Spencer Theatre Company

08/27/2026

The publication "Collider" recently named Stephen King's MISERY as the number one most intense thriller book of all time. Published nearly 40 years ago, the story focuses on author Paul Sheldon and his misfortunate interaction with deranged fan Annie Wilkes.

Under the direction of John Sivak, Spencer Theatre Company is "thrilled" to present the stage production of MISERY on October 9-11 and 16-18. Tickets are available through the Hoogland Center for the Arts, (217) 523-2787.

Some of the most intense thriller books ever written include classics like Needful Things, The Big Nowhere, Ripley's Game, and Crooked House.

08/25/2026

And so it begins …

Director John Sivak and Assistant Director Brandon Davis meet with the cast of Spencer Theatre Company’s production of MISERY to start rehearsals.

Justine Moser as Annie Wilkes
Jakob Hankins as Paul Sheldon
Jim Dahlquist as Buster

08/11/2026

Stephen King's 1987 novel MISERY has been adapted as a play several times, notably by Simon Moore and William Goldman, who also wrote the 1990 film. Spencer Theatre Company brings this psychological thriller to the Hoogland Center for the Arts on October 9-10 and 16-18. Directed by John Sivak, the cast includes Justine Moser as Annie Wilkes, Jakob Hankins as Paul Sheldon, and Jim Dahlquist as Buster.

Tickets are available now through the Hoogland Box Office, or you can order tickets online:

Spencer Theatre Company presents MISERY, a psychological thriller written by William Goldman and based on the popular Stephen King novel. The story follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash and wakes up captive in a secluded home owned by his self-identif...

08/04/2026

On behalf of director John Sivak, Spencer Theatre Company is thrilled to announce the cast of MISERY:

Justine Moser as Annie Wilkes
Jakob Hankins as Paul Sheldon
Jim Dahlquist as Buster

We were truly inspired by the outstanding talent displayed at the auditions and callbacks, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated. The passion and dedication of our local theatre community never ceases to amaze us.

We know MISERY is going to be a phenomenal production, and we can’t wait to share this suspenseful story with all of you. Congratulations to our cast!

07/25/2026

Our auditions are one week away! Sign up for your time now!

07/12/2026

Director John Sivak has added 5 spots to the 12-1 and 1-2 time slots for Misery auditions on August 1. There is still time to sign up! See the info below.

The audition sign up for Spencer Theatre Company's production of MISERY is officially live!

Click the link below for our audition Information. Please note it is a 2-step process, so be sure to complete the audition form *and* sign up for an audition time slot.

https://sites.google.com/view/miseryauditions/audition-information?authuser=1

For questions or to request a copy of the script, please contact director John Sivak at [email protected].

06/25/2026

Auditions for Spencer Theatre Company's production of MISERY take place Saturday, August 1, but you must reserve a time slot in advance.

It is a 2-step process to audition, so be sure to complete the audition form *and* sign up for an audition time slot at:
https://sites.google.com/view/miseryauditions/audition-information?authuser=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawSqdbNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFJRnRGT0hYVlBxNmZUMUdsc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHveXfBVk23irm9FbZHgYSjRBUFjn7LKMMenA0KE7I8_vj7Kw_JfW-FHEW92Z_aem_tiOKc8oFhHNGl9lnh7R98Q

For questions or to request a copy of the script, please contact director John Sivak at [email protected].

06/01/2026

The audition sign up for Spencer Theatre Company's production of MISERY is officially live!

Click the link below for our audition Information. Please note it is a 2-step process, so be sure to complete the audition form *and* sign up for an audition time slot.

https://sites.google.com/view/miseryauditions/audition-information?authuser=1

For questions or to request a copy of the script, please contact director John Sivak at [email protected].

05/26/2026

MISERY AUDITIONS
August 1, 2026

Spencer Theatre Company proudly presents MISERY, based on the novel by Stephen King, written by William Goldman, and directed locally by John Sivak. MISERY will be presented October 9-11 and 16-18, 2026, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.
Auditions will be held on August 1, with sign-up beginning in June. You can visit our site for details:
https://tinyurl.com/miseryauditions1

04/30/2026

“A tense, physically unnerving, and poignant story of obsession and survival.” – Sun Journal

Tickets are on sale now for Spencer Theatre Company's production of MISERY, written by William Goldman and based on the novel by Stephen King. Directed locally by John Sivak, MISERY will be performed October 9-11 & 16-18 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield. Call (217) 523-2787 or click below to order tickets.

Spencer Theatre Company presents MISERY, a psychological thriller written by William Goldman and based on the popular Stephen King novel. The story follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash and wakes up captive in a secluded home owned by his self-identif...