Footlite Musicals

05/30/2026

We’re just a couple weeks away from auditions for our production of PIPPIN! Join us June 14 or 15 at 6:30 p.m. Full audition details, along with songs to prepare and character descriptions, can be found here: footlite.org/auditions-for-pippin

05/29/2026

If you’ve enjoyed a production at Footlite Musicals over the past decade, chances are you’ve witnessed the incredible work of Melissa Yurechko without even realizing it.

As a veteran stage manager, Melissa is the ultimate conductor of the chaos that happens backstage. She has stage managed a stunning 20 shows for Footlite, including four out of the five productions last season alone!

We sat down with Melissa to pull back the curtain on what it takes to keep a show’s engine running.

One of Melissa’s favorite memories backstage comes from working crew on PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT in 2018.

“I was doing quick costume changes for one of the leads,” Melissa shares. “It was high stress and felt like being on the pit crew for the Indy 500. When it all came together, it was magical.”

That magic is no accident. It’s the result of countless hours of invisible work by stage managers and crew members. Melissa wishes audiences and actors alike knew just how much effort happens before a show even starts, or while the cast is away.

“So many times we miss going out to English Ivy’s with the cast or socializing because we stay after a rehearsal to work out a problem,” she says. “I think every cast member should be on crew at least once to see what it’s like on the other side.”

But for Melissa, the long hours are entirely worth it for the moments where the impossible becomes possible. Her favorite theatrical milestones happen when a seemingly impossible scene change suddenly clicks, and the entire team comes together to make it seamless.

Beyond the technical triumphs, the absolute best part of the job for Melissa? The community.

“My favorite part is all the friendships I’ve made at the theater! I love people coming to my house for cast parties afterward.”

Drop a comment below to thank Melissa and all of our incredible backstage crew members and stage managers for everything they do to make our productions come to life and run seamlessly!

05/27/2026

Up next on our stage is FOOTLOOSE! Learn more and get your tickets: footlite.org/footloose

The explosive movie musical bursts onto the live stage! With dynamic new songs augmenting the powerhouse hits from its bestselling Oscar-nominated score, FOOTLOOSE celebrates the exhilaration of youth, the wisdom of listening to one another, and the power of forgiveness.

This is our annual Young Artists Production, with a cast of 13–18 year olds.

With support from Indy Arts Council and the City of Indianapolis.

05/24/2026

Want Broadway and West End pros on your resume? 👀

Our 2026 COLLEGE CABARET callout is in exactly ONE WEEK. Young adults ages 18 to 22 will spend a week training with clinicians from the West End, Broadway, The Voice, and AGT, then hit the stage on June 12.

Learn more and register before spots fill up!
➡️ footlite.org/college-cabaret

05/20/2026

We hope to see you at auditions in a few weeks! Please come prepared to sing from the show—music cuts can be found on the audition page: footlite.org/auditions-for-pippin

“We’ve got magic to do!” ✨ Audition for our production of PIPPIN!

Audition dates: June 14 or 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Location: 1847 N Alabama St, Indianapolis, IN
Performances: September 18–October 4

Full audition details, show synopsis, and character descriptions: footlite.org/auditions-for-pippin

Please come prepared to sing from the show—music cuts can be found on the audition webpage.

A change of clothes for the dance portion of the audition is encouraged. Performers who can perform specialty tricks and acrobatics are strongly encouraged to audition.

We are committed to inclusive casting, welcoming performers of all shapes, sizes, colors, and abilities.

This production is directed by Claire Slaven and produced by Beth Swayze, with choreography by Thomas Mason and vocal direction by Ben Rose.

You are required to fill out an audition form either in person or ahead of time online here: https://form.jotform.com/Footlite/footlite-musicals-audition-form

05/18/2026

Meet the directors behind our 2026–2027 season! They’re ready to bring these productions to life and can’t wait to see you at auditions.

𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦:
👑 PIPPIN — June 14–15, 2026
☂️ MARY POPPINS — August 30–31, 2026
💅 MEAN GIRLS — September 20–21, 2026
🌽 OKLAHOMA! — November 22–23, 2026
📹 RENT — January 24–25, 2027

Find each show’s full audition details and required digital audition form online:
👉 footlite.org/auditions

Get tickets to our Young Artists Production of FOOTLOOSE, running July 17–26, 2026:
🎟️ footlite.org/buy-tickets

Become a Footlite Musicals Member for exclusive invites and special ticket pricing:
⭐️ footlite.org/become-a-member

Interested in sponsoring an actor, show, or our full season? Learn about the benefits of your support:
💜 footlite.org/sponsorships

05/18/2026

As the final notes of the orchestra fade and the dressing room lights dim on our “Padua” stage, we want to congratulate the spectacular cast, crew, staff, and musicians of KISS ME, KATE!

Your incredible talent and dedication to bringing this vibrant production to life have been a joy to witness. You should all be immensely proud of the energy and dedication you poured into every rehearsal and performance. “Too darn hot” doesn’t even begin to describe the passion you brought to our theater.

05/17/2026

Footlite friendships last decades! Members of our 1988 production saw our current running KISS ME, KATE and reunited with familiar faces.

Pictured: Ed Mitro (Director ‘88), Paula Phelan (Music Director ‘88) , Jeff Fuller (Bill/Lucentio ‘88), Rick Hines (Gremio ‘88), JoAnne Bogdon (Assistant Director ‘88), and Maria Matters

05/16/2026

Calling all 18–22 year old performers! COLLEGE CABARET, an immersive one-week workshop, starts May 31. Take your skills to the next level with a team of world-class clinicians. Learn more, meet the clinicians, and register today: footlite.org/college-cabaret

𝗠𝗢𝗬𝗔 𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗟𝗔 — Broadway and West End star (THE LION KING, DREAMGIRLS) and America’s Got Talent alum

𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗗𝗟𝗘𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗬𝗡𝗢𝗟𝗗𝗦 — Olivier Award winner and TONY nominated Broadway producer (OH MARY!, THE NOTEBOOK, SOMETHING ROTTEN!, and more)

𝗟𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗔 𝗕𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗦 — NYC-based actress and singer (RENT National Tour, CAROLINE, OR CHANGE)

𝗘𝗗𝗗𝗜𝗘 𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗥𝗬 — Actors’ Equity Association actor, director, and producer, who served as Artistic Director of Beef & Boards for 35+ years

𝗘𝗣𝗛𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗠 𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗡𝗦 — Singer-songwriter and standout from Season 24 of NBC’s THE VOICE

Registration covers all training, supplies, individual voice lessons, and TWO tickets to the final cabaret performance on June 12.

05/16/2026

Lois Lane can do it all! See KISS ME, KATE tonight or tomorrow! 🎟️ footlite.org/buy-tickets