Auditions
Tentative information for upcoming auditions. Updates may be posted at a later date. Sign up to receive email alerts about upcoming auditions.
BLT auditions usually are held on Sunday and Monday evenings during the opening weekend of the preceding show. Readings are from the script, although some directors may request additional preparation. Interested actors may attend either or both audition dates. Auditions are held at the Butler Little Theatre, One Howard Street, in Butler.
PLEASE NOTE RECENT UPDATE:
Audition Dates: Sunday, February 1 ONLY beginning at 6:30 pm. Readings will be from the script.
Location: Butler Little Theatre, One Howard Street, Downtown Butler, Pennsylvania
Director: Jud Steward
Producer: Jessica Sanzotti
Synopsis: Written by Theresa Rebeck, one of the country’s most acclaimed and widely produced playwrights, Downstairs is a gripping family drama that explores buried secrets, power, and the weight of shared history. Teddy, adrift and uncertain, has taken refuge in the unfinished basement of his older sister Irene’s home—an arrangement that deeply frustrates her husband, Gerry. As tensions rise and unresolved wounds resurface, Irene and Teddy attempt to confront their past, only to uncover a looming threat that puts their fragile family bonds at risk.
Roles available: Two men and one woman
Age range: Early 40s and up
Production Dates: March 20-28 (Except Monday, March 23)
Character descriptions:
Irene – Teddy’s older sister. Thoughtful, guarded, and emotionally complex. Irene is compassionate but burdened by responsibility and unresolved guilt. She is caught between loyalty to her brother and commitment to her marriage, navigating fear, protection, and moral uncertainty.
Teddy – Irene’s younger brother. Adrift and vulnerable, Teddy is searching for stability and meaning. Sensitive and introspective, he carries the weight of the past and struggles with responsibility, dependence, and self-worth.
Gerry – Irene’s husband. Confident, controlled, and authoritative. Gerry values order and security and is deeply frustrated by Teddy’s presence in his home. Beneath his composure lies moral rigidity and emotional distance, creating tension and unease within the household.
Content Advisory: Strong adult language
Contact Jud Stewart, director, 724.679.7396, or Jessica Sanzotti, producer, jsanzotti@gmail.com, with questions or further info.
This is tentative information. Details may be updated at a later date.
Auditions for the final production of Butler Little Theatre’s 84th Season, Hay Fever, will be held Sunday, March 22, and Monday, March 23 at 6:00 pm.
There are roles available for six men and six woman. Readings will be from the script. The auditions will take place at the theatre, located at 1 Howard Street, in Butler.
Production Dates
May 29 – June 6
About the Play
This play explores the eccentric behavior of a family obsessed with acting and theatricality. It revolves around the Bliss family, known for their penchant for performing scenes and wearing theatrical costumes, much to the dismay of their friends and guests. The story centers on Judith Bliss, an aging celebrity actress, and her novelist husband David, who are both deeply immersed in their theatrical world. Their children also feel the effects of constant theatricality, leading to a humorous exploration of the blurry line between reality and performance.
About the Main Characters
Judith Bliss (she/her, 40-60 y/o): Retired actress, mother and wife whose stage persona is just as active offstage as it is on. Her love language is absolutely words of affirmation.
David Bliss (he/him, 40-60 y/o): Judith’s husband, a novelist who is hiding away to write his upcoming book. Mysterious, stern and always believes he’s right.
Sorel Bliss (she/her, 18-25y/o): Judith and David’s deeply educated daughter, speaks her mind and is afraid of becoming her mother. Gets bored easily. Is attached to her phone.
Simon Bliss (he/him, 18-30 y/o): Judith and David’s son, self indulgent and an artist, competes with Sorel for Judith’s attention. A momma’s boy.
Sandy Tyrell (he/him, 20-35 y/o): Invited for the weekend by Judith, as a fan. Sporty, jovial and energetic. Probably known for being cute and sweet.
Richard Greatham (he/him, 25-35 y/o): Invited for the weekend by Sorel. Diplomat, straight laced. Intelligent and articulate.
Myra Arundel (she/her, 25-35 y/o): Invited for the weekend by Simon. Admired by most, especially Simon. Socialite, sultry, fashion-forward, intimidating, driven.
Jackie Coryton (she/her, 20-30 y/o): Invited for the weekend by David. Shy, anxious, eager but deeply frightful.
Clara (she/her, over 30 y/o): Judith’s previous dresser, now housekeeper. Always listening but never around. Overworked, under-appreciated, will absolutely scoff.
Only adults over the age of 18 will be considered. Aside from Clara, all roles require staged intimacy to be developed through intimacy direction. All roles require strong comedic instincts.