows the Mayor wants to hear. Vocal range open.

*Florence (Female, 20 plus) Works at Margo’s bookstore. A supportive friend to Margo, always willing to help out. She is a romantic and often gets caught up in dreams.

*Edna (Female, 18-40) Works at Margo’s bookstore. Energetic, hard-working, and optimistic. Along with Florence, Edna is an essential part of the strong community surrounding Margo and Billy. Falls in love with Max.

*Max (Male, 18-30). A young resident of Zebulon who frequents the bookstore. Naive and very earnest.

*Dr. Norquist (Male, 30 plus). The doctor in Zebulon, caring but protective of the status quo.