Everybody Cut Footloose! Students, Families, and Community Artists Shine Together

The Corvallis School District is thrilled to share an inside look at the auditions for our 2025 district-wide musical, Footloose! After three energetic days of singing, dancing, and callbacks, our team has assembled a dynamic, multi-age cast of 53 performers from across our schools and community.

Who Auditioned

This year, 68 audition sheets were submitted, and 59 performers were seen. Our cast includes eight elementary students, four middle school students, 32 high school students, and nine adults, including two former students, three current parents, two former theater parents, one retired CSD staff member, and one community mentor.

Every student who earned a callback was thoughtfully considered for their first-choice role when indicated. While adults play a key part in our productions, we prioritize giving students meaningful opportunities on stage. Of the 17 adult roles in the show, eight will be performed by high school students, underscoring our commitment to student growth, confidence, and leadership development.

A Peek Behind the Curtain: How Auditions Work

Our audition process is designed to be welcoming, educational, and transparent.

We begin with districtwide outreach so students, families, and community members know how to participate. Performers can complete their audition sheet online or on arrival. After check-in, we take a photo, confirm details, and assign a number to keep the process running smoothly.

Audition day starts with vocal work for the creative team. Middle and high school students ready for more advanced choreography then head to the black box to learn a dance combination, rehearse it, and present it on the main stage. Later that evening, the callback list is posted.

All elements of the audition use our published rubrics. The music and vocal directors score singing, the choreographer and assistants evaluate dance, and the producing director scores acting. After two nights of general auditions, the team reviews all scores to compile the callback list. For Footloose, 32 performers were invited to read and sing for 21 featured roles, and everyone who attended callbacks was cast.

Tech Opportunities

Every audition sheet includes an option to be considered for tech. We only place students on tech or apprentice lists if they opt in. This year, only two eligible students were not cast, and both chose not to pursue tech. For those who do opt in, we offer excellent hands-on opportunities in lighting, scenic construction, props, costumes, and stage management alongside trained adults.

Why Our Productions Look Different

Our shows blend students, parents, and community members to create a uniquely collaborative experience.

From Director Laura Braning (Miz B):
“My background is in professional theater, and I’ve acted and directed all over the world. Programs that integrate K–12 students with adults are always the strongest. Students rise to the standards modeled around them, and adults gain a deeper understanding of young people. This environment encourages mentorship, leadership, and shared joy. Families also experience something rare: getting to make art together and build memories that last a lifetime.”

At Corvallis High School, we produce one community-blended musical each year, along with one to two high-school-only productions that range from original student work to plays, musicals, improv, film, and 24-hour theater. Students collaborate closely with skilled adults in every discipline, from design to stage management, gaining real-world experience that prepares them for college programs and careers in the arts.

About Footloose

Footloose: The Musical is a stage adaptation of the hit 1984 film. It follows Chicago-raised Ren McCormack as he moves to the conservative town of Bomont, where dancing is outlawed. Ren challenges the ban, rallies his classmates, and clashes with the town’s preacher, ultimately helping the community heal from past tragedy and reclaim its right to express joy through music and dance.

Content Warnings: Mature themes, mild coarse language, and depictions of tragedy.

Director: Laura Braning, MFA

Location: Corvallis High School Main Stage Theater, 1400 NW Buchanan, Corvallis, OR

Performance Dates and Times

Evenings at 7:00 pm:
2/26, 2/27, 2/28, 3/6, 3/7, 3/13, 3/14

Matinees at 2:00 pm:
2/28, 2/29, 3/7, 3/8, 3/14, 3/15

Tickets will be available soon. We can’t wait to share the energy, talent, and community spirit of our cast as they bring Footloose to life!