Grays Harbor College’s Theatre Arts Department is holding auditions open to the public for their next production, “Groundhog Day The Musical,” featuring Tony-nominated music and lyrics by Tim Minchin (Matilda) and book by Danny Rubin.

Auditions will begin Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. and continue on Friday, Nov. 15 at 4 p.m. at the Bishop Center for the Performing Arts on the college campus. Participants are welcome to attend either date, or both, or contact Director Dr. Andrew Gaines for possible accommodations.

Dr. Gaines and his team are seeking energetic performers ages 16-plus with strong musical sensibility and comedic timing. Participation is open to the public; college matriculation is not required. No prior experience is required, either.

“We have successfully coached delightful performances with a wide range of talent – just bring your enthusiasm and sense of adventure,” Dr. Gaines said.

“Groundhog Day the Musical” is based on the 1993 hit movie, starring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell. The story centers on Phil Connors, an arrogant Pittsburgh TV weatherman who, during an assignment covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, finds himself in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again.

“This story is an allegory,” said Gaines. “It warns us to be careful how we spend or waste our precious time on Earth.”

Auditioners will all sing a portion of “Tomorrow (There Will Be Sun)” and perform a short dance combination. Gaines assures that everything will be taught at the audition, but participants can prepare more by learning songs on Spotify or YouTube where the full soundtrack can be found. More information about songs, characters, and rehearsals can be found on the college webpage: ghc.edu/musical-auditions.

Participants should be aware that auditions will be conducted in an arena-style setting, meaning, everyone will be welcome to watch each other’s auditions.

“It’s a really supportive setting; everyone applauds each other so it becomes a real community-building event,” Gaines said.

Rehearsals will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 7 and the show will be presented the first two full weekends of March, 2025 at the Bishop Center for the Performing Arts. Rehearsals will be held 2-5 evenings each week, plus some weekends, depending on the size of each role. Additional questions should be directed to andrew.gaines@ghc.edu.