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AUDITIONS & CASTING

Alleyway holds open auditions each summer for all artists, both Equity and nonunion alike, for paid positions. We also attend the January Theatre Alliance of Buffalo auditions each season. Individual shows are cast based off of these open calls, as well as submissions of headshots and résumés throughout the year.

At Alleyway, we celebrate stories of everyone. So, as we hire and cast, we're committed to creating an equitable and accessible, diverse and inclusive, joyful community of artists and staff. We seek artists and staff representing the breadth of humanity; people of all genders, races, abilities, and ages should apply.

SEASON AUDITIONS ARE AUGUST 12 AND 13, 2026

If you have auditioned at the Alleyway or at TABs in the last two years, you do not need to audition at this time -- unless you have something completely new to show us. We keep all auditions on file and regularly cast from previous calls. If this is you, please feel free to click the blue button below to upload current information and express your interest. But this time, we're really looking to see folks we haven't seen before, or in a long time..

Actors who are interested and available for upcoming productions should submit their headshot and résumé immediately for consideration for the 2026/27 season and other additional projects throughout the year.

SHOW BY SHOW BREAKDOWNS

BECKY SHAW

this production has been cast

THE HAUNTING OF HOOVERTON HOTEL

Rehearsals begin approx 9/26/26, performances 10/24 - 11/14.

  • JOHNNY FREDRICK - The All-American boy. Polite, clever, and a little boring. The leader of the M.U. Sleuths, probably because he owns the van. (late teens-early 20s)
  • NORBERT "SKEETER" HAMMERSTEIN - Isn’t quite sure how he ended up at Mystery U, but is going with the flow. Johnny’s roommate. Has a backpack filled with snacks that he is almost always enjoying. (late teens - early 20s) *this role is cast*
  • ROSEMARY GUILDENSTERN - The real brains of the operation. Comes across as meek and mild-mannered, but she has her secrets, too. (late teens-early 20s)
  • DAISY DRAKE - Rosemary's roommate. Self-proclaimed social media influencer. Could probably solve the mystery herself, she just doesn't want to. Glued to her phone. (late teens - early 20s)
  • DRIFTER - Sneaky and unpredictable. Instantly untrustworthy. Dirty and old. A real creep. (50s-70s)
  • BUCK BUCKINGTON - Seasoned groundskeeper of the Hooverton hotel. Typically by himself, so when there’s someone around, he has a LOT to say. (50s-70s)
  • VICTOR SPOILS - Concierge and Manager of the Hooverton Hotel. Ageless. Terrifying. May or may not actually be a vampire. (30s+)
  • THE WIDOW HOOVERTON - Will milk a moment for as much attention as possible. Widowed wife of the owner of Hooverton hotel. (50s-70s)
  • MS. DEBORAH CHISEL - Partner at a bank firm. No nonsense. Is aggressive in business and in life itself. Money talks. (30s-50s)
  • BIG HOSS HOLIDAY - Texas tycoon. Makes it no secret that he’s for him and him alone. Boisterous and rude. As large as he is loud. (30s-60s)

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

This production has been cast. Children under 18 interested should submit a headshot, resume and reel or video audition on our website.

THE HATEFUL ELF

Musical. Rehearsals begin approx 11/15/26, performances 12/12/26 - 1/2/27.

  • CRUDDY - the hateful elf. He’s just the worst. He hates cookies and babies and the sound of laughter and Santa and singing and pudding and women’s rights. His ideal afternoon is watching porn, playing video games naked and farting a lot. He’s probably a baritenor.
  • SANTA - he’s Santa. Ho ho ho! Baritone. Also plays one of the inhabitants of the Island of Concepts From Your Childhood That No Longer Exist, like Toys That Were Replaced By iPads, literacy, and the middle class!
  • MARIBEL - the kindliest girl elf, who accompanies Cruddy on his journey. Soprano with belt.
  • FJORD FRANKELFURT - a Yukon Cornelius-type lumberjack. Loves wood! Baritone. Also plays ensemble elf 
  • MISS YETI - a fabulous lady yeti who only seems threatening. Belt. Also plays ensemble elf and one of the inhabitants of the Island of Concepts From Your Childhood That No Longer Exist.
  • ENSEMBLE - one other person who can play another ensemble elf and one of the inhabitants of the Island of Concepts From Your Childhood That No Longer Exist.

TBA

Rehearsals begin approx 1/2/27, performances 1/30 - 2/20.
Looking for actors of any age/gender/race to play these characters. Actors with the strongest comedy and lip-synching chops should make up this cast.

  • Elisha Gray: 30s. An inventor trying to invent the telephone. Egotistical, insecure, desperate, brilliant, frustrated.
  • Alexander Graham Bell: 30s. An inventor trying to invent the telephone. Egotistical, pampered, in love with himself.
  • Cornelius, 20s-30s: Elisha’s eager assistant. Ambitious, hopeful, insecure, a major fanboy.
  • Wilbur from the Patent Office: 30s. Kind, unsteady, a secret game show host inside of him.

THE RINK AT THE END OF THE WORLD

Seeking actors 18+ only. Rehearsals begin approx 2/20/27, performances 3/20 - 4/10

  • SUZANNE - Team Captain, rink darling, getting old (19)
  • NATALIE - bitchy but skilled, Daughter of Coach Noreen (15)
  • CHRISTINA- too pretty, dim but not dumb (18)
  • NIKKI* - skittish, fragile, an old soul, Daughter of Coach Will (14)
  • TALL HEATHER - a budding intellectual, over caffeinated (17)
  • AMANDA - wise, weird, altered by tragedy (15)
  • MR. WILL* - a charmer, three times married, Dad-bod-hot, Nikki’s dad (40s/50s)
  • MS. NOREEN - high strung, hanging by a thread, Natalie’ s mom (40s/50s)

THE FROGS

Musical. Rehearsals begin approx 4/12/27, performances 5/15 - 6/12.

  • DIONYSUS - God of drama and wine on a quest to save the living world; witty, vulnerable, and neurotic (30s–50s), Tenor/High Baritone. *this role has been cast*
  • XANTHIAS - Dionysus’s long-suffering, sarcastic, and quick-witted servant (20s–40s), Tenor/Baritone. *this role has been cast*
  • HERAKLES - Boastful, gym-obsessed demigod and Dionysus’s half-brother (30s–50s), Baritone/Bass-Baritone.
  • CHARON - Crotchety, eccentric ferryman of the River Styx (40s–70s), Character Voice/Flexible.
  • PLUTO - Suave, theatrical ruler of the Underworld (40s–60s), Baritone/Character Tenor.
  • SHAKESPEARE - Noble, poetic playwright advocating for emotional depth in art (40s–60s), Baritone.
  • GEORGE BERNARD SHAW - Fiery, sharp-tongued satirist advocating for intellectual debate (50s–70s), Baritone/Tenor.
  • FROGS/ENSEMBLE - Cynical, noisy guards of the Styx who represent mindless conformity (Any Age), Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass.

Designers of all disciplines and production/technical staff are encouraged to submit your résumé and portfolio for consideration at any time. Please send it to production@alleyway.com.

Young and beginning professionals are also encouraged to submit your résumé and portfolio for consideration as assistant and apprentice positions.

We're always looking for new friends to join our volunteer community and support the mission to transform American theatre.

Why Volunteer with Us?
  • Be at the Heart of Innovation: Support fearless, groundbreaking productions that shape the future of theatre.
  • Make a Difference: Help create unforgettable experiences for audiences and contribute to Buffalo’s thriving cultural scene.
  • Build Connections: Work alongside a dedicated team of theatre enthusiasts while gaining valuable experience.
Volunteer Opportunities

No prior experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm! Roles include:

  • Front-of-House: Greet patrons and ensure a seamless guest experience.
  • Support Playwrights by reading their plays! The team at Alleyway reads 1,500 new plays each year. Join our team of dedicated readers and directly support fearless, groundbreaking productions that shape the future of theatre.
  • Special events and fundraising
  • Technical Assistance
  • Special Projects and Research
  • And more
Join Us!

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. To express your interest or learn more, please use the form below! Be part of the magic that brings new plays to life—join Alleyway Theatre and make your mark on the future of American theatre!

Are you passionate about the arts and eager to make a meaningful impact? Join the Board of Directors at Alleyway Theatre and help drive the success of one of Buffalo’s most dynamic cultural organizations. Your expertise will play a vital role in supporting the operations that bring new, bold, innovative theatre to life.

About the Role

We’re seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors. With virtual meetings, we welcome candidates from Buffalo and beyond, bringing together diverse perspectives from across the country.

Why Join Us?
  • Support the operational growth of a theatre that has championed new voices and bold storytelling since 1980.
  • Guide strategic initiatives, ensure financial stability, and expand Alleyway’s reach and resources.
  • Foster creativity, innovation, and community engagement through your leadership.
Board Commitments
  • Term: Three years (renewable)
  • Meetings: 10–15 annually, held virtually
Primary Responsibilities
  • Engage in strategic planning and high-level discussions
  • Provide guidance and oversight to advance our mission
  • Review financial statements
  • Act as advocates for Alleyway Theatre and its initiatives
What We’re Looking For

We are seeking applications from individuals with experience or interest in marketing, fundraising, accounting, legal, education, grant writing, nonprofit leadership, or business operations. Previous board experience is not required—just a willingness to contribute your skills and actively engage with a small group of dedicated and passionate individuals!

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

Alleyway Theatre is dedicated to anti-discrimination and anti-racism. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, Disabled, racialized, and LGBTQ+ individuals and those experienced in engaging diverse communities.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis using the form below. Alleyway Theatre’s Executive Committee will review submissions and contact interested candidates. If you have any questions, please email chandley@alleyway.com with the subject line “Board Member Application.”

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Join Us

Help shape Alleyway Theatre's future and leave a lasting impact on American theatre. We look forward to hearing from you!