NATIONAL PASTIME SHOW SYNOPSIS:
National Pastime is a charming and fast-paced musical comedy with a vintage twist. Written by Tony Sportiello (book) and Al Tapper (music & lyrics), this feel-good show has been described as a throwback to a sweeter era of musical theatre, National Pastime is filled with toe-tapping numbers, romantic entanglements, and nostalgic charm.
Set in Depression-era small-town Iowa, National Pastime transports audiences to a simpler time, when the local radio station WZBQ is the heartbeat of the community—but barely staying afloat. In a last-ditch effort to save the station, owner Barry Landis hatches a wild plan: fabricate broadcasts of a fictional, undefeated baseball team—the Baker City Cougars. The made-up games become an unexpected hit, turning the sleepy town into a hotbed of baseball fandom and media buzz. But how long can they keep up the ruse?
Directed by Aaron Adair.
CAST OF CHARACTERS:
Coming soon.
AUDITION INFORMATION:
Auditions are on August 11th and 12th, 2025. Please arrive between 6:30-7:00 pm to sign in and auditions will run from 7pm until 9pm. Auditions are open to everyone in the community, even if you have no experience acting! Sides for the audition are posted below.
We are committed to diverse casting and all roles are open to performers of all backgrounds. All roles are volunteer only and are not paid, however, a stipend will be given to all actors cast in the show.
Headshots and resumes are not required, but welcome if you have one. Walk-ins are accepted at auditions.
For questions or more information, please email auditions@mckinneyrep.org
For those unable to attend auditions but interested in participating in the show, alternative arrangements can be made by emailing auditions@mckinneyrep.org and submitting a video audition (see below).
Location:
McKinney Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
111 N. Tennessee Street - McKinney, TX 75069
VIDEO AUDITION INFO:
- For those unable to attend the auditions, video auditions (2 minute melodramatic or comedic monologue) must be emailed by August 10th.
Please note: If cast in the show, all volunteers must have a background check on file with McKinney Performing Arts Center via Voly.
REHEARSAL INFORMATION:
First Rehearsal/Read Through: TBD
REHEARSALS: Rehearsals will be held from August 18th through September 25th on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, from 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM.
LOAD IN & SET BUILD: September 28, 2025
TECH WK REHEARSALS: September 29 - October 1 from 6:30 PM - 10 PM
DRESS REHEARSAL: October 2 at 6:30 PM
PICK-UP REHEARSALS: TBD
*Please do not audition if you have any conflicts with tech week or performance dates.
SHOW DATES:
Total of 9 shows :
Friday, October 3rd at 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 4th at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Friday, October 10th at 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 11th at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Friday, October 17th at 8:00 PM
Saturday, October 18th at 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM