• YOUTH Auditions and Casting for the 2026-2027 Season

    Actors raising their fists during a presentation of The Lightning Thief

AUDITIONING AT CTM

CTM strives to reflect the diversity of our audiences and community on our stages and encourages actors of all races, genders, abilities, and skill sets to audition. Adult actors (18-year-old high school graduates & up) and youth actors (ages 8-18) are cast in mainstage productions and work together in a collaborative, mutually respectful process. We hold youth general auditions in the summer, with additional callback auditions throughout the year as needed. Click Here for audition tips & what to expect. See below to sign up for our mailing list, see upcoming auditions, FAQs, and more!

PERFORMING AT CTM

Rehearsals for mainstage shows are typically held on weeknights and weekends over the course of a 6 week period, including tech week (which can run to 10pm into the evening). Performances typically span 3 weeks, including student matinee performances on weekdays and public performances on weekends. Acting in a mainstage production is a significant commitment of time over the course of the contract period. We are committed to a professional process that embraces our values of joy, inclusivity, and discovery. As a theater for young audiences, we believe that adult and youth actors working side by side provides a unique opportunity for a rewarding shared experience and fosters creative growth for all involved.

BE IN THE KNOW

To be the first to know about upcoming auditions:

UPCOMING AUDITIONS

YOUTH ACTOR AUDITIONS FOR CTM’S 2026-2027 SEASON

Were held in June 2026

Callbacks are in process and happening show by show.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at auditions@ctmtheater.org

Post June 2026 Youth General Auditions:

  • We will try to get back to everyone within 2 weeks to let you know if we need to see you again for a specific show. 
    • ANNIE  youth callbacks were held Saturday, June 27th, 2026 from 12-5pm. Casting has been completed.
    • PIGEON…EXTRAVAGANZA youth callbacks will be held Saturday, July 18th, 2026 from 12-5pm.
    • A CHRISTMAS CAROL youth callbacks will be held Saturday, July 18th, 2026 from 12-5pm.
    • THE LIGHTNING THIEF youth callbacks will be held Sunday, August 16th, 2026 from 12-5pm
    • CHARLOTTE’S WEB youth callbacks will be held Saturday, September 12th, 2026 from 12-5pm 

If you have not heard from us by the beginning of August, feel free to reach out to auditions@ctmtheater.org to check on where things stand.

Roles are available in all shows listed below. We welcome all gender identifications to audition for any role.

 

OVERVIEW OF SHOWS

We seek actors of all racial, cultural and gender identity for all shows. 

Annie 

Book by Thomas Meehan

Music by Charles Strouse

Lyrics by Martin Charnin 

In collaboration with UW-Madison Theater & Drama Department

 

The Capitol Theater @ Overture Center

Directed by Brian Cowing 

Annie is the heartwarming musical about a spirited orphan whose optimism lights the way through the hardships of the Great Depression. When Annie is taken from Miss Hannigan’s orphanage into the home of billionaire Oliver Warbucks, her belief in a brighter tomorrow inspires everyone around her. As she searches for her family, Annie reminds us that hope, kindness, and courage can change the world, and that family is often found where you least expect it. 

Rehearsal & Performance Dates: September 12, 2026 – November 1, 2026

The Pigeon Gets A Big Time Holiday Extravaganza! 

Script and Lyrics by Mo Willems and Adam Tobin

Music by Deborah Wicks La Puma 

The Starlight Theater @ MYArts

Directed by Jennifer Lennon 

When Mo Willems’ characters get together for the holidays, it’s bound to be the biggest extravaganza ever! The Unlimited Squirrels deck the halls and Elephant and Piggie come ready to celebrate! But will The Pigeon join in the festivities, or will he run all the way to the North Pole in search of the greatest gift ever? Terrific tunes, silly stories, goofy gifts, audience antics: it’s all in this brand-new musical party that sleighs! 

Rehearsal & Performance Dates: October 26, 2026 – December 20, 2026 

A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens

Adapted by Chaz T. Martin

Music Arrangements by Mark Wurzelbacher 

The Capitol Theater @ Overture Center

Directed by Brian Cowing 

A Christmas Carol is a timeless tale of transformation, generosity, and the power of second chances. When the bitter Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve, he is confronted with his past, present, and possible future and given the chance to change his ways. Through this journey, the story reminds us that compassion, joy, and human connection can light even the coldest heart, and that it is never too late to choose kindness. 

Rehearsal & Performance Dates: November 7, 2026 – December 23, 2026

 

THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL

Book by Joe Tracz

Music & Lyrics by Rob Rokicki

Adapted from the book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan 

The Starlight Theater @ MYArts

Directed by Brian Cowing 

Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can’t control, monsters on his trail, and is on a quest to find Zeus’ lightning bolt to prevent a war between the Greek gods. Join Percy and friends as they encounter mythological creatures, solve the riddle of the Oracle, and learn just how resilient they truly are in this action-packed adventure with a thrilling original rock score.  

Rehearsal & Performance Dates: January 9, 2027 – March 7, 2027

 

Charlotte’s Web

Adapted by Joseph Robinette

Based on the book by E.B. White 

The Starlight Theater @ MYArts

Directed by Roseann Sheridan 

Charlotte’s Web is a tender and timeless story about friendship, compassion, and the power of words. When Wilbur, a young pig, faces an uncertain future, he is saved by Charlotte, a wise and gentle spider who weaves messages of hope and love into her web. Through their extraordinary bond, the story reminds us that kindness, loyalty, and believing in one another can make even the smallest voice matter—and can change a life forever. 

Rehearsal & Performance Dates: March 9, 2027 – May 2, 2027

REHEARSALS for all shows:

  • Held at MYArts, 1055 E. Mifflin St., Madison, WI.
  • Annie and A Christmas Carol will perform at Overture Center.
  • The Pigeon Gets A Big Time Holiday Extravaganza!, The Lightning Thief and Charlotte’s Web will perform at MYArts.
  • Rehearsals are weeknights and weekends; schedules vary based on the show and the role. Preliminary rehearsal schedules for our fall productions are available here. A detailed rehearsal schedule is sent out 2 weeks before the first rehearsal. 
  • Some conflicts can be accommodated but we ask that you prioritize the show if you are cast since there is a limited amount of time for rehearsals and performances.

Questions can be directed to auditions@ctmtheater.org

FAQ for Youth Actors

Auditions & Casting

CTM holds general-season auditions in the early summer; youth who are interested in any of CTM’s shows for the upcoming season should plan to attend these general-season auditions. We may hold additional auditions specific to a show closer to the start of that show’s rehearsal process if needed.

While previous experience whether through classes, camps, or other productions is strongly encouraged, it is not required. At CTM, we believe wonderful actors come from a wide range of life experiences and backgrounds, and we welcome everyone to audition, whether it’s your first time on stage or you’ve performed in dozens of shows.

Taking on a role in a mainstage CTM show is a big responsibility and requires a lot of time, energy, and focus for all actors involved. For that reason, all actors who audition for us need to be 8 years or older. We encourage actors ages 4-7 to enroll in CTM theater classes!

While we prefer in-person attendance at our auditions, we accept video audition submissions for general-season consideration and detail the process to submit video auditions on the audition notice. Here is a Link to CTM’s Tips for Self Tapes

CTM is committed to making our audition and casting process accessible for all. When you sign up for an audition slot, the form you fill out has space for you to list any accessibility needs/accommodations you may have.

  • Each audition CTM holds is customized to the needs of the show or shows that the audition is for. We hold both group auditions and individual auditions.
  • If it’s an individual audition, CTM will ask you to perform either a song/scene of your own, a piece that we choose from the show, or both. Once you’re done with your piece, you may be asked to do your piece again with some changes or different choices, or to do a different activity designed to learn more about your acting skills and abilities.
  • For group auditions, we typically do some warm-up/getting to know you games, to help everyone in the room feel comfortable acting with each other. We may ask you to read or sing a piece you’ve prepared, and will ask you to read a scene with others in the group. Group auditions are all about us getting to see how you act and interact with others, which is what theater is all about!
  • Click Here for audition tips.

In some cases CTM will double-cast a role for a show. The performances will be split as evenly as possible, but the performer must be available for all rehearsals. CTM does cast understudies or covers for each role. Covers are for planned performance absences, and understudies are on standby incase the main cast member gets sick or is otherwise unable to perform the show. Understudies/Covers are always welcome at rehearsal and will receive a rehearsal room run towards the end of the rehearsal process.

No. In our experience, we find that students focus better and participate more fully when family members are not in the room. If your child is nervous about the audition, you can reassure them by waiting in the lobby areas near the audition room. If your student is cast, family members and friends are encouraged to attend performances as supportive audience members.

After your initial audition, if the Artistic/Casting team would like to see more from you, you will be invited to a callback for specific roles, where you may be asked to read, sing, and/or dance from the show. CTM will follow up, generally via email, to share your status whether or not you are cast.

Rehearsals & Performances

CTM’s shows typically rehearse for 5-6 weeks, which includes staging rehearsals in the rehearsal room as well as technical rehearsals onstage, before the show opens. We typically rehearse 3-4 hours in the evenings on weeknights, and longer rehearsals (5-6 hours) during the day on weekends. We rehearse five or six days a week, depending on the size and complexity of any given show. Rehearsals are held at MYArts, located on the East side of downtown Madison, Wisconsin. Technical rehearsals are held in either the Overture Center or MYArts, depending on the performance venue for the show.

We can accommodate a limited number of conflicts in the rehearsal process, which we negotiate with you during the casting process. Beyond those pre-approved conflicts, you are required to be available for all scheduled rehearsals. Prior to the start of the rehearsal process we will provide you with an anticipated rehearsal schedule to assist you with pre-planning.

The typical performance schedule spans 2-4 weekends depending on the show, and consists of weekend performances (Friday, Saturdays, Sundays, and 3-4 mornings during the week for student matinees (generally Tues, Weds, Thurs). A typical performance week for a CTM show consists of 8 performances. We expect actors to be available for all the performances, including student matinees.

We believe that theater should be an educational experience for all involved, and we consistently hear from youth who are cast in CTM shows that they learn a lot and are inspired by working with professional adult actors. CTM strives to create an atmosphere in rehearsal and performance where all actors (regardless of age) respect and collaborate with each other.

Family Responsibility

One of the things we say at CTM is that when we cast a child, we are casting their entire family. We expect family to be supportive of your child and help them balance the added work that it takes to be in a show while keeping up with school and other activities. This includes arranging transportation to and from rehearsals and performances, helping them memorize their lines and rehearse their scenes if needed, and making sure they can stay healthy and happy while working on the show.

CTM often asks parents/guardians of young actors to volunteer for certain roles during performances, such as being a monitor in the green room (the waiting room backstage), selling merchandise in the lobby, or volunteering to be an usher for the show. More details about these opportunities are discussed at the start of each rehearsal process.

CTM is committed to making our shows as accessible as possible to all family types and structures. If your child is offered a role in a show and you are concerned about the intensity of the rehearsal/tech/performance process, please reach out to our Artist Relations Manager, Trevin Gay (trevin@ctmtheater.org.)

Additional Opportunities at CTM

Take CTM Theater Classes! From beginners to seasoned performers, we welcome ALL students to bring their creativity, build their confidence, and join our community of theater students. We provide classes year round for students grades 4K-12 and offer payment plans and financial assistance on a sliding scale! See our website for more details.

Volunteers Wanted! We are looking for Theater Ushers, Greeters, Concessions staff, and more. We welcome ALL who are interested (ages 14 and up)! Volunteers who complete THREE shifts will become eligible to receive two free tickets to a CTM show. Click here to learn more about volunteering.

Contact CTM

General Questions
608-255-2080 | Email
EIN: 39-1579813

Class Questions
608-255-2080 x107 | Email

Donate

Visit CTM

Children’s Theater of Madison
At MYArts
1055 E. Mifflin St.
Madison, WI 53703

Click for directions

CTM Box Office

MYArts Box Office Hours

Overture Center Box Office Hours

*The box office is open additional hours on performance days

(608) 255-2080 x2

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