City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret Announces Auditions for Annie
City of Lights Theatre & Cabaret in Aurora, Illinois is holding open auditions for actors ages 7+ through adults for their production of Annie!
Please note this is an unpaid, non-equity production.
Show Information
Performance Dates: Two weekends: July 23–26, 2026 | July 30–August 2, 2026 (Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7 PM, Sunday 2 PM)
Venue: Perry Theater, Aurora University, 349 S Gladstone Ave, Aurora, IL 60506
Compensation: Volunteer
Directors
Artistic Director: Michael Currie
Music Director and Producer: Kirsten Tait
Choreographer: Ann Marie Decker
Assistant Director and Vocal Director: Grace Currie
Summary
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage that is run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations... and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt! She finds a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
Music by: Charles Strouse
Lyrics by: Martin Charnin
Book by: Thomas Meehan
Annie
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com
Audition Information
In-Person Audition Dates:
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 1–5 PM
Monday, May 18, 2026, 6–9 PM
Audition Location: Wesley United Methodist Church, 14 N May St, Aurora, IL 60506
Virtual Audition Deadline: Monday, May 18 at 12:00 PM
Callbacks: By invitation only on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 6–9 PM at Wesley United Methodist Church. Callback material will be provided.
Contact for Questions: auditions@cityoflightstheatre.org
Rehearsal Schedule
May 27–June 30: Sun 1–5 PM, Wed/Thu 6–9 PM
July 1–11: Sun 1–5 PM, Tue/Wed/Thu 6–9 PM (Tuesdays added)
July 12–18: Sun 1–5 PM, Tue/Wed/Thu 6–10 PM (evenings extended to 10 PM)
Tech Week (July 19–22): Nightly 6–11 PM
Audition Instructions
In-Person Auditions
Audition Form
Complete the audition form.
Schedule
Sign up for an audition time slot on May 17 or 18.
Singing
Please be prepared to sing 32 bars of a musical theatre piece (memorized) which shows your range and vocal ability. Bring sheet music clearly marked where you will start and end (marked music on a tablet is okay too). Karaoke tracks are not recommended. Accompanist will transpose on request.
Acting
Please prepare one acting side (scene) from the selections provided in our Google Drive.
You may choose any side you wish to perform.
During your audition time, a member of our team will read the other role(s) in the scene with you.
Memorization of the side is not required, but you are welcome to memorize it if you prefer.
Dancing
Our choreographer will teach you the dance audition and you’ll perform it in groups. If you need a bit of extra time to learn choreography, we encourage you to watch the dance audition tutorial video prior to your audition. If you would like to audition for the adult chorus, you’ll dance to “I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here.” If you would like to audition for an orphan, you’ll dance to “Hard Knock Life.”
What to Bring
Your sheet music
Appropriate dance attire and shoes
Virtual Auditions
Audition Form
Complete the audition form.
Singing
Record a video of you singing 32 bars of a song, showing vocal range and ability. Karaoke or piano accompaniment is fine, but please make sure we can hear you clearly.
Acting
Please prepare one acting side (scene) from the selections provided in our Google Drive.
You may choose any side you wish to perform.
Record a video of yourself performing your chosen side. You must have another person read the other role(s) in the scene off-camera.
Memorization of the side is not required for your recording, but you are welcome to memorize it if you prefer.
Dancing
Watch the dance audition tutorial video. If you would like to audition for the adult chorus, you’ll dance to “I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here.” If you would like to audition for an orphan, you’ll dance to “Hard Knock Life.” Your dance should be recorded using the music link (Gonna Like It Here | Hard Knock Life) and facing the camera.
Submission
Upload your completed video(s) to YouTube as an "Unlisted" video (do not set it to "Private").
Email the unlisted YouTube link(s) to auditions@cityoflightstheatre.org.
Use the subject line: "Annie Audition Submission - [Your Name]"
Submit by Monday, May 18 at 12:00 PM.
Questions?
Please reach out to us at auditions@cityoflightstheatre.org.