Get ready to audition for one of our all-time favorite shows, “The Wizard of Oz,” at the Signal Mountain Playhouse this summer. Riding high on the “Wicked” buzz, “Wizard,” written in 1900 by L. Frank Baum, is the classic that started it all! “Wicked” is a latecomer, having been written in 1995 by Gregory McGuire.
We all know the iconic “Wizard” characters: Dorothy; Toto; the Wicked Witch of the West; Glinda, the Good Witch of the North; the Tin Man; the Scarecrow; the Cowardly Lion; Auntie Em; the Wizard of Oz. And then there are the Munchkins, Ozians, Scarecrows, Flying Monkeys, and more. There’s a great place for you in this fabulous theatrical celebration!
The Playhouse is thrilled with the professional team that is assembled to bring “Wizard” to life. By being a part of this show, you’ll get to learn from these fine directors, adding to your experience, your bio, your confidence, and your fun. These pros will guide you to a summer you’ll never forget!
As director, Richard Nichols debuts as the summer show top name on the bill. Having directed for our winter show a few years back and appearing in major roles (Horton in “Seussical the Musical,” the Candyman in “Willy Wonka,” and Lord Farquar in “Shrek the Musical”), Richard in no stranger to the Playhouse. In addition, he has directed for the Colonnade, assistant directed for Chattanooga State and has worked in film and production with the Atlanta Workshop Players. He’s a graduate of Columbia College Chicago and Chattanooga State’s Theatre program.
As musical director and accompanist, Reed Allison is back by popular demand at the Playhouse keyboard. Accompanying also at The Chattanooga Theatre Centre, Oak Street Playhouse, Closed Door Entertainment, The Colonnade, and the Spartanburg Little Theater, Reed is on the faculty of Chattanooga State and directed the music for “Legally Blonde” there.
As choreographer, Amanda West happily returns to the Playhouse where she performed in “Wizard” with the troupe 12 years ago along with several other shows including “Peter Pan,” “Shrek,” and “Dearly Departed.” Eager to be swept away to Oz again, Amanda teaches ballet, jazz, and tap at the Massari-Wood Dance Center and dances with its company, Civic Ballet of Chattanooga.
As orchestra conductor, Nicholas Hartline celebrates his eighth year of wielding the wand on the Playhouse podium. Nick is associate professor of music at Chattanooga State, where he directs the Symphonic Band, Chamber Music Ensembles, and teaches clarinet and saxophone. His degrees are in music and clarinet performance. He performs regularly with the CSO, the Huntsville Symphony, and has performed with the Knoxville Opera. He is co-founder of 4Reds, Triptych Winds, No One Two Reed Trip. Fourth Wall, and Chattywampus.
Auditions will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. for kids 9 years old through teens up to 17, and at 1 p.m. for all others, age 18 through adults. Also, there will be auditions on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 7 p.m. for all ages, 9 through adults. Parents must accompany kids at auditions. The location is the Playhouse amphitheater on the corner of Rolling Way and James Boulevard. It’s not necessary to have a song prepared because the songs and dance combinations will be taught at auditions. For safety’s sake, be sure to wear closed toe shoes because set construction will be underway.
In case of inclement weather, drive by the Playhouse on Rolling Way where a sign will direct you to an inside location for auditions.
Everyone auditioning should know that there is a cut-off date of June 29 for actors missing a rehearsal. Every cast member must be at every rehearsal after this cutoff date.
The production runs three weekends in July due to Independence Day’s being on the first weekend in the month. Opening weekend will be Friday and Saturday evenings, and the second two will include Thursday evenings as well as Fridays and Saturdays. Dates are July 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26.
For more information, go to smph.org, the Playhouse pages on either Facebook or Instagram, email [email protected], or call (423) 763-7216.
by Anne Rittenberry
We all know the iconic “Wizard” characters: Dorothy; Toto; the Wicked Witch of the West; Glinda, the Good Witch of the North; the Tin Man; the Scarecrow; the Cowardly Lion; Auntie Em; the Wizard of Oz. And then there are the Munchkins, Ozians, Scarecrows, Flying Monkeys, and more. There’s a great place for you in this fabulous theatrical celebration!
The Playhouse is thrilled with the professional team that is assembled to bring “Wizard” to life. By being a part of this show, you’ll get to learn from these fine directors, adding to your experience, your bio, your confidence, and your fun. These pros will guide you to a summer you’ll never forget!
As director, Richard Nichols debuts as the summer show top name on the bill. Having directed for our winter show a few years back and appearing in major roles (Horton in “Seussical the Musical,” the Candyman in “Willy Wonka,” and Lord Farquar in “Shrek the Musical”), Richard in no stranger to the Playhouse. In addition, he has directed for the Colonnade, assistant directed for Chattanooga State and has worked in film and production with the Atlanta Workshop Players. He’s a graduate of Columbia College Chicago and Chattanooga State’s Theatre program.
As musical director and accompanist, Reed Allison is back by popular demand at the Playhouse keyboard. Accompanying also at The Chattanooga Theatre Centre, Oak Street Playhouse, Closed Door Entertainment, The Colonnade, and the Spartanburg Little Theater, Reed is on the faculty of Chattanooga State and directed the music for “Legally Blonde” there.
As choreographer, Amanda West happily returns to the Playhouse where she performed in “Wizard” with the troupe 12 years ago along with several other shows including “Peter Pan,” “Shrek,” and “Dearly Departed.” Eager to be swept away to Oz again, Amanda teaches ballet, jazz, and tap at the Massari-Wood Dance Center and dances with its company, Civic Ballet of Chattanooga.
As orchestra conductor, Nicholas Hartline celebrates his eighth year of wielding the wand on the Playhouse podium. Nick is associate professor of music at Chattanooga State, where he directs the Symphonic Band, Chamber Music Ensembles, and teaches clarinet and saxophone. His degrees are in music and clarinet performance. He performs regularly with the CSO, the Huntsville Symphony, and has performed with the Knoxville Opera. He is co-founder of 4Reds, Triptych Winds, No One Two Reed Trip. Fourth Wall, and Chattywampus.
Auditions will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. for kids 9 years old through teens up to 17, and at 1 p.m. for all others, age 18 through adults. Also, there will be auditions on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 7 p.m. for all ages, 9 through adults. Parents must accompany kids at auditions. The location is the Playhouse amphitheater on the corner of Rolling Way and James Boulevard. It’s not necessary to have a song prepared because the songs and dance combinations will be taught at auditions. For safety’s sake, be sure to wear closed toe shoes because set construction will be underway.
In case of inclement weather, drive by the Playhouse on Rolling Way where a sign will direct you to an inside location for auditions.
Everyone auditioning should know that there is a cut-off date of June 29 for actors missing a rehearsal. Every cast member must be at every rehearsal after this cutoff date.
The production runs three weekends in July due to Independence Day’s being on the first weekend in the month. Opening weekend will be Friday and Saturday evenings, and the second two will include Thursday evenings as well as Fridays and Saturdays. Dates are July 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26.
For more information, go to smph.org, the Playhouse pages on either Facebook or Instagram, email [email protected], or call (423) 763-7216.
by Anne Rittenberry
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