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​​Auditions and applications are open for Raleigh Little Theatre’s Teens on Stage (TOS) and Teens Backstage (TBS) program for summer 2023. The program is open to students grades 9-12. This year, Teens on Stage and Teens Backstage will present Puffs, performed in the Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre. The production is directed by RLT’s Education Programs Specialist, Alease Timbers.

About the Program

Together, TOS and TBS form RLT’s five-week intensive on-campus summer program that provides theatrical training and mentoring to teens. The program team’s approach prioritizes the agency of the youth participants and is grounded in the belief that young people are valuable creative collaborators. This approach supports the development of youth theatre artists as it engages them in critical thinking, creative problem solving, and a community-centered environment that recognizes what each person brings to the collaboration.

RLT seeks 16 participants for the Teens on Stage program. All who are cast in the production divide their time between daily classes and rehearsals. Class content is designed to support students’ artistic skill development in areas that apply directly to the production, while helping them grow into well rounded theatre artists.

RLT seeks 6-8 participants in the Teens Backstage program. Participants will gain experience in all areas of technical theatre (set construction, costuming, lighting, sound and prop making) through rotating master classes and mentorship from the design team in creating all technical elements of the production. Teens Backstage participants then move into a focus area as technical rehearsals begin and then serve as the run crew with a specific role for all performances.

Auditions for Teens on Stage (TOS)

Teens on Stage 2022 production of “Xanadu.” Photo by Elly McClanahan.

Auditions will be held in person this year in RLT’s Gaddy -Goodwin Teaching Theatre on Saturday, March 18, from 1:30pm-5:00pm. Performers only need to attend one of the 30 minute time slots listed and must register for an audition in advance by clicking here. If you can’t make it to the in-person audition, a virtual audition can be emailed to Alease@nullRaleighLittleTheatre.org by March 18 at 5:00pm.

Please complete the TOS Audition Form and Program Conflict Calendar and bring these forms to your audition.

All auditionees should come prepared to present a contemporary one minute monologue and participate in ensemble exercises. Please wear clothing which allows for freedom of movement and bring proof of vaccination. 

Callbacks will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 7-9:00pm at Raleigh Little Theatre at 301 Pogue Street. The callback list will be emailed to all auditionees by March 20 at 5:00pm. Callbacks will consist of cold readings from the script.

Interviews for Teens Backstage (TBS)

A member of Teens Backstage creating props for “She Kills Monsters” in 2020.

Interviews for the Teens Backstage program will be held on Saturday, April 1, from 2-4:00pm. Please click here to sign up for the interview day. Interviewees should complete the Teens Backstage Interview Form and program conflict calendar. Please bring proof of vaccination with you to your interview. 

Applications are due by Monday, March 20 and are to be emailed to Alease@nullRaleighLittleTheatre.org.

Program Dates for Teens on Stage and Teens Backstage

The first day of the program is Saturday, June 24. Performances run July 20-30 with strike (deconstruction of the production elements, followed by a final group reflection) on July 30.

Teens on Stage and Teens Backstage meets Monday-Friday.

Sample daily program schedule:

• 9-9:15 AM Check In/Announcements
• 9:15-10:45 AM TOS Class #1 & TBS Build Time
• 10:45-11 AM Break
• 11 AM – 12:30 PM Class #2 & TBS Build Time
• 12:30-1 PM Lunch
• 1-4:45 PM TOS Rehearsal & TBS Classes and Build Time
• 4:45 PM End of Day Reinforcement

Tuition

The tuition cost for the program is $475. Once you have been accepted into the program, RLT will provide information about registration and scholarships. Raleigh Little Theatre has never turned away a student due to inability to pay.

Virtual Info Sessions

Want to learn more about this year’s program and get your questions answered? Join RLT’s Education Programs Specialist, Alease Timbers, for one of the following virtual info sessions. The sessions will include a program overview, Q&A, and guidance on how to prepare for your audition or interview. Parents/Guardians are also welcome to attend with their student. Use the links below to attend an info session that works for you. Attending the info session is not required in order to audition or interview for the program. 

• Saturday, March 4th, 1-2pm – Attend this Zoom meeting
• Sunday, March 5th, 7-8pm – Attend this Zoom meeting

About the Show

For seven years, a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs… who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.

The New York Times proclaims Puffs “A fast-paced romp through the ‘Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.’ For Potterphiliacs who grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world, Puffs exudes a jovial, winking fondness for all things Harry!”

This clever and inventive play “never goes more than a minute without a laugh” (Nerdist) giving you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers “who are so lovable and relatable, you’ll leave the theater wishing they were in the stories all along” (Hollywood Life). Their “hilariously heartfelt!” (Metro) and epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.

Puffs is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play.

About the Roles

Many actors will be encouraged to use British Accents.

Narrator: The narrator of the story. They guide us through our entire show of Puffy-ness. British accent. Must be a great storyteller, as they must keep the audience engaged and updated on all the goings-on. Can be a bit of a know-it-all, but still relatable and appealing. Comedy skills a must, improv background is a plus.

Wayne: The hero. Totally uncool, but full of charm and heart. Loyal to a tee. Likes comic books and video games, knows nothing about magic or this weird magic world he is now a part of. Best friends with Oliver and Megan.

Oliver: One of the main trio. Incredibly smart and cerebral, he is a math wiz, and proud of it; lovingly a nerd from New Jersey. After ending up at wizarding school, he finds out he isn’t the top of his class, and instead begins a fantastical journey of friendship and even some love, better than any algebra class could ever promise. Real comic chops, incredibly appealing, youthful. 

Megan: One of the main trio; Begins the show by only desiring to live up to her mother’s reputation: a dark wizard currently in Wiz Priz for being such a bad-ass Death Buddy in her youth. Favorite store: Hot Topic. Favorite color: black. Over time, her tough veneer begins to soften, as a budding romance with Oliver becomes apparent. Defiant and headstrong on the surface, the audience begins to see that her adamance of being completely unique and independent really stems from her desire to be loved and accepted. 

Cedric / Mr. Voldy: An appealing comic actor to play the pivotal roles of Cedric in Act I and Mr. Voldy in Act II. Cedric: A champion. Athletic, winning, popular, and charming. Everyone’s favorite, but still loyal, patient, and kind. A leading example of a Puff. Mr. Voldy: Evil. Like, reeeaaally evil. Wants to rule the world in shadows and darkness and terror. (Or, ya know, just an amazing Ralph Fiennes impression.) Needs to be able to carry a British accent.

Actor 1: Ernie Mac / Seamus / Professor Turban / Professor Locky / Sal / Real Mr. Moody

Ernie Mac: Proud. Loud. Pretty sure he’s the best.

Actor 2: A Very Tall Man / A Certain Greasy Haired Potions Teacher / Mr. Nick / Second Headmaster / Soul Sucking Guard / Death Buddy

Actor 3: Hannah / Professor Sprouty / Xavia Jones / Runes Teacher

Hannah: Shy. Very shy. 

Actor 4: First Headmaster / Professor McG / Professor Lanny / Soul Sucking Guard / Death Buddy

Actor 5: J. Finch Fletchley / Goyle / Clumsy Longbottom / Viktor / Zach Smith

Actor 6: Uncle Dave / A Fat Friar / Ghost History Teacher / Hermeoone #3 / Mr. Bagman / Death Buddy / Scorpy

Actor 7: Leanne / Anthony Goldstein / Ginny / Helga / Frenchy Delacour / Soul Sucking Guard 

Leanne: A little distant. A little random. Is possibly a genius or really, really stupid. But has a really strong heart. The Puffiest of the Puffs.

Actor 8: Sally / Hermeoone / Rowena / Bippy

Sally: Nice. In year 3, goes through a bit of a growth spurt that attracts the other student’s attention, if you know what I mean. Bippy: A house elf. Devoted. Loyal. Kind of annoying. Needs to be able to do a British accent.

Actor 9: Blondo Malfoy / Rita Scooter / Soul Sucking Security Guard / Death Buddy / Myrtle / Ms. Babble / Dragon

Actor 10: Susie Bones / Colin / Ric Griff

Susie: Sad. Gloomy. Think Eeyore from “Winnie the Pooh.” Constantly in fear of her or her family dying.

Actor 11: Harry / Hermeoone #2 / Soul Sucking Guard / Death Buddy

Harry: Young, plucky, and famous. Struts around school like he owns it. Gets into a few wacky situations, but it’s nothing the bonds of friendship can’t overcome. Needs to be able to carry a British accent.