CLC Performing Arts Center announces auditions for Summer productions

The Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center is thrilled to announce auditions for its summer 2025 productions: Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical and Hadestown: Teen Edition. These two productions promise to offer exciting opportunities for performers of all ages and experience levels.

Since 2023, the CLC Performing Arts Center has produced an annual summer youth musical, fostering a dynamic and enriching theatrical environment for young performers. Following highly successful productions of High School Musical JR in 2023 and Frozen JR in 2024, the summer 2025 season expands with two exciting youth opportunities: Hadestown: Teen Edition, featuring an all-teen cast, and Matilda the Musical, welcoming younger children and adults.

Parents have continually praised the CLC Performing Arts Center for its commitment to youth theatre, highlighting the personal and artistic growth their children experience. One parent shared, “Our daughter has had the opportunity to be in two of the CLC junior performances in the past two years. The CLC PAC gives her a chance to do exactly what she loves at the highest level possible in our community. She has formed lasting friendships, learned dedication and time management, and gained the confidence to perform in front of large audiences. We couldn’t be happier with both her growth and the invaluable experience this program provides.”

Location: Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center
Eligibility: Open to all community members. No prior experience is required!
Audition Prep Session: Friday, March 21 at 4:30 p.m.

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece from the Royal Shakespeare Company that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality. Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however – the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils’ saving grace!

Packed with high-energy dance numbers, catchy songs and an unforgettable star turn for a young actress, Matilda is a joyous girl power romp. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

Roles Available: Matilda Wormwood, Miss Agatha Trunchbull, Miss Honey, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood, Michael Wormwood, Bruce, Lavender, Mrs. Phelps, The Escapologist, The Acrobat, Rudolpho, Doctor, Children’s Entertainer, and Ensemble (including Matilda’s classmates, parents, and additional supporting roles).

Performance Dates: July 22-26 and July 29-August 2

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

A folk-infused theatrical experience, Hadestown: Teen Edition reimagines the ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, weaving a tale of love, hope, and resilience against the backdrop of an industrial underworld. After its origins as a DIY community theatre project in 2006 and a studio album in 2010, Hadestown electrified audiences with its 2016 world premiere at New York Theatre Workshop, becoming the longest-running show in that celebrated theatre’s 40-year history. The production then received its Canadian premiere at Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre in 2017 and then a 2018 sold-out engagement at London’s National Theatre. Hadestown opened on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theatre on April 17, 2019, and made its West End debut in February 2024 at the Lyric Theatre, London Adapted specifically for teen performers, Hadestown: Teen Edition maintains the soul-stirring music and storytelling of Anaïs Mitchell’s masterpiece while making adjustments for young voices and family audiences.

Roles Available: Orpheus, Eurydice, Hades, Persephone, Hermes, The Fates (3), and the Worker Chorus (ensemble).

Performance Dates: June 24-26, June 29, and July 1-3

NOTE: Due to licensing requirements, all actors in Hadestown: Teen Edition are required to be 19 years old or younger.

Hadestown: Teen Edition is presented by a special arrangement with Concord Theatricals.

Rehearsals will begin in May 2025, with an expected schedule of four to five evenings per week:

Participants should come prepared to sing a short selection from a musical theatre song that showcases their vocal range and storytelling ability. Comfortable clothing for movement is recommended, as auditions may include light choreography. Those interested in additional preparation are encouraged to attend the audition prep session on March 21 at 4:30 p.m.

The CLC Performing Arts Center presents around six community theatre productions annually as part of the Brainerd Community Theatre program. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the first time, all are welcome and encouraged to audition.

“Theatre is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with others,” said Joey Yow, Director of the CLC Performing Arts Center. “It’s amazing to see a group of people come together during rehearsals and grow as a team. Watching each actor’s confidence build as opening night gets closer is one of the best parts—especially for kids, who get an experience like no other.”

This summer’s productions promise an unforgettable blend of music, storytelling, and community spirit.

For more information, email clcperformingarts@clcmn.edu.