About the Play

One of the most acclaimed plays in the American theatrical canon, this exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is a gripping and timely parable of contemporary society, as well as a studied historical tale. The story focuses upon a young farmer, his wife and a young servant-girl who maliciously causes the wife’s arrest for witchcraft. The farmer brings the girl to court to admit the lie – and the monstrous course of bigotry and deceit is terrifyingly depicted. The farmer, instead of saving his wife, finds himself also accused of witchcraft and ultimately condemned along with a host of others.

Cast

Audition Info

The Story:  In the rigid, somewhat sequestered Puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, a group of teenage girls are caught doing a forbidden activity deep in the woods. Fearful of their fate within this strict society, one of the girls seems to be stricken by a mysterious illness. When no earthly cause can be identified, the girls, motivated by fright and revenge, rock the village with accusations of witchcraft against their neighbors and friends. Hysteria quickly consumes the town bringing more charges and distrust – even singling out the most pious members of the church. As a few residents try to stem the loss of reason, some exploit the fear for their own gain, while others get caught up in the politics of maintaining religious and societal control.

In the midst of the madness, the accused struggle to maintain the integrity of their souls while deciding if they must conform and confess in order to survive.

Details:

• Date: Sunday August 2, 2026, and Monday August 3, 2026
• Time: 7 – 9PM
• Place: Aiken Community Theatre, in the Black Box

NOTE: You are highly encouraged to attend both nights of auditions as the auditions will consist of readings from the script and depending upon the turnout, you may need to read in more than one scene.

Production Dates: October 16, 17, 18, 23, and 24.

Audition Plan:

• Auditionees (i.e., YOU) will fill out the required audition form and receive an Audition Number, please write legibly so we have your correct phone number and email address.
• If you have one, please bring an updated acting resume to attach to the Audition Form, but if you don’t have a resume, you will need to list your stage or performance experience on the Audition Form.
• A proposed rehearsal calendar will be available for Auditionees to view and use when documenting their conflicts on the Audition Form. All characters/actors will NOT be required at every rehearsal.
• Your picture will be taken with your assigned Audition Number clearly visible. These are used for reference by the production team when deciding on the final cast.
• Audition “sides” will be provided and a role will be assigned by the director. You may be reading multiple times during the audition.
• Auditionees will read an assigned role from prepared “sides” and will have an opportunity to practice with their fellow actors before performing the side for the production team.
• The director may ask for you to repeat the reading, reassign a role for you to read on the same side. Remain flexible and open to the process.
• NOTE: You may NOT be asked to read for every role available or for a particular role you are interested in, especially if it is a smaller role. This is normal during an audition process. The director will be able to weigh your abilities and your fit for a particular role using the provided sides.
• Available Roles: Please review these documents for a list of the roles and the line loads.
• Audition Sides: Please review THIS LINK for all possible sides that will be used during the audition process.

Audition Tips:

• Be familiar with the play and the characters before coming to the audition. If possible, you should read the play; there are a number of websites that have a lot of information on the play. Please do your research before coming to the audition. This will only benefit YOU.
• Review the sides, do NOT MEMORIZE the sides…it is not necessary and your interpretation may not be appropriate for the director’s vision of the show.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Do NOT attempt to dress for any particular character. Bring reading glasses if you need them!
• Be confident, take risks, and most of all…have FUN
• Be sure to provide a list of ALL CONFLICTS on the Audition Form.
• Be prepared to change something in your reading IF the director asks for it; this is normal during the audition process and is no reflection on your choices during the reading.
• Notifications: You will be notified as soon as possible if we are offering you a role or offering regrets, either by email or by phone.