Leavenworth Summer Theater celebrates 30th summer of ‘The Sound of Music,’ seeks local talent

LEAVENWORTH — This February, Leavenworth Summer Theater (LST) will invite performers to audition for its 32nd season of productions. This summer will mark a special milestone for the theater’s pinnacle show, “The Sound of Music,” which is celebrating 30 years in Leavenworth.

“It’s really a testament to what this community has built together. Very few theaters anywhere can say they’ve produced the same musical for thirty years, so it’s pretty humble to think about everyone who has made that possible,” said LST Executive Director Christy Shearer.

Young, local performers interested in being a part of the von Trapp family for LST’s 30th summer of “The Sound of Music” should mark their calendars for in-person children’s auditions  on Feb. 21. Performers ages 17 and under are welcome to audition. Offers will be made in mid-March.

According to Shearer, LST has served as a launching pad to performing professionally for years, with locals going on to perform in New York productions. For others, LST is a really fun activity they get to do all summer.

According to Shearer, performing with LST can be a huge commitment, but it’s also a huge adventure for families. For some, it’s a really fun activity they get to enjoy all summer; for others, it can serve as a launching pad for professional opportunities. Either way, Shearer said the experience often becomes a formative part of a young performer’s life.

“Seeing them on stage just really blossom and watching their growth through the season is just really amazing,” said Shearer.

Those 16 and under can audition for the roles of Liesl and Rolf, as well as for the ensemble of “Bright Star,” another one of LST’s shows lined up for the 2026 summer season. To audition for “Bright Star,” performers should book an adult audition and plan to attend the adult dance call on Feb. 14.

LST will also be holding adult auditions for “The Sound of Music,” as well as its other two summer productions: “Bright Star” and “Anything Goes.” LST welcomes local, regional and national talent, with stipends to offset participation costs.

“Every summer we bring together performers from all across the country with performers that live here, so that mix makes it really special,” said Shearer.

In-person auditions in Leavenworth will take place Feb. 12-15, with online adult auditions accepted Feb. 17-19. LST will have a dance call on Feb. 14; call backs by invitation will be Feb. 15, with offers sent by email mid-March. Audition information is available at leavenworthsummertheater.org/auditions.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media