Casting Notice – Inherit the Wind

Los Altos Stage Company is holding open auditions for Inherit the Wind by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee

Directed by Gary Landis

In a courtroom in Tennessee, two giants go to war — and the freedom to think hangs in the balance. Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s landmark American drama, inspired by the Scopes “Monkey” Trial, pits a brilliant defense attorney against a thundering orator in a clash of science and faith that still crackles with urgency today. A towering piece of American theater — and a reminder of what’s at stake when a society turns on its own thinkers.

Audition Date: Saturday October 3, 2026; 10-1 PM

Where: Bus Barn Theater; 97 Hillview Ave Los Altos, CA

Callbacks: Saturday October 10, 2026; 10-1 PM @ the Bus Barn Theater

Audition Sign Up: Please choose a time to audition using our Sign-Up Genius here:  https://tinyurl.com/2n7u54uc 

Online Audition Form: Please fill out Los Altos Stage Company’s virtual audition form here: https://forms.gle/AnwACRiQ1dXHn8tS9 This must be filled out in addition to the Sign-Up Genius. 

Rehearsals: 

• Sundays 6 PM – 9 PM, Mondays through Thursdays 7 PM – 10 PM
• First Rehearsal: Sunday March 7, 2027
• Q2Q (mandatory): 12 PM – 10 PM Sunday April 17, 2027
• Tech Week (mandatory): Monday April 12, 2026 through 14, 2027; 6 – 11 PM

Performances: 

• Wednesdays through Sundays; April 15, 2027 through May 9, 2027
• Wednesday through Saturday performances are @ 8 PM and Sundays are @ 3 PM
• Call time is typically 7 PM or 2 PM

Audition requirements: Please prepare a two-minute dramatic monologue in the style of the show (please no Shakespeare or anything in verse).

It is preferable that you audition in person, but if you are unable to do so, video submissions will be considered.  Please fill out the audition form linked above and send your video to rebecca.lasc@gmail.com by 5 PM on Friday October 2, 2026. 

Callbacks must be in person. 

Actor Acknowledgement: A $15 meal reimbursement will be provided for rehearsal and performance days to which the actor is called up to a total amount of $500. 

Please forward questions to LASC’s Production Manager, Rebecca Voss at rebecca.lasc@gmail.com.

Roles: All roles are currently open. LASC does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, sex, gender, religion, age, marital or veteran’s status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or genetics. LASC aims to practice culturally conscious and diverse casting in its productions. We encourage anyone that would like to audition to do so. Please note that we are considering those under the age of 18 for the roles of Melinda and Howard ONLY. 

Matthew Harrison Brady (50+) A famous, bombastic prosecutor and orator. Deeply religious, self-assured, and commanding, but also vulnerable beneath the bravado.

Henry Drummond (50+) A brilliant, open-minded defense attorney. Charismatic, sharp, and passionate about intellectual freedom.

E.K. Hornbeck– (30+) A cynical, witty reporter. Observant and sarcastic, he provides comic relief and commentary on the events.

Bertram Cates (mid-20s) A young, idealistic schoolteacher on trial for teaching evolution. Earnest, principled, and quietly courageous.

Rachel Brown (early 20s) A conflicted schoolteacher, Cates’ friend and romantic interest. Sensitive, intelligent, and torn between loyalty to her father and Cates.

Reverend Jeremiah Brown (50+) Rachel’s father, the town’s fundamentalist preacher. Zealous, fiery, and unyielding in his faith. Will also play other parts.

Mrs. Brady (40+) Brady’s supportive, dignified wife.  Will also play other parts.

Melinda (age 11-14) young student, superstitious and wary of evolution. Will also play other parts.

Howard (age 11-14) young, curious student who testifies. Will also play other parts

Ensemble/Townspeople/Courtroom – Seeking all ages and types for multiple roles including Meeker, Sillers, Dunlap, Bannister, Elijah, Judge, Mayor, Davenport, and more. This is a true ensemble play. Looking for 7 performers who can bring the town of Hillsboro and the courtroom scenes to life. Many cast members will play multiple parts.