Auditions for “Sinister in Song”
A Halloween Concert Experience
Directed by Mary Bond.
Artistic Director Bethany Harrison. Produced by Sarah Collins & Bethany Harrison.
Step into an unforgettable evening where music meets mystery.
Sinister in Song is a one-of-a-kind concert experience featuring iconic songs inspired by mystery, folklore, magic, spooky legends and daring villains.
Spanning Broadway favorites, jazz standards, classic rock, pop, soul, and contemporary music, this carefully curated performance celebrates the darker, more enchanting side of music.
Rather than telling a single story, Sinister in Song is designed as an immersive concert experience that showcases exceptional local artists through thoughtfully programmed music, elegant presentation, and unforgettable atmosphere.
Performance Schedule
Premiere Performance
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Baird Chapel | Cumberland University
Additional Performance Opportunities
Thursday, October 29, 2026
Sinister in Song: After Dark
Olivia Cocktail Bar | Lebanon Square
Friday, October 30, 2026
Sinister in Song: After Dark
Olivia Cocktail Bar | Lebanon Square
Please note: Due to the intimate nature and limited seating capacity of the Olivia performances, only a select group of featured artists will be invited to participate in
Sinister in Song: After Dark.
All featured artists will perform in the October 24 premiere performance at Cumberland University.
Audition Eligibility
Due to the nature of the venues and event atmosphere, artist submissions are open to performers ages 21 and older.
Artists of all performance backgrounds are encouraged to submit. While vocal ability is important, we are equally interested in storytelling, artistry, musical interpretation, and creating a meaningful audience experience.
Audition Requirements
1. Performance Video
Prepare one selection (60–90 seconds or 16-32 bars) that best showcases your artistry or what you would prefer to sing in the concert. It does not have to be from a musical and it does not have to be specifically Halloween-themed. Your selection should simply reflect the style and atmosphere of the concert.
Please prepare a slate (introduction) at the beginning of the video with your name, confirmation that you are over the age 21, and what you will be performing.
Videos may be recorded with live accompaniment or with karaoke/accompaniment tracks. Videos should be sent to bethany@stagelocallebanon.com no later than August 31, 2026 at midnight. Casting will be complete by September 12, 2026 and song selections emailed out including group songs and assigned parts.
2. Artist Information Form
The submission form will request basic information,and offers a space to upload a resumé and headshot. Please note all actors will be subject to a background check upon casting.
Our Selection Process & Callbacks
Unlike a traditional musical, Sinister in Song is a curated concert experience.
Featured artists will be selected based on a combination of:
Vocal ability
Musical storytelling
Artistic interpretation
Stylistic versatility
Vocal variety
Ensemble balance
Overall programming needs
Our goal is to create a concert that feels cohesive, engaging, and unforgettable for our audiences while providing meaningful performance opportunities for every featured artist. Most selections will be made from submitted videos. However, Stage Local may invite select artists to participate in a callback workshop if additional evaluation of harmonies, duets, ensemble work, or programming is needed.
Our Vision
At Stage Local, we believe great performances begin with great artists—and great artists come from all backgrounds and experiences. Whether you're a seasoned performer or someone who simply loves sharing music with others, we invite you to submit if this concert speaks to you. Our goal isn't to find "perfect" singers. It's to create an unforgettable evening of music that leaves audiences inspired long after the final note.
Unlike a traditional musical or themed revue, Sinister in Song is not built around characters, costumes, choreography or staged scenes. Instead, this concert celebrates the power of live music and storytelling.
Imagine an evening of incredible music in a beautiful setting, where every song contributes to a world of mystery, folklore, magic, and timeless storytelling. Through thoughtful programming, expressive performances, and immersive atmosphere, Sinister in Song invites audiences to experience these songs in a fresh and meaningful way. Artists will perform as themselves rather than portraying characters, allowing authentic musical storytelling to take center stage.
Rehearsals
Rehearsal Schedule:
Due to the intentionally limited rehearsal schedule, artists are expected to be present at every rehearsal; prepared, and familiar with their assigned music before the first rehearsal. Please do not audition if you are unable to commit to all scheduled rehearsals and performances. Please submit any conflicts with your audition form - no other conflicts will be approved after casting. Because of the limited rehearsal schedule, conflicts WILL affect casting decisions.
October 6 - 5:30 - 8:30 PM (Company Welcome & Music Meeting)
October 9 - 5:30 - 8:30 PM
October 15 - 5:30 - 8:30 PM
October 17 - 9:30 AM -12 PM
October 20 - 5:30 PM - 9 PM
October 22 (After 5 PM/ Exact time TBA)- TECH
October 27 (Pick up rehearsal for After Dark cast) - 5:30 PM
October 28 (After 5 PM/ Exact time TBA)- After Dark/Olivia TECH
Childcare
At Stage Local, we believe the performing arts should be accessible to every season of life—including parenthood.
To help remove barriers to participation, limited on-site childcare will be available during rehearsals for artists who need it. Because staffing must be arranged in advance, artists requesting childcare must indicate this on their audition form and communicate any childcare needs as early as possible.
Our hope is that family responsibilities never become the reason someone feels they have to step away from sharing their gifts.