SPOTLiGHT PLAYERS
COME PLAY WiTH US ON STAGE!
Whether you’re a total beginner or a drama queen in the making, our theatre program is the perfect place to make new friends, build confidence, and have a blast. From creating & staging a play in just two days to full-on performances, there’s something for everyone—no experience needed, just bring your imagination!
Paulette Gilbert, Director of Spotlight Players
Co-Produced with
TRiO! AUDITIONS MAY 10TH
〰️
TRiO! AUDITIONS MAY 10TH 〰️
COMING UP
April 26-27
A Play in 2 Days!
A Play in 2 Days includes all aspects of play production, including auditions, blocking, rehearsal techniques, character building, and working with costumes and props. Participants will put all these elements together to create and present a short play for family and friends at the end of the second day! An amazingly fun and challenging process for all levels of theatrical experience.
May 10
TRiO! Auditions
CALLING ALL YOUNG PERFORMERS AGES 8-15
Join us for a fast-paced fairytale mash-up circus like you’ve never seen before! Three ringmasters (and some silly clowns) take you on a circus themed adventure. Prepare to be entertained and amazed by a trilogy of three storybook favorites: The Three Bears, The Three Pigs and The Three Goats Gruff. No prior experience required—just bring your energy, curiosity, and love for theatre! 1 ACT / NON-MUSICAL
PERFORMED AT THE HISTORIC NEVADA THEATRE JULY 25-27
REHEARSALS START JUNE 1ST
Directed by Paulette Gilbert
Photo by Bob Free
SPOTLIGHT PLAYERS AUDITIONS 📣
MAY 10 / 9am-12:30 / at the SIERRA STAGES STUDIO
CALLING ALL YOUNG PERFORMERS AGES 8–15!
TRiO!
A Three-Ring Circus of Storybook Tales.
Join us for a fast-paced fairytale mash-up circus like you’ve never seen before! Three ringmasters (and some silly clowns) take you on a circus themed adventure. Prepare to be entertained and amazed by a trilogy of three storybook favorites: The Three Bears, The Three Pigs and The Three Goats Gruff.
No prior experience required—just bring your energy, curiosity, and love for theatre!
1 ACT / NON-MUSICAL
PERFORMED AT THE HISTORIC NEVADA THEATRE JULY 25-27
REHEARSALS START JUNE 1ST
Presented by Spotlight Players @ Sierra Theatre Company | Directed by Paulette Gilbert
🎭 Audition Schedule & Guidelines
Ages 8–9: 9:00–10:30 AM
(Some may be asked to stay until 11:00 AM)
Ages 10–15: 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
(Some may be released as early as 12:00 PM)
Jr. Crew (ages 11–15): 10:30–11:30 AM
(For ages 11–15 interested in stage management)
🤸🏿♀️🤹🏼🥁Do you have any special (or silly) skills or talents?🎤 🩰🤪
Juggling / Twirling / Hoops / Acrobats / Tumbling / Instrument / Dance / Joke Telling / General Silliness
Paulette would love to see it all… nothing is too small!
🕘 Please arrive early to complete paperwork, have a photo taken, and receive your audition number.
👟 Dress appropriately for movement – no boots, flip flops, or open-toed shoes.
📝 Be sure to complete the audition sign-up & form in advance to help us plan for a smooth and fun audition day!
📣 Invited Callbacks: Wednesday, May 14 | 4:00–6:30 PM | Sierra Stages Studio
📌 A $200 participation fee helps cover production costs, including scripts, royalties, staff, sets, costumes, and more. Partial scholarships may be available upon request. The fee is not required to audition and will only be collected once casting is confirmed.
📣 INVITED CALLBACKS
Wednesday, May 14 | 4:00–6:30 PM | Sierra Stages Studio
Some performers may be invited to a second audition before casting is finalized.
👉 A callback does not guarantee a role, and not being called back doesn’t mean you weren’t cast.
Notification will be sent by email 1–2 days after the initial audition.
AUDITION FAQs
How old must my child be to audition?
Children must be between 8 and 15 years old on the day of auditions.
How should my child prepare?
Just come ready to be brave, imaginative, and have fun with other kids who enjoy theatre! No preparation is required.
Do we need to bring a photo or résumé?
No. A photo will be taken at check-in for casting purposes. The audition form includes space to list any past experience, but no prior theatre experience is required.
What if we can’t attend the scheduled audition?
Unfortunately, there are no make-up or individual auditions. Children must attend the scheduled audition day to be considered.
What is a callback?
A callback is a second round of auditions, used to see different combinations of performers. Not all children will be invited, and not being called back doesn’t necessarily mean a child wasn’t cast. Callback notifications will be sent by email a day or two after auditions.
How long will the audition last?
Auditions are grouped by age. Younger participants (8-9) will attend the first session, typically lasting 1–2 hours. Older participants (10–15) will attend the second session. All auditions will conclude by early afternoon.
Will auditions be in front of others?
Yes. These are group auditions. Your child may be asked to recite a line, sing, dance, or explore movement as part of the group.
Can parents or guardians watch the auditions?
No, auditions are closed to observers. However, an adult must accompany the child before and after. Limited waiting space may be available
Will my child automatically be cast?
No. This is a true audition process with a limited number of roles. While the director may occasionally expand the cast, this only happens if it ensures a fun, safe, and valuable experience for everyone.
How will we know if our child is cast?
Casting decisions will be shared via email using the addresses provided on the audition form.
What is Jr. Crew?
Children ages 11–15 who are interested in stage management should attend the first hour of the older audition session. The director will observe how they follow directions and collaborate with others.
Are costumes provided?
Yes, most costumes will be provided. You may be asked to supply shoes or a small accessory, depending on costume design needs. Details will be shared at the Parent/Company meeting.
What is the cost to participate?
A $200 participation fee helps cover production costs, including scripts, royalties, staff, sets, costumes, and more. Partial scholarships may be available upon request. The fee is not required to audition and will only be collected once casting is confirmed.
If you have any questions, please e-mail Paulette
TRiO! SHOW & CAST OF CHARACTERS
Come one, come all to a fast-paced, fairytale mash-up circus like you've never seen before!
Join our three ringmasters (and some silly clowns) as they take you on a circus-themed adventure, featuring a trilogy of beloved storybook favorites: The Three Bears, The Three Pigs, and The Three Goats Gruff. It’s a delightful and fun experience for the whole family—prepare to be entertained and amazed!
CAST OF CHARACTERS
For 16–19 participants (ages 8–15). Some actors may play 2 or 3 roles. Names may be adjusted as needed for casting. Storybook characters may also appear in entertaining acts between tales!
BEETLE, BARTLE & BO – Energetic ringmasters who narrate and keep the action going
CLOWNS – Silly, hyper, assist with set changes, and entertain between acts
MAMA BEAR – The voice of reason and in charge
PAPA BEAR – Fears insects and would prefer hibernating early
BABY BEAR – Dislikes porridge and the woods
GOLDILOCKS – Picky and known for destroying things
MAMA PIG – Wants her piggies to succeed
PIG 1 – Aspires to be a tightrope walker
PIG 2 – Aspires to be a juggler
PIG 3 – Aspires to reduce climate change
WOLF – Loves bacon, duckies, and strawberry tarts
PETER – Scared of wolves
RED RIDING HOOD – Not so scared of wolves
MINI GOAT – The runt, in search of a better tasting pasture
BEARDED LADY GOAT – Known for her magnificent beard
STRONGMAN GOAT – The biggest, with incredible strength
TROLL – Lazily lurks in the green pasture
Scenes from A Play in 2 Days Feb 2025!
TRiO! REHEARSALS & PRODUCTION
Rehearsal Schedule | Sierra Stages Studio
June 1, 8: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
June 2, 3, 4, 6, 7: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
June 17, 18, 19, 25, 26: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
July 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Rehearsal calls are based on the roles/scenes being worked on.
Your child may not be called to every rehearsal.
Calls will be emailed 2-3 days prior to each week.Please save all rehearsal dates/times for availability.
The audition form will ask about any rehearsal conflicts.
Mandatory Production Dates
Please do not audition if unavailable for the following dates:
Parent & Cast Meeting / Cast Picture / Script Reading: May 30, 5:15–7:15 PM | Sierra Stages Studio
Cue-to-Cue / Tech Rehearsal: July 18 & 19, 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM | Nevada Theatre
Tech & Dress Rehearsal Week: July 21–24, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Nevada Theatre
Performances
July 25: 2:00 PM
July 26: 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM
July 27: 11:00 AM
THE DIRECTOR
Paulette Gilbert has worked with children for nearly 30 years as a teacher, actor, and director. She holds a BA in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Theatre from Louisiana Tech University. Her extensive experience with professional companies across the country includes a national tour with the Missoula Children’s Theatre. For the past 19 years she has taught and produced theatre for young people in Nevada County. Her directing credits include seven Children’s Theatre Ensemble productions for Center Stage Dance Studio, performed at the North Star House. As the founding primary director of CFTA's Main Stage Playmakers, she directed eight fun-filled productions. She is thrilled to be the director for Sierra Theatre Company's Spotlight Players and API2Days workshops. In addition to her work with children, Paulette is a professional costume designer and proprietor of SANDbags.
"Theater is so impactful because it encourages and enhances a child's capacity for self-expression and their sense of self-esteem. To make this possible, the most important thing about being in a play- is that it should be fun! Beyond it being fun, it is exciting and rewarding for kids to be part of creating something memorable while working closely with others. Every child has something special to add to a theatrical production, and it is deeply fulfilling to explore possibilities and find out what those special things will be. As a director, I love to work on plays with children of all ages and levels of experience, and am always searching for the rich rewards that theater can provide to children and their families." - Paulette Gilbert
Photos by Bob Free, Heidi Grass & Penny Collins
