Bridge Players Theatre Company celebrates the diverse community that we live in and serve as a member of Burlington County. We are dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and in confronting anything in our operations that may inhibit this. We are committed to creating a culture of inclusion, where all interested individuals can thrive, succeed, and are able to participate in and contribute to Bridge Players.  For us, this means everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feels valued, and respected.  We accept the challenge to build an organization where full and fair participation is the norm.

About the show:
Sex education, confession, nuns, heartache, and first love – all the ingredients for a warm, coming-of-age musical about growing up in 1950s Catholic school. This delightful show captures the comedy, horror, joy, and tenderness of adolescent growing pains. Eddie Ryan and his friends journey from 2nd grade to graduation in this hilarious and poignant show, last produced during our 1996/1997 season!

About auditions:
Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Auditioners should prepare 40-60 seconds of a song of your choice in the style of the show. You must have accompaniment and there is a pianist available. Karaoke tracks are fine but bring sheet music in the key of the track. A speaker will be provided for phone/device tracks. We want to see your acting skills during your song.  There will also be a dance audition. All roles are open.

PLEASE DO NOT AUDITION IF YOU ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR ALL PERFORMANCES AND TECH WEEK REHEARSALS, 9/20 - 9/24. Set strike on Oct. 11 is required for all participants.

This is a non-Equity, non-paying production. Bridge Players Theatre Company is a non-profit organization.

Character breakdown:
Please note: All roles are open to actors of all ethnicities, gender identities, body types.

The Students (age range 18-20s):

• Eddie Ryan: The boy-next-door narrator of the memory musical. He recounts his childhood and navigates his on-again, off-again romance with his first love, Becky.
• Becky Bakowski: Smart and feisty, has weight and body issues while she is young, but she gains confidence as she grows older, both because of and in spite of losing weight, which also does not go to her head, she matures alongside Eddie through the trials of separate boys' and girls' high schools.
• Virginia Lear: Athletic, a bit of a tomboy, and can be intimidating to the boys., tough, sarcastic
• Nancy Ralansky: Popular girl who is sweet but kind of ditzy, navigates the strict rules of the church and school while experiencing typical teenage crushes. 
• Mary Kenny: The perfect student, A thoughtful student whose personality evolves from a rule-follower into an inquisitive teenager. 
• Mike Depki: Class clown, cool guy, bonds with Eddie over sports, girls, and questioning the strictures of their upbringing.
• Louie Schlang:  A steady, all-around teen who is a friend to all, Eddie's close friend and classmate
• Felix Lindor: Not the brightest. Gullible. Dirty mind. Always getting whacked with the ruler, Eddie's close friend and classmate

The Clergy (age range 30s+):

• Father O'Reilly - The priest in charge of the school and the parish. He’s a bit tired.
• Sister Helen - Acts as a school teacher and reminder to the students of proper behavior.
• Sister Lee - An older nun with a stern reputation and a distinct personality.
• Sister Monica Marie - A nun with strong opinions, who is also the high school gym teacher.
• Sister Anne/Secretary - A nun in songs and dance numbers, the role doubles with the Secretary, who does appear and have lines in the first scene. She works for the school principal.