GET INVOLVED
AUDITIONS
EVIL DEAD: THE MUSICAL (School Edition)
A cult-classic horror comedy packed with laughs, thrills, and killer tunes.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 9 @ 6 PM
St. Joseph Auditorium, Hoffmann Hall
(Callbacks, if needed: Thursday, September 11 @ 6 PM)
ABOUT THE SHOW
Based on Sam Raimi’s iconic film series, Evil Dead: The Musical mashes together over-the-top horror, slapstick comedy, and outrageous rock music. Five college friends travel to a remote cabin in the woods, where they accidentally unleash an ancient evil. Demons, chainsaws, and campy spectacle collide in a gleefully gory love letter to B-movie horror.
This production will use the School Edition script, which softens some mature content and language while keeping the show’s outrageous comedy and rock-concert energy intact. (If you research the show online, please note: the full version contains strong adult content that will not be included here.)
CHARACTERS
All voice parts and gender presentations are welcome. We’re seeking bold performers with strong vocals, sharp comedic instincts, and a willingness to go over-the-top.)
Ensemble/Deadites (All Voice Types): High-energy singers/movers who double as evil forces—backing vocals, jump scares, and outrageous stage presence.
Ash (Tenor/Baritone): Chainsaw-wielding hero; must balance cocky bravado with comic timing. Strong belt.
Linda (Mezzo-Soprano): Ash’s girlfriend; sweet, loyal, and funny. Bright mix/belt.
Cheryl (Mezzo-Soprano): Ash’s sister; nerdy, quirky, and later hilariously possessed. Strong physical comedy.
Scott (Baritone/Tenor): Ash’s best friend; crude, arrogant “frat bro.” Rock vocals with swagger.
Shelley (Mezzo-Soprano): Scott’s girlfriend; ditzy and self-absorbed until her demonic transformation. Big camp energy.
Annie (Mezzo/Belter): Confident scholar determined to defeat evil. Strong belt and comic presence.
Ed (Baritone): Annie’s awkward, overlooked assistant. Plenty of comic potential.
Jake (Baritone): Rough-around-the-edges redneck guide. Broad comedic energy.
WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE
CONFIDENCE. Come ready to play big. You don’t need to know the show in depth, but listening to the soundtrack or checking out clips can help. Script and music cuttings will be provided. Director Ryan Decker and music director Dr. Bagby will run a group audition to see acting and singing ability.
YOUR FULL FALL SCHEDULE. Please bring a list of all conflicts. Conflicts don’t rule you out but are essential for planning.
WHAT’S THE TIME COMMITMENT?
- Rehearsals: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, during the hours of 6:00–11:00 p.m. (flexible and varies by role); occasional Sunday afternoons, if needed
- Tech/Performance Week: daily rehearsals leading up to opening night
- Performances: November 20, 21, & 22, 2025
We strive to balance rehearsals with other commitments—sports, ensembles, jobs, and student orgs.
QUESTIONS?
Email Ryan Decker, director of theatre: ryan.decker@loras.edu
SPRING SHOW
CLASSIC COMEDY: TITLE TO BE ANNOUNCED
(Audition turnout will help determine whether we stage The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde or Lysistrata by Aristophanes)
Auditions: Monday, November 24 @ 6 PM
St. Joseph Auditorium, Hoffmann Hall
(Callbacks, if needed: Monday, December 1 @ 6 PM)
ABOUT THE SHOW
For our spring classic, the Players are exploring two very different but equally iconic comedies:
- The Importance of Being Earnest — A sharp-witted satire of love, marriage, and mistaken identities, Wilde’s masterpiece skewers Victorian society with some of the most quotable lines in theatre history.
- Lysistrata — A bold and bawdy ancient Greek comedy where women unite to end a war by withholding affection until peace is made. Playful, satirical, and still shockingly relevant, Aristophanes’ play has been delighting audiences for over 2,000 years.
The final selection will be determined by audition turnout, ensuring we choose the show that best fits the company of actors assembled.
CHARACTERS
Casting will depend on the chosen play. Both options offer:
- Strong leading roles for women and men
- Multiple opportunities for memorable supporting characters
- A range of personalities—from clever and subtle to larger-than-life comic archetypes
- Potential for ensemble/chorus performers who help bring the world of the play alive
(All gender presentations will be considered for all roles.)
QUESTIONS?
Email Ryan Decker, director of theatre: ryan.decker@loras.edu
MAY PLAY CASTING
HOW TO GET AWAY WITH A MURDER MYSTERY
A comedy whodunit with twists, turns, and plenty of suspects
Performances: May 21 & 22, 2026
St. Joseph Auditorium, Hoffmann Hall
ABOUT THE SHOW
Our annual May Play is fast-paced, playful, and built for a short rehearsal process. This year’s production, How to Get Away with a Murder Mystery, is a hilarious send-up of crime dramas and classic whodunits—full of colorful characters, comedic misdirection, and interactive energy.
The May Play is designed as a hands-on learning lab: students in Theatre Arts–EI (COM 105) will form the cast and crew, gaining experience in performance, collaboration, and production.
CASTING
- All students enrolled in COM 105 will be cast in the May Play.
- No separate audition is required.
- Roles will be assigned during class, based on participation and interest.
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Beyond the fall and spring mainstage productions, Loras Players also produces a range of student-centered projects throughout the year (pending resources and interest):
- The One-Day Play – a 24-hour devised theatre challenge where students write, rehearse, and perform a brand-new play in a single day.
- 48-Hour Film Project (collaboration with DUMEDIA) – students form teams to write, shoot, and edit an original short film in just one weekend, with a screening to follow.
- Dubachery – Loras’ improv and comedy troupe, performing games, sketches, and audience-driven comedy.
- Acting Class Showcase (COM 121: Acting for Stage & Screen) – final performances featuring student actors in a variety of scenes and monologues.
- Directing Class Showcase (COM 221: Directing for Stage & Screen) – scenes and one-acts staged by student directors, often featuring peers from Acting and other Players.
Audition and sign-up details for these events will be announced during the year.
CREW
Every production is powered by a collaborative crew in design, technical theatre, and management. Opportunities include:
- Assistant Directing
- Box Office & Audience Services
- Costumes
- Dramaturgy
- Hair & Makeup
- Lights
- Paint
- Props
- Publicity
- Run Crew
- Set Construction
- Sound
- Stage Management
EXPECTATIONS & TIME COMITMENT
Because production roles are so vastly different, expectations and commitment vary greatly. Please see the Loras Players Handbook for duties and expectations of specific crew roles.
JOIN THE TEAM
Email Ryan Decker, Director of Theatre (ryan.decker@loras.edu) or complete our interest form to get involved!
THE GUILD
“Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art.”
— Konstantin Stanislavski
The Guild is the Loras College honor society for theatre arts. The Guild recognizes dedication and achievement in theatre, rewarding members with greater creative freedom and leadership opportunities. The Guild serves as a production board, leads crews, and advises theatre programming on campus. Students are invited to join after earning 100 “Player Points” through production work and/or theatre coursework.
Loras students are invited to join The Guild at the conclusion of the regular academic year after accumulation of 100 “Player Points” for work with the Loras Players and/or theatre coursework. See below.
