This interactive new work commissioned by CenterStage Theatre Works in 2024 uses physical theatre and audience interaction to create a story for an audience of sensory-challenged kids and early learners, including the neurodivergent and autistic population. The actors will help the audience supply the “parts” to this story and will create a performance in a sensory-friendly environment for all.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Auditioners must be 18+ to audition. CenterStage Theatre Works is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in casting. As such, we encourage performers of all races and ethnicities, gender identities, sexualities, abilities, and ages (for this show, 18+) to attend every audition.  We expect all actors to exercise respect for each other to allow us to have a safe and inclusive environment to practice their craft.

All are welcome to audition. Actors that identify as neurodivergent and/or autistic are highly encouraged to audition!

IN-PERSON AUDITIONS:

Auditions will be held at:
The Blue House
102 S. Allen Drive
Allen, Texas 75002

Dates
Saturday, August 23, 10 am-noon
Monday, August 25, 6-8 pm

Auditions will consist of reading a side from the script (find side via this link). You may also be asked to talk about a hobby/interest you are passionate about.

Please sign up for an audition time here: The Adventures of Spectrum Sparks Audition Sign Up

Walk-ins are welcome, but a sign-up is encouraged..

• Please bring a headshot and rèsumè, if available.

• Please also note any potential conflicts from September 8th to October 5th.

VIRTUAL AUDITIONS

If unable to attend live auditions, recorded auditions will be accepted until August 25th, 11:59pm CT. They may be submitted via this form: The Adventures of Spectrum Sparks Virtual Audition Form. On the audition form, please include links to your headshot, rèsumè, and videos (placed on YouTube or Vimeo) that include the following:

• Headshot and rèsumè

• Please use the audition side (link) and read for either PENNY or SPECTRUM with a reader. If a reader is not available, please record a monologue appropriate to perform for younger audiences and is no longer than 120 seconds.

• 60-90 second “story.” Tell us a story – make it up or retell something you know. Use a character voice (or not).

STIPEND

Each actor and swing will receive $175.

CHARACTERS

One role has been precast with a member of the original cast of Spectrum Sparks.

*Note: Ages and gender identities are those of the character, not the auditioner. All listed identifiers are in accordance with the agreement with MTI and the options provided by the book writers in the script. CenterStage Theatre Works is committed to diverse casting for all our productions and it is an important tenet of our creative team. We welcome and encourage actors to audition without regard to ethnicity, gender, experiences, or abilities. We welcome actors who are neurodiverse or autistic to this cast to provide role models for this audience.

Additionally. this Sensory Theatre production has an audience of primarily younger children (preschool through sixth grade) and their families. You must be comfortable performing for younger audiences and be willing to engage and interact with them in character.

The Cast:

This play is an interactive work that will consist of 6-8 actors who will work together using storytelling, devised and physical theatre, improv, and audience interaction to tell the story of Spectrum Sparks to sensory-challenged children 4-10 and early learners. Must be comfortable with performing for smaller groups and specia needs audiences. The playwright is neurodivergent and would like representation from neurodivergent / autistic actors in the cast.

The Roles 

SPECTRUM SPARKS: A 16-day-old robot who still has plenty to learn about the world. He/him.

5-7 other actors who will engage and interact with Spectrum and the audience and tell the story. One of these slots has already been cast. In the first production, the following roles were created and may be used again:
PENNY (or PERRY): A backyard scientist and programmer with big red glasses. Written as she/her - pronouns may be changed.
JESS (or WES): An artist and crafter with a passion for fashion. Written as she/her - pronouns may be changed.
MAX: A young Adventure Scout who loves to stay active. Written as he/him - pronouns may be changed.
ELLEN (or EVAN): An aspiring doctor, sophisticated and shy. Written as she/her - pronouns may be changed.
LOLA (or LOGAN): A social butterfly who strives to make everyone feel welcome. Written as she/her - pronouns may be changed.

About This Play:

This interactive play is about a robot, Spectrum Sparks, who is a little bit “different.” It is designed to satisfy the following learning objectives:

• Recognizing diversity: different types of people, different personalities, different abilities, different appearances

• Expressing emotions: we all express our emotions in different ways and need to be able to express them safely and have healthy coping skills lending itself to emotional literacy.

• Developing empathy: Through the play’s story and characters, the audience will have an opportunity to see an event through other peoples’ eyes, fostering a greater understanding of human emotions.

• Finding empowerment: learning how to voice your feelings and thoughts and express yourself and your ideas to contribute to a collaboration with others.

• Inclusivity and acceptance: Even though we are different, there should be understanding and a shared humanity where we understand the importance of respecting others’ ideas and feelings even if they are different from ours.

• Creative expression: Being able to create a friend will allow children to use imaginative skills and explore their creativity and blending different ideas.

• Critical thinking: The problem to be solved relies on everyone combining ideas (earlier creations) and creating a new item from the individual parts.