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COMMUNITY
AUDITIONS
AVONLEA
THE NEW ANNE OF GREEN GABLES MUSICAL
Based on the novel by LM Montgomery | Music and Lyrics by Lori Robinson Distel | Book by Piper J. Distel
SHOW DATES
MAY 14-17, 2026 at Guelph Little Theatre
(176 Morris St. Guelph, Ontario, Canada)
AUDITION DATES
Friday, January 9th from 5:00-10:00 PM
Saturday, January 10th from 5:00-10:00 PM
(St. Peter’s Lutheran Church; 810 King St East. Cambridge, ON.)
Step into the charming world of Prince Edward Island in Avonlea, a fresh musical adaptation of Anne of Green Gables, where the lush landscapes and vibrant culture of the island come to life through an unforgettable score inspired by local folk music. The heartwarming story follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan who, through a twist of fate, finds herself in the quiet village of Avonlea. Embracing her new life with unbridled enthusiasm, Anne befriends the quirky residents of the island, including her adoptive guardians, Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, and the fiery but kindred soul Diana Barry. Alongside them, Anne’s misadventures and whimsical daydreams stir up both humour and conflict, while her fierce desire to belong and prove herself drives her journey of self-discovery. Through an ensemble cast of lovable characters and a score that blends the sounds of traditional PEI music with the emotional resonance of Broadway, Avonlea explores the power of imagination, friendship, and finding one’s place in the world.
PRODUCTION INFO
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO AUDITION?
AVONLEA is open to performers of all ages!
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
AVONLEA 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, that shows off both vocal and acting range
- 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 AVONLEA, 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 Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00-10:00 PM.
Choreography rehearsals will be held on Saturday evenings from 6:00-10:00 PM.
All rehearsals will begin in February 2026.
TECH WEEK
Monday, May 11th — 5:00-10:00 PM (First Tech)
Tuesday, May 12th — 5:00-10:00 PM (Tech Dress)
Wednesday, May 13th — 5:00-10:00 PM (Final Dress)
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 14th at 10:00 AM (School Performance) & 8:00 PM
Friday, May 15th at 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 16th at 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sunday, May 17th 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
WE ARE CASTING FOR THE FOLLOWING ROLES IN ‘AVONLEA’
PLEASE NOTE: ALL ROLES ARE ‘VOCAL’ ROLES.
MATTHEW CUTHBERT | Masculine, Acting Age: 55-65
The quiet, unassuming younger brother of Marilla Cuthbert— who takes Anne Shirley in as a ward, and develops a close bond with her.
DIANA BARRY | Feminine, Acting Age: 18-25
Anne Shirley’s ‘kindred spirit.’ Sweet, well-bred and easily excitable.
GILBERT BLYTHE | Masculine, Acting Age: 18-25
Anne’s academic rival who becomes her love interest.
RACHEL LYNDE | Feminine, Acting Age: 55-65
The nosy but well-meaning town busybody. Marilla Cuthbert’s closest friend and confidant.
JOSIE PYE | Feminine, Acting Age: 16-25
Anne’s snobbish and critical classmate. A goody-good.
JANE ANDREWS | Feminine, Acting Age: 16-25
Anne’s sensible friend and classmate.
RUBY GILLIS | Feminine, Acting Age: 16-25
Anne’s flirtatious, romantic friend and classmate.
MOODY SPURGEON | Masculine, Acting Age: 16-25
Anne’s friend and classmate. A bit daft.
CHARLIE SLOANE | Masculine, Acting Age: 16-25
Anne’s friend and classmate, who is madly in love with her.
PRISSY ANDREWS | Feminine, Acting Age: 18-25
Anne’s classmate, and sister of Jane. A budding teacher in her own right.
MR. PHILLIPS | Masculine, Acting Age: 25-30
Anne’s teacher. Snobbish and high-strung.
MISS STACEY | Feminine, Acting Age: 25-35
Anne’s teacher. A thoroughly modern woman with bright ideas.
MRS. BARRY | Feminine, Acting Age: 40-50
Diana Barry’s strict mother.
MINNIE-MAY BARRY | Feminine, Acting Age: 8-10
Diana Barry’s little sister.
MR. BARRY | Masculine, Acting Age: 40-50
Diana Barry’s uppity father.
THOMAS LYNDE | Masculine, Acting Age: 55-65
Rachel Lynde’s well-meaning husband.
REVEREND ALLAN | Masculine, Acting Age: 60+
Avonlea’s minister. Rabbity by nature.
MRS ALLAN | Feminine, Acting Age: 65+
Reverend Allan’s overachieving wife.
JOSEPHINE BARRY | Feminine, Acting Age: 65+
Diana Barry’s exceedingly wealthy great-aunt.
MRS. SPENCER | Feminine, Acting Age: 35+
The woman who brings the Cuthberts Anne Shirley— mistaking their request for a young boy as a request for a young girl.
MRS. BLEWETT | Feminine, Acting Age: 35+
A stern, austere woman looking for a young girl to take care of her children.
AVONLEA SCHOOLCHILDREN | Any Gender, Acting Age: 10+
(TILLIE, CARRIE, BESSIE, JIMMY, MARY-JO, JERRY)
The children at Avonlea school.
CITIZENS OF AVONLEA | Any Gender, Any Age
The many citizens of Avonlea.