Producer: Christina Savannah
Director: Ken Smith
Music Director: Jessica Sanzotti
Choreographer: Nicole Uram

We’re excited to announce auditions for Side Show, the second production of Musical Theatre Guild of Butler’s 2026–2027 season! The production will take place at the William A. Lehnerd Performance Hall & Production Center in Butler Memorial Park on October 16, 17, 18, 23 & 24.

Audition Dates: Sunday, August 2 & Tuesday, August 4
Callbacks: Sunday, August 9

William A. Lehnerd Performance Hall & Production Center in Butler Memorial Park. Click Here for directions.

This production will use the original 1997 version of Side Show. Audition materials, character descriptions, and vocal requirements reflect the original script and score.

The Musical Theatre Guild of Butler values inclusion and diverse representation in all its endeavors. Everyone is welcome both on stage and off. In that spirit, we warmly encourage you to schedule an audition or volunteer to participate in our production. If you are interested in contributing behind the scenes, please contact us at Auditions.MTG@gmail.com.

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Auditions Info

Please complete this form to schedule your audition.

Auditioning for Principal Roles

Please complete the audition form and schedule an audition appointment.

Prepare a 32-bar vocal selection in the style of the show that best showcases your voice, range, and storytelling ability. Your selection may be from Side Show or another musical.

Please bring printed sheet music or an accompaniment track. An accompanist will be provided.

Video auditions may be submitted to Auditions.MTG@gmail.com until noon on Tuesday, August 4. Please include a video of your vocal selection, experience, headshot, and schedule conflicts.

We will confirm audition appointments via email within 48 hours of form submission.

Joining the Company

Bringing Side Show to life takes an entire company of performers who will play multiple roles: circus performers and midway attractions, vaudeville entertainers, reporters, and high society guests. This is a dynamic, movement-driven cast where every performer helps create the fascinating, beautiful, and emotionally rich world of the musical.

If you’re interested in joining the company, no individual audition appointment is necessary. Simply indicate your interest on the audition form. Once auditions close, we’ll invite everyone to a fun, low-pressure group audition where we’ll sing together, explore movement, and get to know one another before casting is finalized.

Callbacks, will be held in person on Sunday, August 9. All performers will be notified of casting decisions and first rehearsal information shortly after callbacks.

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The Schedule

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The Synopsis

Based on the true story of conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton, Side Show is a powerful and emotionally rich musical about sisterhood, ambition, acceptance, and the search for love. Set during the vaudeville era and the Great Depression, the story follows the twins’ rise to fame as they navigate life in the spotlight while longing to be seen for who they truly are.

Character Breakdown

The character descriptions below are suggestions provided by Concord Theatricals and serve as a general guide.

VIOLET HILTON (Female, Caucasian, able to play 20-35, Mezzo/Soprano with belt) The shy and more composed of the twins, her dream is to marry and raise a family at home.

DAISY HILTON (Female, Caucasian, able to play 20-35, Alto/Mezzo with belt) The dominant and more outspoken of the twins, her dream is to become a famous actress/performer/celebrity.

THE BOSS (Male, Tenor) Legal guardian of Daisy and Violet, whom he adopted shortly after they were born purely as a business investment. Owner of the SIDESHOW. Working class, British. Brutal, clever, wry.

BUDDY FOSTER (Male, 20-35, Tenor; big range) An aspiring musician and choreographer – “A song and dance man.” Bright and energetic, but a bit naïve. Usher turned entertainer. Violet’s love interest.

TERRY CONNOR (Male, 30’s- early 40’s, Baritone with strong upper range) A talent scout and press agent for the Vaudeville circuit. Dapper, handsome, clever, smooth/suave, leading man. Well connected, in love with Daisy but without enough courage to accept the unique world in which she lives.

JAKE (Male, African-American, 30’s-40s, Tenor/Baritone with strong top range) Sideshow Foreman. Physically imposing, should be tall, almost hulking in appearance. In the Side Show plays “The Cannibal King.” In love with Violet and plays the role of protector to both the girls.

FEATURED & ENSEMBLE ROLES

The entire ensemble will double in a number of smaller parts with featured lines, as well as singing throughout the show. The roles listed below are their featured roles in the Side Show, but they will also play reporters, vaudevillians, spectators, follies performers, party guests, and carny hawkers.

FORTUNE TELLER Female, open to any size, race, and age. A member of the Side Show. Must have an exotic look. Must have a strong belter/gospel voice.

DOLLY DIMPLES Female. Billed “The World’s Most Beautiful Fat Lady” A member of the Side Show.

REPTILE MAN Male. Considered half man/half reptile. Tall and lean. A member of the Side Show.

BEARDED LADY Female. A member of the Side Show.

SNAKE LADY Female, snake charmer. Race and age open. A member of the Side Show.

FAKIR Far East/Indian character). Athletic build. A member of the Side Show.

6TH EXHIBIT Female. Religious Martyr.

SHEIK Male (Middle-Eastern character). A member of the Side Show.

GEEK Male. “Refined but deadly.” A member of the Side Show.

The Songs

• Come Look At The Freaks – The Boss and Company
• Happy Birthday To You And To You – Terry and Buddy
• Like Everyone Else – Daisy and Violet
• You Deserve A Better Life – Terry and Buddy
• Crazy, Deaf and Blind – The Boss
• The Devil You Know – Jake and Company
• More Than We Bargained For – Terry and Buddy
• Feelings You’ve Got To Hide – Daisy and Violet
• When I’m By Your Side – Daisy and Violet
• Say Goodbye To The Freak Show – Company
• Overnight Sensation – Terry and Reporters
• Leave Me Alone – Daisy and Violet
• We Share Everything – Daisy, Violet and Vaudevillian
• The Interview – Daisy, Violet and Reporters
• Buddy Kissed Me – Violet and Daisy
• Who Will Love Me As I Am? – Daisy and Violet
• Rare Songbirds On Display – Company
• New Year’s Day – Terry, Buddy, Jake, Daisy, Violet and Company
• Private Conversation – Terry and Daisy
• One Plus One Equals Three – Buddy, Daisy, Violet, and the Vale Sisters
• You Should Be Loved – Jake and Violet
• Tunnel Of Love – Terry, Buddy, Daisy, Violet and Company
• Beautiful Day For A Wedding – The Boss and Hawkers
• Buddy’s Confession – Jake, Daisy, Violet, Buddy and Terry
• Marry Me, Terry – Terry and Daisy
• I Will Never Leave You – Daisy and Violet
• Finale – Company