Additional Info

Callbacks - 

Callbacks will be held in-person and are scheduled for the Saturday, November 22, 2025, and will be by invitation only.

This page will be updated when callback invitations and casting have been sent. For any additional questions, please contact us at auditions@theruth.org.

Rehearsals & Performances - 

Rehearsals will begin on or around January 19, 2026.
The Wizard of Oz runs April 13, 2026 – May 23, 2026 with a possible extension through May 30, 2026.

Production Team -

Directed and Music Directed by Ashley Carlson
Choreography by Eric Sciotto
Music Direction by DeLayne Dayton

A Note About Casting - 

At The Ruth & Nathan Hale Theater we seek to honor the authors intent pertaining to each our productions. We care deeply about casting in a way where everyone feels respected, supported, safe and welcomed. 

We invite anyone and everyone to audition for any and all of our productions, regardless of any physical attribute, gender, race, age, ability, ethnicity, or experience. All are welcome at The Ruth.

Our company traditionally works with a double-cast system. Moving forward, we are looking to increase the number of performers who are single cast (performing in all scheduled performances). This helps us maintain consistency and streamline the rehearsal/performance process.

If you are able to commit to a single cast role, please indicate that on your audition form. 

We understand that not everyone is able to make this level of commitment. If you are only available for double-casting, we still welcome and encourage you to audition. 

Character Descriptions

(All roles are available. We are looking for a diverse cast with a variety of body types. Looking for a Dorothy at least 12 years old and up. All other roles, 18 years and up.)

Dorothy Gale

Essence: Genuine, curious, deeply empathetic. She's a dreamer but grounded in truth.
What we're looking for: Natural sincerity and emotional openness, must feel real, not performed, bright, youthful sound. Strong connection to Toto / home. "Over the Rainbow" signature song requires solid control and emotional expression.
Clear arc: From naive Kansas girl to courageous young woman. Warm chemistry with Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion.
Red flags: Too mature or overly polished; lacks emotional depth or vulnerability.
Vocal Range: Soprano G3-E5 

Hunk / Scarecrow

Essence: Playful, quick-witted, physically inventive. Heartfelt and loyal.
What we're looking for: Physical creativity, can they embody "stuffed with straw" without overdoing it? Comedic timing and improvisational spark. Strong chemistry with Dorothy, their bond should feel immediate. Ability to show heart even while claiming to have no "brain." Needs vocal flexibility and energy.
Red flags: Too broad or slapstick; doesn't show inner sensitivity.
Vocal Range: Tenor Bb2-F#4 

Hickory / Tin Man

Essence: Gentle, steady, and yearning. Romantic soul trapped in a stiff exterior.
What we're looking for: Physical specificity, mechanical yet graceful. Ability to balance humor with real longing. Warmth and vulnerability beneat the "metal." Subtle comedic timing and emotional truth in quieter moments. Needs a warm, expressive tone. Tapping experience necessary.
Red flags: Robotic with no emotion; too static or stiff to watch.
Vocal Range: Baritone/Tenor Bb2-G4 

Zeke / Cowardly Lion

Essence: Big-hearted coward with comedic bravado. Endearing and relatable.
What we're looking for: Comic confidence and dynamic energy in the entrance scene. Range: able to shift from over-the-top roar to tender self-doubt. Must be lovable even when ridiculous. Strong ensemble chemistry - especially with Dorothy. Needs comedic character voice. Needs more power and personality than extensive vocal range.
Red flags: Only plays comedy; no vulnerable layers underneath.
Vocal Range: Baritone Bb2-F4 

Miss Gulch / Wicked Witch of the West

Essence: Commanding, theatrical, darkly funny. Genuinely menacing but not cartoonish.
What we're looking for: Big vocal presence and control—voice should cut through. Ability to balance menace with wit. Dynamic physicality, presence should shift the energy in the room. Strong dramatic stakes, we must believe her obsession with Dorothy.
Red flags: Pure caricature; lacks danger or feels one-dimensional.
Vocal Range: Non-singing part 

Aunt Em / Glinda

Essence: Loving aunt. Light, poised, otherworldly Glinda. Radiates calm wisdom and warmth.
What we're looking for: Effortless elegance and clarity in speech. Maternal or mentor-like energy. Subtle humor and grace under pressure. Magical presence—should feel like she belongs in another realm. Re: Aunt Em, Natural Midwestern tone and presence, believable familial connection.
Red flags: Too saccharine or insincere; no sense of authority beneath the sparkle.
Vocal Range: Soprano G3-C5 

Uncle Henry / Guard

Essence: Grounded, practical, loving but understated.
What we're looking for: Warm, believable familial connection to Dorothy. Emotional depth in subtle moments (especially the opening and reunion). Natural Midwestern tone and presence.
Red flags: Too cartoonish or emotionally distant.
Vocal Range:  

Professor Marvel / Wizard

Essence: Charismatic conman turned humbled human. Both showman and sage.
What we're looking for: Big personality and charisma in Marvel scenes. Depth and emotional honesty in the reveal—must feel truly remorseful and wise. Good comedic instincts without losing believability. Strong voice and storytelling skills.
Red flags: Feels flat or one-note; can't convincingly pivot from pompous to humble.
Vocal Range:  

Dancer Ensemble

We are seeking athletic and technical Ensemble dancers to portray all sorts of human and non-human characters; Emerald City residents, Munchkins, bugs, snow, trees, etc. 
We are also seeking expressive and fun performers to commit heavily to the imaginative world of the Wizard of Oz. Styles range from ballet-based lyrical to hard-hitting angular jazz, and everything in between.
Vocal Range: Soprano C4-A5, Alto G3-D5, Tenor B2-G4, Bass E2-E4 

Toto Puppeteer

Essence: Playfulness, empathy, charisma, the truest companion.
What we're looking for: A skilled puppeteer to bring true emotion, humor, and loyalty through subtle movement. Someone to work seamlessly with Dorothy and the ensemble to keep Toto's presence alive and believable.