by Keith Martin
BOONE, N.C. – The Department of Theatre and Dance (T&D) at Appalachian State University plans to "cast" a wide net for auditionees on two mainstage theatre productions scheduled for the spring semester in 2026. Over three dozen roles are available to Mountaineer students regardless of their major, minor, concentration, or academic year with auditions slated from 6 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, November 23 in the Valborg Theatre on the university campus with callbacks the following evening.
T&D Department Chair Michael Helms stated that, "Auditions are open to ANY student enrolled at Appalachian," while encouraging those who have performance experience in high school or community theatre to try out for these university productions. "In addition to the three dozen roles, cumulatively, in our spring theatre productions, there are numerous opportunities to assist with set and costume construction as well as on the running crews for all performances. All you need to do is show up and express interest to become involved behind the scenes for any of our productions."
Chair Mike Helms
Theatre Professor Dr. Paulette Marty will be directing Kira Rockwell's newest work, "oh to be pure again" which was recognized with the Gene-Gabriel Moore Playwriting Award at the Atlanta theatre community's annual Suzi Bass Awards. There are roles for eight company members, and the creative team aspires to cast a diverse range of actors from all races and ethnicities with performers of all genders considered for all roles.
More information about the auditions and roles may be found at the following link.
A description of the show is as follows: During one hot Texas summer at a Charismatic Christian camp, an idealistic counselor works to shepherd the senior girls' cabin along their journey to make an authentic connection with something bigger than themselves, only to be confronted with disillusionment of her own faith. A visceral ode to female desire, submission, rebellion, and growing up in a religious culture that's obsessed with purity. The show is produced by special arrangement with the playwright.
Dance Studies Professor and former T&D Department Chair Kevin Warner is both the director and choreographer for the multi-Tony Award-winning best musical "Once Upon A Mattress" with music by Mary Rodgers, lyrics by Marshall Barer, and a book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller, and Barer. This Broadway musical has been popular for decades and is known for its catchy tunes, comedic elements, and family-friendly nature. It is licensed through the Rodgers and Hammerstein Music Library through Concord Theatricals.
A collaboration between Appalachian's Hayes School of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance, this beloved musical comedy based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea" and tells the story of Princess Winnifred, a princess who must prove her sensitivity by sleeping on twenty mattresses with a pea hidden underneath.
Speaking roles are available for four women, seven men, and an ensemble of singers and dancers. More information about the auditions and roles may be found at the following link.
Chair Helms is particularly excited about the musical co-production since the last collaborative effort on the Stephen Sondheim classic "Sweeney Todd" utilized 105 different students from all nine colleges and schools that comprise our university. It was only the second such effort since 1997 and the first since "Kiss Me, Kate!" in 2014. With total attendance of 3,352 in the Schaefer Center, "Sweeney Todd" became the most attended and highest grossing production in the history of both Theatre & Dance and the Hayes School of Music.
Valborg Theatre
An audition and interest form for both productions is available here.
A full listing of the Department of Theatre and Dance 2025-26 season is available on the Theatre and Dance website.
Media Contact:
P.J. Wirchansky
wirchanskypj@appstate.edu
828-262-7249
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About the Department of Theatre and Dance
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Theatre and Dance's mission is to facilitate transformative experiences for students and the public, which cultivate compassionate, creative, and collaborative communities through theatre and dance. The department also offers coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the general university student population. Its dynamic co-curricular production program provides exemplary theatre and dance experiences to departmental students, the university community, and the region. www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University's College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences, and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu
About Appalachian State University
As the premier public undergraduate institution in the Southeast, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. The Appalachian Experience promotes a spirit of inclusion that brings people together in inspiring ways to acquire and create knowledge, to grow holistically, to act with passion and determination, and to embrace diversity and difference. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System. Appalachian enrolls nearly 21,795 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio, and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate majors.
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