Ferndale Repertory Theatre’s Commitment to Conscious-casting: As theatre institutions, we hold ourselves accountable in the casting decisions we make. The actions of listening and compassionate understanding are at the heart of the practice.
These decisions reflect the power dynamics of the outside world and the society we live in. Just as theatre can hold a mirror up to nature, it also provides a lens for us to better see a path towards a more inclusive community.
Conscious-casting is the acknowledgment of a performer’s race, gender, and sexual identities, and the impact those identities might have within a given role, on the stories we choose to tell and how we tell them.
FRT commits to conscious casting, acknowledging and embracing identities to further equity, diversity, meaningful inclusion and accessibility in our space and stage. As such, we invite EVERYONE to audition for their desired roles, incorporating how each individual can uniquely add to the dynamics and world of the inclusive and diverse stories we strive to tell.
For more information, please contact us at: info@ferndalerep.org
Disaster! the Musical Auditions
Bell-bottoms. Disco. Earthquakes. Tidal waves. Killer rats. What could possibly go wrong?
Ferndale Repertory Theatre is excited to announce auditions for Disaster! The Musical, a hilarious, high-energy musical comedy packed with outrageous characters, over-the-top catastrophe, and some of the biggest pop hits of the 1970s.
Set in 1979 aboard a floating casino and discotheque, Disaster! follows a group of eccentric characters as one catastrophe after another threatens to ruin opening night. Through earthquakes, tidal waves, fires, killer rats, and plenty of romantic chaos, the cast sings its way through iconic ’70s hits including “Hot Stuff,” “Knock on Wood,” “I Am Woman,” and “I Will Survive.”
We’re looking for strong singers and comedic actors who are ready to embrace the big characters, high energy, and complete absurdity of Disaster! Most roles are for performers ages 18+, with one role available for a performer ages 12–17 to play Ben/Lisa.
Whether you’re a longtime Ferndale Rep performer or considering auditioning with us for the first time, we would love to see you!
Audition Dates: Saturday, October 17 & Sunday, October 18
Callbacks: Following weekend, exact schedule TBA
Directed by: Jessie Rawson
Music Direction by: Katie Folkenroth
Audition Information
When + Where
Ferndale Repertory Theatre
447 Main Street, Ferndale, CA
We’re offering two ways to audition:
Prepared Auditions are best for performers who would like to choose a song that showcases their vocal range, style, character, and storytelling.
Come-As-You-Are Auditions are an alternative for performers who would prefer to learn audition material together in the room. They’re also a great option for performers primarily interested in ensemble opportunities.
You only need to attend one audition session. Please arrive 10 minutes before your audition to complete your audition form.
Please be prepared to complete a conflict sheet at auditions and be specific about any scheduling conflicts throughout the rehearsal and performance period.
Prepared Auditions
Saturday, October 17 — 11:00 AM–12:30 PM
OR
Sunday, October 18 — 6:00–7:30 PM
Prepared auditions will take place in scheduled time slots.
Sign up for a prepared audition here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054EA5AB2AA6FBCF8-66450776-auditions
Please prepare 16–32 bars or up to one minute of a song that best showcases your vocal range, style, character, and storytelling.
Disaster! features the pop, rock, disco, soul, and singer-songwriter sounds of the 1970s. Many of the songs are upbeat, character-driven, and comedic, so we encourage you to choose material that shows off your personality and sense of fun in addition to your voice. A song from Disaster! is also welcome.
Please plan to audition with a backing track rather than singing a cappella. A Bluetooth speaker will be available.
Come-As-You-Are Auditions
Saturday, October 17 — 12:30–1:00 PM
OR
Sunday, October 18 — 7:30–8:00 PM
No advance vocal preparation is necessary.
Our music director will teach a short selection during the session, and performers will learn and sing the material together in the room.
No sign-up is required! Just show up!
Callbacks
Callbacks will be held the following weekend. Exact date and time TBA.
Callbacks will include script readings, movement, and singing.
Those invited to callbacks will be contacted directly and provided with any materials they need to prepare.
Being invited to callbacks does not guarantee that a performer will be cast. Likewise, not being invited to callbacks does not necessarily mean that a performer will not be cast.
Who We’re Looking For
This production is primarily open to performers ages 18 and older, with one role available for a performer ages 12–17 to play the dual role of Ben/Lisa.
We welcome experienced and first-time performers and are looking for a wide range of ages, types, voices, and personalities.
Character Breakdown
Chad: A handsome, charismatic caterer and confident ladies man who remains heartbroken over his first love. Great rock/pop voice, charisma, and strong comedic instincts. Range: C3–B4
Scott: Chad’s goofy, nerdy best friend and fellow caterer, determined to be cool. Sweet tenor voice and strong comedic instincts. Range: F3–A4
Ted Scheider: A serious, emotionally restrained disaster expert who quickly realizes everything aboard the Barracuda is going catastrophically wrong. Strong singer and actor with excellent dry comedic instincts. Range: E3–B4
Marianne Wilson: A smart, driven journalist investigating the Barracuda who shares a complicated romantic history with Chad. Confident with some insecurity underneath. Strong pop singer with a high belt and confident comedic instincts. Range: G3–Gb5
Tony Delvecchio: The charming but deeply unscrupulous owner of the Barracuda, always scheming. Strong singer and comedic character actor. Range: D3–G4
Jackie Noelle: The Barracuda’s glamorous lounge singer and mother of twins Ben and Lisa. Romantic, sincere, warmhearted, and wonderfully oblivious at times. Strong pop singer and excellent comedic actor. Range: A3–F5
Ben / Lisa — Performer Ages 12–17: Jackie’s young twins, both played by the same performer. Smart, honest, direct, and distinctly different characters. A substantial featured role requiring a confident young singer/actor with strong comedic timing, physicality, and the ability to switch quickly between characters. Range: Ab3–Eb5
Sister Mary Downey: An awkward, judgmental nun passionately opposed to gambling while secretly struggling with a gambling addiction herself. A major comedic role requiring fearless character work and a strong high pop belt. Range: F#3–B5
Shirley Winters: Maury’s lovable, spirited wife: warm, funny, and carrying a few surprises of her own. Strong singer and excellent comedic actor. Tap skills a plus! Range: F#3–Db5
Maury Winters: Shirley’s devoted husband. Kindhearted, lovable, and deeply committed to his wife through an increasingly impossible evening. Warmth, strong comedic instincts, and confident singing. Range: Db3–Ab4
Levora Verona: A flamboyant former disco star determined to reclaim the spotlight. Dramatic, glamorous, and completely devoted to her beloved dog. Bold character performer with a great pop belt and excellent comedic instincts. Range: B3–A5
Ensemble: Creates the chaotic world of the Barracuda as glamorous party guests, casino staff, workers, disaster victims, and other featured characters. Substantial vocal, comedic, character, and movement opportunities throughout the production. Strong singers and comedians willing to make bold choices are encouraged to audition.
More Details
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals begin: Monday, November 23, 2026
General Schedule: Monday–Friday evenings from approximately 6:30–9:30 PM
Not all cast members will be called for every rehearsal or for the full rehearsal period each evening. Calls will be based on the material being rehearsed.
Rehearsals in Eureka: Nov 23 – Jan 15
Rehearsals will initially take place at:
900 Hodgson Street
Eureka, CA
There will be no rehearsal Thursday, November 26 or Friday, November 27 for Thanksgiving.
Holiday Break
There will be no regular rehearsals from:
December 22, 2026–January 3, 2027
Rehearsals in Ferndale: Jan 18 – Feb 4
Beginning Monday, January 18, 2027, rehearsals will move to:
Ferndale Repertory Theatre
447 Main Street, Ferndale, CA
Production Dates
February 5–28, 2027
Fridays at 7:30 PM
Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM
Cast members must be available for the full performance run unless an exception has been discussed and approved before casting.
Please disclose all known rehearsal and performance conflicts at auditions. Availability and conflicts may be considered when making casting decisions.
Questions or Scheduling Conflicts?
Reach out to Artistic Producing Director and Director Jessie Rawson at jessie@ferndalerep.org.
We’re happy to answer questions and help make the audition process feel welcoming and accessible.
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To be sure you are notified when we hold auditions, please sign up for our auditions e-mail list below.