Auditions & Jobs Overview
All Opportunities for Timber Lake Playhouse’s 2026 season are now live!
Timber Lake Playhouse, established in 1961, stands as a beacon of theatrical artistry and community engagement in the realm of professional theatre. With its commitment to presenting inspiring and entertaining creative works, TLP has earned a reputation for excellence, recognized nationally in the theatre community. Upon entering an agreement with Actors Equity Association in 2018, Timber Lake operates as a Tier 7 Small Professional Theatre. The Resident Company, a dynamic blend of approximately thirty performers, technicians, and musicians, are led each season by a variety of guest artists, directors, choreographers and designers.
Timber Lake Playhouse is the oldest operational professional summer theatre in the state of Illinois. At the heart of TLP’s mission is a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome artists and technicians of all backgrounds and abilities to bring their unique talents to our productions.
Located in the scenic woods of Mount Carroll, Illinois, just 100 miles west of Chicago, TLP’s ten-acre campus features a 371-seat theatre with a 36-foot-wide automatic turntable stage, as well as a two-level scene shop, costume shop, props shop, rehearsal pavilion, and housing for up to fifty people. Additional facilities include a cafeteria, administrative offices, gift shop, beer garden, and of course, Timber Lake itself, with Timber Lake Resort just across the water.
Each year, Timber Lake Playhouse engages hundreds of professionals and emerging artists across a wide range of roles, including actors, designers, technical and production staff, directors, choreographers, educators, musicians, box office and house staff, culinary staff, facilities, administrators, and hospitality personnel.
While we are fortunate to welcome back many dedicated team members each season, seasonal theatre also thrives on fresh talent and new perspectives. Detailed job descriptions and application information for all positions can be found on this site and through other industry job boards.
For the 2026 season, most contracts will begin on or around May 12th, 2026, and run through either August 16th, 2026, or August 30th, 2026, with a smaller team staying on campus for our new works program and fall play. Exact dates vary by position.
Join us for an unforgettable summer of professional theatre in the heart of the Midwest at Timber Lake Playhouse!
Click the buttons below for more details regarding Auditions and Submissions for 2026! Questions? Email casting@timberlakeplayhouse.org
Equity Performers
Timber Lake Playhouse will be holding an Equity Principal Audition (EPA) locally at the theatre in Mount Carroll, as well as EPAs and Equity Chorus Calls (ECC) in Chicago and New York City at each city’s AEA member center. Sign up for slots on the AEA portal and to find more information.
Non-Equity Performers
Timber Lake Playhouse welcomes submissions from non-Equity actors for our mainstage productions. Most non-union single-show contracts are designated for generational roles, prioritizing authenticity in age-appropriate casting to enhance onstage dynamics. Please email your headshot, resume, and relevant casting materials to casting@timberlakeplayhouse.org.
Non-Equity performers are welcome to attend EPA’s in hopes to be seen, we will not be scheduling appointments.
Local Performers
We encourage local performers to attend our Equity Principal Audition (EPA) at the theatre in Mount Carroll, scheduled for February 3rd, 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity for community members to showcase their talent and connect with Artistic Director Tommy Ranieri. Please prepare a short song that reflects the season’s programming and brings you joy, and provide sheet music for the accompanist. Bring a headshot (or a clear photo of yourself) and resume stapled together.
Several roles have been crafted with local talent in mind, and we are eager to see the creativity and passion our community has to offer. Whether you’re an experienced performer or a fresh face, we warmly invite you to audition to become part of our 2026 season!
Youth Opportunities
Timber Lake Playhouse provides a gateway for young performers to showcase their talents and develop new skills. From taking on a role in a professional production to exploring your craft through engaging classes, there’s something for every young artist! There are select roles we’re looking for in our Youth Talent for our Mainstage season such as the following…
Les Misérables
Gevroche. Gavroche is Thénardier’s son. He is left to fend for himself and lives by his wits in the streets of Paris. His archenemy is Javert, the policeman. Gavroche is brave, witty, and arrogant, with a fantastic, unchanged voice. (Range: B3-G5)
Standby Gavroche. In the case that Gavroche cannot perform, we will have an young professional hired to cover Gavroche for those given performances. (Range: B3-G5)
Young Cosette. Young Cosette is Fantine’s daughter and the Thénardiers’ ward. She has been forced into child labor. She is underfed, beaten by Madame Thénardier, and bullied by Eponine. (Range: A3-C5)
Young Eponine. Young Eponine is the pampered daughter of the Thénardiers. She does little except taunt Young Cosette. This role will understudy Young Cossette. (Range: A3-C5)
Standby Young Eponine. In the case that Young Eponine will perform as Young Cossette, we will have an young professional hired to play Young Eponine for those given performances. (Range: A3-C5)
Shrek The Musical
Young Shrek. A bright little girl only recently locked in a tower, who passes her time reading fairy tales about being rescued by a handsome and charming prince. (Range: A3-C#5)
Standby Young Shrek. In the case that Young Shrek cannot perform, we will have an young professional hired to cover Young Shrek for those given performances. (Range: A3-C#5)
*Young Fiona. A bright little girl only recently locked in a tower, who passes her time reading fairy tales about being rescued by a handsome and charming prince. (Range: B3-C#5)
Standby Young Fiona. In the case that Young Fiona cannot perform, we will have an young professional hired to cover Young Fiona for those given performances. (Range: B3-C#5)
*Teen Fiona will be played by a member of the Resident Acting Company.
Opportunities include:
Junior Lakers production of Legally Blonde Jr. (with opportunities for youth as well as high schoolers) with rehearsals beginning the first week of June and performances running June 24th to 27th, 2026. Young Performers will have a separate audition masterclass for our program in the early spring. Stay tuned for more details!
Masterclass Program, running on Mondays from the week after Memorial Day through mid-August, offering drop-in classes to learn specialized skills from TLP team members from across the country.
For questions about youth auditions or programming, please email casting@timberlakeplayhouse.org. We’re thrilled to welcome the next generation of performers to the Timber Lake Playhouse stage!
Timber Lake Playhouse is dedicated to fostering a truly inclusive and equitable environment where diversity is celebrated, and every individual feels valued and empowered. We strive to create anti-racist spaces that promote open-mindedness, respectful communication, and the belief that conflict can serve as a catalyst for growth and understanding.
We are committed to ensuring that our organization reflects the vibrant tapestry of identities and experiences in our community and beyond. Timber Lake Playhouse welcomes and encourages participation from individuals of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, national origins, socioeconomic backgrounds, parental statuses, and veteran statuses.
As part of our mission, we view equity and inclusion as ongoing practices that require accountability, intentional self-reflection, and meaningful action. Together, we aim to build a culture that advances equity, celebrates diversity, and constantly affirms our commitments throughout every aspect of our work.