General Auditions: Wednesday, November 19th
Callbacks: Thursday, November 20th & Friday, November 21st
The UMBC Department of Theatre Audition Sign-up Sheet: Spring 2026
- Please sign up for the earliest slot available that you are able to attend.
- The audition list will close on the morning of November 19th. If you need to make any edits you will need to email Grace Shepperd at gsheppe1@umbc.edu
- Bring all known conflicts and class schedules to your audition. You will be asked to fill out your audition and disclosure forms when you arrive at your audition.
- Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled audition time!
- Following auditions, all cast actors are required to be available for all scheduled rehearsals, for additional evening & weekend hours as scheduled prior to performance, and for any other rehearsals as called.
- A full rehearsal and production schedule will be provided following casting.
Who can audition?
- Any UMBC student registered for Spring 2026 is welcome to audition.
- All BFA or BFA-intending students (students who are interested in the BFA) are required to audition.
Audition Policy
- Everyone who auditions, regardless of major or track, agrees to “play as cast.” This means that by auditioning you are committing to accepting any role or understudy assignment, and are available for the rehearsal and production schedule. A brief outline of production dates follows in the play information, below.
- Students who need to request an exception to the casting policy must fill out this form no later than Wednesday, November 12th, 2025. Questions about the audition policy may be directed to the Department Chair, Eve Muson, at ebmuson@umbc.edu.
- Everyone who auditions needs to have taken and passed the Consent and Boundaries Quiz. Here is the link if you need to take the quiz.
General Auditions
Wednesday, November 19th, from 6:00 – 10:00 pm. Check in at the audition table in the PAHB Atrium. Auditions will take place in the TRS.
For BOTH shows, you are asked to prepare:
- One contemporary monologue (no longer than 2 minutes)
- Your printed resume & headshot
Callbacks
All auditioning students must be available for the listed callback times:
- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz callbacks: Thursday, November 20th, from 6:00 – 10:00 pm, in the TRS
- User Agreement callbacks: Friday, November 21st, from 7:00 – 11:00 pm, in the TRS
Movement Call
All BFA Acting students are required to attend a movement call with Nigel Semaj on Friday, November 21st from 6:00-7:00p in the TRS.
Production Information
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Written by: Jacqueline E. Lawton,
Adapted from the novel by: L. Frank Baum
Directed by: Joseph W. Ritsch
Proscenium Theatre
About the play:
Life in Baltimore has been a bit boring for Dorothy and her little dog Toto. Until one day, a cyclone swoops in and takes them “over the rainbow” to the wonderful and magical land of Oz. With the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy sets off on the adventure of a lifetime down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. These new friends brave witches, flying monkeys, and a Haunted Forest all to meet the Wizard of Oz, who promises to make their dreams come true. With an ensemble of seven, six of which playing multiple roles, Jacqueline E. Lawton’s contemporary TYA adaptation of Frank L. Baum’s novel shows us that home is where the heart is and that having loved ones beside us always makes life’s journey better.
Read the play here.
Casting Breakdown:
- Dorothy/ Toto Puppeteer
- Aunt Em/Locasta/Guardian of the Gates/Toto Puppeteer
- Wicked Witch of the West/Glinda
- Uncle Henry/ Hungry Wildcat/King of the Winged Monkeys/Wizard of Oz
- Townsfolk/Scarecrow/ Toto Puppeteer
- Townsfolk /Tin Woodman/ Toto Puppeteer
- Townsfolk/Cowardly Lion/ Toto Puppeteer
Rehearsals meet M-F, 6:30 – 10:30 pm, with extended hours during tech, dress rehearsal and performance weeks.
First Rehearsal: Monday, February 9th
Tech: Tuesday, March 24th – Wednesday, April 1st
Opening: Thursday, April 2nd
School Matinee: Friday, April 10th at 10:00am
Closing: Sunday, April 12th
User Agreement
Written by: Ben Holbrook
Directed by: Sean Digiorgio ’26
Black Box Theatre
About the play:
Set in the near future. Sy and Theo, two souls, potentially soul mates, attempt to navigate their bond in a world enhanced by the wonders of technology, AI, and the occasional talking octopus. Building a relationship based on good music, deep conversation, and strong boundaries feels natural to them, but their beautiful bond finds itself struggling against a world turned upside down by the demons of human nature and the need for capital, causing them to wonder if, in a society designed to be more complex and visible than ever, it is possible for two simple souls to truly connect.
Read the play here.
Casting Breakdown:
- SY (They/them or she/they – late 20’s-30’s Black): Cerebral yet warm and often grounded. Cares deeply for their friends and family.
- THEO (She/They or They/them – late 20’s-30’s, POC): Fun loving, compassionate, and always down to explore. Hiding something. Conflicted.
- LEIF (He/Him – 30’s, Any): A bit of a bro, but with good intentions. Loves a good conversation.
- NIMBUS: The disembodied voice of an AI, at times sounds extremely human.
- OLLIE: The disembodied voice of an octopus.
This production rehearses as part of a class that meets Monday/Wednesdays: 5:30-7:30p and, Fridays: 1:00-4:00p
First Rehearsal: January 26th, 2026
Tech: Thursday, April 23rd – Thursday, April 30th
Opening: Friday, May 1st
Closing: Sunday, May 3rd
Questions?
Contact Grace Shepperd (PSM) at gsheppe1@umbc.edu.