It’s time to rock at Town! On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought together Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley at Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis, TN. The man who made it happen was the “Father of Rock ’n’ Roll” record production, Sam Phillips, who discovered them all. The four legends-to-be united for the only time in their careers for an impromptu recording session that has come to be known as one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all time.
Auditions will be held on Sunday and Monday, August 30 and 31 at 7:30 PM. You need to attend only one night of auditions. Please read the character listings below to understand how to prepare. Each of the actors, besides Sam Phillips, must be able to accompany yourself on acoustic guitar, electric guitar or piano performing a song by one of the artists listed above. If you are auditioning for Jerry Lee Lewis, we’ll supply the piano, otherwise bring a guitar. If you are auditioning for the role of the drummer, we will provide a drum kit at auditions. Actors auditioning for Sam Phillips are likely to be asked to come to callbacks only which will be scheduled at a later date.
The show will be directed by B. Scott Vaughan with musical direction by Julia Turner. Performances will be December 4-20, 2026.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Please sign up to audition HERE.
- Complete the audition form below including conflicts and bring it with you to the audition.
- Read the character descriptions below to understand exactly what you need to prepare.
- If you are only auditoining for the role of Sam Phillips, please sign up and you will be contacted about when you can be seen.
- If you cannot attend in person, please sign up and select that option. In doing so, you indicate that you understand you are to send a recorded vocal audition and your completed audition form to shannon@towntheatre.com no later than August 31 at 5 PM.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
ELVIS PRESLEY
20-30; male; actor/singer/guitar player to portray Elvis in his 20s at the beginning of his career. Must be familiar with his music and able to play guitar; should sound and look somewhat like Elvis without being an “impersonator.”
For the auditions, actors will be asked to prepare an Elvis Presley song (or a song in that style or from the era) and accompany themselves on the guitar. In the production, Elvis sings “Memories Are Made Of This,” “That’s All Right,” “Long Tall Sally, ” “Peace In The Valley,” “Party” and “Hound Dog.”
JERRY LEE LEWIS
20-30; male; actor/singer/pianist; he was rock & roll’s legendary piano prodigy and celebrated “Last Man Standing.” Must be a superb piano player, able to play like Jerry Lee Lewis; fun, energetic; comic skills a plus.
For the auditions, actors will be asked to prepare a Jerry Lee Lewis song (or song in that style or from the era) and accompany themselves on the piano. In the production, Jerry Lee Lewis sings: “Real Wild Child,” “Great Balls Of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.”
CARL PERKINS
20-35; male; actor/singer/guitar player (lead guitar); he was the American pioneer of rockabilly music and best known for his song “Blue Suede Shoes”; Must be an excellent lead guitarist.
For the auditions, actors will be asked to prepare a Carl Perkins or Elvis Presley song (or song in that style from that era) and accompany themselves on the guitar. Please bring your own amp. In the production, Carl Perkins sings “Matchbox,” “Who Do You Love?,” “My Babe” and “See You Later, Alligator.”
JOHNNY CASH
20-30; male; actor/singer/guitar player to portray Johnny cash at the dawn of his epic career. Must be familiar with his music and able to play guitar; tall; should sound and look somewhat like Johnny without being an “impersonator.”
For the auditions, actors will be asked to prepare a Johnny Cash song (or song in that style from that era) and accompany themselves on the guitar. In the production, Johnny Cash sings “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Sixteen Tons,” “I Walk The Line” and “Riders In The Sky.”
DYANNE
18-30, female, excellent actor and singer; she was an aspiring singer and Elvis’s girlfriend; great singer with a wide range; sings solos and back-up throughout the show; sings “Fever” in her alto range and covers the high soprano part of “Riders In The Sky” (Johnny Cash song); for the auditions, actors will be asked to prepare a song from the era. In the production, Dyanne sings “Fever” and “I Hear You Knockin’.”
SAM PHILLIPS
25-40; male; Excellent actor; “Father of Rock ’n Roll” production and founder of Sun Records who discovered Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and many others including Roy Orbison and B.B. King; a towering and charismatic figure in American music; actors will be asked to read selections from the show.
DRUMMER
18-45, male, should have swing/jazz chops and be familiar with country music too.
SLAP BASS PLAYER
18-50, male, has to play upright rockabilly slap bass
AUDITIONS for Little Women, the Musical
Town Theatre is pleased to present Little Women, the Musical as a new opportunity for 9th to 12th grade students. This show will be auditioned virtually with in-person callbacks by invitation. In addition to cast members, we are looking to fill various production team roles with students – continuing in our desire to provide well-rounded theatrical experiences for our students.
Auditions should be submitted by September 20 ~ details below.
What to Prepare:
Please record yourself singing 24-32 bars of a song from the show or in the style of the show. Choose a song that best suits your voice and one that allows you to express yourself. See our best tips for self-recording below.
- BY SEPTEMBER 20 ~ please complete the audition form HERE including conflicts.
- In person callbacks will be scheduled by invitation only in early October.
- If you are interested in a technical role only, please submit the audition form with conflicts, but you do not need to submit the song or monologue.
Additional Information:
• Rehearsals: We intend to begin in October with music rehearsals. Dates TBD after casting.
• Performances: Saturday, January 30 at 3 PM; Sunday, January 31 at 7 PM.
Production Team:
Jane Cato, Director
Katie Rooney, Music Director
Joy Alexander, Choreographer
All roles are available
Jo March
Our story’s protagonist. Passionate, adventurous, and brave. She has the idea of writing Little Women and eventually becomes engaged to Professor Bhaer.
Gender: female
Age: 18 to 23
Vocal range top: A5
Vocal range bottom: E3
Professor Bhaer
German Professor who exemplifies proper manners. He is a boarder in Mrs. Kirk’s boarding house and eventually falls in love with Jo.
Gender: male
Age: 35 to 45
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: G2
Amy March
The youngest, most energetic sister with a rather pompous air about her. She later marries Laurie. Can double as Troll.
Gender: female
Age: 14 to 18
Vocal range top: Gb5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Meg March
The world-weary, yet hopeful, oldest sister who yearns for a great life. She marries John and has twins with him. Can double as Clarissa.
Gender: female
Age: 21 to 25
Vocal range top: Gb5
Vocal range bottom: A#3
Beth March
The second youngest sister who tragically dies of Scarlet Fever. Peace-maker, lover, and an optimist who is always encouraging her sisters to dream. Can double as Rodrigo II.
Gender: female
Age: 17 to 21
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Marmee March
The girls’ mother. She is the strong backbone of the family, who is courageous in spite of the difficult odds she faces. Can double as Hag.
Gender: female
Age: 45 to 55
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: Eb3
Theodore “Laurie” Laurence
The bright-eyed boy-next-door with considerable charm. He loves Jo but later falls in love with Amy.
Gender: male
Age: 18 to 23
Vocal range top: Bb4
Vocal range bottom: Bb2
Mr. Lawrence
Age: 50-80
Vocal range: D3-E4
Baritone
Laurie’s grandfather. A stiff and stern elderly man who eventually shows his softer side and gives Beth the beloved piano that belonged to his dead daughter.
Aunt March
A formidable, over-bearing matron and great-aunt to the March sisters. The wealthy socialite in town. Can double as Mrs. Kirk.
Gender: female
Age: 45 to 60
Vocal range top: F5
Vocal range bottom: E3
Mr. John Brooke
Laurie’s tutor and a rather stiff man; shows very little emotion. He later marries Meg and changes.
Gender: male
Age: 30 to 40
Vocal range top: F#4
Vocal range bottom: C#3
Tips for Self-Recording
Best Camera Placement
• Position the iPad or camera horizontally (landscape).
• Place it at eye level if possible (use a tripod or stack of books).
• Stand 6–8 feet from the camera so you’re framed from about mid-thigh or knees up. This allows natural movement without being too far away.
• Make sure there’s plenty of light on your face (a window or lamp in front of you, not behind you).
Best Music Placement
If you’re using a speaker:
• Place the speaker 3–6 feet behind the iPad/camera (so it’s closer to the camera than to you).
• Stand 6–8 feet behind the iPad, facing it.
• The order is Speaker → iPad → You
This setup helps the iPad microphone prioritize your voice while still picking up the accompaniment clearly.
Volume
• Keep the accompaniment just loud enough for pitch and tempo.
• If you have to raise your voice to hear yourself, it’s too loud.
• Do a short test recording and make sure your voice is at least twice as prominent as the music.
If You’re Using Bluetooth
Avoid it if possible. Bluetooth speakers can introduce a slight delay. A wired speaker or a second device (another phone, tablet, or laptop) playing the track is usually more reliable.
