GWC Mainstage Theater Director

GWC Mainstage Theater Director The Mainstage Theater is located on the campus of Golden West College in Huntington Beach, CA

10/22/2025

ATTENTION ACTORS - AUDITION NOTICE FOR WORLD PREMIERE PLAY!!!

Golden West College Theater Arts Department will hold auditions for…

EIGHT SECONDS

Written by Tim Mueller

Directed by Tom Amen

Audition Date(s), Time, and Location:

General Audition – Open Call

December 3rd at 7:00 PM

Mainstage Theater at Golden West College
15751 Gothard Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Callbacks (As Needed and By Invitation Only)

December 4th at 7:00 PM

Stage West Theater at Golden West College
15751 Gothard Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Audition Preparation: None Required.

Audition Submissions:

Interested actors are strongly encouraged to send resume and headshot to Director Tom Amen at earliest convenience. Tom can be reached at: [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: Though this is an open audition, we will be sending audition sides to those actors who submit resumes and headshots that meet general casting requirements.

PLEASE NOTE: Please carefully heck the Character Breakdown below, as we will be casting according to the playwright's specific descriptions of each character.

About the Play:

Ellie spends much of her time online, connecting with some of the scariest people on the internet, hoping to expose the real people behind the hate and misinformation they spread. Eight Seconds will make you think about how you see the world, the information you absorb and believe, and how we relate to each other as a result of those beliefs. Part exploration of the darkest side of humanity and part crime drama, the story will leave you asking, “What will I do with my eight seconds?”

Available Roles: Roles for 4 Men and 3 Women – All Roles Open!

Pay: None

Character Breakdown:

ELLIE DONNER – Female. Mid-20s to Mid-30s. Very independent and head strong. Smart with a sense of humor that can tend towards sarcastic and even rude. Very committed to social justice and that commitment can cause her to be blind to other factors. Spends her time fighting back against hate online.

STEVE - Male. Mid-20s. Very concerned with his physical looks and status with women. A loner. Foul-mouthed with a hatred of women in general. Spends his time online talking with others who share his point of view. An Incel (Involuntary Celibate).

CHRIS - Male and Female (role is played by two different actors at different times). Mid-40s. A White Supremacist. Professional and well educated. Does not swear or use crass language. Good at manipulating others.

CARL - Male. Mid-50s to Early-60s. Good sense of humor. Very affable and likable. Strong commitment to his beliefs. A conspiracy nut who believes the world is flat.

AGENT ROGERS. Female. Mid-40s to Mid-50s. A well-seasoned federal agent who stays cool under pressure. Her maturity and experience give her a high level of confidence in herself and how she does her work. She is not easily baited.

AGENT COLLAZO. Male. Mid-30s. Hispanic. A younger agent who is competent but tends to react to pressure emotionally. He tends to use emotions to get to suspects that he is questioning. He and agent Rogers have been partners for eight years.

General Rehearsal and Performance Information:

Rehearsal Schedule: Monday – Thursday from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM beginning January 19th.

Production Run: March 6-15, 2026

Performance Schedule: Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 2:00 PM

Total Performances: 7

Performances will be held in the beautiful 339-seat Mainstage Theater at Golden West College. The Mainstage Theater is located at 15751 Gothard Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

About the Playwright:

While this is the first full length play Tim has written, he is no stranger to the storytelling process. For forty years he has primarily used the language of design to tell stories on stage, in television and film, as well as live events. He has been full-time faculty and resident designer at Golden West College for almost ten years, having designed more than 40 sets for productions. Prior to that he owned his own production company, Gothic Moon Productions, which designed and fabricated more than 850 projects for companies including: McCoy Rigby, Universal Studios, Disney, South Coast Plaza and many, many others.

About the Director:

Tom Amen has staged over 90 productions in California and Utah, and over 50 productions at Golden West College. Recent GWC directing credits include The Diviners, The Nether, Inspecting Carol, Every Brilliant Thing, Psycho Beach Party, The Exorcist, Inventing Van Gogh, On the Exhale, The Pillowman, Hamlet, Oedipus Rex, Playing with Fire (After Frankenstein), Dracula, The Glass Menagerie, Never the Sinner, and Waiting for Godot.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!!!To the good folks who came out to support the cast, crew, and design team of THE DIVINERS, we...
10/20/2025

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US!!!

To the good folks who came out to support the cast, crew, and design team of THE DIVINERS, we sincerely appreciate you! We hope that you enjoyed our work as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you, and we hope to see you again at our next production!

Meanwhile, warm regards to all!

CLOSING MATINEE TODAY @ 2:00 PM!Golden West College Theater Arts Department presents...THE DIVINERSby Jim Leonard Jr.Dir...
10/19/2025

CLOSING MATINEE TODAY @ 2:00 PM!

Golden West College Theater Arts Department presents...

THE DIVINERS
by Jim Leonard Jr.
Directed by Tom Amen

WHERE:

GWC Mainstage Theater
15751 Gothard Street
Huntington Beach, CA 92647.

WHEN:

Sunday, October 19th at 2:00 PM

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER:

“Buy One, Get One Free” tickets for closing matinee on Sunday, October 19th at 2:00 PM

Please Note: Buy One, Get One Free” tickets are not available through the GWC online ticketing system but at the GWC theater box office only! The box office opens 1 hour before each performance.

TICKET PRICES:

General Admission is $18, while students, faculty and staff, seniors, and veterans may attend for $15.

Parking is free in Gothard Street parking lot J.

ABOUT THE PLAY:

THE DIVINERS is an award-winning drama that explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, The Diviners is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.” Don’t miss this deeply moving and profoundly human play.

REVIEWS:

“Spellbinding! The Diviners is touching, powerful, and thought-provoking, with moving performances that will leave the audience pondering the story long after they’ve left the theater.”

“Justin Callisch’s performance as Buddy is breathtaking.”

“Brodowski’s rendition of C.C. is striking.”

- OC TRIBUNE

“Mr. Callisch, who was most recently seen at GWC as Woodnut in “The Nether,” finds his inner child in the role with the confidence of a seasoned professional.”

“Mr. Brodowski's role as the preacher is brilliant with a believable mentor-student relationship flourishing between him and Buddy. His depiction of that genuine, unsullied fondness rings true in every scene.”

“Director Tom Amen has done a masterful job, offering more than a touch of genius in the play's penultimate scenes, and is clearly in tune with the necessary emotional beats this story requires.”

- THE SHOW REPORT

See you at the theater! 🎭

Jen and Melissa are AWESOME!
10/18/2025

Jen and Melissa are AWESOME!

Another Outstanding Review for THE DIVINERS!Final Performances Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM!Discount Ticket...
10/18/2025

Another Outstanding Review for THE DIVINERS!

Final Performances Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM!

Discount Tickets Available at Box Office Beginning One Hour Prior to Curtain!

Don’t Miss This One! 🎭

"...The Diviners has the folksy charm of ‘Our Town’ but with an undercurrent of impending tragedy looming at the edges...”OCTOBER 17—HUNTINGTON BEACHIt takes a village to raise a child, and in this small town, most folks postulate their opinions on how to raise Buddy Layman despite his daddy...

Wonderful Review for THE DIVINERS! Join Us Tonight @ 7:30 PM!
10/17/2025

Wonderful Review for THE DIVINERS! Join Us Tonight @ 7:30 PM!

By Thom deMartino Orange County Tribune Some things are just destined – regardless of the choices we make. “The Diviners,” written by Jim Leonard Jr., has opened at the Mainstage Theater at Golden …

DISCOUNT TICKETS TONIGHT! 🎟️
10/17/2025

DISCOUNT TICKETS TONIGHT! 🎟️

FINAL 4 PERFORMANCES!!!
10/16/2025

FINAL 4 PERFORMANCES!!!

CONTINUING THIS WEEKEND…Golden West College Theater Arts Department presents...THE DIVINERSby Jim Leonard Jr.Directed by...
10/15/2025

CONTINUING THIS WEEKEND…

Golden West College Theater Arts Department presents...

THE DIVINERS
by Jim Leonard Jr.
Directed by Tom Amen

WHERE:

THE DIVINERS runs October 10-19 in the GWC Mainstage Theater located at 15751 Gothard Street in Huntington Beach, CA 92647.

WHEN:

Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 PM
Closing Sunday at 2:00 PM

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER:

“Buy One, Get One Free” tickets for all 7 performances beginning Friday, October 10th and running through Sunday, October 19th!

Please Note: Buy One, Get One Free” tickets are not available through the GWC online ticketing system but at the GWC theater box office only! The box office opens 1 hour before each performance.

Please Note: If you prefer, Advance/Reserved seating may still be purchased at the regular ticket price at:

https://gwctickets.universitytickets.com

TICKET PRICES:

General Admission is $18, while students, faculty and staff, seniors, and veterans may attend for $15.

Parking is free for all performances in Gothard Street parking lot J.

ABOUT THE PLAY:

THE DIVINERS is an award-winning drama that explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, The Diviners is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.” Don’t miss this deeply moving and profoundly human play.

See you at the theater! 🎭

Check Out Our New Photo Gallery for THE DIVINERS! https://www.gwcgallery.com/Performing-Arts/2025-26-Season/The-Diviners...
10/13/2025

Check Out Our New Photo Gallery for THE DIVINERS!

https://www.gwcgallery.com/Performing-Arts/2025-26-Season/The-Diviners

Please see below for further information on the show… 👇👇👇

Golden West College Theater Arts Department presents...

THE DIVINERS
by Jim Leonard Jr.
Directed by Tom Amen

WHERE:

THE DIVINERS runs October 10-19in the GWC Mainstage Theater located at 15751 Gothard Street in Huntington Beach, CA 92647.

WHEN:

Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 PM
Sundays at 2:00 PM

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER:

“Buy One, Get One Free” tickets for all 7 performances beginning Friday, October 10th and running through Sunday, October 19th!

Please Note: Buy One, Get One Free” tickets are not available through the GWC online ticketing system but at the GWC theater box office only! The box office opens 1 hour before each performance.

TICKET PRICES:

General Admission is $18, while students, faculty and staff, seniors, and veterans may attend for $15.

Parking is free for all performances in Gothard Street parking lot J.

ABOUT THE PLAY:

THE DIVINERS is an award-winning drama that explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, The Diviners is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.” Don’t miss this deeply moving and profoundly human play.

See you at the theater! 🎭

October 10–19, 2025

BRAVO to our GWC Acting and Technical Theater Students!!!👏Please join us in congratulating actors Will Logan and Emily B...
10/13/2025

BRAVO to our GWC Acting and Technical Theater Students!!!👏

Please join us in congratulating actors Will Logan and Emily Bolden on being recognized by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival for their performances in THE DIVINERS.

As a result of this recognition, Will and Emily will now have the opportunity to attend the Region VIII conference next February 2026 to compete for Irene Ryan scholarships and possible advancement to the finals in Washington DC! The two actors can also proudly place the words “Irene Ryan Award Nominee” on their acting resumes!

Since 1972, the Irene Ryan Foundation of Encino, California, has awarded scholarships to the outstanding student performers at each regional festival. These scholarships are made possible by the generosity of the late Irene Ryan who is best remembered for her portrayal of the lovable and feisty ‘Granny Clampett’ in The Beverly Hillbillies. All student actors in both Participating and Associate productions are eligible for consideration for these regional scholarships.

In addition to recognizing the talents of those onstage, 5 members of the backstage production team also received KCACTF recognition for their design work on THE DIVINERS, and will now have a chance to present their designs at the KCACTF Region VIII conference! Scenic Designers Caitlin Fitzpatrick and Rainbow Nguyen, Costume Designers Jen McLean and Melissa Satler, and Hair and Makeup Designer Vienna Smith have all been acknowledged for Meritorious Achievement in Technical Theater!

What a great way to kick-off another exciting season in the Theater Arts Department at GWC!

Again, please join us in applauding Will, Emily, Caitlin, Rainbow, Jen, Melissa, and Vienna for their exceptional work! We are very proud of each of them, as we are the entire cast, crew, and design team of THE DIVINERS!

Speaking of THE DIVINERS…

If you missed our opening weekend of performances, we encourage you to join us when then THE DIVINERS continues next Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 PM with a closing matinee performance on Sunday at 2:00 PM!

Please see below for further information… 👇👇👇

Golden West College Theater Arts Department presents...

THE DIVINERS
by Jim Leonard Jr.
Directed by Tom Amen

WHERE:

THE DIVINERS runs October 10-19 in the GWC Mainstage Theater located at 15751 Gothard Street in Huntington Beach, CA 92647.

WHEN:

Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 PM
Sundays at 2:00 PM

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER:

“Buy One, Get One Free” tickets for all 7 performances beginning Friday, October 10th and running through Sunday, October 19th!

Please Note: Buy One, Get One Free” tickets are not available through the GWC online ticketing system but at the GWC theater box office only! The box office opens 1 hour before each performance.

Please Note: If you prefer, Advance/Reserved seating may still be purchased at the regular ticket price at:

https://gwctickets.universitytickets.com

TICKET PRICES:

General Admission is $18, while students, faculty and staff, seniors, and veterans may attend for $15.

Parking is free for all performances in Gothard Street parking lot J.

ABOUT THE PLAY:

THE DIVINERS is an award-winning drama that explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, The Diviners is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.” Don’t miss this deeply moving and profoundly human play.

See you at the theater! 🎭

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU!!!To our patrons who came out to support the cast and crew during our opening weekend of THE DI...
10/13/2025

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU!!!

To our patrons who came out to support the cast and crew during our opening weekend of THE DIVINERS, we sincerely appreciate you for taking the time to join us! We hope that you enjoyed the show, and hope to see you again at our next production!

If you missed our opening weekend of performances, we encourage you to join us when then THE DIVINERS continues next Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM!

Please see below for further information… 👇👇👇

Golden West College Theater Arts Department presents...

THE DIVINERS
by Jim Leonard Jr.
Directed by Tom Amen

WHERE:

THE DIVINERS runs October 10-19 in the GWC Mainstage Theater located at 15751 Gothard Street in Huntington Beach, CA 92647.

WHEN:

Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 PM
Sundays at 2:00 PM

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER:

“Buy One, Get One Free” tickets for all 7 performances beginning Friday, October 10th and running through Sunday, October 19th!

Please Note: Buy One, Get One Free” tickets are not available through the GWC online ticketing system but at the GWC theater box office only! The box office opens 1 hour before each performance.

Please Note: If you prefer, Advance/Reserved seating may still be purchased at the regular ticket price at:

https://gwctickets.universitytickets.com

TICKET PRICES:

General Admission is $18, while students, faculty and staff, seniors, and veterans may attend for $15.

Parking is free for all performances in Gothard Street parking lot J.

ABOUT THE PLAY:

THE DIVINERS is an award-winning drama that explores the unlikely friendship between a disturbed young man and a disenchanted preacher. Set in rural Indiana in the 1930’s, The Diviners is a story of friendship, faith, family, and community told in a spare, hauntingly poetic voice that speaks to the heart. As playwright Jim Leonard Jr. puts it, “These are good and simple people, they have only the best of intentions.” Don’t miss this deeply moving and profoundly human play.

“A splendid drama by a playwright with poetic as well as human feeling...warmth, humor and love for humanity permeate the drama, and make it both touching and entertaining.” – Variety

ABOUT THE CAST:

THE DIVINERS features an exceptional cast of veteran GWC performers as well as exciting newcomers! Our exceptional cast includes the following actors...

Justin Callisch as Buddy Layman -
Hannah Belle Owens as Jennie Layman
Scott Keister as Ferris Layman
Luke Brodowski as C.C. Showers
Kim Brown as Norma Henshaw
Emily Bolden as Darlene Henshaw
Phil Brickey as Basil Bennett
Carrie Vinikow as Luella Bennett
Judy Gish as Goldie Short
Tristan Lund as Melvin Wilder
Will Logan as Dewey Maples

ABOUT THE DESIGN AND STAGE MANAGEMENT TEAM:

The design team for THE DIVINERS features a dynamic mix of both professional and student talent! Our outstanding team includes the following...

Scenic Design by Caitlin Fitzpatrick and Rainbow Nguyen (Student Designers)

Lighting Design by Matt Schleicher

Costume Design by Jen McLean and Melissa Satler (Student Designers)

Sound Design by Paisha Bleich

Hair and Make-up Design by Vienna Smith (Student Designer)

Stage Management by Lydia McRae

Don't miss the work of these terrific theater artists in this beautifully theatrical and deeply soulful play!

See you at the theater! 🎭

Address

15751 Gothard St.
Huntington Beach, CA
92647

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when GWC Mainstage Theater Director posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share