The Homecoming

Directed by Buddy Garrison

Known on television as The Waltons, they’re called The Spencers in the original book, which is how they’re named here. The time is the Great Depression and the large Spencer family, living at the foot of a Virginia mountain, is struggling hard just to survive. With his father having to take the only available job a long way from home, Clay-Boy is stuck with unusual responsibility for his brothers and sisters. Just reaching manhood, Clay-Boy has a secret yearning that’s quite extraordinary for the practical, earth-bound community in which he lives. He wants to write! His father tells him to prepare to become a responsible man—to build a home and raise a family. Clay-Boy could explode with frustration at his inability to communicate with this man that he admires most. He is also worried because his father is already long overdue in getting home. In the climax, the father makes it—just as they are in despair about him. He brings a special gift for his son, a gift that reveals unexpected understanding and the strength of a loving family.

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Audition Info

Date, Time, and Location

  • Saturday, September 14, 2024

  • 1PM to 430PM

  • Callbacks, if needed, Sunday, September 15, 3PM-5PM

Audition Disclosure Form

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Audition Notes

  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to sign in and complete the audition form (if not pre-registered)

  • Actors should be prepared to read from different scenes in the play. In addition, actors should be ready to sing “The 12 Days of Christmas” up to
    the lyric “Five Golden Rings!” Some characters in the show will be singing Christmas carols, but just need to be able to “carry a tune.”

  • Actors auditioning for the part of Clay-Boy should memorize the attached monologue from the play.  DOWNLOAD SIDE

  • Ages listed are approximate; some actors appear older/younger than their age, and acting ability can be a factor.

  • If cast, you will receive a phone call within 2 days of auditions. If you are not cast, an email will be sent.

  • Questions? Scheduling conflicts with Auditions? Contact Buddy Garrison at budblaze5@gmail.com

Performance Dates

  • December 6-8

  • December 12, 9AM and 12PM (School matinees)

  • December 13-15

Available Roles/Descriptions

The Spencer Family

  • Clay-Boy (15) Responsible, sensitive, hard-working. Wants to be a writer.
  • Olivia Spencer (30’s-40’s) A warm, earthy country woman. Devoted to family. Sweet but firm. Fighting through the “hard times.”
  • Clay Sr. (30’s-40’s) An honest “look-em-in-the-eye” guy. Plain spoken. Due to the Depression, works over 30 miles from home.
  • Matt (14) Industrious. Tries to take charge when Clay-Boy is away. Battles Becky.
  • Becky (13) In the early agony of being a teenager. Tom-boy at heart.
  • Mark (12) Thoughtful. He doesn’t say much, but when he does, it’s important.
  • Shirley (11) Can get emotional. Prissy. Inclined to tattle.
  • Luke (10) Sports minded. Gets along well with brothers and sisters.
  • John (9) Lovable teddy bear. Still learning but level-headed.
  • Pattie Cake (8) Takes everybody literally. Spoiled but adored by all.
  • Grandpa Homer (60+) Speaks loudly. Has a sense of humor. Good-naturedly chides his wife for her habits.
  • Grandma Ida (60+) Strong-willed and determined. Loyal to her husband but stands up to his foolishness. Pillar of the Baptist church.
  • Birdshot Sprouse (20’s) Happy-go-lucky. A little lost, but with a heart of gold.
  • City Lady (30’s+) A do-gooder who has come to the countryside to give gifts to give poor kids a Merry Christmas.
  • Charlie Sneed (40’s+) Friend and former co-worker with Clay Sr. Backwoods Robin Hood. Poacher.
  • Sheriff Ep Bridges (30’s+) A no-nonsense fellow just trying to do his job. Takes jabs from Ike.
  • Ike Goodsey (40’s+) Runs the store and pool hall. Knows everyone in the area. Has a dry sense of humor.
  • Rev. Hawthorne Dooly (30’s+) Charismatic leader of the black Baptist church. Loves to lead his congregation in song.
  • Young “Joseph.” [Claudie] (7-10) No spoken lines, but sings in the Nativity scene at Dooly’s church.
  • Young “Mary” [Emmarine] (7-10) No spoken lines, but sings in the Nativity scene at Dooly’s church.
  • Miss Emma Staples (60+) More practical than her sister. Easily frustrated with Etta’s sentimental musings. She and sister still make the “recipe.”
  • Miss Etta Staples (60+) A flighty dreamer. Sometimes forgetful. Lost in memories of young love.
  • Ensemble roles are needed for churchgoers at Dooly’s church, and townspeople and children for the City Lady scene.

Production Team

Director — Buddy Garrison

Assistant Director — Greg Beam

Producers — Jean Franklin and Briana Stevens

Stage Manager — Brandon Cline-Taskey

Assistant Stage Manager — Brodie Franklin