UPCOMING DINNER THEATER AUDITIONS
Lower Lights is excited to present two dinner theater productions this year — and we’re holding combined auditions for both shows!
Performer Requirements: Ages 18+
Audition Date: March 3 at 6 pm to 9 pm
Location: First United Methodist Church, 201 NW 2nd St, Bentonville
Join us for a fun and welcoming audition experience — we can’t wait to see you there!
Conundrum of the Cracker Jack Cruise
Calling all performers, comedians, and mystery lovers! If you enjoy big characters, quick wit, audience interaction, and a little friendly competition, then step aboard — we are holding auditions for the interactive dinner theater mystery:
About the Play
Set aboard the luxury cruise ship *Grand Jubilation*, this lively and family-friendly mystery comedy follows an eccentric group of passengers brought together for a special VIP cruise. Among them is wealthy widow Evita Wexler, who arrives with her priceless rose-pink diamond — a jewel worth over half a million dollars.
Between games, rivalries, and hilarious misunderstandings, tensions rise… until suddenly the diamond is stolen! Now everyone becomes a suspect as the mystery unfolds.
This show blends scripted comedy with audience interaction, improv moments, and game-show style segments, creating a fast-moving, high-energy theatrical experience.
Character Breakdown
We are looking for a versatile cast of performers who are comfortable with comedy, improvisation, and audience interaction:
Evita Wexler – A wealthy, snobbish widow with a flair for drama and a deep love of her jewels.
Tiffany Wexler – Evita’s smart but frustrated granddaughter who sacrificed a great deal to care for her grandmother.
Margery Yake – A gossip-loving contest winner who thrives on drama and getting into everyone’s business.
Paul Yake – Margery’s sarcastic, financially stressed husband who would rather be anywhere else.
Jack Silverman – A recently reformed safe-cracker with a big appetite and a surprisingly big heart.
Jill Silverman – Jack’s brilliant wife and entrepreneur; kind, intelligent, and determined.
Captain Randall Whitfield / Detective Lyndell Whitfield – A socially awkward ship captain who doubles as the no-nonsense detective in the final reveal.
Loralee LeVeque – The energetic cruise director who keeps the ship’s activities running (mostly) smoothly.
Sasha – Loralee’s sarcastic assistant who helps lead audience games.
Nigel – The attentive and charming stateroom steward who seems to know everyone.
Notes on Performance Style
Audience Interaction: This is an interactive dinner theater production. Actors will regularly engage with the audience, lead games, and react to improvisational moments.
Comedic Timing: The show relies heavily on strong comedic instincts, quick reactions, and exaggerated character personalities.
Improv Skills: Many sections involve unscripted interactions, so actors must be comfortable thinking on their feet and adapting to audience participation.
High Energy: This is a lively, fast-moving show requiring strong stage presence and physical expressiveness.
What to Bring & Prepare
Headshot & Resume: Please bring a physical copy of your headshot and acting resume.
Preparation: Come prepared to read from the script and participate in improvisational exercises. You may also be asked to demonstrate comedic character work and audience-interaction skills.
We hope to see you aboard!
Lower Lights Theatre Company
Auditions
Audition Date: March 3 at 6:00 PM
Location: First United Methodist Church, 201 NW 2nd St, Bentonville
Rehearsals at FUMC
When:
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March 12, 6 pm to 9 pm, Table Read
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March 17, 6 pm to 8 pm, Photoshoot
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Each Thursday and Friday March 19 to April 10, 6 pm to 9 pm, Rehearsals
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April 14 and 15, 6 pm to 9 pm, Rehearsal
Location:
First United Methodist Church, 201 NW 2nd St, Bentonville
Rehearsals at The Wooden Spoon
When: April 16, 6 pm to 9 pm
Location: The Wooden Spoon, 1000 S Gentry Blvd, Gentry
Performance at The Wooden Spoon
When: Saturday April 18, All Day
Location: The Wooden Spoon, 1000 S Gentry Blvd, Gentry
Auditions
Audition Date: March 3 at 6:00 PM
Location: First United Methodist Church, 201 NW 2nd St, Bentonville
Rehearsals at FUMC
When:
-
March 13, 6 pm to 9 pm, Table Read
-
June 16, 6 pm to 8 pm, Photoshoot
-
Each Thursday and Friday June 11 to July 17, 6 pm to 9 pm, Rehearsals
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July 21 and 22, 6 pm to 9 pm, Rehearsal
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July 31, 6pm to 9pm Tech Rehearsal
Location:
First United Methodist Church, 201 NW 2nd St, Bentonville
Rehearsals at The Wooden Spoon
When: July 23, 6 pm to 9 pm
Location: The Wooden Spoon, 1000 S Gentry Blvd, Gentry
Performance at The Wooden Spoon
When: Saturday July 25, All Day
Location: The Wooden Spoon, 1000 S Gentry Blvd, Gentry
Performance at FUMC
When: Saturday August 1, All Day
Location:
First United Methodist Church, 201 NW 2nd St, Bentonville
Martin & Margaret and the MINDSWAP
Calling all actors and thrill-seekers! If you've ever wanted to play a hero, a villain, or perhaps both at the exact same time, now is your chance. We are holding auditions for the hilarious, fast-paced, and mind-bending comedy:
About the Play
Set in December 1938 high in the Swiss Alps, this "heightened world" comedy is reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio. The story follows the brilliant American hero, Martin Buchanan, and the plucky Margaret Henkel as they join forces with Margaret's grandfather, a genius German inventor.
The stakes? Only the fate of civilized Europe! Professor Wachtendorf has invented a machine that can swap minds—the MINDSWAP—and he plans to use it to stop the Nazi regime. This play features snappy dialogue, physical comedy "lazzi," and a unique staging challenge: throughout the show, actors will swap roles as their characters’ minds swap bodies!
Character Breakdown
We are looking for a versatile cast of 5 actors to bring these stylized characters to life:
Martin Buchanan (The Hero): A brilliant, brave, and gentlemanly American.
Margaret Henkel (The Heroine): Capable, affectionate, and wholesome. She is intelligent and plucky.
Professor Georg Wachtendorf (The Inventor): Margaret’s grandfather; a brilliant German inventor. Requires a German accent.
James Burkhardt (The Butler) / Hans Burkhardt (The Lackey): A dual role. Requires both British and German accents.
Natascha Von Metzgemörder (The Villainess): A ruthless, devious, and vain Nazi villainess. Requires a German accent.
Notes on Performance Style
Dialogue and Memorization: The script is heavy on dialogue with a "crispness and musicality" reminiscent of old-time radio. Actors will need to be very proficient at memorization to maintain the play's fast, snappy pace.
Mind-Swapping: Actors must be prepared for the challenge of switching physicalities and accents mid-scene as their characters "swap" minds.
Improv and Interaction: Throughout the show, we will be adding improv moments for audience interaction. As such, the auditions will also contain some improvisational exercises to see how you think on your feet!
What to Bring & Prepare
Headshot & Resume: Please bring a physical copy of your headshot and acting resume.
Preparation: Come prepared to read from the script and show us your best heroic poses and villainous glares. Please also come prepared to participate in some improvisational exercises.
We hope to see you there!
Lower Lights Theatre Company