OTA schedules auditions for first shows of 2026
Published 2:30 am Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Ever had a secret desire to try your hand at acting or do behind-the-scenes work for stage productions by helping with sets, costumes, sound or lighting? Perhaps taking action on that secret wish could be your New Year’s resolution for 2026.
Olympic Theatre Arts is seeking production help for its 2026 shows and has scheduled auditions for its first two productions of the new year.
Auditions will take place at 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 8-9, for Panto’s “It’s Not About the Hood” and for “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf.” Callbacks will be on Dec. 10, starting at 6 p.m.
Feb. 6-22, the Panto returns to OTA for its second season. Panto is a blend of musical comedy and spoken drama, most based on a classic children’s story, with audience interaction. In “It’s Not About the Hood,” Bernie Riding Hood searches for the confidence to take on her family’s tradition of being the protector of the realm. The cast includes characters of all ages, including an elderly Hansel and Gretel, three generations of Riding Hoods, the wolf, and a gang of squirrels.
“It’s Not About the Hood” was written and directed by Shannon Cosgrove with musical direction by Morgan Bartholick.
In addition to reading from the script, those auditioning will be asked to sing a short section of a song (about 30 seconds). Only a few characters sing solo, but most of those in the production will sing together in the finale.
Edward Albee’s powerhouse drama “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” involves a middle-aged couple who invite a younger couple over for late-night drinks. Things go south quickly. Beneath the edgy banter lurks an undercurrent of tragedy and despair.
The characters are:
Martha (age 40s-60s): George’s wife. A boisterous woman whose volatile nature hides her vulnerabilities.
George (age 40s-60s): Martha’s husband. Bitter and sarcastic. Tired of the “games,” but can give as much as he gets.
Nick (age 20s-30s): Honey’s husband. His clean-cut, upstanding exterior gives way during the night to indulgence.
Honey (age 20s): Nick’s wife. Petite and mousy. Not quite as naive as she initially appears.
The show will be directed by Kyle LeMaire, executive director of Arts Northwest, a regional service organization connecting artists, agents and presenters across the Pacific Northwest.
Those interested in being part of the behind-the-scenes crew can email volunteers@olympictheatrearts.org.
Season ticket packages are offered for four shows up to 10 shows. For a limited time, season ticket packages for 2026 are being offered with a 15 percent discount. Tickets can be purchased at olympictheatrearts.org.
