We are delighted to be producing Footloose in October!

When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, he is prepared for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. But he’s not prepared for the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on dancing instituted by the local preacher, who is determined to exercise control over the town’s youth. When the reverend’s rebellious daughter sets her sights on Ren, her roughneck boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren’s reputation, with many of the locals eager to believe the worst about the new kid. The heartfelt story that emerges pins a father longing for the son he lost against a young man aching for the father who walked out on him.

To the rockin’ rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated Top 40 score, augmented with dynamic new songs, Footloose celebrates the wisdom of listening to young people while guiding them with a warm heart and open mind.

Registration closes 9th March 2025

Audition Date : 16th/17th March 2025

Character Information

REN MCCORMACK

Playing age – 16-20

Lead character, teenager from Chicago, fun, quick-witted and loves to dance, out-going personality. ETHEL’s son. Has solos, duet with ARIEL & harmony. Dances well, atheletic skills a plus.

ETHEL MCCORMACK

Playing age – 40+

REN’s mother, has a duet with VI – mature vocal sound desired.

REVEREND SHAW MOORE

Playing age – 40+

Lead adult character, strong singer. Bomont’s religious leader father to Ariel. Solos and has a duet with VI

VI MOORE

Playing age – 40+

SHAW’s wife & ARIEL’s mother. has duet with ETHEL – – mature vocal sound desired.

ARIEL MOORE

Playing age – 16-20

Lead character – SHAW & VI’s daughter. Sings and dances well. Some soulish singing. Rebellious for a reverend’s daughter, like Rizzo in Grease, but more mischevious than negative. Dances very well.

RUSTY

Playing age – 16-20

ARIEL’s friend.
Several lines, some dancing. Sings Solo & 3-part harmony with several solo lines.

WENDY-JO, URLEEN

Playing age – 16-20

ARIEL’s friends.
Several lines, some dancing. Sings Solo & 3-part harmony with several solo lines.

CHUCK CRANSTON

Playing age – 16-20

ARIEL’s boy friend. local “bad boy”. Doesn’t like Ren. Sings fairly well – sings with ARIEL with male back up.

LYLE & TRAVIS

Playing age – 16-20

CHUCK’s friends – A few lines, sings strong 3-part harmony- some dancing

WILLARD

Playing age – 16-20

Big guy, short temper, loves his mama. Befriended by Ren. Many lines, sings Solo & 3-part harmony with several solo lines. “Learns” to dance.

JETER, BICKLE & GARVIN

Playing age – 16-20

Friend of WILLARD, some lines, Sings 3-part harmony, some dancing.

COWBOY BOB

Playing age – 21-30

Cowboy hat, boots and an attitude. Thinks of himself as the only “real man” in the room.

PRINCIPAL HARRY CLARK

Playing age – 40+

Principal of Boumont High School, enforcer of rules. Scene with REN & WILLARD. Not required to sing (except chorus numbers).

OTHER ROLES

Playing age – 16+

There are also a number of small speaking/singing roles. Age range 20s to 50s.

ENSEMBLE

Playing age – 16+

Singing and dancing ensemble throughout show.

Character Accents Guide

To bring the world of Footloose to life, our director wants to highlight the cultural contrast between Ren’s city roots and Bomont’s small-town charm. Below is our guide for the character accents to help shape each audition performance.

– Ren McCormack – General American Ren’s from the city, so his tone should feel sharper and more energetic than Bomont locals, but nothing too heavy. It’s all about creating that city-vs-small-town contrast.

– Ariel Moore – Southern American (*light drawl*). She’s a small-town girl with big dreams, so a soft Southern twang works well. It should be subtle enough to keep her strong-willed, rebellious nature front and center.

– Reverend Shaw Moore – Southern American (*refined drawl*). His speech should feel controlled and authoritative, reflecting his role as both a preacher and the town’s moral compass. Think firm but not harsh.

– Vi Moore – Southern American (*gentle drawl*). Softer than Shaw’s, Vi’s voice should feel nurturing and calm, reflecting her role as the family’s emotional anchor.

– Ethel McCormack – General American As Ren’s mum, she carries that city sound but with a softer, maternal touch.

– Willard Hewitt – Southern American (*slow, exaggerated drawl*). Willard’s accent can lean into the comedy—laid-back, a bit clumsy, but full of heart.

– Rusty – Southern American (*light and lively drawl*). Full of energy and charm, her accent should feel youthful and quick, but still clear for her vocal moments.

– Chuck Cranston – Southern American (*rough, edgy twang*). He’s the bad boy of Bomont, so give him a slightly tougher, more aggressive Southern sound.

– Wendy Jo & Urleen – Southern American (*teen drawl*). Ariel’s friends should have playful, small-town accents—nothing too heavy, but enough to contrast Ren’s city sound.

All OtherRoles and Ensemble:
– Bomont Locals – Southern American (*light drawls*). The ensemble should reflect a range of small-town voices. Older characters might have stronger accents, while younger ones can keep it lighter.

Let’s bring Footloose to life with all the small-town quirks and big city edge it deserves for your audition day!

Notable Dates

Show Dates

Sunday 12th – Saturday 18th October (7 performances)

Performance Venue

Victoria Hall (next to the leisure centre),
Hard Ings Rd,
Keighley
BD21 3JN

Google Maps Link

Audition Venue

TBA

Rehearsal Venue

Riddlesden War Memorial Institute AND Victoria Hall