The Barn PlayersDISASTER! Auditions
Audition times
- Saturday, April 4, 20261:00 PM–4:00 PM
- Monday, April 6, 20266:00 PM–9:00 PM
Location
Prairie Baptist Church - 7416 Roe Ave, Prairie Village, KS 66208
Show synopsis
DISASTER! is a new musical straight from Broadway, featuring some of the most unforgettable songs of the '70s. "Knock on Wood," "Hooked on a Feeling," "Sky High," "I Am Woman" and "Hot Stuff" are just a few of the scintillating hits in this hilarious musical comedy with a book by three-time Emmy Award nominee and SiriusXM Broadway host, Seth Rudetsky, and Jack Plotnick.
It's 1979, and New York's hottest A-listers are lining up for the opening of a floating casino and discotheque. Also attending is a faded disco star, a sexy nightclub singer with her eleven-year-old twins, a disaster expert, a feminist reporter, an older couple with a secret, a pair of young guys who are looking for ladies, an untrustworthy businessman and a nun with a gambling addiction. What begins as a night of boogie fever quickly changes to panic as the ship succumbs to multiple disasters, such as earthquakes, tidal waves and infernos. As the night turns into day, everyone struggles to survive and, quite possibly, repair the love that they've lost ... or at least escape the killer rats.
We are seeking
- The Barn Players is seeking an ensemble cast of strong musical theatre actors for their production of DISASTER!.
- All roles are for ages 18+, with the exception of one preteen (any gender).
Before you arrive
- You MUST complete the online audition form prior to arrival: linked here.
- Bring a headshot and resume (if you have them).
When you arrive
- When you get to Prairie Baptist Church, please park in the parking lot west of the church and enter through the main doors. There will be signs directing you to the audition space.
Auditioning
- Auditions will be an open call and we will see people in the order that they sign in.
- Sing a one to two minute selection of a musical theatre song in the style of the show. You are welcome to sing a song from the show.
- Please provide sheet music - NO CDs & NO ACAPPELLA auditions.
- If you have worked with anyone on this directing team before, there is no need to come to the open call. Please complete the audition form and email your interest to the director at kippbot@gmail.com.
Auditioning by video
- You may submit a video audition to kippbot@gmail.com.
- Be sure to include your audition form, a headshot, and resume (if you have them) with the email.
After auditions
- You will be notified by email by April 7, 2026, if you are invited to callbacks.
Callbacks (by invitation only)
- All callbacks will take place at Prairie Baptist Church on Sunday, April 11, 2026, from 1:00-5:00pm.
Rehearsals
- Rehearsals will begin around June 29, 2026.
- Typical weekly rehearsal schedule will be Sunday afternoons from 1:00-5:00pm and Monday-Thursday nights from 6:30-10:00pm.
- Tech rehearsals will be on Monday, August 3rd and Tuesday, August 4th from 6:00-11:00pm.
- Conflicts with the rehearsal schedule must be kept to an absolute minimum during the rehearsal process.
- No conflicts will be accepted during dress/tech week without prior approval from the director.
Production Dates: August 7-16, 2026
- WEEK ONE: Friday, Saturday & Monday (Industry Night) @ 7:30pm and Sunday @ 2pm
- WEEK TWO: Thursday, Friday & Saturday @ 7:30pm and Sunday @ 2pm (Eight performances)
- All performances will take place in The Black Box Theater at The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center.
Additional Notes
- Cast members are required to assist with strike following the final performance.
- Cast members may also be asked to assist with costume pieces.
- We encourage actors to indicate interest in any roles that fit their gender identity at auditions.
Character breakdown
Chad
A handsome and winning man. Pretends to be a player, but is really still heartbroken over the loss of his first love. Tenor with a great rock and pop voice.
- Vocal range top: B4
- Vocal range bottom: C3
Scott
A goofy guy. A nerd who wants to be cool. Tenor with a sweet voice.
- Vocal range top: A4
- Vocal range bottom: F3
Ted
A disaster expert. Non-emotional. Dry. A serious, professorial type.
- Vocal range top: B4
- Vocal range bottom: E3
Marianne
An attractive and focused journalist. Insecure underneath it all. Great, high pop belt.
- Vocal range top: Gb5
- Vocal range bottom: G3
Tony
A very unscrupulous but attractive and (sometimes) charming middle-aged man. A schemer.
- Vocal range top: G4
- Vocal range bottom: D3
Jackie
An aging but still sexy showgirl and now lounge singer. Dumb but honest. Goldie Hawn-esque.
- Vocal range top: F5
- Vocal range bottom: A3
Ben / Lisa
Smart boy and girl twins played by the same actor. Honest and direct. Jackie’s son and daughter. Amazing pop voice. Belt to a high D. With vibrato! A young Michael Jackson/Andrea McArdle.
- Vocal range top: Eb5
- Vocal range bottom: Ab3
Sister Mary Downey
Awkward, judgmental nun with a gambling addiction. Great high pop belt.
- Vocal range top: B5
- Vocal range bottom: F#3
Shirley
Lovable and jolly Jewish woman. Maury’s wife. Tap dancing a plus. Great comedic actress.
- Vocal range top: Db5
- Vocal range bottom: F#3
Maury
Lovable and jolly. Shirley’s dedicated husband.
- Vocal range top: Ab4
- Vocal range bottom: Db3
Levora Verona
A flamboyant and glamorous faded disco diva. Pushy and sassy but in love with her sweet dog. Great pop belt.
- Vocal range top: A5
- Vocal range bottom: B3
Ensemble
Able to play various glamorous party guests/character roles. Great comedic chops, good dance ability and great voices needed.
The Barn Players embraces diversity in all aspects of our organization. Nontraditional and equal-opportunity casting is encouraged. The Barn Players welcomes and values all forms of diversity as we strive to better represent the performing arts community in Kansas City. Non-traditional, inclusive and equal-opportunity casting is encouraged.