We are holding auditions for our LAST main stage show of the 2026 season, “Bus Stop”!
What happens when a big ole’ snowstorm collides with some small town drama? We get a very interesting night full of romance, drama, and comedy!
Directed by Nicci Grigsby
Assistant Directed by Caleb Minton
AUDITION DATES:
Saturday, August 29th @ 1:00-4:00 PM
OR
Monday, August 31st @ 6:30-9:30 PM
Both audition days will take place at The First Baptist Church of Maryville (202 W Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37801)
AUDITION INFO:
Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. You do not have to stay the whole time for auditions. Auditionees need to choose one date and should not attend both days unless requested by the directing team. No experience or preparation required, just drop in any time!
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
Rehearsals will be based upon actors’ availabilities. Actors can generally expect 2-3 rehearsals per week.
PERFORMANCE DATES:
November 20th-22nd at The Chilhowee Club
SYNOPSIS:
A romantic comedy-drama set in a small Kansas diner during a fierce blizzard in 1955. A bus gets stranded, forcing an eclectic group of travelers to spend the night together. Stripped of their usual defenses by the situation, these isolated individuals are forced to confront their own deep-seated loneliness.
Over the course of one night, they form unexpected bonds, highlighting the universal human need for understanding, vulnerability, and genuine connection.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
Genders and age ranges listed are those that are notated in the original script. Casting committee may decide to change the gender/age during the casting process.
ELMA DUCKWORTH (female-presenting, late teens – 20s) A young server in Grace’s Diner. Fascinated by the worldly travelers stranded by the storm. Sweet, bright, earnest, romantic idealist.
GRACE HOYLARD (female-presenting, 30s – 50s) Owner of Grace’s Diner. Has seen it all and isn’t easily impressed. Witty, grounded, pragmatic.
WILL MASTERS (male-presenting 40s – 60s) Local Sheriff. The voice of reason and safety. Steady, calm, and deeply community-oriented.
CHERIE (female-presenting, 20s – 30s) A nightclub singer from the Ozarks who has been kidnapped by Bo. Trapped and terrified yet resilient. A defensive cynic. Flashy, insecure, prone to melodrama. Yearning for respect.
DR. GERALD LYMAN (male-presenting, 40s – 60s) A college professor whose life and career completely unraveled due to alcoholism and scandal. Prone to predatory behavior masked by intellectual charm. Eloquent, self-loathing, filled with a tragic desperation.
CARL (male-presenting 30s – 50s) The bus driver. Lonely, but looks for comfort in Grace during his rounds at the bus stop diner. Relaxed, blue-collar demeanor. Tries to keep the peace. Practical and easy-going.
VIRGIL BLESSING (male-presenting, 40s – 60s) Bo’s ranching partner, mentor, and father figure. From Montana. A calming, grounding individual. Gentle, quiet, wise, patient. Plays the guitar (not a requirement for casting).
BO DECKER (male-presenting, 20s – 30s) A naïve rodeo cowboy from Montana who kidnapped Cherie from a nightclub. Loud, arrogant, toxic machismo, blindly persistent. His charming emotional transparency makes the audience root for his redemption.
QUESTIONS?
Email us at contact@foothillscommunityplayers.com!
We can’t wait to see you at auditions!
Event Location: First Baptist Church of Maryville, 202 W Lamar Alexander Pkwy, Maryville, TN 37801
