37 Chestnut Street, Ludlow, MA | 413.583.4301

Footloose Auditions

Footloose Auditions Footloose-Logo-with-Dates.png

Exit 7 Players is excited to announce auditions for the first show of its 40th Anniversary Season: Footloose! Time to cut loose!

When: Auditions will be held on Sunday June 4 and Wednesday June 7 at 7pm. Callbacks (if needed) will be by invitation only, held on Sunday June 11 at 7pm.

Where: Exit 7 Theater located at 37 Chestnut Street, Ludlow, MA. (Parking is available in the lot at the corner of Winsor and Chestnut Streets, as well as on street parking on Chestnut Street) Please use the main entrance.

Performance Dates of Production: October 13-29, 2023 (Fridays/Saturdays 8pm, Sundays 2pm)

Rehearsal Dates of Production:
-Possibly start as early as July (with leads by appointment)
-Full cast rehearsals to begin in August
-Sundays at 6-10pm, Tuesdays at 7-10pm, Wednesdays at 7-10pm (see audition form)
-Tech Week: October 8-12, 2023
-Pickup Rehearsals: TBD (most likely 10/17 or 10/18 and 10/24 or 10/25)

Production Team:
Directors: Meaghan Farrell and Jami Wilson
Music Director: Daniel Monte
Choreographer: Karen McMahon
Producers: Chris Climo, Rebecca Johnson, Adam Malmborg

Brief Synopsis:
Footloose is the story of Ren McCormack, a teenage boy from Chicago. He and his mother move to the small town of Bomont after his father abandons them. Upon arriving, Ren finds himself at odds with most of the town, including the Reverend Shaw Moore. The Reverend has convinced the town to outlaw dancing, which Ren finds unbelievable. With the help of Ariel (the Reverend’s daughter) and Willard (a country hick who becomes his best friend), Ren convinces the Reverend to let the teenagers dance, and in the process helps the town to heal from a tragedy that affected them all.

Audition Requirements:
Auditions will involve a vocal audition, dance audition, and cold reading audition. You must be 17 years of age or older to audition by the first official rehearsal date of August 1, 2023.

  • All roles are open. There are no precast roles.
  • The Exit 7 Players shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
  • Each individual should plan to attend one of the audition nights (no both). Please bring a theatrical resume, a recent headshot (professional or non-professional/selfies are fine), and filled-out audition form. Forms can be completed upon your arrival if necessary. Audition forms are available in the Google Drive with Audition Songs and Tracks.
  • Please dress to be comfortable and have the ability to move for a dance audition. We cannot guarantee the temperature of the theater will be ideal for every individual auditioning, so dress accordingly.
  • For transparency of casting, all auditions will be open to all auditionees. We ask that you be respectful entering/exiting the auditorium and during other individuals’ auditions. We encourage applause/supporting each other through this process that can be stressful for all those involved.
  • Vocal auditions - please select from the list of songs below. (If auditioning for more than one role, please prepare the song of your first priority, as we may not have time to hear multiple vocal auditions from the same person). Your selection does not need to be memorized and sheet music is encouraged. A pianist will accompany you for your audition. No a-cappella auditions or backing tracks will be permitted. If you do not see a character song for a character you wish to be considered, just select a similar song that best suits your voice. Those interested in only ensemble casting, should select the song that best suits their voice. Sheet music and audio files of the songs available are in the link above.
  • Cold readings (sides) will be from the script. Please note that the cold readings may not be for the character you’re auditioning for, they are just to see how you perform/commit to a character, this does NOT mean you won’t be considered for your desired role if we are unable to have you read for that character.
  • Though we would like to cast everyone, it is not possible. Individuals cast in the production will be based on the decisions of the production team. Those not cast may consider helping on the crew or tech staff.
  • Character genders are dictated by the authors of this show. We cannot alter the gender of characters however we will consider anyone willing to portray the character’s gender on stage.
  • Everyone cast or not, will be notified whether they are in the production by a member of the production team. The casting “deadline” will be announced at the time of auditions.
  • Callbacks are by invitation only. Not receiving a callback is not an indication of not being cast or that you will not be considered for a leading role.
  • This show is rated PG for mild language, sexual situations, and violence.
  • If you have questions or concerns regarding auditions or the process, please send an email to Exit7Footloose@gmail.com


Audition Songs: (Available in the Google Drive)

  • Ariel - Holding Out for a Hero
  • Chuck - The Girl Gets Around
  • Cowboy Bob - Still Rockin’
  • Ren - I Can’t Stand Still
  • Reverend Shaw Moore - Heaven Help Me
  • Rusty - Let’s Hear it for the Boy
  • Vi - Can You Find it in Your Heart


Character Descriptions:
Ren McCormack: Male, 18-25. Tenor. Energetic, emotional, rebellious, likable; emotes his pain through quirky sarcasm and dance; strong dancer.

Reverend Shaw Moore: Male, 35-55. Baritone. The powerful, traditional local church leader; strict, stern, and solemn, still struggling with the death of his son.

Ariel Moore: Female, 18-25. Mezzo-Pop. Smart, a bit of the bad girl with an edge,
sweet, the rebellious minister’s daughter; role requires strong belt, must be a strong
singer/dancer.

Vi Moore: Female, 30-50. Soprano. Reverend Moore’s loving, supportive, resilient wife.

Rusty: Female, 18-25. Great soprano/pop voice. Ariel’s friend; a bit scatterbrained, sweet, fun, knows everything about everything; role requires strong belt, strong comedic timing and dance.

Willard Hewitt: Male, 18-25. Tenor. A simple country bumpkin with a warm heart and a big smile; comedic timing and dancing are a must.

Ethel McCormack: Female, 35-45. Soprano. Ren’s mother; had a tough go, just trying to make it...would do anything for her son.

Chuck Cranston: Male, 18-25. Tenor. The local bad boy and Ariel’s boyfriend.

Urleen: Female, 18+. Mezzo/Alto. Ariel’s friend; the smart one of the group; role requires strong belt, comedic timing, and dance.

Wendy Jo: Female, 18-25. Mezzo. Ariel’s friend; strong belt, comedic timing, and dance required.

Ensemble (Chorus / Ensemble): All genders/all ethnicities, 18-70. Townspeople,
students; need strong character people (all age ranges) for many roles (listed below); teenage through adults; chorus singing, dancing parts; all teens dance, all adults dance at the prom.

Lulu Warnicker – Ren’s aunt
Wes Warnicker – Lulu’s husband
Coach Roger Dunbar – Gym teacher
Eleanor Dunbar – Roger’s Wife
Lyle – Chuck’s buddy
Travis – Chuck’s buddy
Principal Harry Clark
Betty Blast – Owner of the Burger Blast
Jeter – Ren’s friend
Bickle – Ren’s friend
Garvin – Ren’s friend
Cowboy Bob