Thornapple Players

09/03/2026

Yesterday, we introduced four of the talented people helping bring Annie to life. Today, the spotlight is on our director, Julian!

With more than 25 years of theater experience and 12 years with Thornapple Players both on and off stage, Julian brings the experience and perspective needed to guide this production (and is willing to climb tall ladders :)).

What are your favorite memories working with Julian in the past?

09/02/2026

Here is just a peek at the production team helping to bring Annie to life!

09/01/2026

Annie auditions are just a week away!

We wanted to give a few helpful tips for those of you auditioning on the 10th or 11th:

• Arrive a little before 7pm E to get settled in/check in.
• There are no individual time slots. The audition is the full 2 hours.
• Things to bring:
-water
-pencil/writing utensil
-any updates to your conflict schedule
-if you have prepared a song, please bring sheet music for the accompanist with your selection clearly marked.
• Choose a song that feels comfortable and shows us what you do well.
• There's nothing wrong with singing one of the preselected songs. That's why we include them!
• We’ll provide materials for the Cold read.
• Don’t worry if you aren’t the first to volunteer. There will be several opportunities to read.
• Most importantly, relax, support your fellow auditioners, and have fun!

08/28/2026

We have already cast 1 role for Annie! Meet Olaf, the superstar pooch playing Sandy!

Reminder to those of you interested, auditions are Sept 10th and 11th from 7-9pm E Dennison Performing Arts Center (231 S Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058)

How did you react when you learned you had been cast as Sandy?

O: Well, I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get the role of Annie, but I can see why the director thought I’d be a good fit for the dog role.

What special talent helped you land the role?

O: My dancing skills! And everyone says I’m cute.

How do you like to be recognized?

O: Well I know that I’m a good boy, but it doesn’t hurt to hear it over and over again! And treats!

How are you preparing for your theatrical debut?

O: I’m trying to avoid baths and the groomer. All for the role of course. I’m a method actor and I want to embody a stray dog. My humans aren’t quite on board yet.

08/25/2026

Sadly, it did not win "Best Dog".

08/22/2026

Let’s talk Annie auditions!

Have you ever considered trying out for a musical but talked yourself out of it because you aren’t an experienced actor, a powerhouse singer, or a great dancer?

Please don’t count yourself out. You don’t need to be Broadway-ready to audition! No acting experience is needed. We’re looking for people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn, and excited to help bring Annie to life.

There are lead, supporting, featured, ensemble, and even non-singing roles. Learn more about the characters here:

https://stageagent.com/shows/musical/673/annie/characters

Audition Details:

Thursday, September 10 from 7:00-9:00pm

Friday, September 11 from 7:00-9:00pm

Ready to give it a try? Sign up here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfu7H9RN4KedwhSoWymAS5il9QHxxDYIpO2H_NpRi6-hlIiPQ/viewform

08/18/2026

Audition announcement for Annie: Casting adults and children, all identities welcome and encouraged. Children 6 and older are invited to audition. *Exceptions can be made for children with a parent also auditioning. More details in the audition sign up form- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfu7H9RN4KedwhSoWymAS5il9QHxxDYIpO2H_NpRi6-hlIiPQ/viewform?usp=header

06/27/2026

That’s a wrap! Thank you to everyone who came out to support our amazing kids! We are so thankful to have such a wonderful group of actors and can add another successful summer production to the books!

06/26/2026

COME ON OUT TO SUPPORT THESE AMAZING YOUTH ACTORS!

SHOWTIMES: 3 and 7 PM

06/26/2026

TODAY IS THE DAY!

Come on out to support our Summer Youth Theater Campers today as they put on their show, BIZ TOWN, at 3 and again at 7 PM.

Admission is simply your goodwill donation, as the generous giving of our community is what keeps our youth programming running. If you can’t make the show, but still want to support, you can use the link below to donate.

Your support is greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

231 S Broadway St. Hastings

Thornapple Players has been able to provide affordable Summer day camp for local kids for more than a decade with the help of community funds specified for children's programming. In the last several years this community funding has been drastically cut or all together been eliminated. While we hope...