March 29: Auditions for Carey Dinner Theatre’s 51st season

Carey Dinner Theatre’s 51st season opens in July – and the first step in this long tradition is choosing performers, backstage designers/technicians, and front-of-house workers.

Auditions for cast members and interviews for crew will be held Saturday, March 29, starting at 10 a.m. Interested students should report to Joe and Virginia Tatum Theatre on William Carey University’s Hattiesburg campus.

How to audition:

• Actors: Performers present a one-minute monologue from a modern prose play or musical (no dialect) and a vocal selection from a Broadway musical no longer than 32 bars in length. An accompanist will be available but will not transpose. Recorded accompaniment may be used. Performers should bring comfortable clothes for a dance audition. They may also apply for backstage positions.
• Online option: Performers should include a one- to two-minute monologue, a song from a Broadway musical no longer than 32 bars in length, and a movement sample showing dance ability. Upload the video to the streaming service of your choice (YouTube) and send the link to cdt@wmcarey.edu before March 29.
• Pianists: Auditions for pianists include a two-minute selection from a Broadway musical. Sight-reading will be required.
• Backstage and Front of House: Interviews will also be conducted with technicians, costume assistants and box office staff. Each person will complete an application and interview with Carey Dinner Theatre staff. Portfolios are encouraged. Interviewees may also audition as performers.
• Remote interviews: Remote interviews for technical/staff positions are acceptable. Contact cdt@wmcarey.edu to set up an interview time. The interview must be scheduled for no later than March 29. Digital portfolios are accepted.
• Photo: Applicants should bring a headshot to the audition/interview.

Each member of the company, both performers and staff, receives a salary. The financial package also includes tips (company members serve during dinner), housing, and some meals.

The company commitment is June 23 through July 28.  Contracts are offered only to those who will have graduated from high school by June 23, 2025.

Questions? Call (601) 318-6218 or email cdt@wmcarey.edu.

Last summer’s production was “Waffle House: The Musical,” written by three Carey Dinner Theatre staffers. It sold out every night, and the run was extended to meet audience demand.