JOIN US!

Colonial Chorus Players is always looking for volunteers and new members! We are a community theatre, and the bigger our community of players, the better our shows become!

If you have an interest in singing, acting, dancing, set design, playing an instrument, building sets, painting sets, drama direction, producing, music direction, choreography, theatrical lighting, publicity, tickets, refreshments, sound systems, props, costumes, makeup, stage crew, or any other facet of theater, we welcome you to join us.

The production staff is made up of volunteers who generously offer their services and talents. The sets are designed and painted by the membership, so that there is a personal touch in each production we create. We have experienced members who are willing to teach newcomers about the various aspects of theater production.

Whether you have a lot of free time, or just a few hours to come paint with us, there is always something fun and exciting to do with Colonial Chorus Players!

AUDITIONS

FIRST DATE
Music and Lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner
Book by Austin Winsberg
Director—Allison Holloway
Music Director—Andrew Wray
Producer—Jennifer Estabrooks
Stage Manager—Jen Ryan Gelzleichter
Assistant Producer—Luisiana Cruz

First Date is presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals Company.

SYNOPSIS
First Date is a modern musical comedy about a blind date between nervous finance guy Aaron and bold, artsy Casey at a bustling NYC restaurant. As the date unfolds, they bring quirks and insecurities to the table, while characters from their past—exes, family, inner voices—appear to give advice, often with comedic results. Blending humor, romance, and catchy songs, First Date explores how an open mind and a bit of courage can lead to unexpected connections.

PERFORMANCE DATES
May 02, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
May 03, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
May 04, 2025 @ 2 PM
May 09, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
May 10, 2025 @ 7:30 PM
May 11, 2025 @ 2 PM

LOCATION
Auditions, rehearsals, and performances at the Old Hose House Theater, 1249 Main Street, Reading, MA.

AUDITION DATES & CALLBACKS
Please sign up for one of the following dates on Signup Genius.
Sunday, January 12, 7–9:30 PM
Monday, January 13, 7–9:30 PM

Callbacks, if needed, will be Wednesday, January 15 @ 7 PM.

AUDITION PREPARATION
Prepare 32 measures (30–60 seconds) of a musical theatre song in the style of the show, and mark sheet music for accompanist. Following vocal auditions, you may be asked to read from the script. There will not be a dance call at auditions.
Bring completed Audition Form, Rehearsal Conflicts Calendar, sheet music, and headshot and résumé if you have them. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork, and expect to stay the entire time.

CONFLICTS
Please print the Rehearsal Conflicts Calendar, fill out any conflicts, and bring it with you to your audition. No additional conflicts except for emergencies will be accepted once rehearsals begin. Not everyone will be called for every rehearsal. Dress rehearsals and performances are mandatory for all cast members.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE (Beginning Monday, February 24, 2025)
Sundays, 2–5 PM
Mondays, 7–10 PM
Thursdays, 7–10 PM

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
All roles open to inclusive casting to all ethnicities, races, genders, identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. Note: Man #1, Woman #1, etc. require the same actor to play multiple roles.

• Aaron: A Jewish 30-something investment banker set up on a blind date for the first time; nervous, out of his element, and trying way too hard. Voice: Tenor


• Casey: A 30-something, funky New York artist; daring, bold, and delightfully controversial, all as a defense mechanism. Voice: Mezzo-Soprano


• Man #1 (Gabe, Edgy Rocker OR British Guy, Chorus): Gabe is Aaron’s best friend since childhood; a mega dude/womanizer. Edgy Rocker/British Guy are cocky bad boys from Casey’s past played interchangeably by Man #1 and Man #2. Voice: Baritone/Tenor range


• Man #2 (Reggie, Future Son, Edgy Rocker OR British Guy): Reggie is Casey's fabulously fierce gay best friend; easily sent into a tailspin of jealousy, paranoia, and drama. Future Son is Aaron and Casey’s son in a vision of the future; rapper; confused whether to follow Judaism or Catholicism. Edgy Rocker/British Guy are cocky bad boys from Casey’s past played interchangeably by Man #1 and Man #2. Voice: Tenor


• Man #3 (Waiter, Casey's Father, Friendly Therapist): Waiter works in the restaurant where the date occurs; a romantic songwriter, performer, and poet on the side. Casey’s Father is a stereotypical super-Christian; praises the Easter Bunny and denounces Judaism. Voice: Baritone/Tenor


• Woman #1 (Grandma Ida, Lauren, Aaron's Mother): Grandma Ida is Aaron’s dead grandmother; feels strongly that Aaron must marry a Jewish woman. Lauren is Casey’s happily (?) married sister; constantly tries to fix Casey. Aaron’s Mother is an absentee, regretful parent. Voice: Mezzo-Soprano


• Woman #2 (Allison, Chorus, Reggie's Mom): Allison is Aaron’s ex-fiancé; gorgeous, sexy, uptight, conservative, controlling, manipulative. Voice: Mezzo-Soprano

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
Adult cast members are required to become a member of Colonial Chorus Inc. by paying annual dues of $25 for the season that runs June 2024–May 2025.

CORI BACKGROUND CHECK
If we have anyone under age 18 in the cast or on the production team, all adults who are part of the production will complete a CORI background check.

GENERAL POLICIES
This General Policies document contains important information about Colonial Chorus Players. Please read before auditioning.

QUESTIONS?
Contact Jennifer Estabrooks at jenniferestabrooks06@gmail.com