03/16/2026
The Elite Theatre Company is happy to announce
Auditions for the final show at our current location:
Enemies of A Hometown
by Louise Marie Kiesel,
Director Lynn Van Emmerik
Show dates: May 29th – June 21, 2026
Audition dates: Sunday, March 29th, 7 – 10 pm, and Monday, March 30th, 7-10 pm.
Callbacks – Tuesday, March 31st, 7 -10 pm, OR Wednesday, April 1st, 7 – 10 pm.
Please bring a picture and a resume. Also, be prepared to have your conflicts available
Playwright: Louise Marie Kiesel
Louise Marie Kiesel has had a diverse career as an actor and educator. She has worked professionally and studied theater arts in both New York City and Los Angeles, most notably in NYC at H.B. Studio and in LA with Stella Adler. Her passion for theater and storytelling eventually led her to perform for children, prompting her to focus on incorporating improvisational and creative methods to teach young learners. With over 20 years of experience as a Master Early Childhood Teacher, she has also successfully written grants to enhance arts and science programs in public schools. In 2018, Louise Marie left teaching to undergo treatment for breast cancer, which inspired her to complete Enemies of a Hometown the play she had started writing years before she was diagnosed. Louise Marie holds a BA in Political Science from Rutgers University and was influenced by two of her political science professors: one who introduced her to Ibsen and played a vital role in her personal journey, and the other who taught her to value the "ideal" of democracy in America.
Enemies of a Hometown
Set in a fictional modern-day coastal California town, Enemies of a Hometown reimagines Henrik Ibsen's classic An Enemy of the People, transforming it to explore the contradictions within American society while highlighting the broader threats to democratic ideals.
Summary:
Enemies of a Hometown is a drama about the idealist versus the realist as reflected in American society, revealing its faults and contradictions but illuminating the power of one to stand for truth and good to begin a sequence for change. Conflict arises when Doctor Stockman, an environmental scientist, who is assisting with the planning of the magnet school discovers the grounds are contaminated and commits to his duty to inform the public. His brother, who is the mayor of the town and a popular pastor, wants to keep the truth buried and battles to silence his brother. Dr. Stockman, his family, and his friend face public backlash and threats from the community but remain steadfast in their commitment to reveal the truth and do what's right no matter the cost
DR. THOMAS STOCKMAN: (50ish) A scientist, and an Environmental Manager for the town of Pinus Contorta. Also, a volunteer for the planning of Connections STEAM Academy, a K-8 Magnet School.
MAYOR: (50s or 60s)Peter Stockman, Dr. Stockman's older brother. He is the Mayor of Pinus Contorta and is the Pastor of God's Way Christian Church.
MRS. KATRINA STOCKMAN: (50ish) A wife, mother and volunteer school yard duty assistant. She has hada career as a nurse.
PETRA: (25ish) The Stockman's daughter, and a new teacher of Pinus Contorta Unified School District (P.C.U.S.D).
EILIF: (12ish) The Stockman's son and Student Council Sergeant-of-Arms at his school.
MORTEN: (80ish) Mrs. Stockman's adoptive father, and retired P.C.U.S.D Director of School Ground Maintenance, a.k.a Morty.
HOVSTAD: (40s or 50s) Managing editor of a local newspaper, THE PEOPLE'S PINECONE.
BILL: (Late 20s – early 30s) A staff reporter of THE PEOPLE'S PINECONE.
CAPTAIN HORSTER: (50ish) Dr Stockman's childhood friend, Captain of a deep-sea fishing vessel, a.k.a. Cap.
AL: (60ish) The publisher of THE PEOPLE'S PINECONE.
