Footloose

Stage Adaptation by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie

Based on the original screenplay by Dean Pitchford

Music by Tom Snow; Lyrics by Dean Pitchford

Additional Music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins and Jim Steinman

Directed by JC Crider

Auditions: 3 p.m. March 2 and 7 p.m. March 3

Performances: May 16-24, 2025

Newcomer Ren McCormack is in shock when he discovers the small Midwestern town he now calls home has made dancing and rock music illegal. As he struggles to fit in, Ren faces an uphill battle to change things. With the help of his new friend Willard Hewitt and defiant teen Ariel Moore, he might loosen up this conservative town, but Ariel's influential father, the Rev. Shaw Moore, stands in the way. Footloose celebrates the exhilaration of youth, the wisdom of listening to one another, and the power of forgiveness. 

OUR DIRECTOR

JC Crider has been a part of ACT for many years now. He has been involved in shows throughout the years as an actor, crew, stage manager, and tech. JC was a member of the ACT Board of Directors, served as Artistic Director on the ACT Board, and was a member of the ACT Youth Wing Board as well. Some of his favorite roles include Uncle Fester in "The Addam's Family", Chief Bromden in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and Thenardier in "Les Miserables". His most recent role was Charlie Aiken in "August; Osage County" and he is currently in rehearsal at Le Chat Noir as Bob Ewell in "To Kill a Mockingbird", opening February 14th.  

JC has assistant directed shows including "Orphans", "The Little Mermaid", and most recently "A Christmas Carol" this past Christmas at ACT. JC directed several shows including "The Giver", "Cheaper by the Dozen", and "Seussical the Musical, Jr" for the Youth Wing, as well as "Barefoot in the Park" for ACT. 

JC is a nurse with Vital Care Home Infusions of North Augusta and an officer with the Silver Bluff Volunteer Fire Department. He is supported by his wife Julia, their 4 kids, and the most perfect grandbaby ever! 

JC is excited and lucky to have Tyler McKinney (Assistant Director), Steven McKinney (Music Director), Megan Claxon (Stage Manager), Cory Herbst (Assistant Stage Manager), Tatum Hanna (Choreographer), and Julia Crider (Assistant Choreographer) on his team for this fun show! 

AUDITION INFORMATION

We are presenting this show in the classic 1980’s style of the musical. Please don’t reference either of the movies for audition prep, rather look to the many versions of the musical available online.  AUDITIONS WILL BE CLOSED, so please plan accordingly. There will be a dance audition, so please wear appropriate clothing and footwear (no sandals, open toe shoes, flip flops, etc.). Please prepare a song from the show that best showcases your voice and abilities. No outside tracks and no acapellaauditions. We will have the tracks for the auditions to allow for smoother and quicker audition process. We ask that you attend only ONE night of auditions unless called back.

Ren McCormack (Lead): Male, 16-25. Tenor. Energetic, emotional, rebellious, likeable; emotes his pain through quirky sarcasm and dance; strong dancer.

Reverend Shaw Moore (Lead): Male, 35-55. Baritone. The powerful, traditional local church leader; strict, stern, and solemn, still struggling with the death of his son.

Ariel Moore (Lead): Female, 16-25. Mezzo-Pop. Smart, a bit of the bad girl with an edge, sweet, the rebellious minister’s daughter; role requires strong belt, must be a strong singer/dancer.  

Vi Moore (Supporting): Female, 30-50. Soprano. Reverend Moore’s loving, supportive, resilient wife.

Rusty (Supporting): Female, 16-25. Great soprano/pop voice. Ariel’s friend; a bit scatterbrained, sweet, fun, knows everything about everything; role requires strong belt, strong comedic timing and dance.  

Willard Hewitt (Supporting): Male, 16-25. Tenor. A simple country bumpkin with a warm heart and a big smile; comedic timing and dance a must.

Ethel McCormack (Supporting): Female, 35-45. Soprano. Ren’s mother; had a tough go, just trying to make it…would do anything for her son.

Chuck Cranston (Supporting): Male, 16-25. Tenor. The local bad boy and Ariel’s boyfriend. 

Urleen (Supporting): Female, 16+. Mezzo/Alto. Ariel’s friend; the smart one of the group; role requires strong belt, comedic timing, and dance. 

Wendy Jo (Supporting): Female, 16-25. Mezzo. Ariel’s friend; strong belt, comedic timing, and dance required.  

Ensemble (Chorus / Ensemble): Males & Females, 16-70. Townspeople, students; need strong character people (all age ranges) for many roles (listed below); teenage through adults; chorus singing, dancing parts; all teens dance, all adults dance at the prom.

Lulu Warnicker – Ren’s aunt ​Coach Roger Dunbar – Gym teacher

Wes Warnicker – Lulu’s husband ​Eleanor Dunbar – Roger’s Wife

Lyle – Chuck’s buddy ​​Travis – Chuck’s buddy ​​​

Principal Harry Clark ​​Betty Blast – Owner of the Burger Blast

Jeter – Ren’s friend ​​​Bickle – Ren’s friend

Garvin – Ren’s friend​​​Cowboy Bob/Cop

High School Students