Auditions! - Valley Youth Theatre

AUDITIONS

BE PART OF THE MAGIC

In this page you can find the in-person auditon dates for Valley Youth Theatre's mainstage performances. If you have any questions, check out our AUDITION FAQ below or join our Mailing List to get the latest announcements about upcoming auditions. We also announce our auditions in our social media.

*AUDITION DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

LS new dsates audition web gfx 2025-26-dates

PUFFS

At Valley Youth Theatre
Callbacks, December 11, 2025, at 4:00pm

THERE ARE NO AUDITION FEES AND YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NOT CHARGED A FEE TO BE IN OUR SHOW.

Valley Youth Theatre's mission is to inspire young people to be the best they can be through a variety of performing arts opportunities. All roles will be played by young people unless otherwise noted. Our performers are not charged fees to be in our shows. There are no ticket quotas, costume or script deposits, ad sales or financial requirements of any sort to be in our mainstage shows.

Valley Youth Theatre welcomes all young people to audition.

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PUFFS

Director: David Chorley, VYT Alumni
Stage Manager: Morgan McCall

Run Dates: February 13 - March 1, 2026

CALLBACK LIST

PLEASE READ ENTIRE CALLBACK LIST AND INSTRUCTIONS.

Thank you to everyone who auditioned for Puffs. It was a very tricky matching process and we thank everyone for your enthusiasm and patience. We will start with callbacks tomorrow on December 10th and will keep the other callback days as TBD days if we need them.

Actors called back should arrive prior to 4:00pm and be prepared to stay for the evening. We will give an estimated dismissal time as we get closer to it, but it will take a couple of hours. Please read on after the list for more instructions.

If your name is not on the list below, you are no longer being considered for this production of Puffs. We have had a FANTASTIC turn-out for this audition and, unfortunately, you were not a match for this production. Please do not give up! We know that there will be another show for you in the future where you will be a better match and hope we will get to work with you soon!

Callback List (organized by last name)
Please arrive by 4:00pm
Monty Berg
Caylee Brovitz
Juno Creviston
Lily Croxton*
Roux Davies
Josie Dolan
Grier Donnally
Joey Garcia
Aiden Haren
Marie Hitzler
Cael Hoke**
Morgan James
Aether Lottie
Greyson McClurg
Brystal Meyler
James Nesbitt
Anika Pierra*
Parker Pitt
Jake Reifler
Ava Robb*
Caleb Silvers
Jaden Sparkman
Aidan Vidaurri
Zach Wallace

*We have notated that you need to leave early from callbacks! We will prioritize seeing you earlier so that we can accommodate and see what we need before you need to go. Please keep an eye out for an email regarding this

**We have notated that you are unavailable for callbacks. Please keep an eye out for an email seeing if there is any way to find a solution so you can stay in consideration

Congratulations on being called back! Please come in ready to read some new scenes and monologues, improvise, play some theater games, and generally be silly! We are calling everyone at the same time so that you will have time to practice new scenes and we can mix-and-match different groups of people.

Parents may come into the theatre and sit with their children in the waiting area using the side door. Actors will be dismissed on an individual basis after we have seen everything we need! If an actor is being dropped off and needs to contact their ride to pick them up, please let us know at check-in so we can try to give an earlier “heads up”.

We encourage everyone to bring water and snacks with them. If we discover that you may have a long break before you are seen again (an hour or more), we will let you know so you have the freedom to grab some dinner or take a walk around the block if you would like (with parent permission or accompaniment).

Doors to check-in will open 15 minutes prior to your arrival time (3:45pm) at the side door on Fillmore (look for signage). If you are unable to attend your callback, please send an email to stagemanager@vyt.com

Thank you all once again for auditioning and for your patience. We will see you at Callbacks!

AUDITION INFORMATION

Valley Youth Theatre welcomes all young artists (age 19 and under). All ethnicities, all gender expressions, and all bodies are encouraged to audition. Please note that PUFFS is a play and not a musical. The director is looking for actors with great comedic timing and perhaps some improv skills as well.

SYNOPSIS:

PUFFS Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic:
by Matt Cox

The New York Times proclaims Puffs “A fast-paced romp through the ‘Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.’ For Potterphiliacs who grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world, Puffs exudes a jovial, winking fondness for all things Harry!”

This clever and inventive play “never goes more than a minute without a laugh” (Nerdist) giving you a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers “who are so lovable and relatable, you’ll leave the theater wishing they were in the stories all along” (Hollywood Life). Their “hilariously heartfelt!” (Metro) and epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.

Puffs is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play.

CHARACTERS:

WAYNE HOPKINS
The hero. Totally uncool, but full of charm and heart. Loyal to a tee. Likes comic books and video games, knows nothing about magic or this weird magic world he is now a part of. Best friends with Oliver and Megan.

OLIVER RIVERS
One of the main trio. Incredibly smart and cerebral, he is a math wiz, and proud of it; lovingly a nerd from New Jersey. After ending up at wizarding school, he finds out he isn’t the top of his class, and instead begins a fantastical journey of friendship and even some love, better than any algebra class could ever promise. Real comic chops, incredibly appealing, youthful.

MEGAN JONES
One of the main trio; begins the show by only desiring to live up to her mother’s reputation: a dark wizard currently in Wiz Priz for being such a bad-ass Death Buddy in her youth. Favorite store: Hot Topic. Favorite color: black. Over time, her tough veneer begins to soften, as a budding romance with Oliver becomes apparent. Defiant and headstrong on the surface, the audience begins to see that her adamance of being completely unique and independent really stems from her desire to be loved and accepted. Any ethnicity/cultural background.

NARRATOR
The narrator of the story. Guides us through our entire show of Puffy-ness. British accent. Must be a great storyteller who must keep the audience engaged and updated on all the goings-on. Can be a bit of a know-it-all, but still relatable and appealing. Comedy skills a must, improv background is a plus.

The following "Characters" are listed by 'track'. If you don't know what a "track" means, that's ok. We are all here to learn. It's the complete set of roles (along with all the other things) that an actor will perform in a show. This is how we have it divided up now, but you never know what we will see in the audition, so we may make some changes in casting...

ERNIE MAC and A VERY TALL MAN / SEAMUS / A CERTAIN POTIONS TEACHER / PROFESSOR TURBAN / GHOST HISTORY TEACH / PROFESSOR LOCKY / MR. NICK / SAL / SECOND HEADMASTER / REAL MR. MOODY
Requires an actor capable of doing strong impressions. Ernie Mac: Proud. Loud. Pretty sure he’s the best. Male Teachers: Potions Teacher/ Locky/ Professor Turban/ Mr. Moody. All the impressions. Strong comedic ability. (Impressions: Rickman/ Branagh/Gleeson/Whoever played Quirrell in the movie).

HANNAH and FIRST HEADMASTER / PROFESSOR McG / PROFESSOR SPROUTTY / XAVIA JONES / PROFESSOR LANNY / RUNES TEACH / MS. BABBLE
Requires playing several different roles back to back, so the ability to play a variety of character types a plus. Hannah: Shy. Very shy. Female Teachers: Professor McG, Professor Plants, Professor T, Bath Babbles. Adults of all kinds of different personalities. (Maggie Smith impression for McG.)

J. FINCH FLETCHLEY and UNCLE DAVE / GOYLE / A FAT FRIAR / CLUMSY LONGBOTTOM / HERMEOONE #3 / VIKTOR / MR. BAGMAN / ZACH SMITH
Improvisational skills a plus. Boyish & fun. Chipper and happy except, when his life is in mortal danger.

LEANNE and GINNY / HELGA / FRENCHY
A little distant. A little random. Is possibly a genius or really, really stupid. But has a really strong heart. The Puffiest of the Puffs. Any ethnicity/cultural background.

SALLY PERKS and HERMEOONE / BLONDO MALFOY / ROWENA / RITA SCOOTER / BIPPY
Sally: Nice. In year 3, goes through a bit of a growth spurt that attracts the other student’s attention, if you know what I mean. Bippy: A house elf. Devoted. Loyal. Kind of annoying.

SUSIE BONES and HARRY / COLIN / HERMEOONE #2 / RIC GRYFF / MYRTLE
Susie: Sad. Gloomy. Think Eeyore from “Winnie the Pooh.” Constantly in fear of her or her family dying. Harry: Young, plucky, and famous. Struts around school like he owns it. Gets into a few wacky situations, but it’s nothing the bonds of friendship can’t overcome.

CEDRIC and MR. VOLDY
We are lookingn for an awesome comic actor to play the pivotal roles of Cedric in Act I and Mr. Voldy in Act II. Cedric: A champion. Athletic, winning, popular, and charming. Everyone’s favorite, but still loyal, patient, and kind. A leading example of a Puff. Mr. Voldy: Evil. Like, reeeaaally evil. Wants to rule the world in shadows and darkness and terror. (Or, ya know, just an amazing Ralph Fiennes impression.)

DEATH BUDDIES to be played by all.

REHEARSALS AND TIME COMMITMENT:

Approximate rehearsal dates can begin as early as the week of December 15, 2025 and run though February 12, 2026, Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturdays. Before tech, evening rehearsals will be 5p - 9p; tech rehearsals will be potentially until 10pm. We understand that some students may have conflicts where they may miss rehearsals, must arrive late or leave early. However, cast members will not be able to miss rehearsals during tech week or the run of the show.

Tech rehearsals start Saturday, February 7, 2026 and all cast members must be present!

Opening night is February 13, 2026 and the show runs through March 1, 2026. There are several weekday matinees for schools in addition to the traditional evening and weekend performances. There are also weekday matinees that align with the end of the school semester.

DOWNLOAD OUR TENTATIVE REHEARSAL SCHEDULE HERE TO SEE IF YOU WILL HAVE ANY CONFLICTS

DOWNLOAD OUR PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE HERE TO SEE IF YOU HAVE ANY CONFLICTS

We will ask about the specific dates of your conflicts in the audition form.
Again, cast members will not be able to have any conflicts between February 7 - March 1, 2026.

WHAT TO HAVE READY FOR THE AUDITION:

A headshot. It doesn't have to be professional. Just a good photo that looks like you! you can take it with a camera phone if you'd like. Make sure you have good lighting so we can see your face.
An acting or theatre resume. You don't have to have one all fancy and ready to upload (although you certainly can). We just want to know what you have done performance-wise and in a theatre. If you worked on the stage crew, put that in there too!
A monologue to show your style of presenting lines and how you may choose to play a character. How long should the monologue be? Good question. The answer is: as long as it needs to be for you to feel that you have shown us how amazing you are! Chances are that's around 8-10 lines of text, but it may be longer or shorter. This monologue does NOT need to be memorized, but the day of auditions should not be the first time you have looked at it. You are expected to come in to the audition room familiar with it. Practice with your mom, dad, aunt, brother, sister, neighbor, dog or cat!
- Not sure how to choose a monologue or which one would be the best for you? No Worries! The link below will allow you to download a document with Show Specific Monologues that you can review and bring to the auditions!
  - DOWNLOAD PUFFS MONOLOGUES HERE
- NOTE: This can be gender-blind, you don't have to be a boy to use the Harry monologues for your audition. You are encouraged to add your own comedic touches! In this audition, the monologues do not have to be word-for-word or memorized. Be creative. Be spontaneous. Be silly!
Comfortable clothes that allow movement but are also professional.
A Water Bottle. This is Arizona! You need to stay hydrated and energized.

If you can, it's a good idea to pre-register. You will fill out the audition form online before hand so you won't have to fill it out when you get to the theatre. To pre-register, follow the link below.

AUDITION DATE, TIME AND LOCATION:

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 4:00pm. Doors open at 3:30pm.
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 4:00pm. Doors open at 3:30pm.

You only need to attend one of these auditions. We hold auditions at our theatre:

Valley Youth Theatre
525 North First Street
On the Southeast Corner of First Street & Fillmore in Downtown Phoenix
Enter through the side door on Filmore and follow the signage.

Please note: The VYT parking lot is first-come, first-serve. Public paid parking is available in the lot across the street of the front doors on 1st st. and at various meters surrounding the theatre. Please plan accordingly.

If you or your child need assistance auditioning, and your answer is not covered in this page, please contact VYT's Production Stage Manager at stagemanager@vyt.com or 602-253-8188 ext 308

READY TO AUDITION? CLICK HERE!

AUDITION FAQ

Do I have to be a professional child actor to audition for a VYT show?

NO! VYT auditions are open to all young people of all skill levels. Young performers in our shows aren’t required to have any previous theatrical experience or formal training. We just strive to recognize each child’s potential and to match their talent and skill level with the needs of each role. That means, our open casting gives every child in the Valley an opportunity to participate in our shows!

How much money does it cost to be in a VYT show?

Zero. Nothing. Nada. You do not pay upfront to audition. VYT performers don’t have to rent or purchase costumes or scripts. There are no ticket or program ad sales requirements. We believe that money should not be a barrier to a transformative performing arts experience.

How old should I be to audition for a VYT show?

Typically, because they need to read and memorize lines, main stage performers are at least 7 and not more than 19 years old. Younger people aspiring to the stage are encouraged to consider our performing arts camps and classes. Sometimes, however, due to the nature of a production, there are age restrictions and those will be noted in the show's audition notice.

Do I have to audition? I've done a ton of shows.

Yes. You have to audition. The number of shows you have done does not matter. Everyone has to audition!

How do I audition for VYT?

First, check out our auditions page to see which show VYT will be auditioning for. Pay attention to the roles listed and the age suggestions if any. If you think you fit who we are looking for great! Second, you will see a link so you can pre-register for your audition. This means that you will fill out all of the important information we need before you come to the audition. If you pre-register, you don't have to take your time filling out all of the information in person. We will have it printed out for you. You don't have to pre-register, of course, but it will save you some time.Third, come to the audition! We audition in-person on the dates listed on the audition notice. Our auditions usually start at 4pm and we open our doors early so people who did not pre-register have time to fill out their information.

What if I can't make it at 4pm when the auditions start?

If you are there when doors open, you will be in one of the first groups to audition (sometimes people will line up outside the building before the doors open). If you come after 4:00pm, you will be in one of the later groups to audition. We have no guarantee we can get you out by a certain time, so if you need be somewhere in the evening, please arrive early so we can get to you as soon as possible. We stay at the building until we have seen everyone that has arrived at the audition. This can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours to see everyone depending on how many people show up. Please understand that if you arrive later than 4:00pm, there is a possibility that we have seen everyone and auditions will be closed for the day. However, if we are still seeing people, you are welcome to check-in and audition!

How long will the audition take?

Well, the short answer is it depends. Auditions are done on a first come first seen basis. We open the doors at 3:30 pm on audition day and start auditions at 4 pm. The auditioners are taken into the audition room in small groups where they audition. Each group can take between 5 - 10 minutes. One you are finished auditioning, you are finished. The callback list will be posted on the auditions page of our website.

What is pre-registering?

Pre-registering is a way that you can fill out all of the information we need before you get to your audition. We will then print out your audition form and have it for you at the theatre when you check in. You will still need to bring your headshot with you to the audition, but you won't have any paperwork to fill out.

What do I need to prepare for an audition?

First of all, it's really important to look at the audition information to see if there is anything specific you are asked to prepare for that audition. Make sure you follow the guidelines in the audition info.
Otherwise, here's what we suggest you have in order to make your audition run as smoothly as possible: 1) A headshot. It doesn't have to be professional. Just a good photo that looks like you! you can take it with a camera phone if you'd like. Make sure it is relatively close up and you have good lighting so we can see your face. 2) An acting or theatre resume. You don't have to have a fancy one (although you certainly can). We just want to know what you have done performance-wise and in a theatre. If you worked on the stage crew, put that in there too! 3) (If you are auditioning for a musical or a play) A short monologue that is appropriate for you and the character you are auditioning for. 4) (If you are auditioning for a musical) A song that will show off your voice and is appropriate for you and the character you are auditioning for. We preferthat you bring sheet music with you as we will have an accompanist, but you can also bring a background track you can play from your phone. 5) A list of conflicts you will have with the rehearsal schedule. This is super important to be honest with us and yourself if you can not make it to a rehearsal. We need to know. Theatre is collaborative and we can not move forward together if people are missing. Please let us know your conflicts when you audition.

How long should the song be?

Good question. The answer is: as long as it needs to be for you to feel that you have shown us how amazing you are! Chances are that's around :30 to :45 seconds or so, but it may be longer or shorter. The Director may stop you while you are singing, but that's ok. Just get to "the good part" quickly so you can show off your skills!

Where are the auditions? And where do we park?

Valley Youth Theatre: 525 North First Street On the Southeast Corner of First Street & Fillmore, in Downtown Phoenix. Please note: The VYT parking lot is not very big and has a tendency to fill up quickly. Please do not park in the area reserved for the staff or the parking space for Bobb Cooper. Do not park in the disabled parking spaces without proper identification even if lot is full. Public paid parking is available on the south west side of First & Fillmore and at meters surrounding the theatre. Please plan accordingly.

I can not come to the auditions. What do I do?

Auditions for VYT shows are really best done in person. We get to meet you, you get to meet us and it lets the Director see you at your best! On the rare occasion that a young person truly can not attend any of the scheduled auditions, please contact our Production Manager, Bobby Peatman, at productionmanager@vyt.com and let him know of your conflict. This does not necessarily mean you will be able to audition online, but if there is an available solution, he will let you know.

What are your COVID safety protocols?

We are currently encouraging but not requiring masks to be worn at our theatre. However, we do reserve the right to change our protocols as the situation changes.

What happens after auditions?

The next step is called "Callbacks". Callbacks are when a certain number of performers are asked to come to the theatre in-person to continue the audition process. The list of callbacks will be listed on the auditions page of the website. Look for your name and the day and time you will need to come to the theatre. Again, it is important to be prepared! So come dressed to move -- no sandals or skirts -- and bring water to remain hydrated and energized! Usually during callbacks, you will be put into small groups, you will be asked to read scenes, sing and possibly learn a dance. You may be asked to read for a couple of different parts. Each callback experience is different!

Why didn't I get cast or called back? Was I that bad?

No! This is part of being an actor. Sometimes you get the part and sometimes you don't. Auditioning is a matching process and sometimes your talents aren't a match for what is needed for that specific production. That doesn't mean your talents aren't needed in the future! Rejection isn't great, but it's a big part of being an actor. Not getting cast in a VYT performance doesn't mean "no", it just means "not for this specific show". Like Bobb always says, "you may have been the best mouse we saw today. You may have been the best mouse we've ever seen, but today, we are casting for an elephant." So don't give up! Remember: Auditioning takes practice, too! The more you audition, the more comfortable you will be, and the more you will learn. Besides, there are a ton of ways to be involved other than just being on stage. We also need young people for our tech crew, our orchestra and other behind-the-scenes positions. If you are interested in working behind the scenes, contact the stage manager at stagemanager@vyt.com

What are the expectations if I am cast in a VYT show?

We have to be honest, being in a VYT show is a time commitment. That's what makes our shows so great. When you are cast in the show, we expect you to have fun and try your best. We also expect you to treat the show as the professional show it will be. That means attending all scheduled rehearsals, memorizing lines and blocking and being attentive when the Director, Stage Manager, Musical Director, Choreographer or any other person is talking. We expect honesty and responsibility and will show that respect right back to you. Rehearsals are generally Monday through Thursday evenings and most of the day on Saturdays, beginning as early as the week of callbacks. The weekend before the show opens is the beginning of tech week and Saturday and Sunday are 8- to 14-hour days, so it can be a lot. But it is also the most fun you will have! Because Valley Youth Theatre does not charge a fee for young people to participate in our mainstage productions, parents are required to volunteer by helping with set and costume construction, and front of house during the run of the show.

THEATRE
525 North First Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004

OFFICE
1001 North Central Avenue
Suite 700
Phoenix, AZ 85004

(602) 253-8188

boxoffice@vyt.com
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Valley Youth Theatre is a registered 501(c)(3).
Since 1989, we have inspired children to be the best they can be through the magic of the performing arts. Our alumni include Oscar® winners, Grammy® award-nominees, Broadway stars, rocket scientists, doctors, lawyers, parents, and community leaders from all walks of life.

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