Welch Works Entertainment

07/30/2025

Welch Works Entertainment is currently casting
We are seeking AEA (Equity) submissions for the two principal roles listed below.

This project falls under the Single Engagement Agreement – Category 2, Tier B, $575 weekly minimum
Please include a photo of your Equity card with your submission.

CASTING CALL: A SHADOW OF LIGHT
An original musical r***e
Written & Directed by Herbert Welch
Presented by Welch Works Entertainment
Contract Dates: December 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Rehearsals in Orlando & Eustis, FL

ROLES:

CRYSTAL DAVIS – Female, 20s
A middle-class college student in NYC who’s put her dreams on hold to care for her ailing mother.
We are seeking a true triple threat:
• Strong actress with emotional depth
• Powerhouse belt vocalist
• Advanced dancer, including strong tap ability

JASON RIVERS – Male, 20s
A street-raised, self-taught musician who uses music to escape a troubled past.
Strong contemporary vocalist with natural charisma and emotional range.

AUDITION INFO:

Equity Submission Deadline: August 5, 2025
Initial Audition: Self-tape
Callbacks:
In Person (NYC): August 21 & September 22
Virtual (Zoom): Available upon request

Submit to: [email protected]
Subject: Shadow of Light – [Role Name] – [Your Name]
Include:
• Headshot & resume
• Vocal/acting reels
• Dance footage (required for Crystal)
• Equity card photo

PROJECT SUMMARY:
A Shadow of Light is a two-act contemporary musical r***e exploring love, grief, and renewal through original music and powerful movement. Crystal and Jason—two people from vastly different worlds—cross paths in their search for healing and identity.
Comparable titles: The Notebook, Jagged Little Pill, Fun Home

Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. We strongly encourage performers of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, and abilities to submit.

07/29/2025

Casting: Welch Works Entertainment
is seeking performers of all gender identities, races, and ethnicities for our Main Stage production of A Shadow of Light — a brand-new original musical r***e featuring emotional storytelling through a curated mix of songs from Broadway, pop, and contemporary sources.

This show calls for triple-threat performers who can sing, dance, and act with strength, versatility, and honesty.

📍Location: Orlando & Eustis, FL
🗓 Contract Dates: December 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026
🎟 Performances:
• January 2 at 7:30 PM
• January 3 at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
• January 4 at 2:00 PM
(Possible added show on Jan 4 at 6:00 PM)

🎄 Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve are OFF. Cast may be called on New Year’s Day for final dress.

🎤 ABOUT THE SHOW:
A Shadow of Light follows Crystal and Jason—two young adults from different walks of life—as they face love, loss, and self-discovery. It’s an intimate, heartfelt journey told entirely through music and movement. Think The Notebook, Jagged Little Pill, and Fun Home.

💃 NOTE:

This is a vocally demanding production for all performers.

Ensemble roles are dance-heavy with required proficiency in ballet, tap, and jazz.

Especially seeking Central Florida-based talent.

Casting Breakdown:

CRYSTAL DAVIS – Female, 20s
Middle-class college student in NYC who’s put her dreams of performing on hold to care for her ailing mother. Strong actor/singer with emotional depth.

JASON RIVERS – Male, 20s
Talented singer/musician from the streets with no family. Uses music to escape his past. A charismatic presence, haunted by memories of his father. Strong contemporary vocalist.

LEITHIA DAVIS – Female, 50s
Crystal’s mother, a former performer now in the late stages of dementia. Emotional, non-singing role.

DENNIS DAVIS – Male, 50s
Crystal’s father, Leithia’s devoted husband, and a former performer. Supportive, grounded, and filled with quiet strength.

MALE ENSEMBLE 1 – Male, 20s
Versatile singer/actor/dancer. Plays Conductor, Conrad Rivers, Caffeine Guy.

MALE ENSEMBLE 2 – Male, 20s
Plays Operator, Director, Brad. Strong comedic presence and flexibility.

FEMALE ENSEMBLE 1 – Female, 20s
Plays Engineer, Alex, Waitress, Nurse 1. Strong singer/dancer.

FEMALE ENSEMBLE 2 – Female, 20s
Plays Dispatcher, Cassie, Nurse 2, Choreographer, River. Strong mover/actor.

BALLET DANCER/ENSEMBLE – Female, 20s–30s
Strong ballet dancer with pointe work to appear in featured ensemble sequences.

TAP DANCER/ENSEMBLE – Male, 20s–30s
Experienced tap dancer for featured rhythm sequences and character roles.

💰 COMPENSATION:

Ensemble: $250 stipend + performance tips

Principals: $500 stipend + performance tips

All rates negotiable based on experience

For out-of-town performers only:
• Shared housing provided
• Shared company car or gas reimbursement
• Roundtrip coach travel covered

📹 TO SUBMIT:
Send headshot, resume, vocal/acting reel, and dance footage (tap required for ensemble) to:
📧 [email protected]

🎬 Callbacks:
• In-person in NYC: August 21 & September 22
• Virtual via Zoom (by request)

🎶 Come help us bring this new musical r***e to life in beautiful Central Florida! A meaningful creative opportunity with a supportive and passionate team.

07/29/2025

Casting: Welch Works Entertainment
is seeking performers of all gender identities, races, and ethnicities for our Main Stage production of A Shadow of Light — a brand-new original musical r***e featuring emotional storytelling through a curated mix of songs from Broadway, pop, and contemporary sources.

This show calls for triple-threat performers who can sing, dance, and act with strength, versatility, and honesty.

📍Location: Orlando & Eustis, FL
🗓 Contract Dates: December 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026
🎟 Performances:
• January 2 at 7:30 PM
• January 3 at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
• January 4 at 2:00 PM
(Possible added show on Jan 4 at 6:00 PM)

🎄 Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve are OFF. Cast may be called on New Year’s Day for final dress.

🎤 ABOUT THE SHOW:
A Shadow of Light follows Crystal and Jason—two young adults from different walks of life—as they face love, loss, and self-discovery. It’s an intimate, heartfelt journey told entirely through music and movement. Think The Notebook, Jagged Little Pill, and Fun Home.

💃 NOTE:

This is a vocally demanding production for all performers.

Ensemble roles are dance-heavy with required proficiency in ballet, tap, and jazz.

Especially seeking Central Florida-based talent.

Casting Breakdown:

CRYSTAL DAVIS – Female, 20s
Middle-class college student in NYC who’s put her dreams of performing on hold to care for her ailing mother. Strong actor/singer with emotional depth.

JASON RIVERS – Male, 20s
Talented singer/musician from the streets with no family. Uses music to escape his past. A charismatic presence, haunted by memories of his father. Strong contemporary vocalist.

LEITHIA DAVIS – Female, 50s
Crystal’s mother, a former performer now in the late stages of dementia. Emotional.

DENNIS DAVIS – Male, 50s
Crystal’s father, Leithia’s devoted husband, and a former performer. Supportive, grounded, and filled with quiet strength.

MALE ENSEMBLE 1 – Male, 20s
Versatile singer/actor/dancer. Plays Conductor, Conrad Rivers, Caffeine Guy.

MALE ENSEMBLE 2 – Male, 20s
Plays Operator, Director, Brad. Strong comedic presence and flexibility.

FEMALE ENSEMBLE 1 – Female, 20s
Plays Engineer, Alex, Waitress, Nurse 1. Strong singer/dancer.

FEMALE ENSEMBLE 2 – Female, 20s
Plays Dispatcher, Cassie, Nurse 2, Choreographer, River. Strong mover/actor.

BALLET DANCER/ENSEMBLE – Female, 20s–30s
Strong ballet dancer with pointe work to appear in featured ensemble sequences.

TAP DANCER/ENSEMBLE – Male, 20s–30s
Experienced tap dancer for featured rhythm sequences and character roles.

💰 COMPENSATION:

Ensemble: $250 stipend + performance tips

Principals: $500 stipend + performance tips

All rates negotiable based on experience

For out-of-town performers only:
• Shared housing provided
• Shared company car or gas reimbursement
• Roundtrip coach travel covered

📹 TO SUBMIT:
Send headshot, resume, vocal/acting reel, and dance footage (tap required for ensemble) to:
📧 [email protected]

🎬 Callbacks:
• In-person in NYC: August 21 & September 22
• Virtual via Zoom (by request)

🎶 Come help us bring this new musical r***e to life in beautiful Central Florida! A meaningful creative opportunity with a supportive and passionate team.

04/22/2025

🌟 Calling All Dancers! 🌟

We’re excited to announce the first open public class through the Dream Initiative, a program by Herbert Welch Entertainment designed to offer affordable training to performers of all types!

📍 Location: Ripley Grier Studios
🗓️ Dates: Thursday 24 & 25 Friday of April.
💥 Free Entry: First 15 people to sign up!

This is a unique opportunity for YOU to teach a drop-in class and share your expertise with aspiring dancers. Whether your specialty is Jazz, Modern, Musical Theater, or Contemporary, we want YOU to help us make this first classes a huge success!

Why Teach?

Help performers of all levels hone their craft and technique.

Give back to the community by offering affordable and accessible training.

Be part of something bigger—our mission to provide equal opportunities for aspiring artists!

If you’re passionate about teaching and ready to inspire the next generation of performers, reach out to me now to get involved. Let’s create magic together! ✨

04/22/2025

Meet the Magic Behind the Reading
Spotlight: Paul Trenier as Uncle Leroy

Wisdom, warmth… and a whole lot of laughs.
As Uncle Leroy in Backyard Blessings, Paul Trenier had us laughing one minute and reflecting the next. His timing, heart, and soul brought the room to life—and left a lasting impression on everyone who experienced this new work.

A proud native of Mobile, Alabama, Paul holds a degree in Music Education from The University of Southern Mississippi and a Master’s in Music from Oklahoma City University. He’s no stranger to the stage—whether he’s serving vocals at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, moving hearts with the Broadway Inspirational Voices, or lighting up regional theater stages.

This man doesn’t just perform—he uplifts, entertains, and shines.

Follow him
And stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the artists behind Backyard Blessings.

Because storytelling isn’t just serious—it’s soulful, silly, and full of life.



✨ Powered by laughter and legacy. Presented by Welch Works Entertainment ✨

04/22/2025

Meet the Magic Behind the Reading
Spotlight: Chris Richie as Tyrell

Bringing depth, charm, and vocal power to the role of Tyrell in Backyard Blessings, Chris Richie lit up the room during our industry reading—and we’re still buzzing.

A NYC-based artist and rising star, Chris is a proud graduate of Oklahoma City University (B.M. in Musical Theatre, ’22). His talent has already earned him national recognition:

• 2023 American Pops NextGen 1st Place Winner
• Prudential Stages on Broadway 2nd Runner-Up
• 2025 Lotte Lenya Vocal Competition Semifinalist

Chris brings not just skill, but soul. And we’re honored to have him be part of this journey to develop new, heartfelt work.

Follow his journey:
And stay tuned for more on Backyard Blessings and the voices bringing it to life.

This is the power of new work. This is why we create.



✨ Crafted with care by Welch Works Entertainment ✨

04/22/2025

Meet the Magic Behind the Reading
Spotlight: Tyler Symone as Tanya

We’re still floating from the energy of our Backyard Blessings industry reading—and one of the brightest sparks was Tyler Symone, who embodied Tanya with heart, soul, and undeniable power.

NYC-based. Stage-obsessed. New work lover.
Tyler’s past roles include Marian in The Music Man, The Moon in Caroline, Or Change, Aretha in Beehive, and Deloris in Sister Act—and now, she’s helped bring a brand new character to life.

This isn’t just theater—it’s alchemy.
Catch more of Tyler’s journey at tylersymone.com
Follow her: on IG & TikTok

New voices. New stories. Real impact.
We’re just getting started.



🌿✨ Brought to life with love by Welch Works Entertainment ✨🌿

04/17/2025

🎉✨ CAST ANNOUNCEMENT! ✨🎉

We are beyond thrilled to introduce the powerhouse cast for the industry reading of Backyard Blessings — the hilarious and heartwarming comedy about a Black family reunion filled with love, chaos, and a lot of surprises. Directed and written by the talented Herbert Welch, this script is ready to come to life in front of industry professionals, and we can’t wait to share it with you! 🙌🏾

Meet the stellar cast:
🌟 Mama Ruby: Alex Bates
🌟 Tyrell: Chris Richie
🌟 Tanya: Tyler Symone
🌟 Miss Edna: AnGelle Sylvester
🌟 Deaconess Clara: Sky Marie
🌟 Uncle Leroy: Paul Trenier
🌟 Pastor James: Shariff Sinclair
🌟 Kevin: Adam Boggs

🙌🏾 Follow along for exclusive sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes moments, and more. You won’t want to miss this!

04/17/2025

🎉✨ CAST ANNOUNCEMENT! ✨🎉

We are beyond thrilled to introduce the powerhouse cast for the industry reading of Backyard Blessings — the hilarious and heartwarming comedy about a Black family reunion filled with love, chaos, and a lot of surprises. Directed and written by the talented Herbert Welch, this script is ready to come to life in front of industry professionals, and we can’t wait to share it with you! 🙌🏾

Meet the stellar cast:
🌟 Mama Ruby: Alex Bates
🌟 Tyrell: Chris Richie
🌟 Tanya: Tyler Symone
🌟 Miss Edna: AnGelle Sylvester
🌟 Deaconess Clara: Sky Marie
🌟 Uncle Leroy: Paul Trenier
🌟 Pastor James: Shariff Sinclair
🌟 Kevin: Adam Boggs

🙌🏾 Follow along for exclusive sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes moments, and more. You won’t want to miss this!

04/17/2025

🎭 INDUSTRY READING INVITE 🎭

Backyard Blessings
A new play written and directed by Herbert Welch

Presented by Welch Works Entertainment

📍 Ripley-Grier Studios – 520 8th Ave
📅 Friday, April 18th
🕐 3:30 PM (Doors open at 3:15 PM)

“Backyard Blessings” is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy about a Black family reunion full of love, chaos, and laughter. Mama Ruby, a sharp-tongued matriarch recovering from an illness, is determined to throw the ultimate cookout—but when family secrets, old grudges, and larger-than-life personalities come together, things get messy fast!

From gospel music to wild family drama, this play celebrates the messy, beautiful reality of Black family life.
Laughter, love, and soul—get ready for a night of unforgettable moments! ✨🎶

We’re inviting producers, directors, investors, agents, and fellow creatives to an exclusive industry reading to experience the piece and offer feedback as we take this work to its next stage.

🖤 Black Plays Rock. Let’s make space for new voices and powerful stories.

🎟️ RSVP by emailing:
[email protected]
Please include:

Your Full Name

Your Email Address

Your Role in the Industry

Spots are limited. Come be part of something special.

04/13/2025

CASTING NOTICE: Industry Reading of Backyard Blessing – A New Play�
Produced by Herbert Welch | Welch Works Entertainment

Welch Works Entertainment is now accepting video submissions for the upcoming Industry Reading of Backyard Blessing—a new play to be presented on Friday, April 18, 2025, in New York City.

SEEKING:
Union and Non-Union musical theatre performers.
All roles are BIPOC.

CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:

MAMA RUBY – A sharp-tongued, deeply spiritual matriarch recovering from illness. Tough yet loving, she knows how to put people in their place—without ever cursing.

TYRELL – Mama Ruby’s grown son. Avoiding responsibility and burdened by unresolved issues, Tyrell begins to confront his fears and mature over the course of the play.

TANYA – Mama Ruby’s responsible, Type-A daughter who often holds the family together. She’s the peacemaker, though she secretly longs for someone else to take the lead.

DEACONESS CLARA – A fiery, gossip-loving church lady with a heart of gold. Her faith is rivaled only by her flair for drama, which often stirs things up.

PASTOR JAMES – A young, enthusiastic preacher trying to minister to the family through long-winded sermons. Well-meaning but often awkward in his delivery.

MISS EDNA – The neighborhood “auntie” with a knack for unsolicited advice. She means well, but tends to stir the pot.

KEVIN – Tyrell’s childhood best friend. Laid-back and funny, he brings comic relief, but also surprising wisdom when it matters most.

UNCLE LEROY – A lovable, unpredictable old-school relative with outrageous stories and a sketchy past. Loyal and full of life, he adds humor and energy to every scene.

COMMITMENT:
This is a 5-hour commitment on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

An invite-only industry reading will take place at 3:30 PM.

Further details will be provided to selected candidates.

COMPENSATION:
This is a non-paid opportunity. However, food and a small travel stipend will be provided to all participating actors.

TO SUBMIT:�Please email your self-tape submission to: [email protected]�Include the following materials:
* Acting reel
* Singing reel
* Headshot
* Resume

We will contact only those selected to move forward, but we sincerely appreciate every submission and will do our best to review all materials.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 (End of Day)

01/09/2025

🎭 ANNOUNCING OUR 2025 SEASON! 🎬

We are thrilled to officially announce the 2025 Season for Welch Works Entertainment—a season full of innovative performances, immersive experiences, and diverse stories that will inspire, entertain, and engage audiences of all backgrounds. 🌟

From theater to film, this season brings bold new voices, fresh perspectives, and inclusive art to the stage and screen. We are committed to making art accessible to everyone, with affordable ticket options and a focus on communities where live performances aren’t always available. 🎟️

2025 Season Line-Up:

🎭 A Shadow of Light – A brand new musical that explores the complexity of love, loss, and redemption
🎭 The Silence Between Us – A drama about unspoken truths and the weight of silence in relationships
🎭 Breaking Point – A thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, full of suspense and unexpected twists
🎭 Backyard Blessing – A comedy with music that celebrates community, family, and finding joy in the little things

Films:

🎥 Between Love & Lattes – A heartfelt feature film exploring love and identity in unexpected places
🎥 Crossed Paths – A web series that dives into the connections we make, and the ones we miss

And that’s not all! We’re bringing two amazing immersive experiences that will transport you into the heart of the stories like never before. 🌍✨

Join us in making theater and film accessible to all by supporting our fundraising campaign! We’re raise funds to bring these shows to life and reach communities across Florida, New York, Chicago, Ohio, and beyond. Every donation makes a difference—whether big or small!

🌟 Don’t miss out on the magic—help us bring affordable, inclusive art to the world. Click the link in our bio to donate today!

📅 Mark your calendars! Stay tuned for tour dates, premiere dates, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

Let’s make this season unforgettable! 🌈

Welcome to the Welch Works Entertainment 2025 Season Fundraising Campaign! … Herbert Welch needs your support for Help Us Share the Magic of Live Performance