Community Theatre of Howell Proudly Announces 40th Anniversary 2025-2026 Season

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The Community Theatre of Howell is thrilled to unveil our 40th Anniversary Season — a celebration of storytelling, community, and four decades of unforgettable theatre! From beloved classics to exciting new events, this season is packed with something for everyone. Join us as we honor our past and step boldly into the next act of CTH’s journey!

🎟️ Mainstage Productions:

🎤 Special Series & Events:

🎭 CTH Summer Camp Shows:

This season is more than just a lineup — it’s a tribute to 40 years of community, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re performing on stage, working behind the scenes, or cheering from the audience, we invite you to be part of this landmark year.

Stay tuned for audition details, ticket announcements, and opportunities to celebrate all season long!

Here’s to 40 years of CTH — and to the many acts yet to come!

Summer Adventure Series Cast List

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Summer Series

A sincere Thank You to everyone who auditioned for the upcoming CTH Summer Adventure Series.  The level of talent displayed truly made casting choices EXCEPTIONALLY difficult.

We are happy to announce the cast for the 1st show in our series.

Congratulations
Around the World in 80 Days Cast!!


Carrie Henderson
Emily Parsons
Gloria Towns
Jennifer Frank
Jacob Britt
Samone Dewey
Sasha Gilders
Tim Meixner

We look forward to seeing you Thursday, May 15th @ 6:30pm at CTH for round-up! We will be covering introductions, paperwork/policies, as well as an initial read-thru of the script.

Adult Improvisation Workshop

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CTH Improv. Adult Improv Workshop. Saturday June 14, 9-1 pm. Details and sign up at www.cththeatre.org

Saturday, June 14, 2025

9 AM - 1 PM

Ages 18+

Cost: $5

Sign Up

Unleash your creativity and boost your confidence in this fun and supportive improv workshop! Designed for adults of all experience levels, this class uses games and scene work to explore the fundamentals of improvisation. You’ll learn the core rules of improv, how to build scenes collaboratively, and how to think on your feet—all while laughing and connecting with others in a safe, encouraging environment.

What to bring:

  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes—expect lots of movement!

  • Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Join us for a playful, high-energy experience where the only rule is to say "Yes, and..."

Youth Improvisation Workshop

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Improv! CTH Youth Improv Workshop. June 7, 9 am - noon. $5, ages 14-17. Limited space! Details and sign up at www.cththeatre.org

Saturday, June 7, 2025

9 AM - 12 PM

Ages 14-17

Cost: $5

Sign Up

Join us for a fun and engaging morning as we dive into the exciting world of improvisation! In this workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of improv and discover how to apply those skills to enhance your acting. Whether you’re new to the stage or looking to sharpen your performance tools, this session is a great way to build confidence, creativity, and quick thinking. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring water, as we will spend our time moving around the stage. 

Space is limited — sign up online today to reserve your spot!

Summer Adventure Series Audition Information

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AUDITION FORM
audition Sign-Up

Community Theatre of Howell is excited to announce auditions for the CTH Summer Adventure Series, featuring three classic works of high adventure: Around the World in 80 Days, Casablanca, and Treasure Island.

AUDITION INFORMATION:

Tanger Outlet Mall, Unit G170, 1475 N. Burkhart Rd, Howell, MI

Monday, May 12, 2025 – 6:00-7:30 PM

We are seeking 6-10 Voice Actors, as well as 1-2 people to support audio effects. Ages 13 and up are welcome to audition. Those auditioning will be asked to read various roles from material provided during the audition, and should be prepared to demonstrate any voices or accents they think appropriate for those roles. Scripts will not be provided prior to audition.

Auditions are for membership in The CTH Adventure Suspense Series Troupe, which will support the entire series. The casting needs of each show, and the scheduling conflicts of troupe members, will determine each show’s cast.

Sign up for a time slot using the link above. Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes prior to your audition time to check in. Please bring your completed audition form, a small photo, your up-to-date calendar and a list of any scheduling conflicts between May 15, 2025 and August 17, 2025. Those who wish to audition but are unavailable on May 12 may contact the producer to determine if other audition arrangements can be made.

The series offers a flexible low-commitment opportunity recreate classic works of literature. Rehearsals are usually twice a week at most and troupe members are not required to participate in all shows.  Scheduling of rehearsal dates will take troupe member schedules into consideration.

A mandatory Dress Rehearsal will be scheduled on the Saturday prior to each performance.

Performances are structured as dramatic readings with script in hand; however, memorization is strongly encouraged since timing is critical to performance pacing. Speaking fluently without breaking the flow is vital to making the magic happen.

While CTH membership is not required to audition, troop members will be required to become a member. There are no additional fees.

PERFORMANCES:

The CTH Summer Adventure Series is comprised of live stage recreations of three (3) classic works.  This year’s series includes Around the World in 80 Days, Casablanca and Treasure Island.

Performances are scheduled on June 8, 2025, July 20, 2025 and August 17, 2025 at the Community Theatre of Howell at 2:00PM and run about an hour in length.

All CTH Summer Adventure Series performances are FREE!

Directed by John B. Slemp

Produced by Chris Clinton-Cali

We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

WCTH Cast List

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Thanks to all the great talent that auditioned on Tuesday. You were all amazing and made our jobs very difficult. We are excited to announce this amazing cast. For those not cast, please come back and audition again! You were wonderful. Our first rehearsal will be Thursday, March 20, starting at 6:30 pm. There will be forms to fill out and we’ll have a read through of the episodes. Please let our producer, Lynda Bednarczyk, know if you cannot be at the first rehearsal (email: gregbednarczyk@comcast.net).

Thin Man Cast:

Announcer – Mitchell Ling

Nick – Kit Blackford

Nora – Louise Schroeder

Plunger – Joe Morris

Joanie/Parker – Claire Morris

Florotin – Erik Abend

Olga/Laura – Gloria Towns

Foley – Amy Andrews & Melody Madden

Life of Riley Cast:

Announcer – Louise Schroeder

Riley – Kit Blackford

Peg – Gloria Towns

Junior – Erik Abend

Babs/Mother – Claire Morris

Gillis – Joe Morris

Digger – Mitchell Ling

Foley – Amy Andrews & Melody Madden

FREE Speedy Backstage Workshop

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Saturday, April 5, 2025

9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Sign up

Open to ages 16 & up

Curious about what happens behind the scenes of a production? Want to get involved but not sure where to start? Join us for Community Theatre of Howell’s FREE Speedy Backstage Workshop!

This fast-paced, hands-on workshop will introduce you to the many essential backstage roles that bring a show to life. In just 15 minutes per station, you'll get a quick but informative overview of areas such as:
🎭 Costumes
🛋️ Props
🛠️ Set Build & Set Dress
🎧 Tech
📋 Producer & Stage Management

It’s the perfect opportunity to explore different aspects of backstage work, meet fellow theatre enthusiasts, and find your niche! Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or brand new to theatre, this workshop is for you.

📅 Sign up for the workshop and get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make the magic happen!

Celebrating 40 Years of CTH with Anniversary Season 2025-2026

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In 2025 and 2026, the Community Theatre of Howell will proudly celebrate 40 years of bringing high-quality theatrical entertainment to Livingston County with a special anniversary season. This milestone will feature beloved productions from our history, along with a spectacular Gala Celebration in the spring, honoring unforgettable moments from the CTH stage. Below are the planned productions, along with the years they were previously performed by CTH (performing rights pending):

The Wizard of Oz (1990, 1996, 2007) - Fall Family Musical
A Christmas Carol (2015, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) - December Play
Seussical Jr. (2010) - School Show
Our Town (1996) - Winter Play

The celebration continues into the fall of 2026 with Anne of Green Gables, last performed by CTH in 1999.

Alongside these treasured classics, the 2025-2026 season will also feature recent audience favorites, including The CTH Summer Series, WCTH Radio Hour, and Improv Comedy Shows.

Join us as we honor four decades of theatrical excellence and community spirit!

Auditions and show dates will be announced once performing rights are secured.

"Next to Normal" Cast List

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The casting committee for Next to Normal would like to thank everyone for taking the time to participate in our auditions. The overabundance of talent made our casting decisions very difficult, especially with so many fantastic auditions gracing the stage. To those who were not cast, we so appreciate that you shared your talents with us!

If you were not cast in this production, but want to help behind the scenes, contact Linda Peasley/Jessica Schindewolf at lpeasley122@gmail.com or jschindy@gmail.com.

For those cast, we will see you at Round Up next Monday, February 17, 6:30 pm at our Tanger Space (G170 – near Famous Footwear).  We will review paperwork and fees and will be doing a read/sing through that night as well. All rehearsals will be at Tanger until mid-March.

Congratulations Next to Normal Cast!!

Diana: Amanda Cubr

Dan: John Wilson

Natalie: Kat Young

Gabe: Michael Greco

Henry: Joseph Straub

Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden: Mark Mazzullo

"Next to Normal" Audition Information

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Audition flyer
AUDITION FORM
audition Sign-Up
AUDITION MATERIAL

Community Theatre of Howell is excited to announce auditions for Next to Normal! Next to Normal, the Pulitzer Prize-winning pop-rock musical by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt, tells the compelling story of the Goodman family as they navigate trauma, grief, and mental health challenges. Featuring powerful music and emotional depth, this production delves into themes of resilience, love, and the complexities of mental health.

AUDITION INFORMATION:

Howell High School Freshman Campus - Green Room/Auditorium

Monday, February 10, 2025 – Doors open at 6:00 PM.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 – Doors open at 6:00 PM.

Auditions will be held at Community Theatre of Howell, inside the Howell High School Freshman Campus Green Room and Auditorium (1400 W. Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843). Auditions are open to ages 16 and up, though actors must appear 18 or older for casting. Performers under 16 may audition with parental permission.

Sign up for a time slot using the link above. Arrive 15–20 minutes before your audition time to check in. If these dates don’t work for you, please contact Co-Producer Jessica Schindewolf at 734-507-9538 to arrange an alternative time. Prepare all vocal selections for your desired role and be ready to read for the character.

Rehearsals begin Monday, February 17, 2025 at the CTH Space in the Tanger Outlet Mall. Rehearsals will be 3-5 nights per week. No conflicts will be permitted from April 24 through May 18, 2025, without director approval.

PERFORMANCES:

May 8–10 and May 16–18, 2025

Directed by Casey Irey

Co-Produced by Linda Peasley and Jessica Schindewolf

For additional questions, contact Co-Producer Jessica Schindewolf at 734-507-9538. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this emotionally powerful production!

We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

WCTH Radio Hour Cast List

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WCTH Radio Hour

Thanks to all the great talent that auditioned on Monday! You were all amazing and made our jobs very difficult. For those not cast, please come back and audition again!

The Great Gildersleeve Cast:

Announcer / Narrator – Angela Theil

Adeline / Bessie – Louise Schroeder

Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve – Kit Blackford

Dane / Judge – Mitchell Ling

Queen / Marjorie – Katheryne Friske

Mayor / Floyd – Jacob Theil

Peavy / Leroy – Brandon Troop

Birdie / Secretary – Carrie Henderson

Foley – Vicki Ellis and Dawn Dunnigan

Let George Do It Cast:

Announcer/ Hatcheck Girl – Louise Schroeder

George – Kit Blackford

Brooks – Angela Theil

Vivian – Katheryne Friske

Pop / Lt Riley / Cop – Jacob Theil

Station Master / COOLEY – Mitchell Ling

Artie / Doc / Geary – Brandon Troop

Chicky – Carrie Henderson

Foley – Vicki Ellis and Dawn Dunnigan


‘Into the Woods, Jr.’ Cast List

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The casting committee would like to thank everyone for taking the time to participate in the auditions for Into the Woods Jr.  We were overwhelmed with the talent of the auditionees, and the decisions were VERY tough.

To those who were not cast, we so appreciate that you shared your talents with us.  If this is what you love…please keep learning, growing, and auditioning!  If you were not cast in this production, but want to help behind the scenes, contact Theresia Rogers at tj@michmail.com

The talent displayed during auditions made the casting committee’s job very difficult.  After much thought and discussion, we know that we have put together an amazing cast!!!

Congratulations to the cast of Into the Woods, Jr.

We will see you Monday, December 9th at 6:30 pm, at our actor round-up!  

Location:  Howell Freshman Campus (Cafeteria) Please enter through the doors at the back of the building by the cafeteria. There is plenty of parking!

We will be doing admin paperwork, headshots for the program and script read-thru.

Narrator 1​​​​: Mira Vantaram

Narrator 2​​​​​​: Logan White

Baker: Ben Smith

Baker’s Wife: Maeve Carpenter

Cinderella: Raya Curtis

Jack: Avery Huffman

Jack’s Mother: Emily Peters

Witch: Michael Cunliffe

Little Red: ​Lucy Gee

Cinderella’s Prince: Grayson Wilcox

Rupunzel’s Prince: Matthew Hutchison

Wolf: Zach Hemmeke 

Cinderella’s Stepmother: Mya Usborne

Florinda: Fionna Viviano

Lucinda: Ruthie Borashko

Cinderella’s Mother / Ensemble: Lauren Archey

Cinderella’s Father / Ensemble: Andrew Kafkakis

Rapunzel: ​Aurorah French

Mysterious Man / Ensemble: Avery McDonald

Granny: Madelyn Buckley

Steward / Ensemble: Axel Starkey

Milky White: Charlotte Payne

 Birds / Ensemble​​​:
Lucy Braham
​​​​​​​Ellie Rider
​​​​​​​Layla Usborne

Ensemble​​​​​​:
Claire Babcock
​​​​​​​Serenity Blue
​​​​​​​Lillian Dippold
​​​​​​​Elisabeth Koenders
​​​​​​​Elliott Limbers
​​​​​​​Cassidy Pennington
​​​​​​​Asher Smith
​​​​​​​Oliver Smith
​​​​​​​Aaron Tolentino
​​​​​​​Gavin Tolentino​​​

Panera Fundraiser

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Help support Community Theatre of Howell by ordering from the Howell Panera Bread (3950 E. Grand River Avenue) in person or online on Saturday, December 14, from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. 30% of sales will help benefit Community Theatre of Howell. Use promo code FUND4U at online checkout or show the flyer below when ordering in person.

* Orders made via phone call will not count toward the fundraiser. *

"The 39 Steps" Cast List

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We would like to thank everyone who auditioned for The 39 Steps.

The talent displayed during auditions truly made casting choices VERY difficult.

To those who were not cast, we truly appreciate that you shared your talents with us and look forward to seeing each of you at future auditions.

Congratulations The 39 Steps Cast!!

Cristian LaBar

Christian Thomas

Jennifer Taylor

Ross Freeland

"Into the Woods Jr." Audition Information

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Audition flyer
AUDITION FORM
audition Sign-Up

Audition materials are linked on the second page of the audition flyer.

Community Theatre of Howell is excited to announce auditions for Into the Woods Jr., a musical journey featuring Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), the Witch, and more. This enchanting adaptation brings the Brothers Grimm tales to life, centering on a baker and his wife as they navigate a magical forest in hopes of reversing a witch’s curse.

AUDITION INFORMATION:

Dance/Vocal Workshop (Highly Recommended):
Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 6:30-8:00 PM
Howell High School Freshman Campus - Cafeteria

Audition Dates:
Howell High School Freshman Campus - Green Room/Auditorium

Friday, December 6 – Doors open at 5:30 PM. Auditions begin at 6:00 PM.

Saturday, December 7 – Doors open at 8:30 AM. Auditions begin at 9:00 AM. Callbacks at 1:00 PM, if needed.

Auditions will be held at Community Theatre of Howell, inside the Howell High School Freshman Campus Choir Room (1400 W. Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843). Sign up for a time slot using the link above. As this is a junior production, auditionees must be between the ages of 6 and 18.

Rehearsals begin Monday, December 9, 2024. No conflicts will be permitted from February 24 through March 16, 2025, without director approval.

PERFORMANCES:

School performances are March 10, 11, and 13, 2025, followed by public performances on March 14, 15, and 16, 2025.

Directed by Tori Schiller and Alyssa Friday

Produced by Theresia Rogers

For questions, contact Producer Theresia Rogers at 810-923-3779 or tj@michmail.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an unforgettable fairy-tale adventure!

We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

2025-26 Season Director Search

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Application form (Docx)
APPLICATION FORM (PDF)

CTH is currently soliciting directors for the 2025-26 Season. This includes Radio Show and Black Box applications. We will review them all at once to see how they might fit together in our season. Below is a synopsis of what a full season would look like for us. See instructions at the end for submitting an application.

Mainstage Productions

These comprise most of our offerings and are selected to be compatible with our primary venue, a 400-seat auditorium with good technical features but limited wing space. Typically, this portion of our season is comprised of a Musical performed in November with 12-14 weeks allowed for rehearsal time, a play in February with about 10-12 weeks for rehearsal, our School Show which is a youth production of about one hour in length performed in March for local schools which must meet some curriculum criteria to garner district support, and a spring musical. We also offer the opportunity of, at least, one additional production which may be either a play or musical based on director interest and facility availability. All proposals will need to demonstrate, at least, a break even budget. 

Also, please note that folks that have not directed yet for CTH, need to AD or Stage Manage a Mainstage production or direct a Black Box for us, before they can direct a Mainstage show.

Black Box Series

These are productions intended to be offered when our main facility is typically dark and may be performed either in our Green Room, an offsite location, or possibly on our main stage with a modified seating arrangement. These are presented with minimal set, costuming and budget, an expected audience size of 25-60 and modest admission cost. This series is intended to allow the opportunity to present works of high artistic or entertainment value, but which might have limited audience appeal.  

WCTH Radio Series

Additional offerings of classic radio shows are presented about two weeks prior to our Mainstage productions at no charge.

Since this year we will celebrate our 40th Anniversary Season, we would like to encourage consideration of classic titles, perhaps from CTH history. Some examples might be: The Lion in Winter (1st CTH production 1985-86), Cinderella, Wizard of Oz, Oliver!, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, HONK!, Anne of Green Gables, Oklahoma!, White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, Kiss Me Kate, Our Town, The Miracle Worker, Arsenic and Old Lace, The Odd Couple, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Attached above is an application form that needs to be thoroughly completed and returned with your theatrical resume. Our internal deadline is December 15, 2024. The Directors Search will review applications and hold interviews in between late January and early March. A recommendation will be made to the Board of Directors at the April 2025 Board of Directors Meeting.

Thank you,

Gil Bazil

Chair, CTH Director Search

"A Christmas Carol" Cast List

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A Christmas Carol

We would like to thank everyone who auditioned for A Christmas Carol. The talent displayed during auditions truly made casting choices VERY difficult.

To those who were not cast, we appreciate that you shared your talents with us and look forward to seeing each of you at future auditions. 

Congratulations A Christmas Carol Cast!!

Gil Bazil

Gloria Towns

Hannah Russell

Jackson Manning

Marc Harlow

Maeve Carpenter

Sasha Gilders

Shannon Broadwell

"The 39 Steps" Audition Information

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Audition form
AUDITION FLYER
audition Sign-Up

Community Theatre of Howell is excited to announce auditions for The 39 Steps, a thrilling and hilarious play combining the intrigue of a Hitchcock masterpiece with the comedy of Monty Python!

AUDITION INFORMATION:

Monday, November 11 – Doors open at 6:15 PM

Tuesday, November 12 – Doors open at 6:15 PM

Auditions will be held at Community Theatre of Howell, inside the Howell High School Freshman Campus Choir Room (1400 W. Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843). Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled audition time.

Sign up for a time slot using the link above. Be prepared to read from the play and possibly act out a scene with others auditioning. If the dates don't work for you, contact us by November 4 to arrange an alternative time.

Roles Available: We are seeking talented performers of all ethnicities, ages 18 and up. Roles include:

  • Richard Hannay: Male, 20s-50s. Suave, intelligent, and resourceful. Upper-class British accent a plus.

  • Annabella Schmidt/Margaret/Pamela: Female, 18-50s. Actor plays three distinct characters, each with different accents.

  • Clown 1 & Clown 2: Any gender, 18-50s. Must be versatile actors capable of playing over 150 roles with good comedic timing.

Rehearsals begin November 18, 2024, running Monday-Thursday from 6:30-9:30 PM, with some select Fridays as needed. Please submit all conflicts from November 14, 2024, through February 16, 2025, on the audition form.

PERFORMANCES:

Performances are February 7-9 & 14-16. 

Join us for a fun, fast-paced whodunit that promises a great challenge for any actor!

Directed by John B. Slemp

Produced by Cheryl Schott

For additional information, contact producer Cheryl Schott at 248-515-7901.

We look forward to seeing you at auditions!

"A Christmas Carol" Choir Audition Information

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Audition form
“Deck the Halls”
“I Saw Three Ships”
“Silent Night”

We would like to extend the offer to audition to join the A Christmas Carol choir. The performances will be at the Community Theatre of Howell on December 14 and 15 at 2:00 PM. 

The choir is an integral part of the show and uses a variety of holiday classics throughout the performance to help tell this wonderful story. 

Choir members will also have the opportunity to carol during the Howell Fantasy of Lights celebration in downtown Howell on 11/29.

AUDITION INFORMATION:

If you are interested in joining us, and we hope that you are, the process is simple:

1. Fill out the audition form, providing schedule conflict dates through 12/15.

2. Record yourself singing "a cappella" (voice only) two (2) songs from the show, from the three options linked above.

3. Email the form and recordings to CTH.Show.Production@gmail.com by November 21.

4. That’s it! We with follow-up with you regarding the choir.

Rehearsal dates will be set based the conflicts of choir members and show performances are on December 14 and 15.

John B Slemp – Director

Jenny Frank – Music Director

For additional information, email CTH.Show.Production@gmail.com.

We look forward to hearing from you by 11/19!