"Next to Normal" Audition Information

Community Theatre of Howell is excited to announce auditions for Next to Normal! Next to Normal, the Pulitzer Prize-winning pop-rock musical by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt, tells the compelling story of the Goodman family as they navigate trauma, grief, and mental health challenges. Featuring powerful music and emotional depth, this production delves into themes of resilience, love, and the complexities of mental health.

AUDITION INFORMATION:

Howell High School Freshman Campus - Green Room/Auditorium

Monday, February 10, 2025 – Doors open at 6:00 PM.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 – Doors open at 6:00 PM.

Auditions will be held at Community Theatre of Howell, inside the Howell High School Freshman Campus Green Room and Auditorium (1400 W. Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843). Auditions are open to ages 16 and up, though actors must appear 18 or older for casting. Performers under 16 may audition with parental permission.

Sign up for a time slot using the link above. Arrive 15–20 minutes before your audition time to check in. If these dates don’t work for you, please contact Co-Producer Jessica Schindewolf at 734-507-9538 to arrange an alternative time. Prepare all vocal selections for your desired role and be ready to read for the character.

Rehearsals begin Monday, February 17, 2025 at the CTH Space in the Tanger Outlet Mall. Rehearsals will be 3-5 nights per week. No conflicts will be permitted from April 24 through May 18, 2025, without director approval.

PERFORMANCES:

May 8–10 and May 16–18, 2025

Directed by Casey Irey

Co-Produced by Linda Peasley and Jessica Schindewolf

For additional questions, contact Co-Producer Jessica Schindewolf at 734-507-9538. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this emotionally powerful production!

We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

WCTH Radio Hour Cast List

Thanks to all the great talent that auditioned on Monday! You were all amazing and made our jobs very difficult. For those not cast, please come back and audition again!

The Great Gildersleeve Cast:

Announcer / Narrator – Angela Theil

Adeline / Bessie – Louise Schroeder

Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve – Kit Blackford

Dane / Judge – Mitchell Ling

Queen / Marjorie – Katheryne Friske

Mayor / Floyd – Jacob Theil

Peavy / Leroy – Brandon Troop

Birdie / Secretary – Carrie Henderson

Foley – Vicki Ellis and Dawn Dunnigan

Let George Do It Cast:

Announcer/ Hatcheck Girl – Louise Schroeder

George – Kit Blackford

Brooks – Angela Theil

Vivian – Katheryne Friske

Pop / Lt Riley / Cop – Jacob Theil

Station Master / COOLEY – Mitchell Ling

Artie / Doc / Geary – Brandon Troop

Chicky – Carrie Henderson

Foley – Vicki Ellis and Dawn Dunnigan

‘Into the Woods, Jr.’ Cast List

The casting committee would like to thank everyone for taking the time to participate in the auditions for Into the Woods Jr.  We were overwhelmed with the talent of the auditionees, and the decisions were VERY tough.

To those who were not cast, we so appreciate that you shared your talents with us.  If this is what you love…please keep learning, growing, and auditioning!  If you were not cast in this production, but want to help behind the scenes, contact Theresia Rogers at tj@michmail.com

The talent displayed during auditions made the casting committee’s job very difficult.  After much thought and discussion, we know that we have put together an amazing cast!!!

Congratulations to the cast of Into the Woods, Jr.

We will see you Monday, December 9th at 6:30 pm, at our actor round-up!  

Location:  Howell Freshman Campus (Cafeteria) Please enter through the doors at the back of the building by the cafeteria. There is plenty of parking!

We will be doing admin paperwork, headshots for the program and script read-thru.

Narrator 1​​​​: Mira Vantaram

Narrator 2​​​​​​: Logan White

Baker: Ben Smith

Baker’s Wife: Maeve Carpenter

Cinderella: Raya Curtis

Jack: Avery Huffman

Jack’s Mother: Emily Peters

Witch: Michael Cunliffe

Little Red: ​Lucy Gee

Cinderella’s Prince: Grayson Wilcox

Rupunzel’s Prince: Matthew Hutchison

Wolf: Zach Hemmeke 

Cinderella’s Stepmother: Mya Usborne

Florinda: Fionna Viviano

Lucinda: Ruthie Borashko

Cinderella’s Mother / Ensemble: Lauren Archey

Cinderella’s Father / Ensemble: Andrew Kafkakis

Rapunzel: ​Aurorah French

Mysterious Man / Ensemble: Avery McDonald

Granny: Madelyn Buckley

Steward / Ensemble: Axel Starkey

Milky White: Charlotte Payne

 Birds / Ensemble​​​:
Lucy Braham
​​​​​​​Ellie Rider
​​​​​​​Layla Usborne

Ensemble​​​​​​:
Claire Babcock
​​​​​​​Serenity Blue
​​​​​​​Lillian Dippold
​​​​​​​Elisabeth Koenders
​​​​​​​Elliott Limbers
​​​​​​​Cassidy Pennington
​​​​​​​Asher Smith
​​​​​​​Oliver Smith
​​​​​​​Aaron Tolentino
​​​​​​​Gavin Tolentino​​​

Panera Fundraiser

Help support Community Theatre of Howell by ordering from the Howell Panera Bread (3950 E. Grand River Avenue) in person or online on Saturday, December 14, from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. 30% of sales will help benefit Community Theatre of Howell. Use promo code FUND4U at online checkout or show the flyer below when ordering in person.

* Orders made via phone call will not count toward the fundraiser. *

"The 39 Steps" Cast List

We would like to thank everyone who auditioned for The 39 Steps.

The talent displayed during auditions truly made casting choices VERY difficult.

To those who were not cast, we truly appreciate that you shared your talents with us and look forward to seeing each of you at future auditions.

Congratulations The 39 Steps Cast!!

Cristian LaBar

Christian Thomas

Jennifer Taylor

Ross Freeland

"Into the Woods Jr." Audition Information

Audition materials are linked on the second page of the audition flyer.

Community Theatre of Howell is excited to announce auditions for Into the Woods Jr., a musical journey featuring Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), the Witch, and more. This enchanting adaptation brings the Brothers Grimm tales to life, centering on a baker and his wife as they navigate a magical forest in hopes of reversing a witch’s curse.

AUDITION INFORMATION:

Dance/Vocal Workshop (Highly Recommended):
Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 6:30-8:00 PM
Howell High School Freshman Campus - Cafeteria

Audition Dates:
Howell High School Freshman Campus - Green Room/Auditorium

Friday, December 6 – Doors open at 5:30 PM. Auditions begin at 6:00 PM.

Saturday, December 7 – Doors open at 8:30 AM. Auditions begin at 9:00 AM. Callbacks at 1:00 PM, if needed.

Auditions will be held at Community Theatre of Howell, inside the Howell High School Freshman Campus Choir Room (1400 W. Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843). Sign up for a time slot using the link above. As this is a junior production, auditionees must be between the ages of 6 and 18.

Rehearsals begin Monday, December 9, 2024. No conflicts will be permitted from February 24 through March 16, 2025, without director approval.

PERFORMANCES:

School performances are March 10, 11, and 13, 2025, followed by public performances on March 14, 15, and 16, 2025.

Directed by Tori Schiller and Alyssa Friday

Produced by Theresia Rogers

For questions, contact Producer Theresia Rogers at 810-923-3779 or tj@michmail.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an unforgettable fairy-tale adventure!

We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

2025-26 Season Director Search

CTH is currently soliciting directors for the 2025-26 Season. This includes Radio Show and Black Box applications. We will review them all at once to see how they might fit together in our season. Below is a synopsis of what a full season would look like for us. See instructions at the end for submitting an application.

Mainstage Productions

These comprise most of our offerings and are selected to be compatible with our primary venue, a 400-seat auditorium with good technical features but limited wing space. Typically, this portion of our season is comprised of a Musical performed in November with 12-14 weeks allowed for rehearsal time, a play in February with about 10-12 weeks for rehearsal, our School Show which is a youth production of about one hour in length performed in March for local schools which must meet some curriculum criteria to garner district support, and a spring musical. We also offer the opportunity of, at least, one additional production which may be either a play or musical based on director interest and facility availability. All proposals will need to demonstrate, at least, a break even budget. 

Also, please note that folks that have not directed yet for CTH, need to AD or Stage Manage a Mainstage production or direct a Black Box for us, before they can direct a Mainstage show.

Black Box Series

These are productions intended to be offered when our main facility is typically dark and may be performed either in our Green Room, an offsite location, or possibly on our main stage with a modified seating arrangement. These are presented with minimal set, costuming and budget, an expected audience size of 25-60 and modest admission cost. This series is intended to allow the opportunity to present works of high artistic or entertainment value, but which might have limited audience appeal.  

WCTH Radio Series

Additional offerings of classic radio shows are presented about two weeks prior to our Mainstage productions at no charge.

Since this year we will celebrate our 40th Anniversary Season, we would like to encourage consideration of classic titles, perhaps from CTH history. Some examples might be: The Lion in Winter (1st CTH production 1985-86), Cinderella, Wizard of Oz, Oliver!, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, HONK!, Anne of Green Gables, Oklahoma!, White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, Kiss Me Kate, Our Town, The Miracle Worker, Arsenic and Old Lace, The Odd Couple, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Attached above is an application form that needs to be thoroughly completed and returned with your theatrical resume. Our internal deadline is December 15, 2024. The Directors Search will review applications and hold interviews in between late January and early March. A recommendation will be made to the Board of Directors at the April 2025 Board of Directors Meeting.

Thank you,

Gil Bazil

Chair, CTH Director Search

"A Christmas Carol" Cast List

We would like to thank everyone who auditioned for A Christmas Carol. The talent displayed during auditions truly made casting choices VERY difficult.

To those who were not cast, we appreciate that you shared your talents with us and look forward to seeing each of you at future auditions. 

Congratulations A Christmas Carol Cast!!

Gil Bazil

Gloria Towns

Hannah Russell

Jackson Manning

Marc Harlow

Maeve Carpenter

Sasha Gilders

Shannon Broadwell

"The 39 Steps" Audition Information

Community Theatre of Howell is excited to announce auditions for The 39 Steps, a thrilling and hilarious play combining the intrigue of a Hitchcock masterpiece with the comedy of Monty Python!

AUDITION INFORMATION:

Monday, November 11 – Doors open at 6:15 PM

Tuesday, November 12 – Doors open at 6:15 PM

Auditions will be held at Community Theatre of Howell, inside the Howell High School Freshman Campus Choir Room (1400 W. Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843). Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled audition time.

Sign up for a time slot using the link above. Be prepared to read from the play and possibly act out a scene with others auditioning. If the dates don't work for you, contact us by November 4 to arrange an alternative time.

Roles Available: We are seeking talented performers of all ethnicities, ages 18 and up. Roles include:

• Richard Hannay: Male, 20s-50s. Suave, intelligent, and resourceful. Upper-class British accent a plus.

• Annabella Schmidt/Margaret/Pamela: Female, 18-50s. Actor plays three distinct characters, each with different accents.

• Clown 1 & Clown 2: Any gender, 18-50s. Must be versatile actors capable of playing over 150 roles with good comedic timing.

Rehearsals begin November 18, 2024, running Monday-Thursday from 6:30-9:30 PM, with some select Fridays as needed. Please submit all conflicts from November 14, 2024, through February 16, 2025, on the audition form.

PERFORMANCES:

Performances are February 7-9 & 14-16. 

Join us for a fun, fast-paced whodunit that promises a great challenge for any actor!

Directed by John B. Slemp

Produced by Cheryl Schott

For additional information, contact producer Cheryl Schott at 248-515-7901.

We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

"A Christmas Carol" Choir Audition Information

We would like to extend the offer to audition to join the A Christmas Carol choir. The performances will be at the Community Theatre of Howell on December 14 and 15 at 2:00 PM. 

The choir is an integral part of the show and uses a variety of holiday classics throughout the performance to help tell this wonderful story. 

Choir members will also have the opportunity to carol during the Howell Fantasy of Lights celebration in downtown Howell on 11/29.

AUDITION INFORMATION:

If you are interested in joining us, and we hope that you are, the process is simple:

1. Fill out the audition form, providing schedule conflict dates through 12/15.

2. Record yourself singing "a cappella" (voice only) two (2) songs from the show, from the three options linked above.

3. Email the form and recordings to CTH.Show.Production@gmail.com by November 21.

4. That’s it! We with follow-up with you regarding the choir.

Rehearsal dates will be set based the conflicts of choir members and show performances are on December 14 and 15.

John B Slemp – Director

Jenny Frank – Music Director

For additional information, email CTH.Show.Production@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you by 11/19!

WCTH Radio Hour Cast List

Thanks to all the great talent that auditioned on Monday. You were all amazing and made our jobs very difficult. We are excited to announce this amazing cast. For those not cast, please come back and audition again! You were wonderful. Our first rehearsal will be Thursday, September 26, 2024, starting at 7:00 pm. There will be forms to fill out and we’ll have a read through of the episodes. Please let our producer, Lynda Bednarczyk, know if you cannot be at the first rehearsal (email: gregbednarczyk@comcast.net).

My Friend Irma Cast:

Announcer – Gina Joy Roemer

2nd Announcer – Madelyn Vyletel

Jane – Heather Bomsta

Irma – Maeve Carpenter

Mrs. O’Reilly – Carrie Henderson

Prof. Kropotkin – Mitchell Ling

Al – Tim Meixner

Foley – Louise Schroeder and Jennie Ross 

Inner Sanctum Cast:

Announcer – Gina Joy Roemer

Host & The Talking Train – Maeve Carpenter

Carola Winter – Carrie Henderson

Voice, Mrs. Field, First Guest & Lisbeth – Heather Bomsta

Maid & Second Guest – Madelyn Vyletel

Michael Barrett – Mitchell Ling

Detective Smith – Tim Meixner

Foley – Louise Schroeder and Jennie Ross

"One Night a Week" Cast List

Thank you to all of you who auditioned for One Night a Week, this wonderful Musical with “TWO LEFT FEET”. The staff was very pleased with all of you that came out to share your talents with us. For those not cast, please come back and audition again! You were wonderful. Our Actor Round-Up will be on Monday, August 26th, at 6:30pm. You will receive your Script, Music, Schedule and get measured for your costumes. There will be forms to fill out and we’ll have a read through of the play. Please let our Stage Manager, Molly Burk, know if you cannot be at the Round-Up burk74@sbcglobal.net. Also, please let Rob Martin (Director) romart1051@gmail.com know if you accept or decline your part by Monday, August 26, by 12pm. Without further ado we would like to announce our fabulous cast:

Character • Name

TINA • STACEY SMITH

SHELLEY • LAUREN ELDRED

ROSE • JESSICA SCHINDEWOLF

DOROTHY • LORELEI FRADETTE

ANDY • SARA HEMMEKE

VIVIENNE • DONNA WOLBERS

LYNNE • AMBER LEE CARNAHAN

GEOFFREY • DONALD OWENS III

MRS. FRASER • KAREN BRODY

MAXINE • CHRIS BARNARD

2023-24 Annual Report

The purpose of the Annual Report is to memorialize the year and to share with our membership what was accomplished during the past twelve months. None of our accomplishments would have been possible without the generosity of a community that supports the work we do. Support comes from our Patrons, Corporate Sponsors, Volunteers, Members, Directors and Producers, Cast, Staff, Crew, and our Audiences. Without all of these individuals our shows would never hit the stage.

Meet Us at the Howell Applebee's!

Join us at the Howell Applebee’s (3949 E Grand River Ave) on Wednesday, August 14, from 4-9 pm to help support The Community Theatre of Howell! Make sure to mention “CTH Fundraiser” to have 20% of your dine-in or takeout order donated back to The Community Theatre of Howell!

"One Night a Week" Audition Information

VOCAL AUDITION INFO

• Pick out 16-32 bars of any music of your choice that showcases your vocal range.

• Music should be a karaoke or instrumental version (no vocal accompaniment) that can be played easily at auditions. (link to YouTube, MP3 on a flash drive, etc)

• Attending the Dance/Vocal workshop on August 19th is strongly encouraged.

• If attending the workshop, please bring your music selection with you and Don can make sure it will work for auditions. You will also have the opportunity to work with him on your song of choice.

We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

2024 Allstars

We extend our sincere congratulations to the 2024 CTH Allstars. Each member has shown exceptional skill and professionalism, setting a commendable standard of excellence in community theater. As you celebrate this honor, know that your efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Stay tuned for more information about this year’s Allstar Celebration.

Annual Meeting

Join us for the Community Theatre of Howell's Annual Meeting on August 10 from 10:00 to 10:30 AM at CTH. It's a great opportunity to learn about our accomplishments over the past year and our exciting plans for the future. If you can't attend, you can request an electronic copy of the Annual Report by contacting our president, Chris Clinton-Cali. Don't miss this chance to stay informed and connected with our theater community!

"Much Ado About Nothing" Cast List

Thanks to all of you that auditioned over the past few weeks.  We have an awesome cast (see below).  Round-up, Read-Thru, Costume Measurements will be on Tuesday, May 28 starting at 6:30 pm.  Please let me know if you cannot be there!

You will get your scripts and paperwork and we will then begin actual rehearsals on Tuesday, June 11 (we will need all paperwork, including fees back at this time).  All rehearsals will be at our space at the Tanger Outlet – Space D-250.  Please note that we have had to change a few names to make the cast work!  Brad will explain at round-up!

Cast List (in alphabetical order)

Dona Pancha Dollie Amy Allport

Bricky/Judge Kasey Baker

M.C./Messenger Chris Barnard

Friar Patch Ruben Barrera

Duke Wren Wrenn Don Fradette

Dona Jimena Dollie (Hugo) Dawn Dunigan

Lady Dolly Dollie Lorelei Fradette

Lord Don Juan Wrenn Brad Rondeau

Lady Hero Dollie Sasha Gilders

Smidge Skye Hodgkin

Lord Fabio Wrenn Michael Cicirelli

Slipper/Watchman II Olivia Marison

Don Pedro Wrenn Thom Mellon

Talan Elie Mosher

Margarite/Watchman I Jessica Schindewolf

Ryan Wrenn Mark Schindewolf

Shane Wrenn (son of Juan) Jimmy Wirt

Summer Comedy Series Cast List

We extend our congratulations to those who have been selected for roles, and express our sincere gratitude to all who participated in the auditions. The exceptional talent displayed during the process rendered our casting decisions particularly arduous. Our inaugural rehearsal for "The Shop Around the Corner" is scheduled for Monday, May 13 at 6:30 pm at CTH.

Cast for Shop Around the Corner
Kit Blackford
Heather Bomsta
Maeve Carpenter
Tim Meixner
Nikki Siciliano
Gloria Towns
Zander Voth

Cast for The Bishops Wife
Gil Bazil
Kit Blackford
Sasha Gilders
Carrie Henderson
Tim Meixner
Jennie Ross
Nikki Siciliano
Gloria Towns

Cast for The Canterville Ghost
Gil Bazil
Maeve Carpenter
Sasha Gilders
Tim Meixner
Peter Brown
Gloria Towns

Cast List for the upcoming WCTH Radio Hour

Big Town – Pittsburg Lil – 10/19/1937

Announcer: Kit Blackford

Peabody / 1st Man / 1st Employee: Robbie Williams

Wilson / 2nd Man / 2nd Employee: Marc Harlow

Lorelei / 1st Woman / 3rd Employee: Sam Wilson

Radsmith / 2nd Woman / 4th Employee / Newsie 1: Gina Joy Roemer

Mina / 3rd Woman / 5th Employee / Miss Foster: Maeve Carpenter

Servant / 3rd Man / 6th Employee / Charlie / Newsie 2: Joe Morris

Foley Artists: Josh Bliss & Louise Schroeder

Our Miss Brooks – Board of Education Day– 01/08/1950

Announcer: Robbie Williams

Mrs. Davis: Sam Wilson

Miss Brooks: Gina Joy Roemer

Walter Denton: Joe Morris

Stretch Snodgrass / Mr. Stone: Kit Blackford

Harriet Conklin: Maeve Carpenter

Mr. Boynton / Mr. Conklin: Marc Harlow

Foley Artists: Josh Bliss & Louise Schroeder

Congratulations to those of you who were cast and thank you to everyone who came out to audition! The talent was amazing and made the casting decisions quite difficult. Our first rehearsal will be Thursday, March 21, at 6:30 pm.