Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities and Auditions

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Volunteer

GRETNA THEATRE BRANCHES is our volunteer program. The trees of Mt. Gretna can only go as far as their branches allow, and as a nonprofit organization, Gretna Theatre relies on your help for us to stretch our mission out in the community. Get involved today!

Download the form below. Complete it and email it to boxoffice@gretnatheatre.org with the subject VOLUNTEER. You can also mail completed forms to Gretna Theatre, attn: Box Office, PO Box 578, Mount Gretna, PA 17543

Ways to Volunteer

Usher Volunteers - Assist our front-of-house staff as an usher before curtain time and during intermission, greeting patrons, taking tickets, and seating our theater guests. And see the show for free!

Administrative Volunteers - Work alongside our daytime staff in Marketing, Development, or Education doing data entry, phone solicitation, or providing general clerical assistance. Help keep Gretna Theatre growing!

Casting for Educational Outreach Local Touring Production- "The Science of Stuff"

Seeking local non-equity actors. Show Description: Tune in to The Morning Mishmash with Chad and Nina, where our hosts will welcome guests to talk about the building blocks of the universe. Can you un-bake a cake? Should you build a house out of gumdrops? Find out on this lively TV program, complete with commercials! Rehearsals: January 26 – February 8 (approximately 10 rehearsals scheduled within this period) Performances: Dates vary based on confirmed school and library bookings Seeking the following roles: CHAD (he/him)- 1 out of 2 hosts of “The Morning Mish Mash” morning show Loves being a host on the show when they do “fun” things like Celebrity Llama Gossip. Does not enjoy the topic of science, especially when it is a topic on the morning show. Voice Part: Baritone/Bari-tenor NINA (she/her) - 1 out of 2 hosts of “The Morning Mish Mash” morning show! Adores the subject of science and is intrigued by all things relative to it. She is upbeat and wants her co-host Chad to understand science can be just as fun as making shampoo out of frosting. Voice Part: Alto ARIA MARX (she/her)- A mega movie star who stars in the hit film “H-2-WHOA” as a tiny superhero who saves the world on a microscopic level. Enjoys interviewing about the movie due to real life scientists writing the entire script. The Aria Marx track will also include other featured characters within the show. To audition, please prepare: A comedic song that showcases clear character choices (2 min max). All submissions should be virtual and sent to casting@gretnatheatre.org

Casting for the 2026 Season

Gretna Theatre is seeking submissions for our 2026 MainStage Season for the following productions and roles:

Always...Patsy Cline

Created and originally directed by Ted Swindley Rehearsals: May 19 - June 3, 2026 Performances: June 4 - 7, 2026 Seeking the following roles: Louise Seger - Woman. She/Her. 40-50s. A devoted Patsy Cline fan and a Houston Texas housewife, shares stories from her past. Like the music she loves, she remains firmly anchored in the unforgettable era of Patsy Cline’s remarkable career. Patsy Cline - Woman. She/Her. 30s. Alto/Mezzo-soprano. The show’s iconic country singer and motivating character.

Murder at Ackerton Manor

By Steve Gallagher Rehearsals: June 23 - July 8, 2026 Performances: July 9 - 12, 2026 Show Description: On a dark and stormy night at Ackerton Manor, the loathed Roger Ackerton meets a deadly end. Enter Detective Pierre Pierrot, armed with only a corpse, a missing diamond, and five eccentric suspects — each with a motive more absurd than the last. In this whirlwind comedic tribute to Agatha Christie, three actors bring seven outrageous characters to life. Twists, turns, and mistaken identities keep the laughs, and bodies, coming. The American Premiere of this production! Seeking the following roles: Track 1 (He/Him) - Roger Ackerton (60), Man, He/Him, Upper Class British. Evil. Arrogant. Hates everyone and everything. Pierre Pierrot (30), Man, He/Him, French Detective. Overconfident, but efficient. Track 2 (He/Him) - Curtiss (30), Man, He/Him, Butler, British, very proper and serious Sterling Oliver (22), Man, He/Him, Yorkshire, rough and tumble gardener. But still a very innocent, naive sort. Jane Marplestein (30), Woman, She/Her, Southern Belle, very sultry, Usually gets her own way. Track 3 (She/Her) - Ariadne Ackerton (45) Woman, She/Her, Upper Crust British, Drinks too much. Dreams of a better life for herself. Professor Basil Lemon (50) Man, He/Him, German scientist, very inquisitive. All actors are encouraged to bring themselves to the role. All characters require physical comedy and high vocal energy. Actors of all ethnicities are encouraged to submit.

HAIR

Book and Lyrics By Gerome Ragni & James Rado Music by Galt MacDermot Directed by Michael Philip O’Brien Musical Directed by Dan Kazemi Rehearsals: July 7 - 22, 2026 Performances: July 23 - Aug 2, 2026 Seeking the following roles: Claude: (Early 20s, Man, He/Him) Sensitive, introspective, and idealistic. A young man torn between his countercultural beliefs and the pressures of family, society, and the draft. Is inspired by the Tribe and dreams of creating a more beautiful world. The emotional heart of the piece. Berger: (Early-Mid 20s, Man, He/Him) Charismatic, playful, and rebellious. The unofficial leader of the Tribe with a mischievous sense of humor and deep loyalty to his friends. Masking vulnerability with bravado, he is a dynamic wanderer. Strong rock vocalist with commanding stage presence. Woof: (Early-Mid 20s, TBD) A gentle, quirky, and sweet-natured person. Open-hearted and curious, with an endearing innocence. Often humorous but deeply sincere. Is somewhat androgynous blurring the lines of societal views on sexuality and gender. Loves Mick Jagger. Hud: (Early-Mid 20s, Man, He/Him, African American) Proud, confident, and unapologetic. A strong advocate for Black identity and empowerment. Bold, outspoken, and charismatic. Jeanie: (Early 20s, Woman, She/Her) Warm, earthy, and optimistic. An idealistic environmentalist, pregnant and embracing motherhood with optimism and conviction, has no relationship with the father. A comforting grounded presence within the Tribe. Dionne: (Early-Mid 20s, Woman, She/Her, African American) Vibrant, witty, and emotionally intuitive. Often serves as a voice of reason within the Tribe believing in justice and equality. Confident and compassionate, with strong leadership energy. Excellent singer with gospel/rock influence. Crissy: (Early 20s, Woman, She/Her) Sweet, anxious, and searching for belonging. Youngest member of the Tribe. A hopeful romantic eager to connect and find her place. Vulnerable, earnest, and could be considered naive. Sheila: (Early-Mid 20s, Woman, She/Her) Intelligent, outspoken, and politically engaged. NYU Student. Passionate protestor about social justice and feminism, with a sharp wit and emotional depth. Confident and articulate being a voice of reason within the Tribe. Margaret Mead: (20s-30s, TBD) Conservative, well-meaning, and buttoned-up. Represents mainstream societal norms in contrast to the Tribe’s freedom. Comic sensibility is helpful, at one point portrays a female tourist in drag with her husband Hubert. The Tribe (Ensemble) - A collective of young people living on the fringes of society. They are hippies, artists, activists, dreamers, and rebels united by a shared belief in peace, love, and freedom. Each member of the Tribe is a distinct individual, yet together they function as a powerful communal voice. NOTE: Some characters may be asked to appear semi-nude in underwear or bathing suit–style costumes; however, final costuming decisions will be determined by the actor’s comfort level with showing skin on stage.

2026 In-Person Auditions

January 15 & 16, 2026 - Local Equity Principal Auditions from 11am - 7pm at Creative Pursuits in Lancaster, PA. Gretna Theatre will run these local EPAs. Equity members may sign up in advance by clicking this link. Non-Equity actors will be seen on a walk-in basis as time allows.

January 17, 2026 - Local Open Call from 11am - 7pm at Creative Pursuits in Lancaster, PA. All actors may sign up in advance by clicking this link.

January 19th, 2026 - Philadelphia Open Call from 10am - 6pm at the Walnut Street Theatre (6th Floor Studio), Phila., PA. All Actors may sign up in advance by clicking this link.

Please Prepare:

For Always…Patsy Cline: Please prepare a song from the 1950s/1960s (2 min max) in the style of the show.

For Murder at Ackerton Manor: Please prepare a comedic monologue (2 min max) in the style of the show. Additional information is provided in the dropdown menu of the show as this production is the American premiere.

For HAIR: Please prepare a rock song in the style of the show (2 min max).

For 2026 Acting Apprenticeship: Auditioners should please prepare 2 contrasting short songs (2 min max).

Gretna Theatre will also be accepting virtual submissions for all projects as well. Virtual submissions should be sent with headshot, resume, and brief email to casting@gretnatheatre.org. The deadline for all virtual submissions is Sunday, January 25th, 2026.

Gretna Theatre has a commitment to the casting and employment of local talent from the Lancaster/Lebanon/Harrisburg area. For that reason, open call auditions for each season will be held locally and in addition to open call auditions in Philadelphia. Information about these auditions will be made available on this website, AEA, Backstage, and Playbill. If not available to attend in person auditions, virtual submissions will be accepted via email at casting@gretnatheatre.org.

As a professional theatre, Gretna Theatre engages both union and non-union actors. The theatre operates with an Actors' Equity Association agreement that references the COST contract.

2026 Professional Apprenticeship Program

Gretna Theatre, America's Oldest Summer Theater in the heart of Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania, is seeking current students and recent graduates interested in pursuing theatre professionally for its summer apprenticeship program. This year's programming runs from May 26 through August 2, 2026, and offers paid apprenticeships in the areas of Acting, Costumes, Properties, Sound, Scenic Design/Carpentry, Stage Management, Company Management, Administrative and Marketing. All apprentice applications are due by February 15th, 2026.

Acting Apprentices will be featured as lead roles in our three Family Series productions as well as a be a a part of the ensemble within one of our Mainstage productions. While working alongside industry professionals, acting apprentices also participate in a series of masterclasses curated by Gretna's Producing Artistic Director Michael Philip O'Brien.

Actors interested in being considered for the 2026 Summer Acting Apprenticeship are encouraged to attend one of the in-person auditions or submit the following to casting@gretnatheatre.org:

Headshot & Resume
Virtual audition including 2 brief contrasting songs (2 min max).
A brief email introducing yourself. Please fill out this virtual form to get your application started.

All Other Apprentices: To apply, please fill out this virtual form and email your resume along with a detailed email introducing yourself & why you are interested in the apprenticeship program to jobs@gretnatheatre.org.

Apprentice Opportunities include: Stage Management Apprentices serve as the production stage managers for Family Series productions, and will each act as an assistant stage manager for at least one Mainstage production. Stage Management apprentices will also have additional opportunities to assist with seasonal operations and Mainstage productions as needed. Costumes, Properties, Sound, and Scenic Design/Carpentry Apprentices will serve as the lead designers for Gretna's popular Family Series under the mentorship of Gretna's Production Manager and visiting artists. When not in production meetings and technical rehearsals, these apprentices assist with the Mainstage series as needed. Company Management Apprentice serves as the liaison between the Administrative staff and the artists for the season. Duties include coordinating artists' housing and travel accommodations from out of town as well as while at the theatre. Setting up and maintaining rehearsal spaces and assisting the Associate Producer and Producing Artistic Director on admin and production tasks as needed. Marketing Apprentice works alongside Gretna's Director of Digital Marketing to strategically and effectively promote Gretna Theatre's multiple lines of programming throughout the summer. Responsibilities will include but are not limited to creating and scheduling social media content, flyer and poster distribution, rehearsal b-roll and photos and other tasks allocated by the Director of Digital Marketing. Administrative Apprentice works alongside Gretna's administrative leadership to support the day-to-day operations of the organization throughout the season. This apprentice gains hands-on experience in nonprofit arts administration, assisting with office operations, audience services, and interdepartmental coordination. Responsibilities may include supporting box office and front-of-house needs, maintaining organizational records, assisting with scheduling and communications, and providing administrative support to the Producing Artistic Director, Associate Producer, and other department heads as needed. All apprenticeship positions are paid with limited housing options available.

New Work Submissions

New Work Submission Policy - If you have written a play or musical you are interested in having Gretna Theatre produce, please send the following information:

Excerpt of script (30 page limit)
Demo tracks in show order
Brief synopsis
Character breakdown
Artistic statement on the piece
Playwright, composer, lyricist, and other artistic collaborator bios
Archival images/video segments (if applicable)

Submissions should be sent to the Producing Artistic Director at michael@gretnatheatre.org. Please do not send full scripts unsolicited. Upon reading the synopsis package, Gretna Theatre will request a full script to determine if the production is in consideration for production. Please allow up to six months for review.