Next!

Wow, it’s only May and we already have five stage productions and four concerts behind us in the 2025 season. Now it’s auditioning season at the Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre. Well, to be more accurate, with over a dozen stage productions this season alone, it’s ALWAYS auditioning season. But late spring is when we gear up for four large summer productions, followed this year by three fall shows. That’s a lot of shows, and a great deal of cast members needed. 

We’ve recently completed casting for our area high school musical Guys and Dolls, which runs in June. Auditions are coming up this month for our Tell-A-Tale elementary production of Alice in Wonderland, Jr. and our Tell-A-Tale middle school production of School of Rock, both happening in July. We’re auditioning for roles in our summer mainstage musical, Cinderella performing in August, and the late summer production of Four Glasses for September. These shows with their overlapping rehearsal schedules will keep our BDACT Fine Arts Center filled to overflowing with dancing, singing and the complicated process of putting a performance together.

In addition to cast members, every show needs a crew. Volunteers who put together the sets, props, and costumes at the same time the performers are learning their roles. Musicians are needed to prepare their songs. Volunteers are also being recruited to work backstage, and in the lobby and auditorium once the show is ready to welcome an audience. It’s the kind of busy I enjoy, with the air filled with sound and excitement!

In an earlier blog I spoke about how the process of auditioning works at BDACT, so I won’t go into those details. As always, I encourage everyone, young and old, experienced in performing arts or just starting, to join us for the fun. Auditions can make some people a bit nervous, but if that’s you, please don’t let that get in the way. Come to an audition and see what a friendly and welcoming group we are. We love new faces! This also applies to volunteering for anything else. If you have an interest, please reach out and let us know. We’d love to add you to the crew!

When choosing our seasons of entertainment and educational classes, we strive to create what I’ve referred to as a “theatrical buffet.” Something for everyone. Drama, comedy, music, learning, developing skills that transfer well to many other situations in life, building self-esteem, and finding lifelong friends. Once we’ve chosen the titles, directors, and instructors, it’s time to secure the royalties and rights to performances, create the graphic images and website pages, and let the public know what we’re planning. At this point we still don’t have the army of people it will take to make it all happen. We have faith in the members of our community, and we believe you’ll show up! Like the farmers all around us, we plant the seeds and begin the work.

I’d personally like to express my gratitude to all those who’ve already stepped up to make our season a success. I’ve met some wonderful individuals new to me and to BDACT, both off and on the stage. I’ve also had the opportunity to get to know some of you better. I’ve learned some new stage building techniques, enjoyed hearing music new to me, and smiled watching some amazing performances. Ah, what a year and we’re only halfway through our 61st Season. 

Now that auditions for the next six months of shows are upon us, we can begin filling the many roles both on and off the stage. I’m more than certain we have at least one role for you, and probably several! Auditions are the beginning of transforming ideas and plans into action. I’m really looking forward to seeing all of you here. Some returning faces, and some brand new. 

Please visit our NEW website at www.bdact.org for info on auditions and volunteer opportunities, or give me a call at 920-885-6891. I’d love to hear your input on the season so far!