Studio Theatre of Bath Holds Feb. 21-22 Auditions for May Comedy-Drama

Studio Theatre of Bath announced on Jan. 21 that it will hold auditions Feb. 21 and Feb. 22 for Joe DiPietro’s comedy-drama Over the River and Through the Woods, a production scheduled to run May 15-24, 2026. Auditions will take place at Sagadahoc Preservation, Inc., 880 Washington St., Bath; sessions are set for Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Feb. 22 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The production is directed by Kirstin Hayward and the company is explicitly seeking a diverse cast with roles representing ages roughly 28 to 80. No prior stage experience is required, making the auditions an accessible entry point for local residents interested in community theatre. Auditioners will read provided sides and may optionally prepare a short monologue no longer than two minutes.

For Sagadahoc County, the announcement represents more than an artistic opportunity. A 10-day run from May 15 to May 24 provides a concentrated window during which evening and weekend attendance can boost foot traffic in downtown Bath. Local restaurants, shops, and service providers commonly see increased patronage when live performances bring audiences into town, and the theatre’s inclusive casting call could expand participation among renters, retirees, and young professionals who live within commuting distance of Bath.

Studio Theatre of Bath’s decision to stage Joe DiPietro’s work aligns with rising interest in small-scale regional productions that combine broad audience appeal with manageable production budgets. By hosting auditions at Sagadahoc Preservation, Inc., the theatre ties its creative activity to a local nonprofit space on Washington Street, reinforcing partnerships between arts organizations and community institutions. The open-call format also functions as workforce development for creative skills; participants can gain experience in public speaking, stagecraft, and collaborative production work that have spillover value for local events and civic engagement.

Sagadahoc residents who plan to audition should come prepared to read and to perform a short piece if they wish; those not looking to perform can anticipate a May run that will provide live theatre options closer to home. As Bath heads toward spring, the auditions mark the beginning of a production cycle that will culminate in a community-centered run in mid-May, offering both cultural value and modest economic activity for downtown businesses. The next step for interested residents is to attend one of the Feb. 21-22 sessions at 880 Washington St. to try out for a role in the May production.