Ohio Light Opera 2027 Festival Season
Youth Auditions
The Ohio Light Opera is thrilled to announce local youth auditions for our 2027 Festival Season productions of Oklahoma! and The Secret Garden. We are seeking young performers aged 8-18 with a passion for singing and acting to bring these timeless classics to life.
Oklahoma!
Set in the Oklahoma Territory at the turn of the 20th century, Oklahoma! follows the spirited romance between cowboy Curly McLain and strong-willed farm girl Laurey Williams. As the community prepares for a lively social gathering, rivalries, misunderstandings, and questions about belonging complicate their courtship. Featuring memorable songs, energetic dances, humor, and heartfelt drama, this classic musical celebrates friendship, resilience, and a community coming together to build a hopeful future
The Secret Garden
Set in Edwardian England, The Secret Garden follows young Mary Lennox, who is sent to live with her grieving uncle after losing her parents. In the mysterious halls and neglected gardens of Misselthwaite Manor, Mary discovers family secrets, unexpected friendships, and a hidden garden waiting to bloom again. With a sweeping score and memorable roles for young performers, this moving musical explores grief, healing, hope, and the transformative power of friendship and imagination.
Auditions
Sunday, November 8th – 1pm – 5pm by appointment
The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH
Roles
Oklahoma! – We are looking for youth to join in the ensemble of this production
The Secret Garden –
Mary Lennox is a curious, strong-willed young girl who begins the story lonely, guarded, and accustomed to getting her own way. After arriving at Misselthwaite Manor, her determination and growing compassion help her uncover its secrets and bring healing to those around her. This demanding leading role requires a confident young actor with strong singing and storytelling abilities, emotional maturity, clear diction, and the ability to portray Mary’s transformation from an isolated child into a courageous and caring friend. (will be cast EITHER from youth or adult audition pools)
Colin Craven is Mary’s young cousin, who has spent much of his life isolated and convinced that he is seriously ill. Intelligent, sensitive, and sometimes demanding, Colin hides deep fear and loneliness beneath his difficult behavior. Through his friendship with Mary and Dickon, he begins to discover courage, joy, and confidence. This featured role requires a strong young singer and actor who can portray both Colin’s emotional vulnerability and his remarkable transformation into a hopeful, spirited child. (will be cast EITHER from youth or adult audition pools and may be cast as EITHER a male or female performer).
What to Prepare
For Oklahoma! – You will be asked to learn a selection from The Farmer and the Cowman. Music is provided on the audition website.
For The Secret Garden – Those considering EITHER role will be asked to sing a selection from Round Shouldered Man. Music is provided on the audition website. Those auditioning for both Oklahoma! and The
Secret Garden should prepare ONLY The Secret Garden excerpt.
Rehearsal Dates
Oklahoma! – May 27 – May 30 and June 8 – 11
The Secret Garden – May 25 – June 3 and June 13 – 16
Performances
Oklahoma! – June 12, 16, 18, 22, 26, July 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 22, 24, 29, August 1
The Secret Garden – June 17, 19, 23, 25, July 1, 6, 15, 17, 20, 24, 30
Youth will be able to indicate interest/availability for both productions or one or the other. There is the potential to be cast in a single production or both based on interest/availability and the needs of the company. This is a wonderful opportunity for young performers to work alongside seasoned professionals and be part of a vibrant theatrical experience!
Sign-up for an audition online SIGN UP HERE
