AUDITIONS
A BEAUTIFUL STAR
An Appalachian Musical
Audition Packet
A new Christmas musical celebrating hope, family, and the spirit of Appalachia.
Everyone is welcome. No experience required.
Welcome
Thank you for considering auditioning for A Beautiful Star.
Whether you've been on stage for years or this is your very first audition, we're excited you're here. Theater 626 believes great theatre is created by people who are willing to work hard, encourage one another, and tell meaningful stories together.
Our goal is to create an audition experience that is welcoming, joyful, and free of unnecessary pressure. We're glad you're considering being part of this production.
What Kind of Show Is This?
• Heartfelt
• Family-friendly
• Inspired by Appalachian traditions
• Original folk-inspired music
• A story of hope, faith, generosity, and Christmas
Audition At-a-Glance
Location
Church of the Good Shepherd
1100 Church Street
Lynchburg, VA
Audition Dates
August 21 & 22 • 7:00 PM
Arrive by 6:45 PM
Acting
Cold readings from the script.
Singing
Option 1: Prepare about one minute of a song.
Option 2: Learn a short selection at the audition.
Callbacks
August 28 • 7:00 PM
Sing Something That Feels Like You
Choose about one minute of music that lets us hear your voice. It can be musical theatre, folk, worship, Disney, pop, a hymn, or something else you enjoy. You do not need to memorize it.
We're not looking for perfection—we're looking for authenticity.
How the Audition Works
1. Check in
2. Complete your audition form
3. Sing your selection (or learn ours)
4. Read a short scene from the script
5. Meet new people and have fun!
Never Auditioned Before?
Wonderful.
Some of our favorite performers began with their very first audition.
You don't need experience.
You don't need a perfect voice.
You don't need to know everything.
You only need a willingness to learn, work hard, and tell a great story. We'll help with the rest.
Why Theater 626?
Every Theater 626 production exists for something larger than entertainment.
We create excellent theatre that strengthens our community by partnering with local nonprofits, raising awareness, and inviting audiences into stories that matter.
When you join this cast, you're joining something bigger than a show.
See You Under the Stars
We can't wait to meet you.
Whether this is your first audition or your fiftieth, there is a place for you here.
— The Theater 626 Team
Find Your Place in A Beautiful Star
A Beautiful Star: An Appalachian Nativity is a true ensemble piece—a warm, funny, music-filled retelling of the Christmas story through the voices of an Appalachian church community.
At Theater 626, we're looking for storytellers, not résumés. Some roles require experienced singers and actors, while others are perfect for someone stepping onto the stage for the first time.
Featured Roles
Ethel Green
Female | Playing Age: 20–40 | Mezzo-Soprano/Soprano
Warm, sincere, and quietly courageous. Ethel takes on the role of Mary as the community tells the Nativity story and becomes one of the emotional hearts of the show. We're looking for an actress who can communicate strength, tenderness, humor, and genuine faith.
Franklin Green
Male | Playing Age: 25–45 | Baritone/Tenor
A hardworking Appalachian carpenter who takes on the role of Joseph. Franklin is grounded, likable, and deeply human. His journey through uncertainty, love, and faith provides some of the show's most moving moments.
Rev. Roy Ledbetter
Male | Playing Age: 50+ | Baritone
Warm, wise, and unmistakably Appalachian, Rev. Roy helps guide the audience through the evening's storytelling. This role needs an inviting presence—a performer who makes an audience feel as though they've pulled up a chair and joined the congregation.
Tidence Ledbetter / King Herod
Male | Playing Age: 25–50 | Character Baritone
One of the show's great character roles. Tidence is colorful, funny, and larger than life—and then gets the opportunity to transform into the dangerous King Herod. We're looking for a fearless actor with excellent comic instincts who can also find the darker side of the character.
Vestina Ledbetter
Female | Playing Age: 20–45 | Mezzo/Alto
Quick-witted, practical, loving, and wonderfully funny. Vestina can land a laugh but also brings tremendous heart to the story. A terrific role for an actress with warmth and natural comic timing.
Paul Sparks
Male | Playing Age: 20–50 | Tenor/Baritone
A member of the Appalachian community who becomes part of the Nativity story, including the journey of the Wise Men. Thoughtful, sincere, and an important member of the musical ensemble. Harmony singing is especially welcome.
Ricky McGee
Male | Playing Age: 20–50 | Tenor/Baritone
Warm, energetic, and full of personality, Ricky is another member of the community who helps bring the Nativity to life. A great opportunity for a performer who enjoys both character work and ensemble singing.
Featured Youth Roles
Shelly, Myrtle & Linda Ledbetter
Female | Suggested Playing Age: 12–18
Three featured young performers who become angels, singers, narrators, and storytellers as the Nativity unfolds. These are wonderful opportunities for young performers ready to take on meaningful roles alongside the adult cast.
We're looking for young actors who bring enthusiasm, sincerity, and a willingness to sing as part of an ensemble.
Community Ensemble
Ages 10–Adult
For Theater 626's production, we're expanding the world of A Beautiful Star to include a larger community ensemble of angels, shepherds, travelers, worshippers, and Appalachian neighbors.
Some ensemble members may have featured lines, musical moments, and opportunities throughout the production.
Experienced performer? Wonderful.
Never been in a play before? Also wonderful.
Families interested in participating together are especially encouraged to audition.
Musician-Performers
Music is at the heart of A Beautiful Star, and our musicians won't simply be hidden away in an orchestra pit. They'll become part of the community telling the story.
We're especially interested in musicians who play acoustic instruments such as guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, upright bass, dulcimer, or percussion.
Musicians who also enjoy singing are encouraged to let us know!
Not Sure Where You Fit?
Come audition anyway.
You don't need to know which character you want to play. You don't need a long theater résumé. And you don't need to be the strongest singer in the room.
We're building a company of people who are willing to learn, work hard, encourage one another, and tell a beautiful story together.
There may be a place in this story for you.