auditions for Summer 2025

The Stephen Foster Drama Association has announced that in-person auditions for 2025 performances of “The Stephen Foster Story,” and “The Sound of Music” are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22 at Nelson County High School, located at 1070 Bloomfield Road in Bardstown. 

“Audition season is always an exciting time as we discover the talented individuals who bring our productions to life,” said Johnny Warren, Executive Artistic Director for the Stephen Foster Drama Association. “We look forward to welcoming both new faces and returning performers to the stage for what promises to be an incredible 2025 season.”

Interested participants must reserve a time to audition by emailing stephenfosterstoryauditions@gmail.com with the subject line “LOCAL AUDITION TIME.” Time slots will be assigned on a first come, first-served basis. Following the audition, some participants may be asked to submit additional material via video or asked to attend call-backs at a later date.

For college students and adults, audition time blocks are set for 10 and 11:30 a.m., while the audition time block for high school students and youth performers is 1 p.m. Youth wishing to audition for “The Sound of Music” at the local audition are asked to prepare material listed at stephenfoster.com/auditions

“The Stephen Foster Story” has been delighting audiences at the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre since 1959. The show is set in the mid-19th century and follows America’s first great composer, Stephen Collins Foster, as he paves the road for future songwriters through love, heartache and the struggles of the time. Featuring over 50 of Foster’s greatest compositions such as “Oh! Susanna,” “Camptown Races,” “Beautiful Dreamer,” “Hard Times (Come Again No More),” and Kentucky’s state song, “My Old Kentucky Home,” The Stephen Foster Story captures the essence of a bygone era through song, dance, breathtaking costumes and the picture-perfect setting of My Old Kentucky Home State Park. Performances are set to take place select nights from June 14 through Aug. 9. 

“The Sound of Music” is a Broadway musical about Maria, a spirited governess who brings joy, music and love back to the von Trapp family. Featuring beloved songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” this classic musical celebrates the power of music and the triumph of the human spirit.

Performances of “The Sound of Music” are set for select nights from July 9 through Aug. 6. 

Show rehearsals are set to begin on or around May 28. 

Virtual auditions can also be submitted for principal roles and ensemble dancers. For more information on the auditioning process, including audition requirements and virtual audition submissions, visit www.stephenfoster.com/auditions.