All auditions take place at The Sauk (240 E. Chicago St. in Jonesville, MI) unless otherwise noted. ​​​​​​

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Arsenic and Old Lace

Audition requirements to be announced at a later date. There are roles for 11 men and three women (of the 11 men, some are minor bit parts). Ron Boyle will direct. 

ABOUT THE PLAY
Drama critic Mortimer Brewster’s engagement announcement is upended when he discovers a corpse in his elderly aunts’ window seat. Mortimer rushes to tell Abby and Martha before they stumble upon the body themselves, only to learn that the two old women aren’t just aware of the dead man in their parlor, they killed him! Between his aunts’ penchant for poisoning wine, a brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother using plastic surgery to hide from the police—not to mention Mortimer’s own hesitancy about marriage—it’ll be a miracle if Mortimer makes it to his wedding. Arsenic and Old Lace is a classic black comedy about the only thing more deadly than poison: family.

AVAILABLE ROLES

• Abby Brewster
• The Rev. Dr. Harper
• Teddy Brewster
• Officer Brophy
• Officer Klein
• Martha Brewster
• Elaine Harper
• Mortimer Brewster
• Mr. Gibbs
• Jonathan Brewster
• Dr. Einstein
• Officer O'Hara
• Lieutenant Rooney
• Mr. Witherspoon

Sauk Shorts 2026

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the various scripts. Directors TBA. 

​A Book By Any Other Cover

by David MacGregor
Two lonely and unattached work colleagues are perfect for one another...if they can only change one thing about themselves.

• Ken - Man in his 20s-40s
• Cynthia - Woman in her 20s-40s. 

Boy For Dog

by Michele A. Miller
MOM can’t find any way to reach out to BOY. Along comes DOG with a request for bones and balls and a contract to help BOY. But BOY doesn’t want a DOG, so now what? Focusing on the growing connection between a boy and his dog, this play is also about a mother searching for a way to connect with her child—a boy who seems disconnected from the world  in this troubling time.  

• Mom - 30s-40s, any ethnicity
• Dog - Any age, ethnicity or gender.
  
• Boy - 12-year-old boy

Fireflies

by Ruben Carbajal
In darkness, a group of fireflies alight their mating calls. As their brief, illuminated love notes try to dazzle, one lightning bug has had enough. FIREFLIES is a short play about loneliness and finding connection in a time when there are more signals and noise than ever before.

• Up to 15 actors, all ages, all genders

Free Sample

by Jacob Weldon
Julie and Stephan are gathering ingredients for Banana Bread, when a stranger in the store offers some strange alternatives they should try, but refuses to really explain who he is, what they are, or why they taste so good.

• Julie - Woman. Wears the pants in the relationship. Walks through the grocery store with a drive to get it done. No-nonsense type. Wife to Stephen. 
• Stephen - Man. Golden retriever type. Lazy and takes the path of least resistance. Very lovey dovey but desperately wants to leave this grocery store. 
• Ozzy - Man. Strange man. Does not work at the grocery store. Very Sketchy. Talking with him should feel like a back-alley deal in stark contrast to the silly words and salesman type speech. 

Into the Mystic

by Sarah Gray
Every marriage has its ups and downs, good days and bad ones, memorable moments and ones you wish you could forget. But if you're lucky, the two of you share a song that brings you together and lasts forever.

• John - 50/60s
• Beth - 50/60s
• Katie - upper 20s/30s

Ladies of the Night

by Laurie Allen
Ladies of the Night is a comedy about friendship, freedom, and the fine art of misbehaving after age 70. When Mary and Judy bust out of Kindred Spirits Nursing home with flashlights, ski masks, and decades of shared secrets—including a few hilarious betrayals—they stumble through the night, proving that friendship lasts longer than memory, and mischief doesn’t have an age limit.

• Mary: 70s/80s, any ethnicity. Bossy. Sometimes grouchy. 
• Judy: 70s/80s, any ethnicity. Wears a dress or skirt. Happy-go-lucky. 

Path of Love

by James McLindon
Asking the person you love to marry you should be easy, but the path of love is rarely smooth.

• Audrey - Mid-20s to 70s, any race or gender
• Mark - About the same age, any race or gender

Pinata

by Scott Mullen
Moms at a children's birthday party are dismayed when they are sentenced to be in a backyard penalty area.

• Teresa (late 20s-30s). Overprotective mother trying not to be so hovering. 
• Jackie (late 20s-30s). Another mother, a tad manic. 
• Carol (30s). Snobby woman who thinks she's the perfect mother. 

 
The Almost In-Laws

Book and Lyrics by Greg Edwards, Book by Andy Roninson
Des has to introduce his fiancée to his parents, and they're, well... elves.

• Des - Late 20s, an average city-dwelling man, Jennifer's fiancé. 
• Jennifer - Late 20s, a smart city-dwelling woman, Des' fiancé. 
• Mother - Looks 50s, Des' mother, matronly. 
• Father - Looks 50s, Des' father, patronly. 

The Chimney Sweep

by Eddie Burkhead
Alfred is struggling to continue his career as a chimney sweep who can't dance. His wife, Anne, wants to know why chimney sweeps need to dance. And who the heck is this Mary he keeps talking about?

• Alfred - A chimney sweep who is feeling like the job just isn't what it used to be. He is a sad-sack person who is desperate to fit in. 
• Anne - Alfred's wife, roughly the same age as him, who is unimpressed with her husband's crisis of confidence and more worried about him providing and maintaining their status. 

The Katie Malone Future Boyfriend Club

by Scott Mullen
Katie Malone is surprised to find a boy in her backyard - especially when she learns exactly why he is there.

• Arnie (male, teens). Inexperienced nice guy trying to overcome his shyness. 
• Katie (female, teens). Lively, charismatic, not thrilled about being woken up. 

New Bud Thompson Play

by G.M. (Bud) Thompson

Bud will once again be writing an original play just for Sauk Shorts. More info to come. 

• To Be Determined. 

John & Jen

Audition requirements to be announced at a later date. The cast consists of one man and one woman. Bruce Crews will direct with musical direction by Dale Hendershot. 

ABOUT THE PLAY
A truly original musical that honors brothers and sisters, as well as parents and children, set against the background of a changing America between 1950 and 1990, John & Jen is a gem of a show, brimming with intelligence, wit and beautiful melodies. This is the story of Jen and her relationships with the two Johns of her life: her younger brother, who was killed in Vietnam, and his namesake, the son who is trying to find his way in a confusing world. Jen and her younger brother, John, are growing up in the ever-changing world of mid-century America. As the country becomes divided over the war in Vietnam, so does the family, and battle lines are drawn between the once-close siblings. With a cast of only two people, John & Jen is a tour-de-force for two actors, taking them from childhood, through adolescence, and beyond. John & Jen is a musical about connections, commitments and the healing of the human heart.

AVAILABLE ROLES

• Jen - Protective and controlling, yet deeply loving. This character arcs from a wide-eyed new sister to a free-loving hippie and finally a mother accepting her son growing up. Top: F5, Bottom: F3.
• John - Fun, energetic, fresh and exciting. The character arcs from a newborn brother to a high school graduate going off to war and finally a young son challenging his loving mother as he grows. Top: C5, Bottom Ab2. 

The Odd Couple (Original)

Audition requirements will be announced at a later date. There are roles for six men and two women. Tim Ambrose will direct. 

ABOUT THE PLAY

This classic comedy opens on a friendly card game in the untidy apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it’s no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Ungar, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together. The action unfolds with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born.

AVAILABLE ROLES

• Speed
• Murray
• Roy
• Vinnie
• Oscar Madison
• Felix Ungar
• Gwendolyn Pigeon
• Cecily Pigeon

The Odd Couple (Female Version)

Audition requirements will be announced at a later date. There are roles for six women and two men. Jennifer Ambrose will direct. 

ABOUT THE PLAY

Unger and Madison are at it again! Florence Unger and Olive Madison, that is, in the female version of Neil Simon’s hilarious contemporary comic classic, The Odd Couple. Instead of the poker party that begins the original version, Ms. Madison has invited the girls over for an evening of Trivial Pursuit. The guys are replaced by the gals, and the Pidgeon sisters are replaced by the Costazuela brothers, but the hilarity remains the same.

AVAILABLE ROLES

• Sylvie
• Mickey
• Renee
• Vera
• Olive Madison
• Florence Unger
• Manolo Costazuela
• Jesus Costazuela

Footloose

Audition requirements will be announced at a later date. There are roles for eight men, seven women plus an ensemble. Many of these roles are for teens. Trinity Bird will direct with musical direction by Kristi Gautsche. 

ABOUT THE PLAY

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him. Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.

AVAILABLE ROLES

• Ren McCormack - a teenage boy from Chicago
• Ethel McCormack - his mother
• Reverend Shaw Moore - the minister of Bomont
• Vi Moore - his wife
• Ariel Moore - their teenage daughter
• Lulu Warnicker - Ren's aunt
• Wes Warnicker - Ren's uncle
• Coach Roger Dunbar - the high school gym teacher
• Eleanor Dunbar - his wife
• Rusty - Ariel's best friend
• Urleen - Ariel's friend
• Wendy Jo - Ariel's friend
• Chuck Cranston - Ariel's boyfriend
• Lyle - Chuck's buddy
• Travis - Chuck's buddy
• A Cop
• Betty Blast - owner of the Burger Blast
• Willard Hewitt - Ren's friend, a country boy
• Principal Harry Clark 
• Jeter - Ren's friend
• Bickle - Ren's friend
• Garvin - Ren's friend
• Cowboy Bob - lead vocalist at the Bar-B-Que
• Cowboy Bob's Band
• Townspeople & High School Students

Alice in Wonderland

Audition requirements will be announced at a later date. The cast consists of one man and one woman. Trinity Bird will direct.

ABOUT THE PLAY

This imaginative production features just two actors. All the famous characters are here:  Alice, White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter and, of course, the Queen of Hearts.  True to Carroll's original, this remarkable adaptation appeals to audiences of any age.

AVAILABLE ROLES

• ​Alice
  
• Lewis Carroll - also plays The White Rabbit, Caterpillar, Pigeon, Cheshire Cat, Md Hatter, Gardener, Queen of Hearts. 

Pickleball

Audition requirements will be announced at a later date. There are roles for four men and two women. Tim Ambrose will direct.

ABOUT THE PLAY

Pickleball shows us all the possibilities of middle-aged athleticism and the human spirit. In America’s fastest growing game, there are no apologies, there are no excuses, and there is no room for weakness. When four below-average players have an opportunity to compete in a local tournament, they must learn to overcome their limitations and find greatness in a game that has nothing to do with pickles.

AVAILABLE ROLES

• ​PERFECT, female, athletic. 
  
• BILLIE, female, somewhat athletic. 
• LARRY, male, not at all athletic.
• SHELDON, male, athletic in former life. 
• SPIKE, male, fit. 
• RALPH, older male. 

Disney's Frozen - The Broadway Musical

Audition requirements will be announced at a later date. Trinity Bird will direct with musical direction by Kristi Gautsche and Tom Ryskamp. 

ABOUT THE PLAY

Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage. In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf. Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love.

AVAILABLE ROLES

• Elsa - Future Queen of Arendelle and Anna’s older sister; born with magical powers, isolates herself from others out of fear. Vocal range top: Eb5, Vocal range bottom: E3
  
• Anna - Princess of Arendelle and Elsa’s younger sister; an eternal optimist who longs to be loved and to connect with other people. Vocal range top: E5, Vocal range bottom: G3
  
• Kristoff - Hardworking ice harvester with a prickly exterior that hides a big heart. Vocal range top: Bb4, Vocal range bottom: A2
  
• Hans - Prince of the Southern Isles and youngest of thirteen brothers; charming and ambitious. Vocal range top: A4, Vocal range bottom: A2
  
• Olaf - Magical snowman with a childlike innocence. Vocal range top: Eb5, Vocal range bottom: E3
  
• Sven - Kristoff’s fiercely loyal reindeer best friend.
• Oaken - Amiable salesperson and relentless advocate of hygge; cheerful and jolly. Vocal range top: Bb4, Vocal range bottom: A2
  
• Weselton - Duke from a neighboring kingdom; chauvinistic, impolite, and judgmental. Vocal range top: A4, Vocal range bottom: F3
  
• Young Anna - Younger princess of Arendelle with youthful exuberance; fun-loving troublemaker; mesmerized by her sister’s magic. Vocal range top: E5, Vocal range bottom: Bb3
  
• Young Elsa - Elder princess of Arendelle with magical powers; obedient daughter; protective sister. Vocal range top: E5, Vocal range bottom: A3
  
• Queen Iduna - Queen of Arendelle and child of the Northhuldra; strong and compassionate mother. Vocal range top: E5, Vocal range bottom: F3
  
• King Agnarr - King of Arendelle; warm-hearted and protective father. Vocal range top: C4, Vocal range bottom: B2
  
• Pabbie - Mystical shaman and patriarch of the Hidden Folk; Kristoff’s wise adoptive father. Vocal range top: Gb4, Vocal range bottom: Ab2
  
• Bulda - Spiritual matriarch of the Hidden Folk; Kristoff’s nurturing and vibrant adoptive mother. Vocal range top: D5, Vocal range bottom: Bb3
  
• Ensemble - Includes the following roles: Townspeople, Staff, Guards, Hidden Folk, Oaken's Family and Friends, Volunteers, Bishop, Handmaiden, Lackeys, Hidden Folk Child

Plays-in-Development

Auditions will consist of readings from the various plays. Titles, descriptions and directors TBA. 

Little Women

Audition requirements will be announced at a later date. Meghan Barnes will direct.

ABOUT THE PLAY

This adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s coming-of-age favorite include a recurring Christmas holiday theme. Jo March acts as an omniscient narrator, moving us seamlessly through time and space with the flourish of their pen. Join the March sisters, Marmee, Laurie, and all of your Concord favorites in this reimagined and inclusive nod to Alcott's love letter to individuality, perseverance, and love in all its forms.

AVAILABLE ROLES

• Jo March - the hero of the play. A passionate, often wild, and non-conforming young woman who desperately wants to be a professional writer.
• Meg March - the oldest sister of the March family. She is even-tempered, well-mannered, and kind. An “Angel in the House.”
• Beth March - Jo’s dearest confidant and the “heart” of the March family. Painfully shy, but pure of heart. A musician.
• Amy March - the baby of the family who grows from a vain, yet loveable, little girl into a worldly, lovely, young woman. An artist.
• Abigail “Marmee” March - the mother of the March children. She is patience and love personified, but often with wicked glimmers of humor.
• Aunt March - the haughty, grouchy, great-aunt of the March siblings who really is a generous soul hidden underneath the grumps.
• Theodore “Laurie” Laurence - the orphaned young man who lives next door to Orchard House. He is a surrogate brother, partner-in-crime, and lovably infuriating.
• Mr. John Brooke - is Laurie’s tutor and a good-natured, polite, resourceful sort of person.
• Mr. March - the father of the March children who has gone off to war to be a chaplain. He is a local Reverend in Concord.
• Mr. Laurence - the grandfather of Laurie and special friend of the March siblings. He is also grumpy with a heart of gold.
• Professor Friedrich Bhaer - a German immigrant and university professor Jo meets in New York City.
• Mrs. Kirke - a friend of Marmee’s who runs a boarding house in New York City. She is the mother of Kitty and Minnie.
• Kitty Kirke - a rambunctious little girl taught by Jo.
• Minnie Kirke - Kitty's equally rambunctious little sister. 
  

The 24-Hour Theatre Project

Audition requirements and additional information will be posted closer to the audition date.