Local performers have until Saturday, Aug. 29, to land a paid role in downtown Salem's newest theater company's inaugural production.
Wandering Players Theatrics is holding open auditions for Evil Dead The Musical on Aug. 29 at 501 Marion St. NE, the former Cinebarre space at Salem Center.
Two sessions are available: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. All roles are open, and each actor cast will receive a $500 stipend, according to Press Play Salem.
The show marks the first production staged in Wandering Players' new permanent home.
The Salem-based nonprofit theater company announced Aug. 21 that it signed a rental agreement for the seven-screen former Cinebarre multiplex, which Regal Cinemas closed in May 2025. Kelly McDonald, a partner in the building's ownership group, confirmed the deal to the Statesman Journal.
Wandering Players previously staged Evil Dead The Musical at Salem's Historic Grand Theatre in 2025. The company described the new venue in its Aug. 21 Facebook announcement as a creative hub for artists, performers, educators, entrepreneurs and the broader community.
What to bring
Auditioners should prepare a résumé and headshot, a one- to two-minute monologue, and 32 bars of music. A pianist and sound system will be provided; singers must bring their own accompaniment or a backing track. Comfortable clothing for a movement portion is also required.
Roles available
The production features nine named roles spanning baritone, tenor, alto, soprano and bass vocal ranges, plus two open-casting ensemble parts. Characters range from college-age to mid-thirties and forties. The musical, based on Sam Raimi's cult-classic Evil Dead films, follows five college students who accidentally unleash an evil force at an abandoned cabin in the woods.
Performance dates
Evil Dead The Musical runs Oct. 23 through Nov. 15 at 501 Marion St. NE. The production website lists both evening and matinee performances, with tickets available through salemshg.com. An employment application for paid non-acting positions is also posted online.
Video auditions are also being accepted through 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29. Performers can sign up at www.dothenecronomicon.com/casting.
Upcoming dates
- Saturday, Aug. 29: Open auditions, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2–5 p.m., 501 Marion St. NE
- Oct. 23–Nov. 15: Evil Dead The Musical performances at Salem Center
