Center Stage Community Theatre | Lebanon, Indiana

Auditions: Sunday, December 6, and Monday, December 7, 2026, at 7 p.m.

All roles are open. Backstage and production help are also needed!

Have you ever wondered what happens when a community’s deeply held beliefs collide? Center Stage Community Theatre invites actors to audition for The Christians, a thought-provoking contemporary drama by award-winning playwright Lucas Hnath.

Twenty years ago, Pastor Paul’s church was a modest storefront. Today, it has grown into a thriving megachurch, and the congregation has gathered to celebrate its success. But Pastor Paul has something unexpected to say: he no longer believes in Hell.

His announcement challenges the beliefs that have united the congregation. As the community struggles with questions of faith, loyalty, leadership, and belonging, people must decide what they believe—and what they are willing to risk for those beliefs.

The Christians is a compelling drama about faith, conviction, and the human consequences of changing your mind. It invites audiences to consider difficult questions without offering easy answers.

PASTOR PAUL — Suggested playing age: 40–60

The charismatic, thoughtful leader of a rapidly growing church. Paul has a strong sense of ethics and believes he is following his convictions, but his decision to challenge traditional beliefs has consequences he may not fully anticipate. Requires a commanding stage presence and the ability to convey conviction, vulnerability, and internal conflict.

ELIZABETH — Suggested playing age: 35–55

Paul’s wife. Strong-minded, perceptive, and protective of her family and the life they have built together. She loves Paul but must confront the personal and public consequences of his decision. Requires emotional depth and a strong sense of the character’s complicated loyalties.

JOSHUA, THE ASSOCIATE PASTOR — Suggested playing age: 25–30

A passionate, committed minister who believes deeply in the power of Christianity. Joshua is devoted to his faith and the church, but Paul’s change in belief challenges the foundation of his understanding. Requires intensity, sincerity, and the ability to navigate conflict.

JAY, THE CHURCH ELDER — Suggested playing age: 55–70

A cautious, measured representative of the church’s governing leadership. Jay is concerned with preserving the institution and managing the consequences of a divisive controversy. Requires a grounded performance that balances diplomacy, concern, and authority.

JENNY, A CONGREGANT — Suggested playing age: 30–60

A member of the congregation for whom the church is a source of refuge, hope, and belonging. Jenny’s personal circumstances make the church’s future deeply important to her. Requires warmth, vulnerability, and a strong ability to communicate the stakes of the conflict on an individual level.

Casting note: We especially encourage actors of color to audition for all roles. 

Interested in Working Backstage?

A successful production needs more than actors. We welcome inquiries from people interested in stage management, set construction, props, costumes, lighting, sound, and other production assistance. Let us know what interests you, even if you have never worked in theatre before.

Dates: Sunday, December 6, and Monday, December 7, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. both evenings
Location: Center Stage Community Theatre, 604 Powell St., Lebanon, Indiana

Rehearsals: Will start in January and will likely be Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Except for the role of Pastor, rehearsals will likely be confined to one or two nights a week until the week of February 8.

March 4–14, 2027

• Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
• Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Center Stage Community Theatre is proud to bring engaging live theatre to Lebanon and Central Indiana. 

In 2025, the theatre received an Encore Association award for its dramatic production work.

Directed by Gus Pearcy, The Christians offers an opportunity to be part of a challenging, conversation-provoking production. 

Actors and theatre enthusiasts from across Central Indiana are welcome.

Ready to audition or interested in helping backstage?

Share this announcement with anyone who might be interested in acting or working behind the scenes.