Who can audition for the show?

Usually, CCT auditions are open to anyone age 5 through Adult. Some shows have age restrictions due to the licensing contracts or production needs.While some production roles may require different ages, heights, and vocal ranges, CCT does not discriminate in casting based on race, gender, sexual orientation, ability to pay participation fee, accessibility needs, etc.

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- Fall / Winter 2026 -

CastleCo Theatre's - A Christmas Carol

Auditions: Oct. 19, 20, 21

Rehearsals: Oct. 26 - Dec. 11

Dress Rehearsals: Dec. 14-17

Performances: Dec. 18-20

Ebenezer Scrooge has a disdain for charity, festivity, and above all, Christmas. When his deceased business partner appears at his bedside in the form of a spirit, he is offered a chance to change his outlook. This production is most enjoyed by ages 7+ with a quick, 90min. run time that fits perfectly into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. (Come early to view a series of creatively decorated Christmas trees before the show!)

Auditions will be open to actors ages 5 - Adult for speaking and singing roles. CCT expects to cast between 120 and 180 actors in this production with options available for full-time and part-time roles.

NOTE: For this recurring production, CastleCo Theatre invites actors in leading roles (who have not aged out of their role), back each year to play the role they played the year prior - meaning some roles will NOT have open auditions. Open auditions are held for all Caroler and Ensemble roles as well as for new speaking roles, and speaking roles declined by actors from previous years.

Performances will be held at the Lakeville Area Arts Center (20965 Holyoke Ave. Lakeville, MN, 55044).

audition info

important:

Please read all information below before registering for an audition time - including the information on Speaking Roles for this production. If you have specific questions, please email us at info@castleco.org.

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Audition Dates, Ages and Cast Size

Auditions will be held at the Lakeville Area Arts Center (location pending) and are open to actors age 5 - adult, regardless of experience level. Approx. 120-180 actors will be cast in the production. Actors will have the option to select a singing or non-singing preference for their role, and may also select a full-time or part-time preference. Full-time actors participate in all performances and dress rehearsals and have a more strenuous production schedule. Part-time actors participate in half of the performances and dress rehearsals and have a less strenuous production schedule. The fee is the same regardless of being cast in a part-time or full-time role.

In-Person Audition dates and times:

Mon. Oct. 19, 2026 - with audition slots at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm (30 auditions allowed per time slot)

Wed. Oct. 21, 2026 - with audition slots at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm (30 auditions allowed per time slot)

(TEMP DATE) Tues. Oct. 20, 2026 - this date will be opened ONLY if the other two dates fill

Callback dates for some speaking roles are TBD, but will likely be held Oct. 22 or 23 (if needed). Callbacks are invitation only and occur on an as-needed basis. Most actors who are cast in the production (including those with speaking lines) will NOT need to attend a callback.

Email/Recorded Auditions may also be permitted for those who are unable to secure an in-person audition spot or those who will be out of town during all audition dates. Casting preference is often given to those who are able to audition in-person.

Rehearsal Dates

Script Pick-Up: (TBD) week of Oct. 26

Regular Rehearsals: Oct. 26 - Dec. 12

Dress Rehearsals: Dec. 13-17

Rehearsals will be held weeknight evenings from 5pm - 9pm at CastleCorner (CCT's rehearsal space) in downtown Farmington. Saturday and/or Sunday rehearsals may be scheduled if needed. Rehearsals for younger actors in part-time, roles usually do not run past 8:00pm

Dress Rehearsals will run each night from 5pm - 10pm. (Most actors will not need to arrive until 6pm and will be able to leave at 9pm.) CCT may choose to schedule a work-day cue-to-cue if enough actors and tech are able to attend.

CCT will ask actors to fill out their availability on a calendar prior to their audition. Casting priority will be given to actors who have the most availability to rehearse. Actors who will be out of town or miss dates between Dec. 13 and 20 should not audition without emailing info@castleco.org. Missing multiple dates in this time frame will likely result in you/your actor NOT being cast in the show.

Performance Dates

Friday, Dec. 18 at 7pm

Saturday, Dec. 19 at 11am, 3pm and 7pm

Sunday, Dec. 20 at 1pm and 5pm

Participation Fee (paid after casting)

Ages 5-17 = $200 each (first two actors per family) and $75 each (each additional actor per family)

Ages 18+ = $0 (actors age 18+ are encouraged to help through in-kind donations or volunteering)

Accessibility Information

CCT wishes to make theatre accessible to everyone, including those with limited mobility, learning needs and those unable to pay the participation fee due to financial need. If you need accommodations in order to audition, please email info@castleco.org. Fee assistance will be available for those cast who are in need of financial assistance and can be applied for after the production is cast.

Recorded Audition Information

If you are unable to attend auditions and wish to audition via recorded video, please prepare to fill out several forms of paperwork and create two videos which you will send as part of your audition. Please email info@castleco.org by Oct. 16 to let us know that you would like to submit an audition via video.

production roles

Speaking Roles Available

NOTE ON SPEAKING ROLES - Unlike other CastleCo (CCT) productions where EVERY role in the show is cast based on an open audition process, most of the speaking roles in this years production of A Christmas Carol have already been pre-cast. Why? CCT first produced A Christmas Carol in 2017 as a free short-play at the Dakota City, Christmas in the Village event. At that time, the cast included less than 20 actors, two-three rehearsals, and bare-bones performances in an unheated warehouse - so it didn't make sense to hold open auditions. For the following 8 years, actors were invited to return to their speaking roles each time the show was produced, with auditions only for ensemble positions.

CCT will use the same process this year for it's expanded production of A Christmas Carol ! Actors and understudies from 2025, who are still age appropriate for their role, will be invited to return. All unfilled roles, new speaking roles, and ensemble roles, will be cast based on an open audition process. Please check back leading up to auditions for a complete list of speaking roles available this year.

The list below may be updated regularly leading up to auditions.

Bob Cratchit - (portrays male, approx. age 35-40) - Scrooge's poor clerk. Bob is happily married with five children. We works hard for Scrooge and is paid a low wage, but remains thankful for what he has. His youngest child (Tim) is dangerously ill and Bob does not make enough money to care for this health in a way that would allow him the best options in health-care.

Martha Cratchit - (portrays female, approx. age 14-16) - Bob Cratchit's oldest child. Martha works outside the home to help support her family. This role sings in a small ensemble with the other Cratchit kids.

Peter Cratchit - (portrays male, approx. age 11-13) - Bob Cratchit's second oldest child. This role sings in a small ensemble with the other Cratchit kids.

Aggy Cratchit - (portrays female, approx. age 8-10) - Bob Cratchit's second youngest child. This role sings in a small ensemble with the other Cratchit kids.

Fred - (portrays male, approx. age 18-26) - Scrooge's always cheer-full nephew! The only member of Scrooge's family who is still living. Fred invites Scrooge to share Christmas dinner with him each year, despite Scrooge saying no. Fred loves Christmas with all his heart! (This role is usually played by an actor who is high school or college age.)

Mrs. Fezziwig (portrays female, approx. age 40-60) - Mr. Fezziwig's cheerful and generous wife. This character appears in one scene/song. This role sings in an ensemble.

Fezziwig's Daughters (portrays female, age 12-20) - Mr. Fezziwig's cheerful daughters (likely three total). These actors will appear in one scene/song as well as in the featured dance number. These roles sing in an ensemble.

Good-Doer #1 - (portrays any gender (usually male), approx. age 25+) - A good samaritan attempting to raise funds for the poor during the Christmas season.

Mail Carrier (portrays male, age 10-14) - Delivers a message to Mr. Scrooge on Christmas Day. This role does not sing.

Topper (portrays male, age 18-26) - Fred's best friend and the life of the party. Celebrates Christmas by playing guessing games.

Topper's Date (portrays female, age 18-26) - Topper's date to Fred's Christmas dinner. Celebrates Christmas by playing guessing games.

Turkey Kid (portrays any gender, age 8-10) - Purchases a Turkey on behalf of Mrs. Scrooge at the end of the play. This role does not sing.

Ensemble Roles Available

Full-Time Caroler Ensemble / VE (portrays any gender, approx. age 8+) - The Full-Time Caroler ensemble is a singing role that provides the holiday music throughout the show. Sometimes festive, sometimes sad, those cast in the Full-Time Caroler Ensemble will sing in a minimum of 3 songs onstage (and up to 4 additional songs - some on-stage and some off-stage). Actors in this Ensemble will take on various roles throughout the show, often portraying villagers, preparing for and celebrating Christmas. (This Ensemble will be cast with only Full-Time actors.)

Part-Time Caroler Ensemble (portrays any gender, approx. age 5-14) - The Part-Time Caroler ensemble is a singing role that participates in at least one song during the show as Villagers. Actors in this ensemble may also be cast as additional characters in the Destitute Ensemble. (This Ensemble will be cast with only Part-Time actors.)

Ghost Ensemble (portrays any gender, approx. age 12+) - The Ghost Ensemble will help to create an eerie atmosphere on the streets of London, acting as spirits (or operating ghostly puppets) that move ominously through the streets. Actors cast in this Ensemble may also be asked to assist with in-character set changes. Full face make-up will likely be required as part of the costuming. Actors in this ensemble may or may not sing, pending production needs. (This Ensemble will be cast with Full-Time actors.)

School Kid Ensemble (portrays male, approx. age 8-14) - The School Kid Ensemble participates in one song/scene during the show. Actors cast in this role may be any gender but must portray male characters with their costuming, as the characters attend an all-male boarding school. Actors in this ensemble will sing with some possibility for soloists. (This Ensemble will be cast with Full-Time actors.)

Fezziwig Dancers (any gender, approx. age 12+) - Actors cast in the Fezziwig Dancers Ensemble will appear on-stage in one scene/song and have a featured dance in the show. Actors should be strong dancers, though a dance audition will likely not be required. (This Ensemble will be cast with Full-Time actors.)

Destitute Ensemble (any gender, approx. age 5+) - Actors cast in the Destitute Ensemble will portray homeless individuals living on the streets of London. These roles will appear sad and down-trodden at times as well as creating an ominous/creepy atmosphere at the end of their scene. (This Ensemble may be cast with Full-Time and/or Part-Time Actors.)

2026-2027 auditions (at a glance)

- Spring 2027 -

Shrek The Musical

Auditions: Jan. 18, 20, 22

Rehearsals: Feb. 8 - March 27

Dress Rehearse: Mar. 29 - Apr.1

Performances: April 2-11

Everyone's favorite Ogre takes the stage in this side-splitting family musical! Follow Shrek as he fights to save his swamp, by befriending a donkey, battling a dragon, and rescuing a princess - all while discovering there is more to a person than what meets the eye. Shrek The Musical runs approx. 2hrs. 15mins. in length and is most loved by ages 6+.

Auditions will be open to actors ages 5 - Adult. CCT expects to cast between 170 and 200 actors in this production with options available for full-time and part-time roles.

NOTE: CCT traditionally casts the title characters in its shows (Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, etc.) as youth actors. While this is CCT's goal for this production, title roles may be given to adult actors, if youth actor turn-out in the age ranges and vocal parts needed for these roles is low. Regardless of the ages cast in title roles, there will be featured roles available for both youth and adult actors.

Performances will be held at the Lakeville Area Arts Center (20965 Holyoke Ave. Lakeville, MN, 55044).

- Summer 2027 -

Disney's The Lion King JR

Auditions: May 10, 12, 14

Rehearsals: May 31 - July 23

Dress Rehearse: July 26-29

Performances: July 30 - Aug. 8

Nobody does Disney quite like CastleCo - and this summer's production of The Lion King JR will be no exception! With a quick 90min. run-time, this production is perfect for Lion King fans of every age!

The Pridelands of the African savanna are filled with animals large and small, protected by a noble lion King named Mufasa and his wife, Queen Sarabi. When Queen Sarabi gives birth to a lion cub (Simba), removing Mufasa's bitter brother Scar from the royal line - villainous acts ensue. Simba leaves his family and his place as the one true King, until a familiar friend makes him second guess his decision. This production is packed with show-stopping Disney songs, unexpected artistry in puppetry and costumes, and memorable moments for the entire family to enjoy!

Auditions will be open to actors ages 5 - 18 with approx. 200 actors cast in the production. Due to licensing restrictions, no one over the age of 18 may audition for this production.

NOTE: CCT may choose to cast the roles of Adult Simba and Mufasa to be played by the same actor. Many roles in the production will use puppets to assist in portraying their character. Additional audition information will be available in spring 2026.

Performances will be held at Lakeville South High School (TBD).

NOTE: All dates listed below are TBD based on school availability and may change slightly.

general CCT audition FAQs

There are a lot of costs that go into making a great theater production, script licensing, space rental, costumes, sets, technical elements, printing, marketing, and instructor stipends (to name a few). Because of this, CCT charges a participation fee for all actors age 17 and under. (Adult actors are encouraged to make in-kind donations, or volunteer with marketing, set move-in, prop construction, etc. in lieu of paying a fee.) Fees vary by show because the cost to produce the show, and the number of tickets each show is expected to sell, also varies. Fees for most shows are $200-$250 per actor (age 17 and under). Families with multiple actors in the production will pay the full fee per actor (for the first two actors in their family) and will pay $75 per actor (for each additional actor). ALL actors must also provide their own shoes and possibly socks to wear for the production. The style of shoe and sock will be based on the character that each actor plays. Financial assistance is available for those who need it (for both participation fees and shoes/socks) and can be registered for after the production has been cast. (CCT does NOT turn actors away due to inability to pay the fee.)

The information below pertains to all CCT productions. The time commitment to participate in a show depends on the role that each actor is cast in. Some actors may rehearse between one and six hours each week while others may rehearse 20 hours per week. At auditions, actors will be able to select if they'd like a role that requires less rehearsal and performance time. These roles are called part-time roles. Part-time roles rehearse an average of 1 or 2 hours each week and perform in half the performances. Rehearsals are held Monday-Friday evenings from 6pm - 9:00pm and occasionally Saturday mornings/afternoons. Actors will be asked to fill out a conflict form at auditions. CCT does its best to work around actors' conflicts when possible and will prioritize having younger actors rehearse earlier in the evenings. Playing a sport once or twice each week may be something that can be scheduled around. CCT can occasionally schedule around vacation conflicts, however, priority will be given to those who can attend the majority of rehearsals. It is extremely important that you fill out your conflict form honestly!

Actors MUST register in order to audition for all CCT productions. The registration link can be found towards the middle of this page. Registration is free and secures your audition spot. On the day of your audition, please bring a list of conflicts that can be used to fill out the conflict calendar (if not filled out in advance). You may also wish to bring a pen/pencil and a notebook (or other hard surface) for filling out your audition form. (If possible, we will send an email a week prior to auditions which will allow you to fill out forms in advance and print them yourself to bring with you.) Your audition for a non-musical will consist of an acting audition ONLY. Your audition for a musical will consist of two parts, an acting audition and a singing audition. During the acting audition, actors will be asked to portray different animals, characters or emotions while counting from one to ten. Example: Please count from 1 to 10. At one, pretend you are sad, at 10, pretend you are happy. For the singing audition (used for Musicals ONLY), actors will be asked to sing a short section of a song (around 20-30 seconds is enough). Actors may choose any song they like, but it should be something that you feel confident singing! Your song does NOT have to be from the show you are auditioning for.