Auditions are designed to be fun, welcoming, and age-appropriate for all performers.

Dance

All students will learn a short dance combination during the audition. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes that let you move.

Singing

Students will prepare a short vocal selection based on the role(s) they would like to be considered for:

• Ages 9+:

  • Named Female Roles: Journey to the Past
    DOWNLOAD: Female Lead Audition Cut.pdf
    Journey to the Past Practice Track

  • Named Male Roles: My Petersburg
    DOWNLOAD: Male Lead Audition Cut.pdf
    My Petersburg Practice Track

  • Ensemble/Dancing Roles: Paris Holds the Key
    DOWNLOAD: Ensemble Audition Cut.pdf
    Paris Holds the Key Practice Track

• Ages 7-8: Students should be prepared to sing Happy Birthday in a small group with our Music Director. Students auditioning for Young Anastasia will be asked to sing the song independently.

• Ensemble or Dance Team Only: Students auditioning for Ensemble or Dance Team only may choose to sing by themselves or in a small group with our musical director. 

Sign up for a 1-hour audition slot at the following link:
www.cheneyhall.org/rising-stars-audition-form

Rising Stars is designed to provide new performers with an introduction to musical theatre performance and experienced performers with an opportunity for further training.

For new performers, auditioning for the ensemble or dance team is a great place to start! Students in these ensembles will learn to sing, dance, and act onstage in high-energy group numbers.

We believe every child should have the opportunity to shine onstage.

• Need-based scholarships for full or partial tuition are available during the audition registration process.

• A select number of merit-based partial scholarships will also be awarded by the audition committee at the time of casting based on audition performance.

For Young Performers: Participants should be ages 8 - 16 at the start of the program

• Program Dates: August 10–21, 2026 (Monday–Friday)

• Program Time: 9:00 AM–12:00 PM daily*

• Final Performances: August 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM

• Tuition: $400 for the two-week program ($350 for Manchester residents)

• Scholarships: Need-based and merit-based scholarships available.

• Audition Required: Participation is by audition only and requires pre-registration.

• Audition Dates: Friday, May 15 | 6:00–8:00 PM  OR  Saturday, May 16 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM (1-hour time slots). See Audition Details for more information.

A Glimpse into a Day at LTM Rising Stars:

• 8:50–9:00 AM — Arrival

• 9:00–9:20 AM — Whole Group Skill Workshop

• 9:20–10:30 AM — Small Group Anastasia Rehearsals

• 10:30–10:45 AM — Snack/Break

• 10:45–11:55 AM — Small Group Anastasia Rehearsals

• 11:55 AM–12:00 PM — Closing Activities

• 12:00 PM — Dismissal*

Please note: Students cast in leading roles or on the dance team will have extended rehearsals from 12:00–2:00 PM on select days (lunch break 12:00–12:30 PM). Details will be provided in your welcome packet after casting.

Cecilia Stallone (Director & Choreographer)

Cecilia is celebrating her 10th anniversary with The Little Theatre of Manchester this year, having first danced in 2016's Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!. She serves on LTM’s Governing Board and Artistic Committee as Education Chair and is the Director/Choreographer of the theatre’s children’s program, Rising Stars. Cecilia is passionate about uniting her two joys, education and the arts, and is profoundly grateful to share both on her favorite stage of all, here at LTM!

Cecilia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Child Development and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Saint Joseph. She is certified by the State of Connecticut to teach Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, and Special Education. Cecilia works as a first grade teacher where she creates an engaging classroom environment that helps young learners grow in confidence and curiosity each day. 

In addition to her professional work in education, Cecilia has an extensive background in the performing arts. She trained for fifteen years in classical ballet, pointe, contemporary, tap, jazz, musical theatre and voice and spent many summers at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet refining her technique and artistry under the direction of the late Marcia Dale Weary. Cecilia’s favorite roles include Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Colchester Community Theatre), Mary Bennett in Pride and Prejudice (Little Theatre of Manchester) and Ermengarde in Hello, Dolly! (The Bradley Playhouse). Cecilia is the resident choreographer for the Colchester Community Theatre’s summer children’s program and has taught ballet, tap and musical theatre at local studios. She frequently directs/choreographs for school drama clubs where she enjoys instilling creativity, confidence and a lifelong appreciation for the arts in the next generation.

Amy Collins (Musical Director)

Amy Collins is a music educator with extensive experience teaching and leading music programs for students from PreK through Grade 12. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Brigham Young University and is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Kodály Music Education at Loyola University Maryland. Amy has completed advanced training in Orff-Schulwerk, Kodály Music Education, and Music Learning Theory, bringing a well-rounded, research-based approach to music instruction and performance.

She currently serves as a middle school Band and General Music teacher, where she directs student ensembles, develops curriculum, and leads extracurricular theatre activities. With a strong background in chorus, band, general music, and theatre, Amy is passionate about helping performers build confidence, musicianship, creativity, and a love of the arts.

In addition to her work as an educator, Amy has an active performance background in musical theatre, vocal performance, and dance. Her stage credits include Mary Poppins and 9 to 5: The Musical at Diamond Head Theatre, as well as performances with the Souvenir! Folk Dance Company in Los Angeles and productions of The Mikado and The Nutcracker.

Questions?
Email us at risingstars@cheneyhall.org

ABOUT THE SHOW

Anastasia: The Musical (Youth Edition) is the spectacular new musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be. This 60-minute adaptation of the Broadway hit is specially tailored for young actors.

From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, creators of such Broadway classics as Ragtime and Once On This Island, this dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.

ABOUT THE CHARACTERS

Leading Roles

Anya / Grand Duchess Anastasia
Anya is the brave and determined hero of the show! She goes on an amazing adventure to discover who she really is. She is strong, kind, curious, and never gives up, even when things get hard. This role has some beautiful songs and emotional moments, making it perfect for a strong singer and actor who loves storytelling.

Dmitry
Dmitry is clever, funny, and always looking for his next big idea. He starts out as a smooth-talking trickster trying to make money, but meeting Anya changes everything. As their journey continues, Dmitry discovers courage, love, and what truly matters. This is a great role for someone who can be charming, playful, and heartfelt.

Vlad Popov
Vlad is dramatic, hilarious, and full of personality! He loves adventure and always has something clever to say. Though he can be sneaky and theatrical, he has a huge heart and deeply cares about his friends. This role is perfect for a performer with strong comedic timing and lots of stage presence.

Commissioner Gleb Vaganov
Gleb is one of the most serious and powerful roles in the show. He follows the rules and believes he is doing the right thing, but Anya makes him question everything. This role has lots of emotional depth and inner conflict, making it exciting for a strong actor who can show many different feelings.

Countess Lily
Lily is stylish, clever, funny, and full of sparkle! She brings energy and humor to every scene she’s in. She also gets to reconnect with Vlad, which leads to some sweet and playful moments. Must be a strong dancer. 

Dowager Empress Maria
The Dowager Empress is elegant, powerful, and unforgettable. She is Anastasia’s loving grandmother and has waited many years hoping to find her granddaughter again. This role is filled with grace, emotion, and beautiful storytelling moments. A wonderful role for a strong actor with poise and warmth.

Supporting Roles

Young Anastasia
Young Anastasia is spirited, brave, and full of life. She shares a very special bond with her grandmother and appears in some of the show’s most magical moments. Great for a young performer who is expressive and confident. (Casting ages 7–8)

Alexsei Romanov / Young Dmitry
This fun featured role plays two important young characters in the story: Anastasia’s little brother in dream scenes and a young Dmitry in a special memory moment. A great chance for a young actor to show range. (Casting ages 7–8)

Tsar Nicholas
The loving father of Anastasia and ruler of Russia. This role is regal, warm, and important in the royal family scenes. Should feel comfortable with stage movement.

Tsarina Alexandra
Anastasia’s graceful and caring mother. A beautiful featured role in the royal family scenes and dream ballet sequences. Should feel comfortable with movement.

Countess Ipolitov
A wonderful featured role with acting, singing, and a special solo moment in Stay, I Pray You. Great for a performer who wants a standout featured scene.

Count Leopold
A fun featured acting role in Land of Yesterday with great character moments and stage personality.

Featured Dancing Roles

Dream Anastasia
A beautiful featured dance role that helps tell Anastasia’s story through movement. Perfect for a strong dancer with ballet and contemporary experience. (Casting ages 9–11).

Maria, Tatiana, and Olga Romanov
Anastasia’s three sisters. These are lovely featured dance roles with elegant ballet and contemporary movement. Perfect for dancers who love storytelling through dance. 

Dance Teams
We will be casting:

• Dance Team 

• Mini Dance Team 

Ensemble Roles
The ensemble is a HUGE and important part of this show! Ensemble members help create the bustling marketplaces, royal celebrations, the streets of Russia, and the colorful magic of Paris. There are many featured moments for townspeople, market sellers, Parisias, and more.

This is a fantastic opportunity for performers who love to sing, dance, act, and be part of exciting big production numbers!