Dare to Shine!
Audition for Riverside Center
Are you ready to unleash your talent at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts? You’re in the right place for information on our audition process. This is your chance to step into the spotlight and showcase your skills. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the stage.
Why Audition With Us?
Joining our auditions means stepping into a world of creativity, artistry, professionalism, and fun. As a part of the cast, you’ll get to hone your skills while connecting with a passionate team and putting on world class productions right here in Fredericksburg.
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The Mousetrap
Please read all provided information.
Production details, audition details, character breakdowns, sign-up information, and links to relevant materials are listed below.
Production Details
Producing Company: Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Production: The Mousetrap
Director: Andrew Foote
Producing Artistic Director: Patrick A’Hearn
Rehearsal Dates: To begin on or about Sunday, June 21st, 2026
Typical Rehearsal Schedule: Sun: 6:30-10pm, Mon-Tues: 12- 4pm, 6-10pm, Weds: 6-10pm, Thurs: 12-4pm
Technical Rehearsal Dates: July 6th- July 14th, 2026
Performance Dates: July 15th- August 23rd, 2026
Typical Performance Schedule: Weds: 1:30pm, Thurs-Sat: 7:30pm, Sun: 3:00pm
Audition Details
Location: Riverside Center for the Performing Arts,
95 Riverside Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA, 22406
Date: Monday, March 23rd, 2026
Time: 1:00- 5:00pm, 6:00- 9:00pm
Callbacks (Invitation Only): Tuesday, March 24th, 6:00- 10:00pm
Preparation: Please prepare the sides provided below for the character you feel fits you best. You may be asked to read additional sides. If you are invited to callbacks, you will be provided with additional materials. Bring headshot and resume. Please be prepared to list all rehearsal and performance conflicts.
To register for auditions, sign-up for a time slot using the link below. Reserve only one (1) time slot. Please plan to come and stay for the hour you signed up for. You may be asked to return for invited callbacks on Tuesday, March 24th.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS
Directors Note: As is true with the bulk of Agatha Christie’s mysteries, all of the characters in The Mousetrap are hiding their own individual secrets, therefore the bulk of these descriptions are what the characters initially choose to show us. When approaching the sides, it is helpful to remember that for all of these characters there is almost always something else going on.
MOLLIE RALSTON
Female presenting; Age mid 20s to early 30s. The pleasant young co-owner of Monkswell Manor; anxious about hosting the inn’s first guests; married to Giles for one year. She has “an ingenuous air,” which is to say she comes off as innocent and often unsuspecting. At the beginning of the play the audience sees the other characters through Mollie’s eyes so there should be an instantly winning and relatable aspect to her. Standard British dialect Archetype: Denee Benton (Gilded Age), Jenna Fischer (The Office)
GILES RALSTON
Male presenting; Age 20s to early 30s. Solid, strong, masculine. Owns Monkswell Manor with his wife Mollie, whom he loves. Somewhat arrogant and jealous of the other guests’ attentions toward Mollie, he may come across as stern and arrogant throughout with flashes of a quick temper. Standard British dialect Archetype: Matt Smith (The Crown) Colin Firth (Love Actually)
CHRISTOPHER WREN
Male presenting; Age 20s to 30s. The first guest to arrive at the hotel, Wren is a hyperactive young man who acts in a very peculiar manner. A bit flighty and somewhat neurotic. He is both quirky and vulnerable. At times throughout the play he enjoys antagonizing the other guests with inappropriate jokes and ill timed pranks. Traditionally played in what only can be called a “mid-century flamboyant” manor which, is somewhat supported by the text. However, there are other aspects of of him can be explored to great effect-Impishness, petulance, childlike wonder, mischievousness, etc. Standard British dialect Archetype: Paul Reubens (Pee Wees Big Adventure), Martin Short (Clifford)
MRS. BOYLE
Female presenting; Age 40s to 60s. Mrs. Boyle is an imposing woman in a bad temper; she complains about everyone and everything. She is disapproving of every effort that Mollie and Giles produce to make her comfortable. She is instantly suspicious of everyone she encounters, particularly those younger than she. She is retired, ancient, grumpy, unpleasant. If there’s a kind bone in her body, she hides it well. Standard British dialect Archetype: Christine Baranski (Gilded Age), Maggie Smith (Downton Abbey)
MAJOR METCALF
Male presenting; Age 40s to 60s. Major Metcalf is a middle-aged, typical, retired, squareshouldered, British military officer. He is friendly and very polite, and serves as a good counter to Mrs. Boyle during the play’s first act. Underneath his gruffness… is more gruffness. Standard British dialect Archetype : Jonathan Pryce (The Crown) Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon)
MISS CASEWELL
Female presenting; Age 20s to 30s. An edgy, aloof, somewhat tomboyish woman who stylishly wears men’s clothing. Similar to Christopher Wren in that she doesn’t necessarily conform to traditional rules of behavior. She speaks offhandedly and frankly about the horrific experiences of her childhood. She keeps her cards close to the vest and remains aloof… and a little mysterious. Standard British dialect Archetype Tilda Swinton (The room next door) Kari Russell (The Americans)
MR. PARAVICINI
Male presenting; Age 30s to 50s. A man of unknown origin and age who turns up claiming his car has overturned in a snowdrift. He appears to be artificially aged with make-up. He is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma… with an indeterminate accent. Described in the play as a taller version of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot. Indeterminate European dialect Archetype: Frank Langella (Dracula)Kayvan Novak (What We Do in the Shadows)
DETECTIVE SGT. TROTTER
Male presenting; Age late 20s to early 30’s. Detective Sergeant Trotter is a cheerful, commonplace person who arrives at Monkswell Manor on skis to investigate a murder. Dogged in his pursuit of the truth, he is determined to get to the bottom of things. The course of the play will require him to plumb the depths of his emotions. Standard British dialect Archetype: Andrew Scott (Ripley) Toby Maguire (Great Gatsby)
SWEENEY TODD
Please read all provided information.
Production details, audition details, character breakdowns, and sign-up information listed below.
*Note: Seeking actors aged 18+. Audition information for those under 18 (including character breakdowns) will be released at a later date.
Production Details: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Producing Company: Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
Production: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Director: Patrick A’Hearn
Music Director: Carson Eubank
Associate Director/Choreographer: Stephanie Wood
Producing Artistic Director: Patrick A’Hearn
Rehearsal Dates: To begin on or about Sunday, August 9th, 2026
Technical Rehearsal Dates: August 31st– September 8th, 2026
Performance Dates: September 9th– October 25th, 2026
Typical Rehearsal Schedule: Sun: 6:30-10pm, Mon-Tues: 12- 4pm, 6-10pm, Weds: 6-10pm, Thurs: 12-4pm
Typical Performance Schedule: Weds: 1:30pm, Thurs-Sat: 7:30pm, Sun: 3:00pm
Audition Details
Location: Riverside Center for the Performing Arts,
95 Riverside Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA, 22406
Date: Wednesday, April 1st & Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
Time: 12pm- 9pm. Invited Dance Calls at 4pm and 8pm.
Preparation:
- Please prepare a 16-32 bar cut of a selection in the style of the show. Selections from the show are allowed. You may be asked to sing a second selection.
- Bring sheet music in the appropriate key as an accompanist will be provided.
- You may be asked to dance so bring or wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Female identifying performers may be asked to tap. Please bring tap heels.
- Bring your headshot (8×10) and resume (should reflect dance or movement ability).
- Be prepared to read from the script or sing from the show, if asked.
- All ethnicities and gender identities considered and strongly encouraged to audition.
- All roles are paid. Housing available for out-of-town actors.
- Virtual submissions accepted. Please send headshot, resume, and links to audition videos to casting@riversidedt.com with “Sweeney/Christmas Carol Submission” in the subject line. Please indicate if you are local to Riverside or if you would require housing.
To register for auditions, sign-up for a time slot using the link below. Reserve only one (1) time slot. Please plan to come and stay for the hour you signed up for. You may be asked to return for an invited dance call on the day of your audition. (Invited dance calls to be held at 4pm and 8pm)
CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS: Sweeney Todd
*This role is pre-cast– seeking understudy.
SWEENEY TODD* (Male, 40-55. F2- Gb4) A wrongfully imprisoned barber seeking to right the wrongs committed against him. He is Johanna’s father, singularly focused on taking bloody revenge. Our story’s tormented protagonist.
MRS. LOVETT* (Female, 35- 50. G3- E5) An entrepreneurial and amoral meat pie shop owner. She falls in love with Todd and turns his desire for revenge into a profitable business venture.
ANTHONY HOPE (Male, 20-30. Bb2- F4) A naive and youthful sailor returning to London. He helps Todd return to London and unexpectedly falls in love with Johanna.
JOHANNA (Female, 18-21. Bb3- A5) A spritely girl, full of innocence, constantly yearning for freedom. Todd’s long-lost daughter and Turpin’s ward.
TOBIAS RAGG (Male, 12-18. Bb2- Ab4) A poor youngster apprenticed to Pirelli. He finds a surrogate family in Todd and Lovett.
JUDGE TURPIN (Male, 50- 65. E2- Gb4) A lecherous public official who portrays himself as a sanctimonious authoritarian. He takes advantage of his position in the city and is responsible for imprisoning Todd.
THE BEADLE (Male, 40- 55. D3- D5) A pompous public official. He is deeply loyal to the corrupt Turpin.
BEGGAR WOMAN (Female, 35- 50. Ab3- F5) A deranged and schizophrenic woman who harbors a dark, surprising secret.
ADOLFO PIRELLI (Male, 30- 45. B2- C5) A flamboyant Italian rival barber; a charlatan with a secret past.
JONAS FOGG (Male, 35- 60.) The owner of Fogg’s Asylum. He sells the hair of madmen to wigmakers.
ENSEMBLE Townspeople; Policemen; Lunatics
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Please read all provided information.
Production details, audition details, character breakdowns, and sign-up information listed below.
*Note: Seeking actors aged 18+. Audition information for those under 18 (including character breakdowns) will be released at a later date.
Production Details: A Christmas Carol
Production: A Christmas Carol
Director: Daniel Pippert
Music Director: Carson Eubank
Associate Director/Choreographer: Stephanie Wood
Producing Artistic Director: Patrick A’Hearn
Rehearsal Dates: To begin on or about Sunday, October 11th, 2026
Technical Rehearsal Dates: November 2nd– November 10th, 2026
Performance Dates: November 11th, 2026- January 3rd, 2027
Typical Rehearsal Schedule: Sun: 6:30-10pm, Mon-Tues: 12- 4pm, 6-10pm, Weds: 6-10pm, Thurs: 12-4pm
Typical Performance Schedule: Weds: 1:30pm, Thurs-Sat: 7:30pm, Sun: 3:00pm
Audition Details
Location: Riverside Center for the Performing Arts,
95 Riverside Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA, 22406
Date: Wednesday, April 1st & Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
Time: 12pm- 9pm. Invited Dance Calls at 4pm and 8pm.
Preparation:
- Please prepare a 16-32 bar cut of a selection in the style of the show. Selections from the show are allowed. You may be asked to sing a second selection.
- Bring sheet music in the appropriate key as an accompanist will be provided.
- You may be asked to dance so bring or wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- Female identifying performers may be asked to tap. Please bring tap heels.
- Bring your headshot (8×10) and resume (should reflect dance or movement ability).
- Be prepared to read from the script or sing from the show, if asked.
- All ethnicities and gender identities considered and strongly encouraged to audition.
- All roles are paid. Housing available for out-of-town actors.
- Virtual submissions accepted. Please send headshot, resume, and links to audition videos to casting@riversidedt.com with “Sweeney/Christmas Carol Submission” in the subject line. Please indicate if you are local to Riverside or if you would require housing.
To register for auditions, sign-up for a time slot using the link below. Reserve only one (1) time slot. Please plan to come and stay for the hour you signed up for. You may be asked to return for an invited dance call on the day of your audition. (Invited dance calls to be held at 4pm and 8pm)
CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS: A Christmas Carol (Adult Roles Only)
Director’s Note: We are looking for actors and singers of all backgrounds to inhabit Dickens’ London. The gender and age listed refer to the character, please audition for any role you feel you could honestly and compellingly portray. All roles require the use of British dialects.
EBENEZER SCROOGE (Male, 45 to 65) Musical Theatre Baritone/Baritenor, can move. A covetous, miserly skinflint who is known to never keep kindness in his heart and shares even less. Starting as the antithesis of everything Christmas, he is transformed, in a flurry of ghosts and glad tidings, into a man with goodwill towards all. Note: This role requires significant stamina as Scrooge rarely leaves the stage and is a major player in most of the action.
BOB CRATCHIT (Male, 25 to 40) Baritone, can move. A father and husband who cares deeply for his family, particularly his youngest son. He works hard to provide for them but is mistreated by his employer, Scrooge, whom he shrinks before. Plays other ensemble characters.
JACOB MARLEY (Male, 45 to 65) Baritone/Tenor. Scrooge’s former business partner who, before his death, was exactly like Scrooge. Presently, he is a ghost in chains to warn Scrooge of how his life decisions will bind him in the afterlife. Plays other ensemble characters.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST (Any gender, any age) Tenor/Mezzo-Soprano/Soprano, strong mover. An ever cheerful, aethereal sprite who presents the history book of Scrooge’s life to show him the events that led to his current state. A warm presence that moves from comedy to sympathy to drama quickly. Plays Lamplighter & other ensemble characters.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PRESENT (any gender, any age) Baritenor/Mezzo-Belter, can move. A jovial, larger-than-life spirit who comes back to show Scrooge all the joy, love, and celebration he his missing out on while those around him celebrate Christmas. A powerhouse on the stage unafraid of extremes. Plays Sandwich board Man/Woman & other ensemble characters.
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE (Female, any age) Any vocal part, strong dancer (pointe required). A beautiful, terrifying wraith, the Ghost of Christmas Future is strong and silent as she shows Scrooge what will happen to him and those around him if he continues down the path he is currently treading. Plays other ensemble characters.
BLIND WOMAN/SCROOGE’S MOTHER (Female, 40’s to 50’s) Mezzo Soprano/Belter, can move. A woman who embodies the fears that tomorrow may hold, and personifies the Ghost of Christmas Future. She is shown kindness by some, and scorn by others, particularly Scrooge. Also plays Scrooge’s Mother, a saintly figure who does her best to instill hope and goodwill in her children. Plays other ensemble characters.
FRED ANDERSON/YOUNG SCROOGE (Male, 20’s) Baritenor, can move. Scrooge’s nephew and only living relative. He is a pleasant young man who believes in the good a joyful Christmas spirit can make in the world. Doubles as Scrooge’s younger self, a serious and sober young man whose small share of optimism and kindness is whittled away by the dirge of his profession. Plays other ensemble characters.
EMILY/SALLY ANDERSON (Female, 20’s) Soprano, can move. Scrooge’s fiancé from the past. She is an open-hearted, beautiful girl, not impressed or in need of money. Doubles as Sally, Fred’s wife & Scrooge’s in-law. Plays other ensemble characters.
MRS. CRATCHIT (Female, 25 to 40) Mezzo Soprano, can move. A hardworking mother and wife, she tries to provide the best for her children with what she’s got. Plays other ensemble characters.
FEZZIWIG(Male, 40-60) High Tenor (up to a high B).A jolly banker famous for his gregariousness and his lavish Christmas ball. He was Scrooge’s first employer and mentor, he strives in vain to impart his goodwill to the young man. Plays other ensemble characters.
MRS. FEZZIWIG (Female, 40 to 60) Mezzo Soprano/Soprano. The hostess with the most-ess, Mrs. Fezziwig’s loves to lead the festivities at her husband’s Christmas Ball. She is prideful, loving, and enjoys a good party. Doubles as Mrs. Mops, Scrooge’s weary and occasionally jaded housekeeper. Plays other ensemble characters.
SMYTHE/YOUNG MARLEY(Male, 20’S) Baritenor, strong mover.A respectable man struggling with his finances and the death of his wife. Despite his grim prospects, he does what he can to make sure his daughter is safe and happy. Also plays Young Marley, Scrooge’s friend and business partner. Plays other ensemble characters.
ENSEMBLE Strong singers and movers (some roles require jazz and tap.) The Population of Scrooge’s Past, Present, and Future: Businessmen, Street Vendors, Sailors, Ghosts, Music Hall Dancers, Party Goers, Sailors, Gravediggers, Creditors, and other people of London. May also understudy named roles.
Submit A Video Audition
Step 1: Prepare Your Video
Gather your materials: choose a well-lit space, check your background, and ensure your audio is clear. Plan your performance to keep it engaging!
Step 2: Upload Your Video
Upload your video to Youtube, Vimeo, or private hosting. You will need a sharable URL to submit in the next step.
Step 3: Submission
Please complete the form to submit a video audition. Make sure to fill in all required details and double-check your video quality before hitting upload.
Any questions, please contact Riverside Center’s Company Manager.
When preparing for an audition, focus on showcasing your strengths. It’s important to select a monologue or song that highlights your unique talents. Make sure to rehearse thoroughly so you feel confident and comfortable on the day. Remember to dress appropriately for the role you’re auditioning for, and bring any necessary materials, like sheet music or a headshot.
You can submit your application through our website. Fill out the audition form, where you’ll provide your personal details, the role you’re interested in, and upload any required files. Make sure to check for any specific instructions listed for that audition.
You’ll usually perform in front of a panel of directors and producers, who will evaluate your performance and suitability for the role. We offer video audition submissions when appropriate.
We aim to notify all audition participants within a week of the audition date. You’ll receive an email regarding your status, whether you’re cast or not. We appreciate your patience and look forward to seeing your talent!
Yes, you can audition for multiple roles if they are listed for the same production. Just ensure that you prepare something suitable for each role and mention your intentions when you arrive at the audition.
There is no fee to audition for productions at Riverside Center. We believe in providing access to everyone who wishes to showcase their talents. Join us and take your chance to shine!