THE LAUNCHPAD COMPANY

Dedicated to Sharon Playhouse House Manager, supporter, and friend Mary Graf

 The Launchpad Company, a new pre-professional program, is holding auditions for its inaugural production: Once Upon a Mattress. Auditions are open exclusively to actors who will be between the ages of 15 and 20 as of the first day of rehearsal (August 4, 2025). Additionally, all participants must reside within a daily commutable distance to the Sharon Playhouse for the duration of rehearsals and performances. 

If cast in Once Upon a Mattress, all participants will be given a $250 stipend for their time, energy, and artistry. Exact rehearsal times are TBD, but an overall availability from August 4-24 from approximately 10AM to 6PM is expected and required. There will be one day off per week, to be determined.

For Once Upon a Mattress, we are on the hunt for powerhouse performers—bold actors, dynamic singers, and dazzling dancers—who possess impeccable comedic timing, an infectious sense of play, and an unstoppable drive to slay every moment on stage.

Audition Steps:

1. To make an appointment, click here to fill out the Audition Form:  Audition Sign-Up

2. Come prepared to sing 16 bars of a song from Once Upon a Mattress or from any other musical. Please bring sheet music for the accompanist. You may refer to your sheet music or a lyric sheet, if necessary – but it would be preferred if you could avoid doing so.

3. A dance audition will be held separately and by invitation only. Please wear shoes that will enable you to move. No sandals or flip flops. Bare or stocking feet will not be permitted.

4. Call backs will be held separately, and script sides and music will be provided. Candidates will be asked to sing a selection from the Once Upon a Mattress score based on the audition character.

MORE ABOUT LAUNCHPAD…

The Sharon Playhouse is proud to introduce The Launchpad Company, a transformative new program dedicated to the memory of Mary Graf, a beloved supporter of the arts who passed away in April, 2024. Her remarkable generosity and lifelong passion for theater have inspired the creation of a pre-professional experience for local performers aged 15–20, ensuring her legacy will inspire and nurture the next generation of theater artists.

The program is aptly named The Launchpad Company because it is designed to launch local 15–20 year olds into their careers as theater artists. As the capstone experience of the Sharon Playhouse’s popular Summer YouthStage Program, it elevates the artistic journey of young people through to adulthood. This audition-based program will feature a tuition-free structure and offer participants a $250 stipend, reflecting the Playhouse’s commitment to fostering a professional atmosphere for its young artists.

"The Launchpad Company is our way of responding to the needs of our local community while honoring Mary Graf’s extraordinary legacy," said Michael Kevin Baldwin, Education and Associate Artistic Director. "We’ve seen that interest in traditional summer theater camps tends to taper off for teens as they seek more advanced opportunities. This program will give them the chance to grow as performers, collaborate at a professional level, and contribute to an exciting new chapter for the Playhouse."

The Launchpad Company is a testament to the power of the arts to bring people together and shape lives. The Sharon Playhouse is thrilled to honor Mary Graf’s passion for theater by creating a program that empowers young artists and enriches the community she loved so dearly.

Auditions for The Launchpad Company will take place alongside auditions for the Sharon Playhouse’s MainStage season. The commitment for The Launchpad Company will be from August 4-24, 2025, inclusive of both rehearsals and performances.

If any individuals or businesses are interested in sponsoring The 2025 Launchpad Company, please reach out to Education & Associate Artistic Director, Michael Kevin Baldwin, at mbaldwin@sharonplayhouse.org