Desert Foothills Theater: Auditions for Grumpy Old Men for Adult Actors in Scottsdale, AZ

Seeking Talent From: Arizona

Union Status: Non-Union

Pay: Unpaid

Posted: 10/7/2026 Updated: 10/7/2026 Deadline for Submissions: 11/5/2026

GRUMPY OLD MEN is a hilarious and heartwarming story about two aging neighbors, Max and John, who have spent most of their lives locked in a feud. When a beautiful, eccentric, and charming woman named Ariel moves in across the street, both men find themselves vying for her attention, turning their rivalry into a full-blown comedic battle of wills. As their antics escalate, the two grumpy old men are forced to confront their differences, leading to a touching resolution that proves even the most stubborn hearts can change. Based on the beloved 1993 film starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and Ann-Margret, this stage adaptation captures the lovably crotchety characters through twinkling humor, catchy songs, and the affectionate depiction of a small town that feels like home to everyone. GRUMPY OLD MEN is a delightful and affectionate celebration of love, friendship, and second chances. Artistic Team: Sandi Carll, Director, DFT Producing Artistic Director, Ken Goodenberger, Music Director, and Nathalie Velasquez, Choreographer.

Casting / Shoot Info

Desert Foothills Theater - Grumpy Old Men: https://www.dftheater.org/grumpyoldmenauditions

Video submissions are allowed. Please send by November 6 to sandi@azfcf.org and include all contact information. Callbacks are in-person only.

All actors, regardless of experience level are welcome to audition. Schedule on the audition page at dftheater.org. If you have any questions about the audition process, please call Sandi Carll, DFTs Producing Artistic Director, at 480-488-1981 for more information.

WHAT TO BRING:
- Headshot (5x7 or 8x10) Does not need to be a professional photo.
- Resume if you have one
- AUDITION SONG: Please prepare: 32 BARS or APPROX 1 MIN OF A MUSICAL THEATER STYLE SONG. RECORDED ACCOMPANIMENT REQUIRED. (Please, no vocals on the track.) Auditioners can play their music from a cell phone. A Bluetooth speaker will be provided.
- Conflict Calendar (Print from Grumpy Old Men audition page)
- Audition Form (Print from Grumpy Old Men audition page )

Important Notes: Be prepared to note ALL CONFLICTS at the time of auditions. The rehearsal calendar is posted on the audition page at dftheater.org. Please print and note conflicts on that calendar. TOO MANY CONFLICTS MAY PLAY A DETERMINING FACTOR IN CASTING.

NOTE: Submit your resume to casting notices within the initial 24-hour window. Promptness often translates to increased visibility.

Casting: In person or by video submission
Auditions: Friday, November 6, 5PM - 9PM and Saturday, November 7, 1:30PM-3PM.
Callbacks: In person on Sunday, November 8. (1PM-4PM)
Rehearsal Date: November 10 - January 13
Performance Dates: January 14-17
Location: Desert Foothills Theater/ The Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85266

Click the role title to submit

Melanie Norton |Female |Any Ethnicity |Age: 30–50 |Role Type: Principal

| Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano | Vocal Style: Musical Theater

John’s daughter. She is a real estate agent whose marriage is falling apart, and she is looking for a fresh start. Vocal Profile: The principal female romantic voice. Needs an emotionally resonant, contemporary musical theater belt. She shares soaring harmonies and duets with Jacob.

Jacob Goldman |Male |Any Ethnicity |Age: 30–45 |Role Type: Principal

| Vocal Range: Baritone, Tenor | Vocal Style: Musical Theater

Max’s son. A mild-mannered lawyer who harbors a long-time secret crush on Melanie and is ready for a major life change. Vocal Profile: One of the most "legit" singing roles in the male cast. He carries traditional musical theater romance duets with Melanie, requiring a warm tone, strong vocal control, and a clean upper range reaching G4.

Sandra Snyder |Female |Any Ethnicity |Age: 35–50 |Role Type: Principal

| Vocal Range: Mezzo-Soprano

An unrelenting, strictly-by-the-book local tax collector. Vocal Profile: Sharp, brassy, and aggressive. Her musical numbers are villain-esque and high energy, requiring a powerful, piercing belt that can cut through the orchestration.

Chuck Barrels |Male |Any Ethnicity |Age: 45–65 |Role Type: Principal

| Vocal Range: Baritone

The kind, easy-going local general store and bait shop owner who loves telling stories. Vocal Profile: Warm, rich, and folky. As the friendly bait shop owner, his vocals feel approachable, grounded, and narrative-driven.

Punky Barrels |Female |Any Ethnicity |Age: 50–60 |Role Type: Principal

| Vocal Range: Alto, Mezzo-Soprano

Chuck’s wisecracking, loyal niece who is a relative newcomer to town. Vocal Profile: Quirky and conversational. Like Grandpa, her vocal tracks are comedic and require a performer who prioritizes character work and lyric delivery over pure vocal line

Ariel Truax |Female |Any Ethnicity |Age: 50–60 |Role Type: Principal

| Vocal Range: Alto, Mezzo-Soprano

A beautiful, playful, and eccentric college literary professor. She moves to town with a poetic flair, a mysterious past, and a free spirit that captures both men's attention. Vocal Profile: Sultry, expressive, and commanding. She needs a rich lower extension and a confident, soulful belt/mix up to C5 / D5 to match her free-spirited, alluring character numbers.

John Gustafson |Male |Any Ethnicity |Age: 70–80 |Role Type: Principal

| Vocal Range: Baritone, Tenor | Vocal Style: Musical Theater

A retired, conservative, and finicky Midwestern high school teacher who is deeply set in his ways. He carries a decades-long grudge against Max. Vocal Profile: Needs a solid musical theater mix. His songs rely heavily on comedic timing, but he also carries sincere, lyrical moments. He must be comfortable singing up to a sustained E4 / F4.

Max Goldman |Male |Any Ethnicity |Age: 70–80 |Role Type: Principal

| Vocal Range: Baritone | Vocal Style: Musical Theater

A cranky, quick-witted retired TV repairman. He is a master of insults and practical jokes, maintaining a 50-year feud with John. Vocal Profile: A conversational, character-driven voice. Max's songs are punchy, rhythmically driven, and full of bravado, staying primarily in a comfortable middle baritone tessitura. He finishes the show with a surprising, tender ballad.

Grandpa Gustafson |Male |Any Ethnicity |Age: 80–100 |Role Type: Principal

| Vocal Range: Baritone | Vocal Style: Musical Theater

John’s father. He is unfiltered, hilariously blunt, and possesses a "who cares" attitude toward life. Jokes made by this character include sexual innuendo. Vocal Profile: Pure character singing. Vocal precision takes a backseat to extreme comedic energy, gravelly delivery, and perfect comedic pacing.

Tim |Male |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–100 |Role Type: Supporting

The community's somewhat dubious minister.

Fran |Female |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–100 |Role Type: Supporting

Stan's domineering, self-righteous wife and the local town gossip.

Karla |Female |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–100 |Role Type: Supporting

The friendly local who runs the coffee cart (and doubles as a nurse).

Harry |Male |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–100 |Role Type: Supporting

The town’s accident-prone, affable postman.

Unis |Female |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–100 |Role Type: Supporting

An avid, passionate bird-watcher married to Tim.

Stan |Male |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–100 |Role Type: Supporting

A timid, browbeaten local polka champion.

Bo |Male |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–100 |Role Type: Supporting

Young local hockey player who also doubles as a mover and an orderly.

Lo |Male |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–100 |Role Type: Supporting

Young local hockey player who also doubles as a mover and an orderly.

Town Ensemble |Any Gender |Any Ethnicity |Age: 18–100 |Role Type: Chorus / Ensemble

Additional townspeople, moving men, and local characters of all ages.