The Wizard of OZ – 2026 Youth Auditions

The Kansas City Repertory Theatre (KCREP) is seeking local youth actors for casting consideration in our 2026 production of The Wizard of OZ! Auditions may be in-person or through video submission. We’d love to meet more talented young people!

Seeking strong singers, musicians and performers between the ages of 11 to 17. BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ artists strongly encouraged.

Please visit this link for more information about our company’s Mission, Vision, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism work.

First Rehearsal: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
First Performance: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Closes: Sunday, May 24, 2026

Youth Roles & Audition Information:

$500 stipend for each youth cast member.

9 youth actors and a swing will be cast in the production:

Ensemble including Munchkins, Poppies, Citizens of OZ plus puppeteering and singing
7 Roles | gender-neutral | ages 11-13
Ensemble including Munchkins, Poppies, Citizens of OZ plus puppeteering and singing
2 Roles | gender-neutral | ages 14-17
Open to all young artists including those who can play an instrument.

Auditions will include both a group experience and an individual audition, and are designed to be welcoming, playful, and supportive.

During the group portion, auditioners will learn movement and puppetry techniques together through guided activities. No previous puppetry experience is necessary—this is an opportunity to explore, collaborate, and have fun while showing how you move and express character.

Each student will also have an individual audition, where they will perform a short prepared monologue and song. Students who play a musical instrument may also share a 30 second instrumental selection during this portion of the audition.

How to Schedule an Audition:

To schedule an audition, please email casting@kcrep.org and request an appointment for one of the dates and locations listed below.

Audition appointments are every 7 minutes and run between 4:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Subject line format: Please include “WOZ”, your name, “youth,” and “appointment.”
- Example: WOZ, Terry Smith, youth, appointment
- This ensures your request is prioritized among other seasonal audition inquiries.
Once your request is received, we will assign you an appointment time and send a confirmation email with details on what to prepare (eg: a short monologue and a brief song), plus location, parking, and other information.

Audition Schedule:

Monday, January 12 | 4:30–8:00 p.m.
KCRep Rehearsal Hall – 2nd Floor
4747 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110

Tuesday, January 13 | 4:30–8:00 p.m.
Allen Village School
706 W. 42nd Street, Kansas City, MO 64111

Wednesday, January 14 | 4:30–8:00 p.m.
Olathe South High School
1640 E. 151st St., Olathe, KS 66062

Thursday, January 15 | 4:30–8:00 p.m.
Kansas City Kansas Community College
7250 State Ave, Kansas City, KS 66112

Callbacks:

Sunday, January 18 | 1:00–5:00 p.m.
KCRep Rehearsal Hall – 2nd Floor
4747 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110

To submit by video:

Step 1: Email casting@kcrep.org to let us know you plan to audition by video.

Step 2: In the subject line, include “WOZ”, your name, “youth,” and “video.”
- Example: WOZ, Terry Smith, youth, video
- This helps us prioritize your request among other seasonal submissions.

Step 3: After we receive your email, we’ll send a confirmation with instructions on what to prepare and how to submit your video.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the typical time commitment for the production?

Rehearsals begin: Tuesday, March 31
Performances: Tuesday, May 5 – Sunday, May 24
Mondays are dark (no rehearsals or performances).

Do youth performers get paid?

Yes. KCRep will provide each youth cast member with a $500 stipend to help offset food and travel expenses that are traditionally covered by parents/guardians.

Where are rehearsals held?

Initial rehearsals: Room 211, 4747 Troost Ave. (KCRep Artistic Office & Rehearsal Hall on the UMKC campus)
Onstage rehearsals/performances: Spencer Theatre, James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, UMKC, 4949 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64110

How does it work when you have youth performing?

Youth performers receive the same benefits as our adult company. In addition, the youth company is supported by a dedicated Youth Coordinator who serves as a chaperone and liaisons for the cast and families.

Do they rehearse daily? What’s a typical schedule during the school year?

Rehearsal frequency varies by role, but we honor regular school hours.
On student matinee days, youth cast members request an excused absence from school from approximately 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. There are 4 student matinees.

May I add or change my conflicts after I accept a role?

Not for rehearsals. Availability is a major factor in casting, and the rehearsal calendar is set once the cast is confirmed. Unplanned conflicts can disrupt a tightly scheduled process.