Over the River and Through the Woods Auditions
Theatre Charlotte announces auditions for Over the River and Through the Woods directed by Elizabeth Sickerman.
Over the River and Through the Woods will be presented from January 23 – February 8, 2026 at Theatre Charlotte.
AUDITION AND SIGN UP DETAILS
Auditions will be held in person on Friday, November 14th from 6:00pm to 9pm and Saturday, November 15th from 10:00am to 2pm at Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207.
We are seeking performers of all body types, skin colors and gender expressions ages 21 and older.
Please sign up for an audition time and fill out an audition form here.
During your audition time you will be reading scenes from the script. Sides can be found here. You may be asked to stay beyond your audition time to read with others.
Video auditions are also being accepted through the audition form and should include a 60 second monologue. Deadline for video auditions is November 13th at 5PM.
Please note – Elements of intimacy and physical contact are noted in the character descriptions below. Discomfort with intimacy will by no means impact future casting decisions by Theatre Charlotte or the creative team.
Theatre Charlotte is a volunteer-based organization and all positions are unpaid.
REHEARSALS
Rehearsals are typically held Sunday through Thursday evenings starting at 6:00pm and are expected to begin the week of November 23rd. Detailed rehearsal schedules will be created as soon as possible after the show is cast.
ABOUT OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS
The ties that bind – and sometimes smother – are explored with uproarious results in this heartwarming comedy about growing up and growing old. Every Sunday, Nick crosses the river to New Jersey and has dinner with both sets of his Italian-American grandparents. When he announces a dream job that will move him to Seattle, his grandparents spring into action! Determined to keep him close, they devise a series of shameless schemes and hilarious shenanigans that will have you roaring in your seat while reminding you of the wonderful zaniness that is family. A warm-hearted, boisterously funny, and touching story about intergenerational relationships, deep familial love, and the inevitable little heartbreaks that occur as time passes and children grow.
AVAILABLE ROLES
This play is set in Hoboken, New Jersey and centered around an Italian American family. At times, the humor and tragedy of these characters intersect with their cultural identity and age. However, it is never a parody of either aspect. When possible, decent aligned with the characters is a plus. However, all are welcome and encouraged to audition. Intimacy and other skill requests are included in the character descriptions. Age ranges represent those of the character not necessarily the performer.
Nick Cristano - Male presenting, age 28-40
Nick is the grandson of the Gianellis and Cristanos. Nick is loving, clever, a little sharp, and anxious to find his future. Italian descent.
Additional skills: brief singing
Intimacy: Receives cheek kiss from Caitlin, Hugs grandparents
Frank Gianelli - Male presenting, age 70-85
Nick's maternal grandfather, husband to Aida. Independent and grounded in the life he's created. Behind his humor, Frank carries a keen familiarity with struggle and sacrifice. Italian descent.
Additional skills: Plays mandolin
Intimacy: One full kiss with Aida, Hugs Nick
Aida Gianelli - Female presenting, age 70-85
Nick's maternal grandmother, wife to Frank. Caring, busy, and insightful, Aida shows love through cooking- good, plentiful cooking. Italian descent.
Intimacy: One full kiss with Frank, Hugs Nick
Nunzio Cristano - Male presenting, age 70-85
Nick's paternal grandfather, husband to Emma. A true romantic, Nunzio carries the weight and perspective of a person who knows their life is ending. This doesn't make him any less present or ready with a joke. Italian descent.
Additional skills: Sings
Intimacy: Close dancing/holding hands with Emma, Hugs Nick
Emma Cristano - Female presenting, age 70-85
Nick's paternal grandmother, wife to Nunzio. Despite loss, Emma finds purpose within the companionship, love, and connection created within a household. Bold, sociable, and religious, she holds this conviction in a world where the value seems to be slipping away. Italian descent.
Intimacy: Close dancing/holding hands with Nunzio, Hugs Nick
Caitlin O'Hare - Female presenting, age 28-40
Charming and confident, Caitlin is more than capable of keeping up the chaos of the family. She holds her identity with ease and honesty. Irish descent.
Intimacy: Kisses Nick on the cheek
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Theatre is full of magic that vibrates throughout the essence of art, imagination, culture, and history. We strive to provide theatre to our community and our city that is saturated in excellence, community, experience, inclusion, and influence. Our goal is to mount productions that reflect the growth and beauty of the diversity of Charlotte and we sincerely hope that our friends in the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities will consider joining us for auditions for Over the River and Through the Woods.