24 Hr Musical
Branson, MO 2026
Host Venue: Hughes Brothers Theatre
Here's how it works:
Saturday July 25th -- 2 weeks prior to the performance date, we hold auditions! Those that are cast will receive an email with suggested packing and more schedule details... the show will remain a mystery.
Friday August 7 is rehearsal day! Promptly at 1pm, when the cast meets, the show and cast list are revealed — and from that moment, you have 24 hours to learn everything. Music. Blocking. Choreography. Tech cues. Bows. All of it, before the matinee Saturday at 1pm. We'll have the venue the full 24 hours, so you'll rehearse when you're scheduled, rest when you can, and review blocking/choreo in-between. It is amazing to watch strangers turn into a unified team.
We perform on August 8, 1pm at the Hughes Brothers Theater, Branson, MO.
We're looking for performers who love being onstage and tech crew members (prop master, stage manager, etc.) who love being backstage. Performers will have to be present, hardworking, and ready to have the time of their lives.
Does that sound like YOU?
Anyone 15 yrs - 35 yrs old can audition for the cast (in-person or via video submission)! Anyone 15 yrs old + can be on tech crew. Any level of experience is welcome! To assist with production/food costs, there is a $20 participation fee for everyone who is cast. We don’t want money to be a hinderance in you sharing your talents, so cast/crew members can sign up to usher, work concessions before the show and during intermission, or sell space in the playbill to a business in place of the fee.
Every participant must fill out an audition form or the tech crew application.
* Wanna be part of the adult cast (including a dance ensemble)? Click Adult Audition Button
* Wanna be part of the youth cast (15-17 yrs old)? Click Youth Audition Button
* Wanna be part of our technical crew? Click the Tech Crew Application Button
Production Timeline
2 Weeks Prior to Performance Date
Saturday July 25
Auditions
* Auditions in-person or via video submission.
* Everyone will learn the provided 4-part harmony, musical theatre song (not from the show).
* Everyone will do a dance audition (same day).
Cast members will receive an email with a suggested packing list and schedule. The musical will remain a mystery.
Friday August 7
1pm
Rehearsals Start
Cast, tech crew, and production team meet!
The musical is announced, cast list revealed, and rehearsals start.
Cast and crew learn all the lines, blocking, choreography, and vocals for the full musical, working overnight to prepare for the Saturday matinee.
Saturday August 8
1pm
Performance
Matinee performance of the full musical: costumes, sets, lines, blocking, choreography, and vocals.
Open to the public! Only $10/ticket. Limited seating.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What if I have kids who want to participate -- what does their schedule look like?
(If allowed to audition) Performers 12-14 yrs old schedule: Friday 1pm - 7pm
*Released for the evening to go home.
Saturday 8am - 3:30pm (Dress rehearsal and performance)
15-17 yr olds
Friday 1pm - 9pm
*Released for the evening to go home.
Saturday 5am - 3:30pm (Tech run, dress rehearsal, and performance)
*Under 18 yrs old will not stay overnight at the theater. They will need to arrange rides to and from the theater with parents/guardians.
Do I need performing or tech experience to participate?
Nope!
If you are willing to be present (mentally/physically), work hard, and contribute a fun, positive experience, you are welcome to audition for the cast or apply to do tech.
What happens if someone makes a mistake during the performance?
The show goes on! One of the beautifully unique characteristics of live theatre is that cast, crew, and audience members are experiencing the storytelling in real time, together... no matter what happens!
The 24 hr limit is a creative challenge.
Might people forget a line? Of course.
Miscount a dance step? Sure.
Be late for a cue? Maybe.
I know everyone will be amazed at how well we CAN perform with only 24 hours to prepare.
How will anyone actually learn a full musical in 24 hours?
You'd be amazed what people can do in that short of a time frame.
Our production team comes well-prepared to teach efficiently within their responsibilities. The choreography is mapped, music tracks to practice are uploaded, and blocking is planned so that every minute is used effectively.
Groupings will work on different scenes simultaneously, before coming together for full run throughs.
Example groupings:
Ensemble
Dance Ensemble
Youth Ensemble
Named Characters
Tech Crew
What do I need to prepare for auditions?
Everyone who submits an audition form will be emailed sheet music: 24 - 32 bars of a 4-part harmony song (not from the show).
In-person?
Choose a part (SATB), and come ready to sing it acapella.
You'll also learn a 32 - count dance sequence the day of.
Video submission?
Record yourself singing the 32 bars acapella. Watch the choreo demo video, and record yourself doing that as well.
Where will people sleep? And is it safe overnight?
11pm to 4am:
The rehearsal hall will become a quiet zone for any females who want to rest. 2 dressing rooms will be a quiet zone for males.
The theater auditorium, and a couple other spaces in the building, will be a practice space the entire night.
There will be plenty of staff/team members awake the whole night. The exterior doors will be locked from the outside.
Cast/crew will be free to decide how they want to use those 5 hours. If you choose to go home, that is your choice. You'll be responsible for returning to the theater in time for our run through starting the downbeat at 5am.
The cast manager will be around the quiet zones maintaining the quiet, and can help with any concerns.
How do I get tickets to watch?
You can buy tickets at the door, or pay online through the host venue's ticket site. That link will be shared at a later date.
Only $10!
(All proceeds go to cover the cost of the production licensing, costumes, and the next production. The venue is donated, all cast, crew, production team are volunteer)
What if I don't get cast? Is there a still a way to get involved?
Because so many people want to take on this challenge and have fun doing this, we have a cast and crew limit (for logistical purposes).
If you're not cast, you can apply to be tech crew or part of our front of house crew. This may involve adjusted hours (house managing will come on Saturday only).
You can come see the show! See what happens.
Do I have to stay the entire 24 hours?
Short answer: Adults 18+ are expected to commit to the full event.
Nuanced answer: You're not locked in. Obviously, you can leave if you need, however, you will be responsible for catching up anything you miss.
You'll be given a detailed rehearsal schedule, so you can make informed decisions for food, rest, and personal review.
If a conflict comes up and you are unable to attend, email our coordinator asap.
What should I bring / what's provided?
The cast and crew welcome email will have plenty of details to answer these questions.
You Bring:
- Basic costume items that you have already from the provided packing list (ex. character shoes, black pants, cowboy hat, etc.)
- Sleeping bag/pillow, if you intend to sleep
- Water bottle!
- Snacks and food.
- You're responsible for your dinner, snacks, and breakfast.
We provide:
- Main costume pieces
- Lunch before matinee
- Grab and go breakfast options
- Snacks for the Kids Ensemble
Who is watching the kids?
Our Youth Ensemble Director and assistants will be with the kids 12-17 yrs old.
They will keep track of the kids' schedule, have snack breaks, teach music, help organize costumes, and assist in kids rehearsing.
Parents/guardians will check their kids in and out with the Cast Manager or Youth Ensemble Director so no one wanders off.
Production team members have clean background checks, and per our policy, no child will be alone with any adults at any time.
Will this happen again?
If it goes well, then answer is yes!
As long as we have people who want to create art, tell a story, and venues willing to donate their space for 24 hours, we will continue these productions.