Auditions and Technical Interviews

Fall 2026 Production – Rock of Ages

Overview

Information regarding auditions and technical interviews for the Fall 2026 production of Rock of Ages will be posted here as details become available.

This production will be performed in Clair Performance Hall and represents a large-scale, highly visible opportunity for student involvement.

Students are strongly encouraged to review all information below, including position descriptions and expectations, before completing the application form.

Auditions (Performance Roles)

 Millersville University Theatre will hold auditions for the Fall 2026 production of Rock of Ages, a high-energy, Tony-nominated Broadway musical featuring iconic hits from the 1980s.

With a live band on stage, Rock of Ages transports audiences back to the era of arena rock, complete with music from Journey, Bon Jovi, Poison, Whitesnake, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Joan Jett, and more.

Creative Team

  • Director: Jonathan Strayer
  • Music Director: Kristin Sims

Audition Location

Rafters Theatre
Dutcher Hall, 3rd Floor
(Building located between the library and the pond)

Audition Information

Seeking:
A diverse group of actors (ages 18+) of all ethnicities, body types, and gender identities who are strong singers, actors, dancers, and musicians. All MU students are welcome to audition, regardless of major or prior experience.

This production embraces an over-the-top, stylized performance style, and performers should be willing to fully engage with the show’s heightened, comedic world.

Audition Appointments

  • Wednesday, April 15 — 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
  • Thursday, April 16 — 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Sign up here!

Preparation Requirements

Please prepare the following:

  • Two contrasting monologues (60–90 seconds each, memorized) from a play or musical
  • 16–32 bars of a contemporary musical theatre selection or a rock song from the 1980s or early 1990s
  • Headshot and resume (required for theatre and music majors/minors; recommended for all)

Content Advisory

Rock of Ages contains strong language, crude humor, depictions of substance use, and moments of staged violence, intimacy, and sensuality that are central to its campy, larger-than-life style.

All material will be approached with care, intention, and respect for both performers and audience.

Callbacks

Invited Callback and Dance Call:
Friday, April 17, starting at 5:00 PM

Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in with the Stage Manager.

Participants should be prepared to:

  • Sing
  • Dance
  • Perform scenes

Rehearsal and Performance Information

Expected Rehearsal Schedule:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • August 24 – October 29

A detailed rehearsal schedule will be created after casting and shared before the end of the Spring semester.

Technical and Dress Rehearsals:

  • Monday–Friday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • October 17 – October 29

Performance Dates:

  • October 30 and 31 at 7:00 PM
  • November 5 and 6 at 7:00 PM
  • November 1 and 7 at 2:00 PM

Please note: The November 7 matinee occurs on the same day as a Concert Choir evening performance.

Theatre Practicum

Millersville University Theatre is a university-sponsored academic activity.

Students cast in the production will be enrolled in THEA 208: Theatre Practicum (1.0 credit) for the production semester.

Questions

If you have questions regarding auditions, please contact:

Technical Positions (All Students)

Students interested in technical roles (scenic, lighting, sound, props, wardrobe, deck, or run crew) must complete the Technical Position Interest Form:

Fall 2026 Production – Technical Position Interest Form (Rock of Ages) – Fill out form

All students selected for technical roles will be enrolled in ENTC 208: Production Practicum and will receive academic credit.

Participation includes:

  • Scheduled work calls

  • Technical rehearsals

  • Performances

Students are expected to be available for the full production process, including the performance dates listed on the application form.

Technical Interviews (Leadership Positions)

Students interested in department leadership positions will participate in an interview process.

Leadership Positions Include:

  • Head Carpenter

  • Scenic Charge

  • Props Head

  • Wardrobe Supervisor

  • Head Electrician

  • Sound Engineer / A1

  • Deck Chief / Run Crew Lead

Application Requirements:

  • Completion of the Technical Position Interest Form

  • Submission of a resume

  • Submission of a brief cover letter

Interview Process:

Selected applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. Interviews will focus on:

  • Previous experience

  • Leadership and communication skills

  • Availability and commitment

  • Understanding of role responsibilities

Interviews are required for all leadership positions and will be used to determine final assignments.

Assistant and Crew Placement

Students interested in assistant or crew positions are not required to interview.

Placement in these roles will be based on:

  • Stated interests

  • Previous experience (if any)

  • Availability

  • Production needs

Students may be assigned to areas outside of their first choice based on overall staffing needs.

Technical Position Descriptions

Department Leadership Positions

Head Carpenter
Leads the construction, installation, and structural implementation of scenic elements. Supervises scenic crew during build, load-in, and strike. Coordinates with production leadership to ensure safe and accurate execution. Typically supports or executes any required fly operations.

Scenic Charge
Responsible for scenic painting and surface treatment. Develops and executes paint plans and supervises the paint crew to ensure consistency and quality.

Props Head
Manages all properties for the production, including sourcing, organization, and maintenance. Oversees props crew and ensures all items are prepared and tracked throughout rehearsals and performances.

Wardrobe Supervisor
Oversees costume organization, maintenance, and dressing operations. Manages wardrobe crew and ensures costumes are performance-ready.

Head Electrician
Leads the installation and implementation of the lighting system, including hang and focus. Supervises electrics crew and maintains organization and safety.

Expected to serve as a board operator for performances or to train and serve as a backup operator. Full availability during technical rehearsals and performances is required.

Sound Engineer / A1
Oversees sound system setup, microphones, and playback operation. Supervises sound crew and coordinates audio during rehearsals and performances.

Expected to operate the sound console or serve as a primary backup. Full availability during technical rehearsals and performances is required.

Deck Chief / Run Crew Lead
Leads backstage operations, including scene shifts and crew coordination. Ensures safe and efficient execution of all backstage activity during rehearsals and performances.

Assistant Positions

Assistant Electrician
Supports lighting implementation, including hang and focus. Assists with organization and may serve as a backup board operator.

Assistant Sound Engineer
Supports audio setup and operation, including microphones and playback. May serve as a backup operator.

Assistant Scenic
Supports scenic construction and installation under the supervision of scenic leadership.

Assistant Props
Supports props organization, tracking, and presetting.

Assistant Wardrobe
Supports costume maintenance, organization, and quick changes.

Assistant Deck / Run Crew
Supports backstage operations and assists with scene shifts and transitions.

Technicians / Crew

Scenic / Paint Crew
Assists with construction and painting of scenic elements.

Electrics Crew
Assists with lighting hang, focus, and equipment organization.

Sound Crew
Supports setup and operation of sound equipment.

Props Crew
Assists with props tracking and presetting.

Wardrobe Crew
Supports costume maintenance and dressing.

Deck / Stage Crew
Assists with backstage operations and scene transitions.

Run Crew
Executes assigned technical roles during performances, including board operation, spotlight operation, or backstage tracking responsibilities.

Expectations and Commitment

All participants in the production are expected to:

  • Enroll in ENTC 208: Production Practicum

  • Attend scheduled work calls, technical rehearsals, and performances

  • Communicate conflicts in advance

  • Contribute to a safe and collaborative working environment

Certain roles, including Head Electrician, Sound Engineer, and their assistants, include performance operation responsibilities and require full availability during technical rehearsals and performances.

Questions

If you have questions regarding auditions, technical roles, or the application process, please contact:

Harry Schueren
Production Manager 

 

All students who participate in a University Theatre Production will be enrolled in THEA 208 (performers and stage managers) or in ENTC 208 (technicians and designers).  The courses are variable credit, and the student's credit load will be determined by their assigned position on the production. 
MU Theatre is committed to inclusive casting practices. Performers of any ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, and experience level are welcome and encouraged to audition. Auditions are open to all MU students.

2026 - 2027 Season

Fall 2026: Rock of Ages

Spring 2027:  To be announced