What are the Good Shepherd Players?

Founded in 1981, the Good Shepherd Players are an in-reach/outreach ministry of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Burke, Va. We produce a yearly Broadway-style musical, along with cabarets and other special performances. We recently celebrated our 35th anniversary, and we look forward to many more years of fellowship and fun!

Where do you rehearse/perform?

All rehearsals are at Church of the Good Shepherd, 9350 Braddock Rd., Burke, Va. We perform on our fully-functional proscenium stage in the Grand Hall at Good Shepherd. The hall seats about 300 people.

Are there special considerations about working in a church group?

In accordance with church and diocesan policy, cast/crew members ages 16+ are to take a two-hour training course on the prevention of child abuse and sexual misconduct. This training is free of charge and is good for 3 years. We will announce the date of this mandatory training as soon as it has been scheduled.

Do I need to be an experienced actor or singer to audition?

We have people of all levels of experience in our group…from professional singers and music educators to kids and adults experiencing the joys of theatre for the first time!

Do I have to be a member of the church to audition?

No! You are welcome to audition no matter where you worship or where you are on your faith journey. We are a ministry of the Episcopal Church, and we begin our rehearsals with a God-centered prayer circle. However, we have members of many faith traditions!

Does everyone who auditions get a role?

Although we try to cast as many people as possible in our annual musical, we are unable to offer everyone who auditions a role.

What if I don’t get a role?

We have many performance opportunities throughout the year. Our outdoor “Groovin’ in the Grove” series is a first-come, first-served open mic cabaret. All you have to do is sign up. Our “Broadway on Braddock” cabaret is selective and solo songs maybe be auditioned. However, anyone who wishes to perform in the group numbers is welcome to join in. In  addition, we have occasional online playreadings and social events as time allows. No audition requires! We also need backstage help, ushers, costumers, concessions workers, and other volunteers to help make our shows a reality. Please consider using your gifts in one of these areas.

Is there a participation fee?

The participation fee for our MainStage musicals is $30 for cast members under the age of 18 with a parent in the cast/crew. The participation fee for cast members 18+ and all cast members under the age of 18 with no parent in the cast/crew is $65.

What is the audition format?

Come prepared with 16-32 bars of a Broadway-style song that shows off your vocal range and personality. Please bring sheet music in the correct key. You might also do cold readings from the libretto or learn a dance combo. Individual requirements will be in the audition packet for each show.

What is your rehearsal schedule?

In general, we rehearse on Saturday mornings and on two weeknight evenings, usually Monday and Wednesday. Not everyone will be called for every rehearsal. A schedule with the call for each rehearsal will be sent out after the cast list goes up.  The schedule will be updated at the end of every month.