Theatre Cedar Rapids is excited to announce auditions for our upcoming production of The Exorcist. All performance opportunities are volunteer roles. This page contains everything you’ll need to register, prepare for auditions, and understand the casting process.
Table of Contents
The Exorcist Casting Breakdown
Production Information
The Exorcist
by John Pielmeier
Based on the novel by William Peter Blatty
Director: Matthew Weedman
Intimacy Director / Mental Health Coordinator: Carrie Pozdol
Stage Manager: Kelly Shriver
Assistant Stage Manager: J Tucker
First Rehearsal: August 31, 2026
Performance Dates: October 9–November 1, 2026
Key Dates
- Wednesday, July 29 – Registration Opens
- Friday, August 7, 5 pm – Audition Registration Closes
- Monday, August 10 – In-Person Auditions
- Tuesday, August 11 – In-Person Auditions
- Wednesday, August 12 – Callbacks
Register for Auditions
All performers must complete the online audition registration form. This form allows you to:
- Provide your contact information
- Indicate which production(s) you’re auditioning for
- List rehearsal conflicts
- Upload your resume and headshot (optional)
- Choose an in-person audition appointment or submit a video audition
- Provide any additional information requested by the production team
The deadline to register for auditions is 5 pm on Friday, August 7. A limited number of appointments are available, so performers are encouraged to register early to ensure availability.
About Auditions
Every performer must complete an initial audition. You have two options:
In-Person Auditions
Performers ages 18 and older are encouraged to audition in person. Auditions will be held:
- Monday, August 10 | 6-9 pm
- Tuesday, August 11 | 6-9 pm
Advance sign-up is required at the time of registration. Choose one audition slot to attend; you do not need to attend both days. Sign-ups will remain open until Friday, August 7 at 5 pm or until all in-person appointments have been filled.
Auditions will be held in TCR's temporary rehearsal space in the U.S. Bank Building at 222 2nd Avenue SE.
Video Auditions
Video submissions will be accepted through Friday, August 7 at 5 pm. Note that due to the tight ensemble cast in this show, performers are strongly encouraged to attend one of the in-person audition sessions if at all possible, as chemistry and rapport with other actors is crucial to the successful casting of the show.
What to Prepare
Attire
Think of the audition as a working rehearsal. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear in which you can move. Don't "dress up" – it will likely get in your way.
Sides
Please be familiar with a prepare to read from the sides from the script below. You do not need to be off-book for the audition. A reader will be present on-site to read with you during your audition.
If attending in person, be prepared to present one side of your choosing, but be familiar with all the sides in case the director would like to see more. If submitting by video, choose one side to present with an off-camera reader portraying the other character in the scene.
Use this perusal copy of the script to prepare your sides.
Audition Scene #1: Pgs. 3–5 (Regan, Chris)
- Begin: REGAN. MOM, MOMMY?!
- End: CHRIS. I already did.
Audition Scene #2: Pgs. 11–13 (Chris, Burke)
- Begin: CHRIS. Jesus, Burke, you scared me to death.
- End: BURKE. No she's not, I saw a light in her room!
Audition Scene #3: Pgs. 8–10 (Father Joe, Damien)
- Begin: DAMIEN. Thanks for today, Joe...
- End: DAMIEN. I don't know what I should believe anymore...
Audition Scene #4: Pgs. 72–74 (Chris, Damien)
- Begin: CHRIS. Did Father Joe mention my daughter?
- End: DAMIEN. Okay, alright. I'll come and see her...
Audition Scene #5: Pgs. 91–93 (Damien, The Demon/Voice)
- Begin: DAMIEN. You're really going to kill her...
- End: DAMIEN. My, my, you're quite passionate for someone who doesn't believe in me...
Audition Scene #6: Pgs. 98–100 (Chris, Merrin)
- Begin: CHRIS. Is everything okay?
- End: CHRIS. Of course...
Dialects
The actor playing the role of Burke will speak in an RP British accent. If you have one in your repertoire, please make sure to note it.
Adjustments/Coaching
The director may offer adjustments or ask you to do something again – this is not a judgement on your first attempt, but rather an effort to see how you take direction. We're looking for actors with a strong sense of "play," who can think on their feet and bring lots of creativity to the table.
Callbacks
Callbacks are by invitation only and will be held in-person on Wednesday, August 12. We strongly prefer that all performers called back attend in-person even if you originally submitted a video audition. Not receiving a callback does not necessarily mean you are no longer under consideration for casting. Some performers may be cast solely on their initial audition.
Callback invitations will be emailed following the conclusion of initial auditions on Tuesday, August 11. Because auditions conclude at 9 pm, invitations will be sent later in the evening while the creative team takes time to review auditions and discuss casting.
Callbacks will involve reading additional sides and performing scenes of physical action – some alone, some in groups of two or more people.
Casting Process
Following callbacks, the creative team will spend several days reviewing auditions and discussing casting before offers are extended. Additional callbacks or conversations may be scheduled if needed.
Once casting has been finalized:
- Offers will be extended to selected performers.
- After offers have been accepted, the complete cast list will be published.
- All auditionees will receive notification regarding the outcome of auditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit a video if I cannot attend the audition?
Whenever possible, yes. See the "Video Audition" section above.
I am from outside Cedar Rapids. Can I audition?
Absolutely! Performers from outside the Cedar Rapids area are welcome to audition. Please keep in mind that Theatre Cedar Rapids is a volunteer-based, non-union community theatre. Our casts and production teams primarily come from the surrounding region, and we are unable to provide housing or travel assistance for those coming from outside the area.
If you're able to commit to the rehearsal and performance schedule and these logistics aren't a barrier, we'd be happy to see you at auditions!
What if I cannot attend callbacks?
Please indicate callback conflicts on your registration form. It may be possible to schedule a callback at an alternate time, depending on the availability of the creative team.
Will everyone receive a response?
Yes. All auditionees will be notified about callbacks and again once casting has been completed.
Are conflicts allowed?
Conflicts listed on your registration form will be taken into consideration before casting offers are extended. Generally, these conflicts can be honored and scheduled around as we build the rehearsal schedule. Conflicts during tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances are not allowed; these dates are mandatory.
Am I required to attend strike?
No. Volunteer performers are not required to attend strike at TCR.
When will auditions for the remaining 2026-2027 shows be held?
Audition dates for the additional productions will be announced in the fall.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding auditions, registration, or accessibility accommodations, please contact us at auditions@theatrecr.org
Casting Statement
The creative team is seeking a diverse company of performers ages 18+ for this production. Please refer to the character breakdown below for specific age requirements and casting information.
When a character’s identity is essential to the story or explicitly established in the script, TCR and the creative team are committed to casting that role as authentically as possible. For roles where identity is not central to the storytelling, casting decisions will be based on each performer’s ability to bring the character and the production’s artistic vision to life.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment and encourage performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities and expressions, body types, abilities, and backgrounds to audition.
The genders listed in the character breakdowns reflect the characters as written in the licensed script and are not intended to limit who may audition. Performers of any gender identity are welcome to submit for the roles they feel most comfortable portraying, provided the character’s gender presentation remains consistent with the requirements of the licensed material.
Any moments of intimacy will be choreographed in collaboration with an intimacy coordinator. No intimacy will be required during auditions.
All roles are open.
The Exorcist Casting Breakdown
Overview
When a young girl begins to experience deeply disturbing and unexplained changes, those around her are pulled into a terrifying mystery that defies understanding. Based on William Peter Blatty's book, John Pielmeier's stage adaptation transforms the unsettling battles of faith versus fact and ego versus ethos into a uniquely theatrical experience as sophisticated as it is suspenseful.
Character Descriptions
The descriptions below are intended to help performers understand each role and the qualities the creative team will be looking for in auditions. They are not intended to be exhaustive character analyses, and performers are encouraged to bring their own creativity and interpretation to every audition.
The Exorcist contains mature themes and depicts supernatural possession through staged violence, theatrical gore, simulated bodily fluids, emotionally intense situations, and moments of physical intimacy. All physical contact, intimacy, and stage combat will be choreographed in collaboration with the director and intimacy coordinator using industry best practices. Character-specific content notes are provided below to help performers make informed decisions about auditioning.
ACTOR 1: THE DEMON
Stage Age: Any age | Gender in Script: Any gender
A voice. Terrifying and confident. Friendly as it sees fit.
Content & Intimacy Notes: Speaks the words of the play which include phrases of a graphic sexual nature and which involves language that many would consider blasphemous and obscene.
ACTOR 2: REGAN
Stage Age: 12 years old | Gender in Script: Female (she/her)
A 12-year-old girl. Looking for an actor 18+ to play 12. Must be fearless.
Content & Intimacy Notes: Requires physical interaction with multiple cast members, including hugs, parental affection, and brief physical contact such as head and cheek kisses, slaps, and simulated biting. The role includes depictions of supernatural possession; simulated bodily fluids (vomit, blood, urine, mucus, and feces); staged violence involving blood effects, needles, and physical attacks; restraint to a bed; stylized sexual behavior involving a religious object; and close physical contact that may be distressing. The role also involves the use of special effects, theatrical gore, and emotionally intense scenes.
ACTOR 3: CHRIS
Stage Age: late 30s–early 40s | Gender in Script: Female (she/her)
A strong actor – she's a movie star!
Content & Intimacy Notes: Requires physical interaction with the actor playing Regan, including hugs, parental affection, and brief head and cheek kisses. The role includes staged physical struggles, simulated violence involving a needle, and close physical contact that may be distressing. Will be present for scenes depicting supernatural possession, theatrical gore, and simulated bodily fluids (including vomit, blood, urine, and feces).
ACTOR 4: FATHER JOE
Stage Age: mid-30s | Gender in Script: Male (he/him)
A priest. Looking for a strong actor.
Content & Intimacy Notes: None.
ACTOR 5: DAMIEN
Stage Age: 30-40s | Gender in Script: Male (he/him)
A priest struggling with an existential loss of faith and grief. Looking for a strong actor comfortable with a high degree of intimacy and violence.
Content & Intimacy Notes: Requires close physical interaction with the actor playing Regan, including being slapped during a staged confrontation. The role is present throughout scenes depicting supernatural possession, theatrical gore, and simulated bodily fluids. Includes a staged act of self-inflicted violence with a significant blood effect and dying on stage.
ACTOR 6: BURKE
Stage Age: 40s-50s+ | Gender in Script: Male (he/him)
A British man. Looking for a strong actor with good comedic timing and the ability to find the depths of sadness. A strong RP dialect is a must.
Content & Intimacy Notes: Portrays intoxication in several scenes. The role includes close physical interaction with the actor playing Regan, including simulated bodily fluids and staged violence resulting in the character's death. Also includes being slapped during a staged confrontation.
ACTOR 7: DOCTOR KLEIN
Stage Age: 30s+ | Gender in Script: Male (he/him)
A doctor. Looking for a strong actor to present a voice of confidence and strength.
Content & Intimacy Notes: Will witness scenes of violence mentioned above.
ACTOR 8: DOCTOR STRONG
Stage Age: 30s+ | Gender in Script: Male (he/him)
A doctor who presents a voice of confidence and strength but who is shaken by his experience and willing to push the limits to help his patient.
Content & Intimacy Notes: Includes close physical interaction with the actor playing Regan, including a staged biting effect with theatrical blood.
ACTOR 9: MERRIN
Stage Age: 50s+ | Gender in Script: Male (he/him)
A priest. A rock in the middle of the storm. Kind and brave without being cliché. Possesses a wry sense of humor and a deep sense of faith and love. Looking for an actor comfortable with a high degree of intimacy and violence.
Content & Intimacy Notes: Requires close physical interaction with the actor playing Regan throughout scenes depicting supernatural possession. Includes contact with simulated bodily fluids (including vomit, blood, mucus, and feces), theatrical gore, and emotionally intense confrontations. The role concludes with the character dying onstage.
ACTOR 10: MARY KARRAS
Stage Age: N/A | Gender in Script: Female (she/her)
The tormented voice of Damien's mother. Voiceover only.
Content & Intimacy Notes: None.
Registration Deadline: 5 pm on Friday, August 7.