Big cast, big laughs for this week’s NV spring play ‘Bad Auditions by Bad Actors’

Nodaway Valley’s drama department is ready to raise the curtain on its spring production this weekend, bringing a fast-paced comedy to the stage with a large and enthusiastic cast.

This year’s show, “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors,” promises plenty of laughs as it takes audiences inside a chaotic — and often ridiculous — casting process. Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the high school auditorium.

The production features 28 students, marking one of the highest participation levels for Nodaway Valley in recent memory. Directors Lauren Ernst and Hesper Jameson said they initially selected a shorter version of the play. However, after seeing the strong turnout at auditions, they opted for the full-length production to ensure more students could be involved.

That decision has helped create a collaborative environment that blends experienced performers with students stepping on stage for the first time.

“It has been a blast working with students with no acting experience. It gives them a new experience and an understanding of the acting world,” Ernst said. “A lot of people don’t understand the time and effort that goes into putting on a show, and I think this has opened up a lot of eyes.

“Something I have never had happen before was after every group was done with their scene during practice, the others would clap for them. There is much cheering and supporting one another. I would compare it to when an athlete comes off the field. They’re all so proud of each other.”

The play centers on Avery Stern, a theater director played by Lyrick Schwartz, who enlists two assistants — Carol Danes, played by Melanie Kilborn, and his brother Roger, played by Paul Kading — to help cast an upcoming production. As auditions unfold, things quickly spiral into comedic chaos. Another key character is Ann, Roger’s love interest, portrayed by Caroline Britten.

Directors said the humor comes not only from the outlandish audition scenarios, but also from the wide range of personalities portrayed on stage — something the student cast has fully embraced.

“This production has been a lot of fun to put together. We have a large cast and a lot of new kids trying theater for the first time this year, which has been amazing,” Jameson said. “The students are so talented and it has been very entertaining watching them bring their characters to life. The cast and crew have put a lot of work into making this show one that you won’t forget, so we hope people can join us for a laugh.”

Tickets are available through Bound.