Perform onstage in Broadway-quality, family-friendly shows with our theatre! Auditions are open to the public—you do not need to attend Christ Wesleyan Church, or any church for that matter.
The Secret Garden: THe Musical
Book and Lyrics by Marsha Norman
Music by Lucy Simon
Based on the Novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Directed by: Cameron Edinger
Music Direction By: Linda Edinger
Performance Dates: November 12 - 14, 2026
Auditions: July 17 - 18, 2026
Based on the classic children’s story from Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden tells the story of Mary Lennox. When her parents pass away from the cholera epidemic in India, Mary is taken in by her reclusive uncle Archibald and his disabled son Colin. The gothic estate of his Yorkshire home bears the shadow of haunting loss, but as Mary explores her new home, she finds herself drawn to a mysterious and magical secret garden, long abandoned by Archibald in the wake of losing his wife. This play tells the heart-wrenching and beautiful tale of finding hope and renewal in the face of grief. With a score filled with haunting melodies and lovely themes by Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon, The Secret Garden is sure to become a new favorite at CWTP.
“The Secret Garden: The Musical” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals.
About Auditions
When to audition:
Friday, July 17: 6:30PM
Saturday, July 18: 10:30 am, 1:00 PM
Where to audition: Youth Center (Entrance #9) at Christ Wesleyan
Please arrive early to the audition so that you can fill out our audition paperwork. We estimate that the paperwork takes about ten minutes to complete.
If you would like to work ahead on your paperwork, download the form fillable pdf here. You can bring a printout of your completed form to the audition or email your completed form to your audition or send your completed form to theatreproductions@cwc.life. We ask that you make sure you look at the schedule and code of conduct before completing your form.
More About Auditions
Physical Requirements
All cast will be expected to be able to perform light choreography — including waltzing and choreographed dance sequences. Provision can be made for various roles, as our top priority is safety. If you have any physical limitations that would impact your ability to perform any light choreography, please disclose that to us during the audition process. This will allow us to make provision for you.
What is The audition process?
Auditions for "The Secret Garden” will be done in a group. Please arrive early to the audition to fill out an audition form. The audition may include some short warm-ups, exercises, walking, and improv/acting games. After that, we will teach a small section music to sing as an ensemble — which will act as a vocal warm up for you. We will then listen to you sing a 30 second to 1 minute audition selection. You can bring a track on a device, that has audio output capability to be your accompaniment, use a keyboard as accompaniment, or perform acappella. Afterwards, we will do cold readings of the script. During the script reading portion, you and others in your audition group will be asked to read selected material and perform the scene. You may be asked to read for multiple parts or multiple times. You may be asked to read a part that is not included among your preferred roles. Everyone from the group will have a chance to read. You may not be selected to read for a part among your top choices, but you are being evaluated for your top choice roles. Script pages will be provided for you during this time to read from.
What do I need to prepare for the audition?
Please prepare to sing a 30 second to 1 minute audition song. This song can be any song that showcases your vocal technique. Bring a device capable of playing an accompaniment track if you need one. You can provide your own accompaniment using a keyboard or sing acappella as well.
You do not need to prepare any scene or monologue. The audition scenes will be provided ahead of time and we will have copies provided at the audition. No memorization is required, but familiarity with the audition material would be helpful.
Wear clothes and shoes that you would feel comfortable moving in during the audition.
Who can audition?
The majority of parts available are for actors age 18 & up.
There are a number of parts for children and/or teens. These roles are the roles of Mary Lennox, Colin Craven, and Dickon. Understudies will be cast for the roles of Mary and Colin. Children not cast as a lead or the understudy will not be cast in the ensemble. However a brief segment at the beginning of the show features a children’s ensemble. Children who are not cast in the roles of Mary or Dickon may be asked to sing in this ensemble. This segment will be prerecorded and played alongside our tracks during the show, meaning that these children will not need to be present for rehearsals or performances.
There are a number of roles available in this show to actors age 50+, so if you are in this age range, we highly recommend you to try out!
Finally, we are seeking performers of Indian, Asian, of Middle Eastern descent the roles of Ayah and Fakir.
All actors are non-paid.
Do you have to attend Christ Wesleyan Church?
No, anyone can audition whether or not they attend a church.
Where?
Youth Center (Entrance #9) at Christ Wesleyan Church
363 Stamm Road, Milton, PA 17847
When are the performances?
November 12 - 14, 2026
I can’t make the audition dates. Can I audition at a different time or send in a video audition?
We find the group audition process to be the best for discovering the talent needed for our shows. Theatre is a collaborative art and we get to see that collaboration in the rehearsal process. We understand if you can’t make it work in your schedule and don’t want that to be a deterrent from taking part in the show. Video auditions are only available by special arrangement with the CWTP team. Please email theatreproductions@cwc.life to make those arrangements.
What if I don’t get the part I want or I am not cast in the show?
Don’t be discouraged. Auditioning is a difficult process and you should feel proud for even auditioning! We ask that you be honest about your expectations with us during the audition process. On your form you will see a question asking you if you will accept any role in the show, regardless of your results. Please only answer yes if you are truly willing to accept any role, including in the ensemble. The ensemble in this show is integral to the storytelling and is just as important as any lead or speaking role. There are no “small parts” or parts of limited importance. It takes everyone to pull off a show. If you are not selected to be a part of our show, or choose not to accept the part you are casted in, we would ask you to consider helping out behind the scenes. There are many ways to help — costumes, makeup, set build, set painting, guest services, stage crew, props, etc. It takes a small army to put on a production and we would love to have you take part in anyway possible.
Tips for Auditioning
1. Act. Don’t just read.
While your audition scenes do not need to be memorized, remember that you are bringing these characters to life with your performance.
2. Learn a little bit about the show you’re auditioning for.
The more you understand the play and the characters, the more you can tailor your audition toward your desired role.
3. Take the time you need to prepare.
While memorization is not required, it is encouraged and will make your performance better. The audition sides will be posted here for you to prepare.
4. Slow down and enunciate every word.
When you talk too fast, it is harder to make sure each word is understood, and the emotion that should accompany those words does not come through. Slow down and make sure you can say each word clearly.
5. If you make a mistake, battle through it.
If you do make a mistake, don’t apologize. Don’t ask to start over. Just pick up from where the mistake was made and push forward.
6. Choose an Audition song that showcases your strengths
Don’t just pick a song that you like to sing, but pick a song that showcases your range and vocal style. You should also pick a song that matches well with the style of singing the character you are going out for sings. You may choose to sing a song from the show, but choosing something else can also show versatility and intentionality.
7. Be humble.
There are limited roles. No one is guaranteed a role based on their previous acting experience here or elsewhere. If you didn’t get the role you wanted, don’t be discouraged - it’s not because you are a bad actor. Our casting decisions are based on a number of factors — including chemistry and fit with other performers, vocal range/strength, availability, etc.
8. Audition often.
Auditioning can be intimidating. The more you go through the process, the easier it becomes. We recommend that you audition often - here or elsewhere! If you were cast or not, auditioning often helps you learn, to build confidence, and helps you meet other people with a shared passion for theatre.
