Auditions
Auditions will take place on April 18th and April 19th.
Location: Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Specific details will be sent to performers invited to audition.
Howlyn Owlyn Studios
Quest for the Orbs Audition Request
A 90-minute interactive fantasy performance with improv comedy, audience gameplay, and live theatrical adventure.
We’re casting for a 90-minute interactive fantasy performance. In an intimate space for a small audience, the performance will be light D&D-style improv comedy theater, with heavy audience participation shaping the actors’ decisions and outcomes. No experience with D&D or role-playing games is required for either performers or the audience; it’s just the ambience.
90-minute show
Improv-driven
Heavy audience participation
Gather your party. The quest is about to begin.
A bold fighter, a curious wizard, and a cunning rogue set out to recover two powerful orbs — while the audience helps shape their fate.
Brief plot teaser
An adventure guided by the Council of Fate
To save the townspeople, a bold fighter, a curious wizard, and a cunning rogue must join forces and recover two powerful orbs protected by mind-bending puzzles, hidden traps, and monstrous guardians. They’ll travel to ancient ruins, dark caves, and beyond. Unbeknownst to our heroes, the Council of Fate — the audience — will strive to aid their adventurers to a successful outcome. But be warned... not everything is as it seems.
Performance style
This show is highly interactive and improv-driven.
- Comfort with improvisational comedy
- Ability to engage directly with the audience
- Quick thinking in unpredictable moments
- Collaborative storytelling and ensemble work
- Strong character while responding to audience input
The goal is for everyone — both the cast and the audience — to have fun.
Audition details
Dates, callbacks, and schedule
Callbacks
April 25th or April 26th at the Cubberley Community Center.
Exact day/time to be coordinated with performers.
Schedule
- All rehearsals and performances will take place in Palo Alto
- Sat 5/2 or Sun 5/3: Rehearsal <time to be optimized with cast input>
- Sat 5/9: Rehearsal <time to be optimized with cast input>
- Fri 5/15: Evening rehearsal
- Sat 5/16: 1st evening performance @ Cubberley Community Center
- <additional performances to be scheduled>
What’s in it for you
Join the founding cast of something new
- Be part of a brand-new, original interactive show
- Help create something unique that blends improv and audience gameplay
- Have fun performing in a high-energy, low-pressure environment
- Develop improv, audience interaction, and stage presence skills
- Stand out with a unique performance experience for resumes, applications, and auditions
- Get your name and bio featured on the show website
- Help launch a new type of theater in the Bay Area as part of the founding cast
- The first performance is volunteer-based; a small honorarium may be available. Additional shows will also have an honorarium.
Casting needs
Roles currently being cast
We’re looking for six to seven actors or actresses and two additional participants to help with audience participation during the performance.
Again, as mentioned in the Performance Style section above, this show is highly interactive and improv-driven. Performers should be comfortable with improvisional comedy.
Role #1: Wizard / Wizardess
This character is intelligent, curious, and enthusiastic — but not always in control of their abilities. This character is still learning all the nuances of magic. Some spells work beautifully, while others go hilariously wrong.
Role #2: Rogue / Thief
This character is a stealthy, quick-thinking, and resourceful opportunist. The character is skilled in thievery, such as picking locks and disabling traps. This character can easily blend into the shadows to avoid being seen.
Role #3: Fighter
This character is a bold, heroic protector who stands ready to defend people and fight for good. This character is brave, loyal, and always ready to step into danger — perhaps with a slightly idealistic view of the world that gets tested along the way. This character will wield a foam sword in simulated battle.
Ensemble Role #4 / #5 / #6: Villager & Monster
This is a versatile character handling multiple roles — usually supporting our villain. This character would portray a villager and multiple monsters who complicate the adventurers’ lives. This character must be comfortable “losing” fights in fun, exaggerated ways. And, if the fates allow a hero to be slain, then victory should be celebrated. This character plays a key role in building energy throughout the show.
Role #7: Villain / Villainess → Sorcerer / Sorceress
This performer could also have the villager/monster role. The charismatic villain is an evil sorcerer or sorceress who is the architect behind the entire quest. At the beginning of the story, this character appears as a concerned and trustworthy benefactor, urging the heroes to recover two magical orbs in order to “save the village.” Their sincerity must be convincing — the audience and the heroes should believe in their cause.
The villain’s true agenda is only revealed near the end of the show, which culminates in a big reveal that the quest was never what it seemed. At the end, a very light “epic” battle of magic, might, and audience participation ensues. Depending on the audience’s luck, either the villain or the heroes may prevail.
Audition form
Request an audition
Please complete the form below to express interest in auditioning.
Quest for the Orbs — Audition Request Form
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Questions before you submit?
We’d still love to hear from you.
If you are interested but unsure whether you’re the right fit, go ahead and submit the form. You can also reach out directly with questions about the project, the venue, or the production concept.