The Wizard of Oz

By L. Frank Baum

With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg 
Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company 

Auditions:

Monday, May 19 at 6:30pm 
(for actors under the age of 16 only*)

Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30pm (any age)

Thursday, May 22 at 6:30pm (any age)

You only need to attend one of these dates, chose the one that works best for you.

At the Old Opera House Theatre in Charles Town, WV

Musical Direction by Paul Cabell
Directed by Steven Brewer  

Performances: July 25, 26, 27, August 1, 2, 3, 2025

Sponsored by Charles Town Kiwanis

This is a large cast musical based on the classic 1939 motion picture staring Judy Garland. It includes all your favorite characters and songs from the movie.

In The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy, a young girl living on a Kansas farm, and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado to the magical land of Oz. Dorothy, wanting to return home, embarks on a journey to the Emerald City to see the Wizard, who is said to have the power to fulfill wishes. Along the way, she befriends a Scarecrow who wants a brain, a Tin Woodman who desires a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who seeks courage. Together, they travel the Yellow Brick Road, facing challenges and learning about the true nature of friendship and self-discovery before finally realizing they possess the power to achieve their desires within themselves

All roles are available:

• Dorothy Gale (Mezzo) - Older teen or adult - Strong singer who moves well

• Hunk / Scarecrow – Older teen or adult – Baritone - who moves well

• Hickory / Tin Man - Older teen or adult – Baritone/Tenor

• Zeke / Cowardly Lion – Older teen or adult – Baritone

• Almira Gulch / Wicked Witch of the West – Adult – a good strong kackle a plus

• Aunt Em – Older adult

• Uncle Henry – Older adult

• Professor Marvel – Older adult

• The Wizard – Adult

• Glinda – Adult - Strong singer

• Emerald City Guard – Teen or adult - Baritone - Strong comic actor

• Munchkins – Children –ages 7-12 - small in stature a plus

• Flying Monkeys – All ages

• Winkies - Teens or adults

• Ozians – Emerald City Ensemble – All ages 

Please come prepared to audition. The auditions will be in three parts:

Singing: Please prepare up to 32 bars of a Broadway showtune. Singing a selection from The Wizard of Oz is acceptable. Please bring the sheet music with you. An accompanist will be present.

Reading: Please familiarize yourself with the characters. You will be asked to read a short selection from the script.

Dance: by callback, if needed

Please bring your calendar or a list of dates that you are not able to rehearse (such as family vacations, work times, summer camps, etc.) Rehearsals are held primarily in the evening and weekends. Daytime rehearsals, during the week, for the munchkin scene are possible.

Do you want to be involved in a show but don’t like being on stage? We will also need backstage and tech crews. If you have an interest in helping backstage, please let Lee Hebb lee@oldoperahouse.org, our Production Manager, know. No prior experience is required.

Please, feel free to share this opportunity with anyone who might be interested.  

Fun Facts: The Wizard of Oz was last performed at the Old Opera House in 2014, eleven years ago, with Paul Cabell (our musical director) performing as the Cowardly Lion. A ballet version of this delightful story was presented on the OOH stage, by the OOH Arts Centre in May 2023, under the direction of Christina Franz.