Auditions & Jobs

 

Timber Lake Playhouse, established in 1961, stands as a beacon of theatrical artistry and community engagement in the realm of professional theatre. With its commitment to presenting inspiring and entertaining creative works, TLP has earned a reputation for excellence, recognized nationally in the theatre community. Upon entering an agreement with Actors Equity Association in 2018, Timber Lake operates as a Tier 8 Small Professional Theatre. The Resident Company, a dynamic blend of approximately thirty performers, technicians, and musicians, are led each season by a variety of guest artists, directors, choreographers and designers.

Timber Lake Playhouse is the oldest operational professional summer theatre in the state of Illinois. At the heart of TLP’s mission is a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome artists and technicians of all backgrounds and abilities to bring their unique talents to our productions.

Located in the scenic woods of Mount Carroll, Illinois, just 100 miles west of Chicago, TLP’s ten-acre campus features a 371-seat theatre with a 36-foot-wide automatic turntable stage, as well as a two-level scene shop, costume shop, props shop, rehearsal pavilion, and housing for up to fifty people. Additional facilities include a cafeteria, administrative offices, gift shop, beer garden, and of course, Timber Lake itself, with Timber Lake Resort just across the water.

Each year, Timber Lake Playhouse engages hundreds of professionals and emerging artists across a wide range of roles, including actors, designers, technical and production staff, directors, choreographers, educators, musicians, box office and house staff, culinary staff, facilities, administrators, and hospitality personnel.

While we are fortunate to welcome back many dedicated team members each season, seasonal theatre also thrives on fresh talent and new perspectives. Detailed job descriptions and application information for all positions can be found on this site and through other industry job boards.

For the 2025 season, most contracts will begin on or around May 13, 2025, and run through either August 17, 2025, or August 31, 2025, with a smaller team staying on campus for our fall production. Exact dates vary by position.

Join us for an unforgettable summer of professional theatre in the heart of the Midwest at Your Broadway, Your Theatre in The Woods, Timber Lake Playhouse. 

Click the buttons below for more details regarding Auditions and Submissions for 2025! Questions? Email casting@timberlakeplayhouse.org

Equity Performers

Timber Lake Playhouse will be holding an Equity Principal Audition (EPA) locally at the theatre in Mount Carroll, as well as EPAs and Equity Chorus Calls (ECC) in Chicago and New York City at each city’s AEA member center. Keep an eye on the AEA portal for sign-ups and more information coming soon.

Non-Equity Performers

Timber Lake Playhouse welcomes submissions from non-Equity actors for our mainstage productions. Most non-union single-show contracts are designated for generational roles, prioritizing authenticity in age-appropriate casting to enhance onstage dynamics. Please email your headshot, resume, and relevant casting materials to casting@timberlakeplayhouse.org. 

Local Talent

We encourage local performers to attend our Equity Principal Audition (EPA) at the theatre in Mount Carroll, scheduled for February 2nd, 2025. This is a wonderful opportunity for community members to showcase their talent and connect with Artistic Director Tommy Ranieri. Please prepare a short song that reflects the season’s programming and brings you joy, and provide sheet music for the accompanist. Bring a headshot (or a clear photo of yourself) and resume stapled together.

Several roles have been crafted with local talent in mind, and we are eager to see the creativity and passion our community has to offer. Whether you’re an experienced performer or a fresh face, we warmly invite you to audition to become part of our 2025 season!

Youth Opportunities

Timber Lake Playhouse provides a gateway for young performers to showcase their talents and develop new skills. From taking on a role in a professional production to exploring your craft through engaging classes, there’s something for every young artist!

Opportunities include:

  • Specific Youth roles in Disney's Frozen during our mainstage season, including:

    • Young Elsa. TO PLAY 8. Elsa as a child. Initially playful but grows withdrawn as her powers develop and become difficult to control. (Range: A3–C#5)

    • Young Anna. TO PLAY 5. Anna as a child. Optimistic and full of love for her sister. Strong comedic timing. (Range: G3–D5)
      Note: Both roles do not require performers to be the exact age of the character but should be able to convincingly portray youthful versions of these beloved Disney characters. Two young actors will be cast in each role, splitting the 17 performances running from August 1st to 17th.

  • Junior Lakers production of Beetlejuice Jr. (with opportunities for youth as well as high schoolers) with rehearsals beginning the first week of June and performances running June 26th to 29th, 2025. Young Performers will be able to audition on February 2nd at the theatre. 

  • Masterclass Program, running on Mondays from the week after Memorial Day through mid-August, offering drop-in classes to learn specialized skills from TLP team members from across the country.

For questions about youth auditions or programming, please email casting@timberlakeplayhouse.org. We’re thrilled to welcome the next generation of performers to the Timber Lake Playhouse stage!

Timber Lake Playhouse is dedicated to fostering a truly inclusive and equitable environment where diversity is celebrated, and every individual feels valued and empowered. We strive to create anti-racist spaces that promote open-mindedness, respectful communication, and the belief that conflict can serve as a catalyst for growth and understanding.

We are committed to ensuring that our organization reflects the vibrant tapestry of identities and experiences in our community and beyond. Timber Lake Playhouse welcomes and encourages participation from individuals of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, national origins, socioeconomic backgrounds, parental statuses, and veteran statuses.

As part of our mission, we view equity and inclusion as ongoing practices that require accountability, intentional self-reflection, and meaningful action. Together, we aim to build a culture that advances equity, celebrates diversity, and constantly affirms our commitments throughout every aspect of our work.