Auditions
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (tya)
Conceived and Written by Ken Ludwig
Music and Lyrics by Don Schiltz
Based on the books by Mark Twain
The classic Mark Twain story jumps off the page in this adaptation of America's favorite book.
Set in 1840 Missouri, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer TYA is the tale of young Tom Sawyer and the never-ending mischief of which he so often finds himself a part; whether it's matching wits with Aunt Polly, tricking his friends into whitewashing a fence for him, or narrowly escaping the clutches of a murderous villain. Along with his best friend, Huckleberry Finn, and his love interest, Becky Thatcher, the greatest Tom Sawyer exploits are plucked from the book and plopped on the stage.
Director: Jessica Means
Vocal Direction: John Hacker
Choreography: Karen Neidlinger
Do you have questions?
Audition Dates
Monday, November 3, 2025, from 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm.
Tuesday, November 4, 2025 — auditions for young actors from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm.
Calbacks: Thursday, November 6, 2025, in the evening.
Please note that if you cannot attend the audition, video submissions will be accepted.
Audition Location
Overshadowed Theatrical Productions — 900 Foster Ave, Medinah, IL 60157
About Auditions
AUDITIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
To reserve your audition time slot, please click one of the buttons “Sign up for Auditions.” You will be redirected to Theater Forms to complete your sign-up.
If you have any questions, please click the “Audition Inquiry” button at the top and complete your email.
Audition Requirements
Music Audition: Prepare a one-minute song in the style of the show that best shows your vocal range. Bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. Please, no a cappella. Vocal tracks are acceptable.
Dance Audition: You will receive a link to the dance sequence after signing up for auditions. Please prepare in advance to perform following your vocal and acting audition. Our choreographer will not be present at the audition, so please know we will record the dance portion for her.
Bring a photo/headshot and resume (if available).
Bring your calendar through February 7; all conflicts must be listed on the audition form. Consistent rehearsals will begin early December. No performance conflicts will be accepted. Please see the tentative rehearsal calendar.
We look forward to seeing you at auditions!
Rehearsal and Production Information
Please check your calendar and let us know your conflict dates when you cannot attend a rehearsal so we can schedule rehearsals for specific scenes to minimize conflicts.
We want to point out that communication of subsequent conflicts needs to be with as much notice as possible.
Participating in a show at Overshadowed is a serious commitment, and rehearsal attendance is essential. However, we understand that you are volunteering your time, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
This is a Non-Equity production.
Rehearsal dates:
Rehearsals will begin Monday, December 1, 2025
Read thru/meeting/costume measurements will be on Monday, November 10, 2025
Production dates:
Januuary 23, 24, 30*, 31, and February 6, 7, 2026
Please note, the performance on January 30, 2026 is a daytime student production at 9:00 am. We will need all cast members available during the day.
Fridays at 7:30 pm
Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm
Character Breakdown
Since this is a Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) production, we will be more flexible with casting actors of various ages in all roles. With the help of costuming and makeup, we can effectively adjust appearances as needed.
Below, I’ve included the intended age range of each character based on the source material. However, please know that older actors can portray younger characters, and younger actors can be aged up to play older roles.
Don’t let a character’s age limit your willingness to audition — what matters most is your energy, interpretation, and ability to bring the role to life!
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We are looking to cast ages mid-teens - 20s.
Our story's title character. A boy on the verge of manhood full of mischief and hope, suffering greatly from the pangs of growing up. He is very likable, intelligent, intuitive and carefree.
Vocal Range top: A4-bottom: A2
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We are looking to cast ages mid-teens - 20s.
We will consider casting a female to play the role.
Tom’s best friend. He is stubborn, loyal, proud, and good-natured. Lives a life of free will and enjoys it that way.
Vocal Range top: A4-bottom: C3
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We are looking to cast ages 12-15.
We will consider casting a female to play the role.
Tom’s half-brother and an insufferable goody-goody who dislikes Tom and does everything he can to get him into trouble.
Vocal Range top: A5-bottom: E4
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We are looking to cast ages mid-teens - 20s.
We will consider casting a female to play the role.
The ringleader of Tom’s classmates. He is not as mischievous as Tom, but still a typical boy on the verge of manhood.
Slightly jealous of Tom in an idolizing manner.
Vocal Range top: A5-bottom: B3
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We are looking to cast ages mid-teens - 20s.
We will consider casting a female to play the role.
A school friend of Tom.
Optional doubling with SHERIFF.
Vocal Range top: A4-bottom: B2
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We are looking to cast ages mid-teens - 20s.
We will consider casting a female to play the role.
A school friend of Tom.
Optional doubling with MUFF POTTER.
Vocal Range top: A4-bottom: B2
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We are looking to cast ages mid-teens - 20s.
An utterly beautiful girl. Bright, smart, youthful, and funny. She is the new girl in town and falls for Tom instantly.
Vocal Range top: A4-bottom: B2
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35-50
Becky’s father. A widower trying to raise a girl as best he can. He is handsome and craggy.
Optional doubling with DOC ROBINSON and/ or PAP.
Vocal Range top: F4-bottom: A2
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25-45
We are open to casting this as a female role.
The schoolmaster and village demagogue. Prides himself on being strict but has a soft, poetic side as well.
Optional doubling with JOSHUA SPRAGUE.
Vocal Range top: E4-bottom: B2
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35-50
Eagle-eyed and severe. He is the village Reverend. Stately and poised preaching with a ‘fire and brimstone’ mindset, full of passion and verve.
Optional doubling with LEMUEL DOBBINS.
Vocal Range top: E4-bottom: B2
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35-50
A proud, bitter, downtrodden man whose sharp face and shallow cheeks make him look like death himself. Half Native American and half white, he has been treated with contempt his whole life. He now has a heart as black as wood smoke.
Please note: The name “injun Joe” is from the Mark Twain novel this musical is based on. Because of the derogatory nature of the word “Injun”, the authors have approved the option to change the character’s name to “Ol’ Man Joe.”
Vocal Range top: E4-bottom: D3
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60-70
A vagrant and derelict drunk. Not a bad man, he just doesn’t have the backbone to say no when others lead him astray.
Optional doubling with LYLE PETERS.
Vocal Range top: E4-bottom: D3
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35-55
A pompous, unpleasant man with a chip on his shoulder. He is bossy, thieving, and impatient. An all-around “bad guy.”
Optional doubling with JUDGE THATCHER.
Vocal Range top: F4-bottom: E3
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35-50
The town drunk and Huck’s father.
Optional doubling with JUDGE THATCHER and/or DOC ROBINSON.
Speaking role.
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35-60
Tom’s Aunt. She tries to discipline and keep him in line, but is at her wits’ end. Ever so patient, she loves both Tom and Sidney and does her best to single-handedly take care of them both.
Vocal Range top: E5-bottom: E3
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35-70
A pretty, older woman of some wealth. Kind-hearted and giving, she offers Huck a home with a bed and cooked meals.
Vocal Range top: E5-bottom: A3
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20-30
The town’s law enforcement.
Optional Doubling with JOE HARPER.
Speaking role.
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The storyteller. Pushes the action of the story along.
The director is planning to split the Narrator's lines up amongst the other cast members.