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COMMUNITY
AUDITIONS
BLACK SHEEP
A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY
Inspired by ‘The Iron Hunter’ by Chase Osborne |
Music and Lyrics by Lori Robinson Distel | Book by Piper J. Distel
SHOW DATES
JULY 9-12, 2026 at Guelph Little Theatre
(176 Morris St. Guelph, Ontario, Canada)
AUDITION DATES
Friday, March 19th from 6:00-10:00 PM
Saturday, March 20th from 6:00-10:00 PM
(St. Peter’s Lutheran Church; 810 King St East. Cambridge, ON.)
In the mid-1800s, Wisconsin found themselves terrorized by an unlikely villain— Canadian-born Louis Mudge. No one dared to bring him down — until Chase Osborne, a tenacious but bumbling newspaper reporter, assembles a rag-tag gang of misfits to take on the criminal empire. In this uproarious musical comedy, Chase teams up with a quirky cast of unlikely allies: an overzealous minister with more dreams than skills, a retired opera singer turned con artist, the town drunkard, a disillusioned banker looking for redemption, and a young, savvy street urchin with a knack for getting into trouble. Together, they hatch a wild plan to expose Louis Mudge— whom they dub ‘The Black Sheep’— and bring him to justice, all while trying to stay one step ahead of his loyal henchmen. Through catchy tunes, slapstick humour, and a series of misadventures, Black Sheep is a rollicking tale of underdogs, unlikely heroes, and the hilarious chaos that ensues when the most mismatched group of people unite for a cause bigger than themselves. It's a musical where justice is a little messy, but the laughter is loud, and redemption — even for a gang of misfits— is always within reach.
PRODUCTION INFO
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO AUDITION?
BLACK SHEEP is open to performers ages 12+
No experience necessary. Penny & Pound Theatre is committed to offering diverse and equitable theatre to all. We highly encourage full participation from performers who identify as IBPOC, 2SLGBTQIA++, disAbled as well as those of all body types, societal and economic backgrounds and religious beliefs! We are committed to meeting the needs and expectations of all those who participate in our productions.
WHAT TO PREPARE
BLACK SHEEP auditions are being held by appointment only.
Each auditionee will receive a 10-minute audition slot.
- We ask that each auditionee please prepare a Broadway-style song, 1-2 minutes in length, preferably that shows off comedic ability.
- Auditionees may be asked to read an excerpt from the script
- A 10-15 minute dance call will be held for those interested
SHOW FEE
In order to participate in BLACK SHEEP, performers are asked to pay a show fee of $80. This fee covers the costs of producing high-quality theatrical productions, and DOES NOT pay the Creative Team. If you require a payment plan, we would be happy to discuss the options. All those who pay the fee receive the following:
- 1 complimentary ticket to the show
- A professional-quality headshot
- A bound copy of the script
IMPORTANT DATES
REHEARSAL DATES
Rehearsals will be held Friday evenings from 6:00-10:00 PM, and Sunday afternoons from 2:00-5:00 PM beginning in April. Tuesdays evenings from 6:00-10:00 PM will be added in May.
All rehearsals will begin in April 2026.
TECH WEEK
Monday, July 6th — 5:00-10:00 PM (First Tech)
Tuesday, July 7th — 5:00-10:00 PM (Tech Dress)
Wednesday, July 8th — 5:00-10:00 PM (Final Dress)
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, July 9th at 8:00 PM
Friday, July 10th at 8:00 PM
Saturday, July 11th at 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sunday, July 12th at 2:00 PM
NOTE: Performers will not necessarily be called to all of the above rehearsals. Some conflicts will be taken into consideration.
Performers MUST be available for the entirety of show week.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
LOUIS MUDGE | Masculine, Acting Age: 30-45 | Baritone Belt
Nicknamed ‘The Black Sheep,’ Louis Mudge is an Ontario-born outlaw with a knack for mischief and a soft spot for family
CHASE OSBORNE | Masculine, Acting Age: 25-30 | Tenor
The ‘hero’ of the piece (or so he claims). Chase Osborne is a down-on-his-luck underdog with big dreams.
LILLIAN JONES | Feminine, Acting Age: 25-30 | Mezzo-Soprano
The secretary at the Wisconsin newspaper where Chase works. A lovely young woman who is braver than she appears.
MAUDE MUDGE | Feminine, Acting Age: 30-45 | Alto
Louis Mudge’s long-suffering, tobacco-chewing wife.
MINA MUDGE | Feminine, Acting Age: 18-20 | Mezzo-Soprano
Louis and Maude’s beautiful and spoiled daughter who becomes their partner-in-crime.
HARLAN P. CORY | Masculine, Acting Age: 25-45 | Baritone/Tenor
A fiery, outspoken Presbyterian minister who teams up with Chase.
BILL NOYES | Masculine, Acting Age: 25-35 | Tenor
A smooth-talking sharpshooter who teams up with Chase.
BABY NOYES | Feminine, Acting Age: 12-14 | Soprano
Bill’s little sister who tags along for the ride (“Mom says you have to!”)
ETTA LEIGH MOON | Feminine, Acting Age: 40-55 | Operatic Soprano
A disgraced Prima Donna who teams up with Chase.
LITTLE FABRIZIO | Masculine, Acting Age: 20-25 | Tenor
A ‘street smart urchin’ who is far too old to be an ‘urchin.’
DRUNK LARRY | Masculine, Acting Age: 50+ | Baritone
The town drunk who prefers to be called ‘Inebriated Lawrence.’
AMBROSE GRIEVES | Masculine, Acting Age: 25-35 | Tenor
Chase Osborne’s best friend, who writes the obituaries for the local paper (and moonlights as a coffin builder.)
NORMAN BRIGGS | Masculine, Acting Age: 55-65 | Baritone
A disillusioned banker who teams up with Chase.
BESS MCLEOD | Feminine, Acting Age: 45-55 | Alto Belter
The Madam at Louis Mudge’s brothel who teams up with Chase.
DREAM CHASE | Masculine, Acting Age: 20-35 | Baritone
A perfect version of Chase Osborne— tall, handsome and heroic— who exists only in his dreams.
PAT GREEN | Masculine, Acting Age: 20-25 | Baritone/Bass
Louis Mudge’s right-hand-man who falls madly in love with Mina. A big softie who’s not very bright.
HANSEN | Masculine, Acting Age: 50+ | Non-Singing
Chase Osborne’s hard-headed boss at the Wisconsin paper where he works.
MAMA MUDGE | Feminine, Acting Age: 45-55 | Soprano
Louis Mudge’s soft-in-the-middle mother, back home in Ontario. This performer will also be featured in the ‘ensemble.’
REVEREND MUDGE | Masculine, Acting Age: 45-55 | Baritone
Louis Mudge’s strict father back home in Ontario. This performer will also be featured in the ‘ensemble.’
YOUNG LOUIS | Masculine, Acting Age: 14-16 | Tenor
Louis Mudge as a young rabble-rouser.
ENSEMBLE | Any Gender, Acting Age: 12+, SATB
A group of strong comedic actor who play various roles throughout the production.