CONTRIBUTED BY AACT
AUBURN — Auburn Area Community Theatre is inviting audiences and aspiring performers alike to be part of an exciting fall season as the theatre presents its Junior Performers production of Imagine a Dragon and prepares for the return of the popular SceneWorks program for adults.
AACT’s Junior Performers, ages 5 through 12, will bring “Imagine a Dragon” by Beat by Beat Press to the stage this October. It is sure to be a magical adventure for the whole family.
The dragon is back in town! Well… not really. That’s the story a ragtag band of innkeepers make up, desperate to draw questing heroes to the struggling Dancing Dragon Inn. Soon the inn is full of unexpected guests, from an army of princesses out to prove their bravery to a group of overwhelmed heroes trying to hold onto their fame. But what happens if they all discover the innkeepers’ dragon story is made up? Could there be more than one way to save the day? An epic folk-rock score brings magic to this funny, heartfelt fantasy musical.
Performances will be held at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center, 222 E. Drake Ave. in Auburn on Oct. 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 and 9 at 6:30 p.m., with additional matinee performances on Oct. 3 and 10 at 4 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at AuburnACT.org and are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.
As Imagine a Dragon heads toward the stage, AACT is also preparing to bring back SceneWorks, an opportunity designed to make participating in theatre accessible to a wide range of actors and directors.
SceneWorks offers adult participants (18 and up) the chance to experience acting or directing through short scenes rather than a full-length production. With fewer lines to memorize and flexible rehearsal schedules, the program is designed to provide a positive experience for performers while creating an entertaining evening of theatre for audiences. Rehearsal schedules are determined by individual casts and directors, with the suggested schedule being approximately one hour twice a week.
AACT is currently seeking actors for the 2026 SceneWorks production. Auditions will be held September 21 and 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Participants may attend either or both audition nights, and scripts will be provided. AACT hopes to include as many actors as possible in the production.
No previous theatre experience is required to participate.
“SceneWorks is really an opportunity to step into theatre in a way that works for you,” said AACT Artistic Director Andrea Holiday. “Whether you’ve been on stage for years or have always wondered what community theatre is like, this is a great way to get involved.”
The completed scenes will be presented December 3–6.
For more information about SceneWorks, please visit AuburnACT.org or contact Lori McCormack at LVM2245@gmail.com.
AACT’s 2026–27 season continues its commitment to providing theatre opportunities for performers of different ages and experience levels. Following Imagine a Dragon and SceneWorks, the season will include Between the Lines, a musical for Young Performers ages 13–18, and the drama The Diviners.
Auburn Area Community Theatre is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to providing opportunities for education and participation in theatre while presenting quality, entertaining and thought-provoking theatrical experiences for the Auburn-Opelika community. AACT relies on volunteers both onstage and behind the scenes, and there is something for everyone who wants to get involved.
For tickets, auditions, volunteer opportunities and additional information, visit AuburnACT.org.
