Youth Theatre for Auditions for Youth 18 and Under
The Mainstage production represents a distinctive collaboration between the Department of Theatre and UtahPresents. This partnership involves university students majoring in theatre, who participate both as performers in the show and as members of the creative and production teams. Additionally, UtahPresents is responsible for managing the school matinees, overseeing all aspects of ticketing, and technical support once we are on their stage.
Upcoming Auditions
IMAGINARY
About the Show
In Imaginary, one young student and their best friend share a world where anything is possible - crafted entirely through the power of their imaginations. Together, they turn the everyday into epic quests and wild adventures. But with a new school on the horizon, questions arise: Is it time to move on? Can imagination survive the pressures of growing up? And what happens when the line between real and imaginary starts to blur?
Filled with heart, humor, and a touch of the otherworldly, Imaginary is a whimsical and deeply moving story for audiences of all ages. This production celebrates the boundless creativity of childhood and the friendships that shape us for a lifetime.
Initial auditions will be conducted exclusively via video submission and are open to youth ages 8–18. If cast, a tuition fee of a costume fee of $80 will apply. There is no charge for auditions or callbacks.
Vocal Audition
The auditioners (youth 8 - 18) are to choose one 30 second - 1 minute cut of a song of their choice in the style of the show to sing for their audition (think Disney, up-beat showtunes, etc…)
Upload your video as Unlisted on YouTube, or share a Google Drive link. Share the link in the audition form.
Submissions are due Tuesday, December 23, 2025 no later than 11:59 PM.
Self Tape Tips
Please film horizontally/landscape and make sure that the camera is stationary and set at eye level. Make sure you have a fairly clean background with good lighting illuminating your face. The bottom of the frame should hit at about your hips with the top of the frame hitting right about the top of your head.
YouTube links and non-secured Google Drive links are the easiest. Many people will be watching your audition video and open links make it the simplest for everyone to access.
**Please make sure that all of your audition materials are in ONE VIDEO. This ensures we see your whole audition. Please upload as an unlisted video to YouTube, or provide Google Drive link in the audition form. DO NOT use YouTube Shorts. Thank you!
Submissions are due Tuesday, December 23, 2025 no later than 11:59 PM.
Additional Info
Callbacks:
Callbacks are by invitation only. Callbacks will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026 from 5:30 PM - 8 PM. These times are subject to change.
Rehearsals:
- January 12, 2025 - March 13, 2026 (Monday, Wednesdays, Fridays from 5:30 PM - 8 PM; Saturdays from 10 AM - 1 PM)
Mandatory Tech Rehearsals:
- Monday, March 16, 2026 from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Tuesday, March 17, 2026 from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Performances:
- Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 11 am (10 am call time for actors)
- Friday, March 20, 2026 at 11 am (10 am call time for actors)
- Friday, March 20, 2026 at 7 pm (6 pm call time for actors)
- Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11 am (10 am call time for actors)
Production Team:
Direction and Choreography by Penelope Caywood and Hannah Keating
Music Direction by Kaden Conrad
A Note About Casting:
We invite anyone and everyone to audition for any and all of our productions, regardless of any physical attribute, gender, race, ability, ethnicity, or experience. All are welcome.
Character List
The Children
- Sam - 11/12 years old ((male or female, any age. Can be played by an older actor, male or female). Clever, brave, loyal, and imaginative. Close to Mum, though embarrassed by her affection. Timid at first, but becomes heroic.
- Milo - Sam’s best friend (male or female, any age). Mischievous, less mature, a bad influence at times. Sam’s imaginary friend, revealed in Act I. Milo is who Sam wishes they could be.
- Alice - Same age as Sam and Milo. Brave and serious, but shut off emotionally since her sister Jess was “upgraded.” Learns to trust again with Sam’s friendship.
- Dexter - Cheerful, friendly boy who struggles with simple tasks but charms everyone.
- Grace - Hardworking, clever, reluctant rule-breaker but brave when needed.
- Harvey - Confident, charismatic “cool kid,” but not academic.
- Helen - Shy, nervous about the new school. Kindhearted but quiet.
- The New Kids - Other classmates.
- The Big Kids - Students transformed by the Headmaster’s “upgrading” into robotic drones.
- Jess - One of the Big Kids. Alice’s older sister, once creative and loving, now the Headmaster’s poster child for upgrading.
The Imaginary Friends (“IFs”)
- Big Brenda (Played by University Student) - Outlandish, absurd, larger-than-life ruler of Imaginary Land. Formerly the Headmaster’s IF. Can be played by a male actor in “pantomime dame” style.
- The Brendettes - Brenda’s fabulous henchpersons and backing singers.
- Oogie - A rebel IF, faithful to his human friend. Hopeful, loyal, and eager to help.
- Chutney, Mutley, and Frank - Quirky IF friends.
YTU POLICIES
Here's what you need to know about missing rehearsals at YTU.
Overall Rule: Try Not to Miss! Our theatre works like a team, so it's important everyone shows up for rehearsals, costume fittings, and shows.
Before You Get a Role:
- Let Us Know Early: If you know you'll miss some days, tell us on your audition form. We can't promise it'll be okay, but we'll think about it.
- Check with Us: If we haven't talked to you about your missed days, ask us to make sure it's okay.
After You Get a Role:
- Sick? : If you're too sick to come, you need to email us as soon as you know.
- How to Call Out: If you can't make it, you need to contact us as soon as possible.
We know life can be busy, but being part of the play means committing to being there. If you have to miss, just talk to us and we'll figure it out together!
Here are some important rules to follow when you're part of our theater group.
- Keeping Your Look the Same: Once you're part of our play, try not to change how you look (like cutting your hair) without asking the director and costume folks first.
- Respect the Space and Others: Stay quiet and focused when it's not your turn. If you need to leave, let the stage manager know where you're going.
- Be Aware and Prepared: Always be ready for your part. Bring everything you need like pencils, your script, a water bottle, and maybe a snack for break time. Also, turn off your phone so you can focus.
- Dress Right for Rehearsal: Wear shoes and clothes that are comfy and right for moving around. Remember, no street shoes in the rehearsal space.
- Be Clean and Considerate: Keep clean and fresh when working closely with others. Basic hygiene is super important!
- Personal Space is Key: Only touch others when it's part of the scene.
- Do Your Part: Everyone has a role to play, and it's important to do your best. If you're not comfortable with something, talk to the director or production manager.
- Electronics: A No-No During Rehearsals: Keep your phones and gadgets away during practice unless the director says it's okay.
- Sign In and Stay Put: Always sign in for rehearsals and performances. Don't leave the room or the building without asking first.
- Keep It Clean: Help keep our space tidy. Clean up after yourself.
- In Case of Emergency: If something serious happens, tell the Stage Manager right away.
- Be Nice to Everyone: Always be polite and friendly to everyone in the production. Saying "please" and "thank you" goes a long way!
- Things Not to Do:
- Don't come to rehearsals or shows if you're not feeling well.
- Don't touch or move someone else's props.
- Being rude or unsafe is not okay and may result in you losing your part in the show.
Remember, these rules help us all have fun and make great theatre together! If you have questions, just ask someone in charge.