Auditions

Church Basement Ladies Auditions

Auditions for Church Basement Ladies will take place on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 6 PM and Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 10:30 AM at the newly renovated Barn Lot Rehearsal Hall, located in the Administrative Office. Please enter through the back door across from the theater parking lot. Parking is available at the Barn Lot Theater parking lot, street side, and the lot behind the library.

Audition Format: Participants will perform a cold reading from the script. Those auditioning will also need to prepare a song that best demonstrates their vocal ability using a song from the Christian/Gospel genre. A Bluetooth speaker will be provided for your use.

Alternative Arrangements: If you're unable to attend the scheduled audition, please contact info@barnlottheater.org or call the theater at (270) 432-2276 to make alternative arrangements.

Rehearsals and Performances: Anticipate at least two rehearsals per week, with frequency increasing as the production date approaches. Depending on the role, actors may not be required to attend all rehearsals. Please bring any known schedule conflicts to auditions. Mandatory performance dates are April 22-25, 27, & April 29-May 2, 2027.

Participation Requirements: Any volunteer over the age of 18 requires a background check. Actors under the age of 18 are required to bring a parent or guardian to assist with paperwork.

Cast List/Descriptions: Ages listed are for audition purposes only; the age of the actor cast in the role may differ from what’s described.

Mrs. Snustad (Vivian): A conservative widow and the matriarch of the kitchen who ensures the food tastes good and washes dishes. She sits at the center work table as if it were a throne, commanding the work of the day with final authority. Hers is the highest voice of the ladies (Vocal Range: Low A-flat below middle C to High E above middle C).

Mrs. Elroy Engelson (Karin): Second in line to take over the kitchen, she is a fabulous cook who is neat, tidy, and conservative in appearance. Influenced by her daughter, Signe, she senses the world is changing. Middle voice with a comfortable belt (Vocal Range: Low A-flat below middle C to High D above middle C).

Mrs. Gilmer Gilmerson (Mavis): A farmer's wife, grandmother, and tireless physical comedienne who can fix anything mechanical and handle the books. She is well-loved, energetic, and brings a hands-on work ethic even when appearing slightly disheveled. Lowest voice of the ladies (Vocal Range: Low A-flat below middle C to High D above middle C).

Signe (Beverly) Engelson: Karin's sweet and bright daughter who has just started college at the University of Minnesota. She represents the winds of change in the mid-1960s and isn't afraid to respectfully challenge Mrs. Snustad and speak her mind (Vocal Range: Low A below middle C to High G-flat above middle C).

Pastor E. L. Gunderson: A genial minister who finds he can truly relax in the church kitchen. Coming from a family of pastors, he is slightly competitive but maintains a friendly, intimate relationship with God, knowing the church runs best when the kitchen crew is happy (Vocal Range: Low B-flat below middle C to High G-flat above middle C).