Golden West College Theater Arts Department, 15751 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach, CA (2025)

06/10/2025

Award-winning Golden West College Theater Arts Department announces their 2025-2026 season of plays and musicals

The Golden West College Theater Arts department 2025-2026 theater season promises to be one of its most exciting seasons to date, offering an excellent lineup of productions featuring a talented and diverse group of authors, performers, directors, and designers.

This outstanding collection of plays and musicals will be presented live in the 326-seat Mainstage Theater on the GWC campus beginning in October 2025.
Tickets to the 2025-2026 season are available at www.gwctickets.com.

2025

THE DIVINERS
By Jim Leonard Jr.
Directed by Tom Amen
October 10 - 19. 2025

This award-winning American drama explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, The Diviners is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.” Don’t miss this deeply moving and profoundly human play.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Martie Ramm
November 14 - 23, 2025

Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is the original romantic comedy, packed with snarky banter, ridiculous misunderstandings, and a love story that only happens because of some well-placed eavesdropping. Watch as sharp-tongued rivals Beatrice and Benedick—two experts in the fine art of mockery—get tricked into falling head over heels in love, while another plot threatens to tear young lovers Hero and Claudio apart. With gossip, disguises, and just the right amount of chaos, this timeless tale of love, deception, and redemption proves that in matters of the heart, nothing is ever quite as it seems! This is Shakespeare at his funniest.

2026

EIGHT SECONDS
World Premiere production
By Tim Mueller
Directed by Tom Amen
March 6 - 15, 2026

In 2015, a study was conducted that proved that a simple goldfish has an attention span longer than the average human, which is just eight seconds. Can that actually be true? Ellie spends most of her waking hours fishing. Not for actual fish of course. She spends her time online, connecting with some of the scariest people on the internet, hoping to expose the real people behind the hate and misinformation they spread. Eight Seconds will make you think about how you see the world, the information you absorb and believe, and how we relate to each other as a result of those beliefs. Part exploration of the darkest side of humanity and part crime drama, the story will leave you asking, “What will I do with my eight seconds?”

NOTE: This production contains adult language and situations and is intended for mature audiences.

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER
Books and Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman
Music and Lyrics by Steven Lutvak
Based on A Novel by Roy Horniman
Directed and staged by Martie Ramm
April 24 – May 3, 2026

Step right up for a night of devilish fun and high-society hijinks! A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder is the outrageously funny, Tony Award-winning musical that took Broadway by storm—snagging 10 Tony nominations and 4 wins, including Best Musical!

When the low-born Monty Navarro discovers he is eighth in line for a grand earldom in the lofty D'Ysquith family, he decides to speed up the process in a most wickedly hilarious way. Can he outwit and outlive his unsuspecting relatives without getting caught? And what about love? Because murder isn't Monty’s only mischief! With show-stopping music and dazzling costumes, this award-winning and playfully funny masterpiece is a theatrical triumph!

For more information, visit www.gwctheater.com.

06/07/2025

Meet the cast of GWC Theater Arts Department's production of THE DIVINERS opening this fall in the Mainstage Theater!

Our cast includes the following actors...

Justin Callisch as Buddy Layman -
Hannah Belle Owens as Jennie Mae Layman
Scott Keister as Ferris Layman
Luke Brodowski as C.C. Showers
Kim Brown as Norma Henshaw
Emily Bolden as Darlene Henshaw
Eric Davis as Basil Bennett
Carrie Vinikow as Luella Bennett
Judy Gish as Goldie Short
Tristan Lund as Melvin Wilder
Will Logan as Dewey Maples

The director, cast, and design team will use the summer to study the script in preparation rehearsals beginning in late August! We'll have much more to share that time!

Meanwhile, have a safe and enjoyable summer!

See you at the theater! 🎭

06/01/2025

The cast of GWC Theater Arts Department's production of THE DIVINERS is now complete!

Our cast includes the following actors...

Justin Callisch as Buddy Layman -
Hannah Belle Owens as Jennie Mae Layman
Scott Keister as Ferris Layman
Luke Brodowski as C.C. Showers
Kim Brown as Norma Henshaw
Emily Bolden as Darlene Henshaw
Eric Davis as Basil Bennett
Carrie Vinikow as Luella Bennett
Judy Gish as Goldie Short
Tristan Lund as Melvin Wilder
Will Logan as Dewey Maples

On behalf of Director Tom Amen, Stage Manager Lydia McRae, and the entire production team, we extend our sincere thanks to all who auditioned. We greatly appreciate your time and talent and hope to have the pleasure of working with you in a future production at GWC! 🎭

05/31/2025

UPDATED CASTING NOTICE

5/31/25

Hannah Belle Owens has joined the cast of THE DIVINERS to play the role of Jennie Mae Layman. Congratulations, Hannah!

Meanwhile...

WE STILL HAVE 1 OUTSTANDING ROLE OPEN:

Ferris Layman – Late 30s to Late 40s. Widowed Father of Two. Mechanic, hard-working, good-humored, dependable, honest, strong, haunted by the death of his wife. He is easy-going, but don’t push him too far.

This role has considerable stage-time and is integral to this powerful ensemble play! There is a lot of depth here to mine and explore! The character brings a perfect blend of humor and emotional conflict. A beautiful role for a talented actor!

Who will step-up to the challenge? We eagerly await your outreach!

Interested actors should send a resume and headshot (a good closeup selfie is fine) to Tom Amen at [email protected] as soon as possible.

We will contact those actors who best fit the character description above, provide a copy of the complete play, and arrange an audition ASAP.

PLEASE NOTE: Participating actors DO NOT need to be traditional students and may join the cast free of tuition. The GWC Theater Arts Department will also provide parking for non-students.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be considered for one of these roles and join the warm and welcoming cast of THE DIVINERS!

GENERAL PRODUCTION INFORMATION:

Golden West College Theater Arts Department presents...

THE DIVINERS

by Jim Leonard Jr.
Directed by Tom

Rehearsals Begin August 25th and run Monday - Thursday evenings from 7-10 PM.

Performances Run October 10th -19th

Performances will be held in the beautiful 339 seat Mainstage Theater at Golden West College in Huntington Beach.

ABOUT THE PLAY:
This award-winning American drama explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, The Diviners is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.”

05/30/2025

UPDATED CASTING NOTICE:

Emily Bolden has joined the cast of THE DIVINERS to play the role of Darlene Henshaw, and Tristan Lund has come aboard to play the role of Melvin Wilder. Congratulations, Emily and Tristan!

Meanwhile...

WE STILL HAVE 2 WONDERFUL ROLES OPEN: 1 Male and 1 Female.

Ferris Layman – Late 30s to Late 40s. Widowed Father of Two. Mechanic, hard-working, good-humored, dependable, honest, strong, haunted by the death of his wife. He is easy-going, but don’t push him too far.

Jennie Mae Layman – Mid to Late Teens. Loving, innocent, curious, responsible. She fills the maternal role in her family. She has a definite crush on Showers. The ideal actor is approximately 18-22, but capable of playing 16-18, though mature looking 16-18 year old actors are most welcome to audition!

Each of these roles is integral to this powerful ensemble play! Each role has considerable stage time and provides ample opportunity to dig deep and explore!

Interested actors should send a resume and headshot (a good closeup selfie is fine) to Tom Amen at [email protected] as soon as possible.

We will contact those actors who best fit the character descriptions above, provide a copy of the complete play, and arrange an audition ASAP.

PLEASE NOTE: Participating actors DO NOT need to be traditional students and may join the cast free of tuition. The GWC Theater Arts Department will also provide parking for non-students.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be considered for one of these roles and join the warm and welcoming cast of THE DIVINERS!

GENERAL PRODUCTION INFORMATION:

Golden West College Theater Arts Department presents...

THE DIVINERS

by Jim Leonard Jr.
Directed by Tom

Rehearsals Begin August 25th and run Monday - Thursday evenings from 7-10 PM.

Performances Run October 10th -19th

Performances will be held in the beautiful 339 seat Mainstage Theater at Golden West College in Huntington Beach.

ABOUT THE PLAY:
This award-winning American drama explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, The Diviners is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.”

05/27/2025

AUDITIONING TONIGHT @ 7 PM!

Golden West College Theater Arts Department Announces Auditions for…

THE DIVINERS

by Jim Leonard Jr.

Directed by Tom Amen

Audition Date: May 27, 2025

Callback: May 28, 2025 (As Needed)

Audition Time: 7:00 PM

Audition Location:

Mainstage Theater
Golden West College
15751 Gothard Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Roles Available: 6 Men, 5 Women

Roles Open: ALL

Required Audition Preparation: None

Suggested Audition Preparation: Read the Play

Pay: None

PLEASE NOTE: All actors who are cast will be required to enroll in a GWC Theater Production course. Non-Students enroll in a Tuition-Free/Non-Credit course. College Students are encouraged to enroll in a 1-2 unit production course.

Rehearsals Days and Times: Monday-Thursday 7:00-10:00 PM beginning August 25th

Performance Dates: October 10 – 19, 2025

ABOUT THE PLAY:

This award-winning American drama explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, THE DIVINERS is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.”

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

This production contains open roles for 6 Men and 5 Women.

This is a very warm, tightly connected ensemble show; each dynamic character has their moment in the sun!

Buddy Layman – Early to Late Teens. A boy with a shaman-like gift for finding water. Suffering brain damage from a near drowning incident, Buddy is honest, loving, trusting, free-spirited, innocent, yet emotionally troubled and haunted by the death of his mother, which he can’t quite understand.

Jennie Mae Layman – Mid to Late Teens. Buddy's sister. Loving, innocent, curious, responsible. She fills the maternal role in her family. She has a definite crush on Showers.

Ferris Layman – Early 40's to Mid 50’s. Father of Buddy and Jennie Mae. Mechanic, hard-working, good-humored, dependable, honest, strong, haunted by the death of his wife. He is easy-going, but don’t push him too far.

C.C. Showers - Late 20's to Mid 30's. A disenchanted preacher. Handsome, fast-talking, searching, caring, questioning. He no longer wants to “preach” but to “minster” in a secular way.

Norma Henshaw - 40's to 50’s. Owner of the Hoosier Dry-Goods store. A "true believer". Norma is spiritual, Bible quoting, searching, determined, solid, unyielding. Her mission in life is to bring a preacher back to the community.

Darlene Henshaw – Mid Teens to Early 20's. Norma's niece. Questioning, flirty, prissy, dramatic, rebellious – she’s a good girl at heart, but needs a little excitement in her life.

Goldie Short – Mid 30's to Mid 50's. Owner of the Dine-Away-Cafe. Bossy, caring, honest, tells it like it is. A possible partner for Ferris if circumstances were different?

Basil Bennett – Mid 40's to Early 60’s. A farmer and local "doctor" of sorts. Basil is wise and warm yet can be cantankerous when his blood is up. He is the philosophical heart and backbone of the community.

Luella Bennett – Mid 30's to Late 50’s. Basil's wife. A doubter. Argumentative, steadfast, opinionated, hard, but capable of unexpected giddiness when excited.

Melvin Wilder - Late Teens to Late 20's. A farmhand (works for Basil). Not too bright, but wise in the ways of the world. At least he thinks so. A bit of a “bad boy”, he’s a good-natured young man who takes Dewey under his wing.

Dewey Maples - Late Teens to early 20's. A farmhand (works for Basil). Naïve, sincere, pleasant, well-meaning. A nice young man who looks to Melvin to show him the ropes with liquor, women, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to these wonderful roles for actors, the production team is also looking for highly committed crew-members who want to be a part of creating this beautiful little play. If you are interested in joining the production as a part of the backstage crew, please attend the first audition on May 27th at 7:00 PM.

AUDITION SIDES:

Based upon the text of the play as published by Samuel French, the audition sides are as follows:

1. Basil and Dewey: Pages 7-8

2. Showers, Buddy, and Jennie Mae: Pages 15-17

3. Buddy and Showers: Pages 18-20

4. Buddy, Ferris, Showers: Pages 20-24

5. Goldie, Buddy, Ferris, Showers: Pages 29-33

6. Jennie Mae and Showers: Pages 36-40

7. Ferris, Showers, Buddy, Jennie Mae: Pages 44-45

8. Jennie Mae, Darlene, Dewey, Melvin: Pages 46-49

9. Basil and Ferris: Pages 49-53

10. Buddy, Showers, Norma: 53-56

11. Buddy, Showers, Jennie Mae: 57-61

12. Buddy and Showers: Pages 62-66

13. Melvin, Dewey, and Basil: Pages 66-68

14. Darlene, Jennie Mae, Buddy: Pages 69-71

15. Norma, Luella, Goldie: Pages 74-77

16. Jennie Mae and Showers: Pages 77-81

17. Buddy, Ferris, Showers, Basil: Pages 84-88

18. Buddy and Showers: Pages 92-96

Further questions regarding this audition should be directed to Tom Amen at [email protected]

See you at auditions! 🎭

05/25/2025

EARN 3 UNITS IN ONLY 4 WEEKS!

ONLY FEW SEATS REMAINING!!

ENROLL TODAY!!!

Join GWC Professor Tom Amen’s History and Appreciation of the Cinema course for a fun and fascinating journey through a handful of landmark films that you’re sure to enjoy!

THEATER G102 (100% Online)

CRN #12155

JUNE 23rd to JULY 18th

NO CLASS MEETINGS!

NO TEXTBOOK!

See You in Class! 🎥 🎞️ 🍿

05/25/2025

INFO AND SIDES FOR AUDITION THIS TUESDAY!

Golden West College Theater Arts Department Announces Auditions for…

THE DIVINERS

by Jim Leonard Jr.

Directed by Tom Amen

Audition Date: May 27, 2025

Callback: May 28, 2025 (As Needed)

Audition Time: 7:00 PM

Audition Location:

Mainstage Theater
Golden West College
15751 Gothard Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Roles Available: 6 Men, 5 Women

Roles Open: ALL

Required Audition Preparation: None

Suggested Audition Preparation: Read the Play

Pay: None

PLEASE NOTE: All actors who are cast will be required to enroll in a GWC Theater Production course. Non-Students enroll in a Tuition-Free/Non-Credit course. College Students are encouraged to enroll in a 1-2 unit production course.

Rehearsals Days and Times: Monday-Thursday 7:00-10:00 PM beginning August 25th

Performance Dates: October 10 – 19, 2025

ABOUT THE PLAY:

This award-winning American drama explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, THE DIVINERS is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.”

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

This production contains open roles for 6 Men and 5 Women.

This is a very warm, tightly connected ensemble show; each dynamic character has their moment in the sun!

Buddy Layman – Early to Late Teens. A boy with a shaman-like gift for finding water. Suffering brain damage from a near drowning incident, Buddy is honest, loving, trusting, free-spirited, innocent, yet emotionally troubled and haunted by the death of his mother, which he can’t quite understand.

Jennie Mae Layman – Mid to Late Teens. Buddy's sister. Loving, innocent, curious, responsible. She fills the maternal role in her family. She has a definite crush on Showers.

Ferris Layman – Early 40's to Mid 50’s. Father of Buddy and Jennie Mae. Mechanic, hard-working, good-humored, dependable, honest, strong, haunted by the death of his wife. He is easy-going, but don’t push him too far.

C.C. Showers - Late 20's to Mid 30's. A disenchanted preacher. Handsome, fast-talking, searching, caring, questioning. He no longer wants to “preach” but to “minster” in a secular way.

Norma Henshaw - 40's to 50’s. Owner of the Hoosier Dry-Goods store. A "true believer". Norma is spiritual, Bible quoting, searching, determined, solid, unyielding. Her mission in life is to bring a preacher back to the community.

Darlene Henshaw – Mid Teens to Early 20's. Norma's niece. Questioning, flirty, prissy, dramatic, rebellious – she’s a good girl at heart, but needs a little excitement in her life.

Goldie Short – Mid 30's to Mid 50's. Owner of the Dine-Away-Cafe. Bossy, caring, honest, tells it like it is. A possible partner for Ferris if circumstances were different?

Basil Bennett – Mid 40's to Early 60’s. A farmer and local "doctor" of sorts. Basil is wise and warm yet can be cantankerous when his blood is up. He is the philosophical heart and backbone of the community.

Luella Bennett – Mid 30's to Late 50’s. Basil's wife. A doubter. Argumentative, steadfast, opinionated, hard, but capable of unexpected giddiness when excited.

Melvin Wilder - Late Teens to Late 20's. A farmhand (works for Basil). Not too bright, but wise in the ways of the world. At least he thinks so. A bit of a “bad boy”, he’s a good-natured young man who takes Dewey under his wing.

Dewey Maples - Late Teens to early 20's. A farmhand (works for Basil). Naïve, sincere, pleasant, well-meaning. A nice young man who looks to Melvin to show him the ropes with liquor, women, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to these wonderful roles for actors, the production team is also looking for highly committed crew-members who want to be a part of creating this beautiful little play. If you are interested in joining the production as a part of the backstage crew, please attend the first audition on May 27th at 7:00 PM.

AUDITION SIDES:

Based upon the text of the play as published by Samuel French, the audition sides are as follows:

1. Basil and Dewey: Pages 7-8

2. Showers, Buddy, and Jennie Mae: Pages 15-17

3. Buddy and Showers: Pages 18-20

4. Buddy, Ferris, Showers: Pages 20-24

5. Goldie, Buddy, Ferris, Showers: Pages 29-33

6. Jennie Mae and Showers: Pages 36-40

7. Ferris, Showers, Buddy, Jennie Mae: Pages 44-45

8. Jennie Mae, Darlene, Dewey, Melvin: Pages 46-49

9. Basil and Ferris: Pages 49-53

10. Buddy, Showers, Norma: 53-56

11. Buddy, Showers, Jennie Mae: 57-61

12. Buddy and Showers: Pages 62-66

13. Melvin, Dewey, and Basil: Pages 66-68

14. Darlene, Jennie Mae, Buddy: Pages 69-71

15. Norma, Luella, Goldie: Pages 74-77

16. Jennie Mae and Showers: Pages 77-81

17. Buddy, Ferris, Showers, Basil: Pages 84-88

18. Buddy and Showers: Pages 92-96

Further questions regarding this audition should be directed to Tom Amen at [email protected]

See you at auditions! 🎭

05/14/2025

AUDITIONING 2 WEEKS FROM TODAY!!!

Golden West College Theater Arts Department Announces Auditions for…

THE DIVINERS
by Jim Leonard Jr.

Directed by Tom Amen

Audition Dates: May 27, 2025

Callbacks: May 28, 2025 (As Needed)

Audition Time: 7:00 PM

Audition Location:

Mainstage Theater
Golden West College
15751 Gothard Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Roles Available: 6 Men, 5 Women

Roles Open: ALL

Required Audition Preparation: None

Suggested Audition Preparation: Read the Play

Pay: None

PLEASE NOTE: All actors who are cast will be required to enroll in a GWC Theater Production course. Non-Students enroll in a Tuition-Free/Non-Credit course. College Students are encouraged to enroll in a 1-2 unit production course.

Rehearsals Days and Times: Monday-Thursday 7:00-10:00 PM beginning August 25th

Performance Dates: October 10 – 19, 2025

ABOUT THE PLAY:

This award-winning American drama explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, THE DIVINERS is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.”

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

This production contains open roles for 6 Men and 5 Women.

This is a very warm, tightly connected ensemble show; each dynamic character has their moment in the sun!

Buddy Layman – Early to Late Teens. A boy with a shaman-like gift for finding water. Suffering brain damage from a near drowning incident, Buddy is honest, loving, trusting, free-spirited, innocent, yet emotionally troubled and haunted by the death of his mother, which he can’t quite understand.

Jennie Mae Layman – Mid to Late Teens. Buddy's sister. Loving, innocent, curious, responsible. She fills the maternal role in her family. She has a definite crush on Showers.

Ferris Layman – Early 40's to Mid 50’s. Father of Buddy and Jennie Mae. Mechanic, hard-working, good-humored, dependable, honest, strong, haunted by the death of his wife. He is easy-going, but don’t push him too far.

C.C. Showers - Late 20's to Mid 30's. A disenchanted preacher. Handsome, fast-talking, searching, caring, questioning. He no longer wants to “preach” but to “minster” in a secular way.

Norma Henshaw - 40's to 50’s. Owner of the Hoosier Dry-Goods store. A "true believer". Norma is spiritual, Bible quoting, searching, determined, solid, unyielding. Her mission in life is to bring a preacher back to the community.

Darlene Henshaw – Mid Teens to Early 20's. Norma's niece. Questioning, flirty, prissy, dramatic, rebellious – she’s a good girl at heart, but needs a little excitement in her life.

Goldie Short – Mid 30's to Mid 50's. Owner of the Dine-Away-Cafe. Bossy, caring, honest, tells it like it is. A possible partner for Ferris if circumstances were different?

Basil Bennett – Mid 40's to Early 60’s. A farmer and local "doctor" of sorts. Basil is wise and warm yet can be cantankerous when his blood is up. He is the philosophical heart and backbone of the community.

Luella Bennett – Mid 30's to Late 50’s. Basil's wife. A doubter. Argumentative, steadfast, opinionated, hard, but capable of unexpected giddiness when excited.

Melvin Wilder - Late Teens to Late 20's. A farmhand (works for Basil). Not too bright, but wise in the ways of the world. At least he thinks so. A bit of a “bad boy”, he’s a good-natured young man who takes Dewey under his wing.

Dewey Maples - Late Teens to early 20's. A farmhand (works for Basil). Naive, sincere, pleasant, well-meaning. A nice young man who looks to Melvin to show him the ropes with liquor, women, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to these wonderful roles for actors, the production team is also looking for highly committed crew-members who want to be a part of creating this beautiful little play. If you are interested in joining the production as a part of the backstage crew, please attend the first audition on May 27th at 7:00 PM.

Further questions regarding this audition should be directed to Tom Amen at [email protected]

See you at the theater! 🎭

05/06/2025

AUDITIONING MAY 27th!

Golden West College Theater Arts Department Announces Auditions for…

THE DIVINERS
by Jim Leonard Jr.

Directed by Tom Amen

Audition Dates: May 27, 2025

Callbacks: May 28, 2025 (As Needed)

Audition Time: 7:00 PM

Audition Location:

Mainstage Theater
Golden West College
15751 Gothard Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Roles Available: 6 Men, 5 Women

Roles Open: ALL

Required Audition Preparation: None

Suggested Audition Preparation: Read the Play

Pay: None

PLEASE NOTE: All actors who are cast will be required to enroll in a GWC Theater Production course. Non-Students enroll in a Tuition-Free/Non-Credit course. College Students are encouraged to enroll in a 1-2 unit production course.

Rehearsals Days and Times: Monday-Thursday 7:00-10:00 PM beginning August 25th

Performance Dates: October 10 – 19, 2025

ABOUT THE PLAY:

This award-winning American drama explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, THE DIVINERS is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.”

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

This production contains open roles for 6 Men and 5 Women.

This is a very warm, tightly connected ensemble show; each dynamic character has their moment in the sun!

Buddy Layman – Early to Late Teens. A boy with a shaman-like gift for finding water. Suffering brain damage from a near drowning incident, Buddy is honest, loving, trusting, free-spirited, innocent, yet emotionally troubled and haunted by the death of his mother, which he can’t quite understand.

Jennie Mae Layman – Mid to Late Teens. Buddy's sister. Loving, innocent, curious, responsible. She fills the maternal role in her family. She has a definite crush on Showers.

Ferris Layman – Early 40's to Mid 50’s. Father of Buddy and Jennie Mae. Mechanic, hard-working, good-humored, dependable, honest, strong, haunted by the death of his wife. He is easy-going, but don’t push him too far.

C.C. Showers - Late 20's to Mid 30's. A disenchanted preacher. Handsome, fast-talking, searching, caring, questioning. He no longer wants to “preach” but to “minster” in a secular way.

Norma Henshaw - 40's to 50’s. Owner of the Hoosier Dry-Goods store. A "true believer". Norma is spiritual, Bible quoting, searching, determined, solid, unyielding. Her mission in life is to bring a preacher back to the community.

Darlene Henshaw – Mid Teens to Early 20's. Norma's niece. Questioning, flirty, prissy, dramatic, rebellious – she’s a good girl at heart, but needs a little excitement in her life.

Goldie Short – Mid 30's to Mid 50's. Owner of the Dine-Away-Cafe. Bossy, caring, honest, tells it like it is. A possible partner for Ferris if circumstances were different?

Basil Bennett – Mid 40's to Early 60’s. A farmer and local "doctor" of sorts. Basil is wise and warm yet can be cantankerous when his blood is up. He is the philosophical heart and backbone of the community.

Luella Bennett – Mid 30's to Late 50’s. Basil's wife. A doubter. Argumentative, steadfast, opinionated, hard, but capable of unexpected giddiness when excited.

Melvin Wilder - Late Teens to Late 20's. A farmhand (works for Basil). Not too bright, but wise in the ways of the world. At least he thinks so. A bit of a “bad boy”, he’s a good-natured young man who takes Dewey under his wing.

Dewey Maples - Late Teens to early 20's. A farmhand (works for Basil). Naive, sincere, pleasant, well-meaning. A nice young man who looks to Melvin to show him the ropes with liquor, women, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to these wonderful roles for actors, the production team is also looking for highly committed crew-members who want to be a part of creating this beautiful little play. If you are interested in joining the production as a part of the backstage crew, please attend the first audition on May 27th at 7:00 PM.

Further questions regarding this audition should be directed to Tom Amen at [email protected]

See you at the theater! 🎭

05/04/2025

Catch the final performance of The Secret Garden at Golden West College today at 2:00pm.

Visit www.gwctheater.com for tickets and more information!

Golden West College Theater Arts Department

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